Big Bend Disability Consulting
Empowering individuals with disabilities across the Big Bend of Florida
Colleen F. Taylor, M.A., BCBA
Colleen F. Taylor has been working in the field of ABA since 2011, mostly with children and young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. After working in the field as a BCaBA, lead therapist for teams of RBTs, and as a social skills consultant for individuals with and without disabilities, she became a BCBA in May of 2020. She worked as the Assistant Clinical Director of Behavioral Solutions Consulting in Jacksonville. Colleen serves as a board member of the Florida Association of Behavior Analysis, and has presented research at conferences including Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville, and the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis. Her husband's work brought her and her family to Tallahasee in August of 2023, where they couldn't be happier to have ended up! Colleen realized there was need to develop specialized supports and services across the Big Bend after spending time consulting in education systems in the area and exploring the current options for behavioral health services. In her free time, Colleen enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband exploring state parks, visiting every small beach town they can find on a map, attempting to garden, and generally enjoying the great outdoors from the forgotten coast to the nature coast.
The Seven Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is influenced by the environment. The seven dimensions of ABA provide a comprehensive framework for assessing, analyzing, and implementing behavior change interventions. Here's a description of each dimension:
Generality:
This refers to the extent to which behavior change is maintained over time, occurs across different settings, and affects various related behaviors. ABA aims to produce behavior changes that are long-lasting and applicable in multiple contexts, ensuring that individuals can generalize their skills beyond the initial training environment.
If the individual can only do it in one place or with one person, then our work isn't done!
Effective:
ABA interventions should produce significant and meaningful improvements in behavior. This dimension emphasizes the importance of selecting strategies and techniques that have been empirically demonstrated to be effective in achieving behavior change goals. Interventions should be based on scientific evidence and tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual.
If we don't see meaningful changes in a reasonable time frame, then we will modify and adjust our strategies.
Technological:
ABA interventions are described in clear and precise terms to allow for replication and evaluation by others. This dimension emphasizes the importance of documenting procedures in detail, including the specific steps involved, materials used, and criteria for success. Clear descriptions enable other practitioners and even family members and caregivers to implement the intervention with fidelity and consistency.
If the individual can only do it in one place or with one person, then our work isn't done!
Applied:
ABA focuses on addressing socially significant behaviors that have practical relevance to the individual's life. This dimension emphasizes the importance of targeting behaviors that directly impact the individual's quality of life, independence, and participation in their community. Applied interventions address real-world challenges and improve functioning in everyday settings.
We only target meaningful skills to empower individuals.
Conceptually Systematic:
ABA interventions are based on principles derived from behavioral science and demonstrate a clear theoretical rationale. This dimension emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles that govern behavior and applying this knowledge to develop effective interventions. Interventions should be conceptually linked to established theories and supported by empirical research.
Our strategies are based on evidence developed through scientific, clinically peer-reviewed research
Analytic:
ABA interventions are evaluated through systematic data collection and analysis to determine their effectiveness. This dimension emphasizes the use of objective measurement techniques to assess baseline behavior, monitor progress, and evaluate the impact of interventions over time. Analytic assessments provide empirical evidence of behavior change and guide decision-making about the need for modifications to intervention strategies.
contexts, ensuring that individuals can generalize their skills beyond the initial training environment.
We track what we are doing to make sure it is working.
Behavioral:
ABA focuses on observable and measurable behavior as the primary target for intervention. This dimension emphasizes the importance of defining behaviors in observable and quantifiable terms to facilitate accurate assessment and intervention. ABA practitioners analyze the antecedents and consequences that influence behavior and design interventions to modify these environmental variables effectively.
We focus on skills and behavior that we can see and describe.