ED X365.5 - Behavior Assessment & Intervention for Children & Adolescents
Course Description
This 10-week course is Part 1 of a two-course sequence focused on behavioral assessment and intervention for children and adolescents using principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). In this first course, students develop a strong foundation in assessment by learning how to identify, define, and evaluate problem behavior using a range of evidence-based methods. Students will gain practical experience conducting indirect and direct assessments, including caregiver and stakeholder interviews, preference and reinforcer assessments, and systematic behavioral observations. The course emphasizes selecting socially valid target behaviors, establishing reliable data collection systems, and analyzing behavioral data across settings. Throughout the course, students will complete key components of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), including synthesizing assessment results and developing functional hypotheses. Cultural, contextual, and ethical considerations are integrated throughout the assessment process to ensure meaningful and individualized outcomes. By the end of Part 1, students will be able to confidently conduct and interpret comprehensive behavioral assessments that serve as the foundation for effective, function-based intervention planning, which will be further developed in Part 2 of the sequence.
Learner Outcomes
This course focuses on behavioral assessments. Specifically, the course covers the following areas: identifying the problem behavior, conducting a functional assessment (indirect and descriptive assessments), and other intake assessments such as preference assessments, reinforcer assessments, as well as the Vineland and VB-MAPP. Additionally, the course will cover the identification and integration of client-specific cultural, contextual, and personal variables throughout the assessment process and in the selection of goals and interventions.
Notes
Important Note: Completion of the UCSB PaCE ABA program does not result in BCBA or QBA certification. Individuals seeking certification must take and pass an examination with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA). While courses in this certificate program may count toward the educational requirements for becoming eligible to take the examination, completion of this certificate program will not, in itself, result in BCBA or QBA certification.Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Applied Behavior Analysis : Applied Behavior Analysis 6th Edition
- International Applied Behavior Analysis : Required Courses