If you're new to the field or possibly have a new client starting up, you may hear the phrase that you need to 'build instructional control' with your client, before true demands and programming of ABA can begin. Let's go over instructional control (IC), and discuss step by step how you can gain it and debunk some myths we hear.
Define Instructional Control: Instructional control is establishing a relationship with your child/client to help them understand that your demands need to be met before earning reinforcement.
How can I gain IC with my child or client? To gain IC we need to gain trust, respect and understanding, and to do this we start off small. Small delivery of reinforcement to gain momentum and trust. Let's use an example to help illustrate our steps. For this example we will use client X. Client X, is a little guy who was just diagnosed with autism with minimal verbal communication. Mom doesn't understand his language and is constantly guessing as to what he wants and what he needs and provides him with everything (candy, toys, ipad, being held, music on). Your behavior analyst comes in, creates a bunch of programs but before opening up any programs tells you first establish basic instructional control, and then we can begin programming.
Step 1: Ask parent or caregiver what are some preferred reinforcers. Remember, motivation is always where our minds should default. If a client is watching a preferred TV show and you ask him/her to point, give you or look at something, chances are that won't happen.
Step 2: Ask the parent what the client is currently capable of doing (this is your foundation to pairing).
Step 3: PLAY! Be fun, engage with the client and let them know you are a fun presence. For example Client X loves to read Brown Bear Brown Bear, start to read the book aloud and inch your way closer if he starts to show interest. If the book doesn't work, work with EVERYTHING you have. For example, if client X likes bubbles, up the ante and bring a bubble machine that only you have control over. Remember, it's not realistic for parents to withhold all reinforcers for your session so remember to bring your own goodies too
Step 4: After successful pairing, your client will see you as someone fun to be around and will bring toys, and activities up to you! This is where you build instructional control. Remember the list you made previously (the things that client is able to do), now is the time to ask them to do it! If client X wants you to read Brown Bear Brown Bear, ask them to first clap hands or pick up the toy on the ground next to it. If Client X doesn't want to, that's fine! Don't push it, but be sure to have your reinforcers in sight but out of touch. Maybe Brown Bear wasn't reinforcing because the client knows mom can read it to him after the session is over WITHOUT being asked to touch his nose, but remember that bubble machine that ONLY you have access to, Client X doesn't get to play with this and is more likely to comply with your demand.
How to determine you have IC? If you have had successful pairing and gaining instructional control your client will be thrilled to see you, and recognize that in order for them to get a toy/item/game/activity, they see you as the leader who has control over these items. This means both mastered and novel demands placed on the client result in completed follow through.
As always, if you are trying to gain IC but you feel like something is not working for you, ask your supervisor. They are more than happy to help you out and work as a team.
Happy Studying!
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