ABA Exam Coach

H.2: Identify and recommend interventions based on assessment results, scientific evidence, client preferences, and contextual fit (e.g., expertise required for implementation, cultural variables, environmental resources).

Free practice questions for this part of the BCBA, with an explanation for every option.

A functional analysis shows that a 9-year-old's aggression happens almost only in the demand condition. Which intervention best matches these assessment results?
  1. A. Noncontingent attention delivered every 30 seconds
    Noncontingent attention targets attention-maintained behavior, not escape from demands.
  2. B. Sensory extinction using protective padding
    Sensory extinction is for automatically maintained behavior. These results point to socially mediated negative reinforcement.
  3. C. Time-out from positive reinforcement contingent on aggression
    Time-out removes the student from the task, which delivers escape and is likely to reinforce the aggression.
  4. D. Functional communication training for a break request, combined with escape extinction and demand fading
    Correct. FCT teaches a functionally equivalent request for escape, escape extinction stops reinforcing the aggression, and demand fading reduces the motivating operation for escape.
A BCBA designs a 12-component token economy with response cost for a single parent of three young children. The plan requires data every 15 minutes. The parent says she cannot carry out the plan as written. What should the BCBA do first?
  1. A. Postpone services until the parent has more free time
    Postponing denies needed services when the BCBA could adapt the plan instead.
  2. B. Tell the parent the plan is evidence-based and must be implemented exactly as written
    An evidence-based procedure that doesn't fit the context is unlikely to be implemented well, and this ignores the parent's input.
  3. C. Have the parent implement only the response-cost component, since it is the quickest to deliver
    Using only the punishment component removes the reinforcement-based core and raises the risk of unwanted effects.
  4. D. Work with the parent to simplify the plan to its essential, function-based components and pick procedures that fit the family's routines and resources
    Correct. Contextual fit and stakeholder input are part of choosing an intervention. A plan the caregiver can actually implement is more likely to be implemented with integrity.
A BCBA in a rural area receives a referral for a child with severe food selectivity. Published research supports escape extinction plus reinforcement for this problem. The BCBA has no training or supervised experience with pediatric feeding interventions. What is the most appropriate course of action?
  1. A. Coordinate with the child's medical providers to rule out medical causes, and either refer the client or get training and supervision from a qualified feeding specialist before implementing
    Correct. The BCBA must stay within their scope of competence and rule out medical causes. Referral, or training plus supervision, makes sure the evidence-based treatment is delivered safely.
  2. B. Decline the case and give the family no further guidance
    Declining without a referral or any continuity of care doesn't serve the client's best interest.
  3. C. Use a less-researched procedure that the BCBA is more comfortable with, such as sensory integration
    Swapping in a weakly supported procedure goes against the duty to recommend scientifically supported interventions.
  4. D. Read several feeding studies and then begin escape extinction at the next session
    Reading articles doesn't give the supervised competence needed for a procedure with medical risks like aspiration.

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