Abstract: The present investigation sought to examine the efficacy of the instructional curriculum described in the Direct Training Module of the PEAK Relational Training System on the language repertoires, as measured by the PEAK direct assessment, of children diagnosed with autism or related developmental disabilities. Twenty-seven children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders were evaluated using the PEAK direct training assessment protocol prior to assignment to control and experimental groups. Participants in the experimental group received additional language instruction derived from the curriculum programs of the Direct Training Module, while participants in the control group received treatment as usual. Both groups were then re-assessed using the PEAK direct assessment after 1 month. A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that participants in the experimental group made significantly more gains in language skills than those who were assigned to the control group, F(1, 22) = 9.684, p = .005. Implications for evidence-based practice and future research are discussed.

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Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Evaluating the Efficacy of PEAK

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About the instructor

Founder/Executive Director/BCBA-D

Christen Russell

As the founder and Executive Director of Affecting Behavior Change, LLC., I created ABC from my passion and commitment to education, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging, ethical behavior and decision-making, behavior analysis, and continual personal and professional growth. I take a lifelong learner approach to systematically fill the gaps in areas of continuing education, professional development, and research. As an ACE coordinator, I have created over 40 continuing education events. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, my clinical experience focuses on quality assurance, compliance, clinical support, business development and growth. I also work closely with leadership and management divisions on compliance, training and delivery of sound, ethical and effective behavioral supports to achieve client goals. I have established and assisted with the startup, and/or growth and development of four agencies providing ABA services. I have consulted with health care agencies, providing services to 100s of staff, including BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, executive, administrative, clinical and operations staff. I have provided consultation to teachers, parents, business owners and staff. I have my PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. I have my Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. With a focus on supervision, staffing, recruitment, training, strategic planning, and working in the field for over 20 years, I have a broad spectrum of clinical expertise.

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