Episode #138: Restrictive and Repetitive Behavior with Dr. Jonathan Fernand

Have you ever had a client exhibit behaviors that you just don’t know how to approach? Dr. Jonathan Fernand has had experiences in the field across many settings that aid in his understanding on intervening with restrictive and repetitive behaviors. 

Restrictive and repetitive behaviors can mean a variety of behaviors, from high order (compulsive and ritualistic) to low order (self injurious and vocal/motor stereotypy). But when do these behaviors warrant intervention?

Dr. Fernand reminds us that while every decision is contextual and depends solely on the individual, there are factors that contribute to deciding on the intervention process. Consider safety, health and wellness, community, and other lifespan barriers as indicators for intervention. Prioritize the need for intervention and differing methods with changes in skills and interests. It’s also important to note that not all restrictive and repetitive behaviors need to be at zero levels if they can be enjoyed appropriately.

This conversation is great for SLPs, who are often in situations where they feel like they are calling in the BCBA when things have gone too far wrong and can maybe do more to intervene preventatively. Dr. Fernand, like me, is an advocate for lifelong learning. He urges professionals to access a network of resources and lean on colleagues and mentors to learn and grow.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Jonathan K. Fernand received his M.A. from the California State University, Sacramento under the advisement of Dr. Becky Penrod in 2012 and his Ph.D. from the University of Florida under the advisement of Dr. Timothy Vollmer in 2017. Jonathan is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology. He has served as a reviewer for several journals including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Behavior & Philosophy, and The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. Jonathan has presented at regional, national, and international conferences and has authored several articles and book chapters pertaining to a range of topics including the assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding problems, treatment of restrictive and repetitive behavior, caregiver and staff training, applied animal learning and welfare, as well as issues pertaining to competency, ethics, and equity of marginalized populations.

What’s Inside:

• What are Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors?
• What does it mean for behavior to become a barrier to behavior?
• What behaviors warrant intervention?
• What are high and low order behaviors?
• Prioritizing and revisiting the best intervention process.
• Making contextual decisions for every client and behavior.

Mentioned In This Episode

—Dr. Jonathan Fernand on LinkedIn​
—Jonathan K. Fernand Florida Institute of Technology · School of Behavior Analysis
—Learn more about the ABA SPEECH Connection CEU Membership and Joint Attention on September 12th at 8-9pm eastern and September 13th at 8-9pm eastern.​

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