Date of Award

12-2008

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. John Austin

Second Advisor

Dr. Alyce Dickinson

Third Advisor

Dr. Jim Carr

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Keith Miller

Abstract

The purpose of the present dissertation was to document and evaluate the consultant-workshop model commonly employed by OBM consultants. The consultation took place in a non-profit human service setting that delivers behavioral services to children diagnosed with autism and their families. Workshop attendees were 13 senior therapists each of whom oversaw 6 to 8 instructor therapists who provided behavioral services to clients and 3 clinical supervisors who oversaw senior therapists. The training took place in 2005 (i.e., three years prior to this evaluation) across five months and four workshop sessions. Participants learned to pinpoint, measure, diagnose, and intervene and then they presented their project at the last workshop. Study 1 documented these projects. Pinpoint types and impact as well as effect size were evaluated. When possible, follow-up information was gathered to determine the extent to which this approach facilitated maintenance and generalization. Results indicated that projects were, in general, very effective. At follow up some components of the projects remained in place, some evidence indicated that the performance improvements maintained but there was little evidence of generalization. Study 2 compared management practices (e.g., frequency of feedback) for individuals who took the workshop and for those who did not. Results indicated that the two groups were very similar on these measures. Based on the findings, recommendations for improving the workshop model are suggested.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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