Friday, May 2, 2008

Writing Measurable Behavioral Objectives for P.L.A.Y.

“The P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project is a community based/regional autism training and early intervention program dedicated to empowering parents and professionals to implement intensive, developmental interventions for young children with autism in the most effective and efficient way”.
“Created by Richard Solomon MD and based on the DIR® (Developmental, Individualized, Relationship-based) theory of Stanley Greenspan MD”
(Additional information about P.L.A.Y. can be found at: http://www.playproject.org/ )
I am very impressed with P.L.A.Y. and want therapists to understand that it is completely compatible with the components of a good plan as prescribed in this blog. I also want therapists to understand that writing good goals and measurable behavioral objectives is compatible with and supportive of P.L.A.Y.
Ok, now for a measurable behavioral objective:
When therapist (or mom) initiates a preferred activity with Sally and in Sally’s (child) comfort zone, Sally will sign or gesture to the therapist for the activity to be repeated within 5 seconds of completing the first activity at least one time 50% of the time that a preferred activity is initiated over a one month period.
Operational definition of gesture: This can include Sally; taking the hand of the therapist and moving it towards the activity, sally signing “more” or “again,” or moving the activity towards the therapist.
Data clarification: When Sally gestures that she wants the activity repeated just one time, within 5 seconds) after the activity has been initiated, that counts as having been accomplished. The objective is met when she can do this 50% of the time over a one month period.
Response: When Sally indicates, as mentioned above, that she would like the activity to be repeated, the therapist will sign “more” or “again” and say the word and repeat the activity.
Additional note about the objective: It may be counter productive to repeat the same activity over a long period of time (more than 15 minutes). After completing a good assessment of Sally you will have a better idea about preferred activities and when they are most preferred. Start with preferred activities at a time that she is most likely to want to repeat them.
This is only one way that this objective might be written. Notice that it includes:
When; when the therapist initiates a preferred activity with Sally
Who; Sally
What; sign or gesture to the therapist to repeat the activity
How (will we know that it has been achieved); by gesturing to the therapist at least one time after the initiation 50% of the time.

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