The Effects of Coaching on Professionals in Related Disciplines: Using Differential Reinforcement in Treatment Sessions

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of coaching on professionals in related disciplines’ use of differential reinforcement when working with clients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, we examined the effects of the use of differential reinforcement by the therapist before and after coaching on the three clients’ problem behaviors. After being provided with an initial didactic, 1 h training on the differential reinforcement, two speech and language pathologists and one occupational therapist were provided with side-by-side coaching during their identified clients’ sessions. Coaching was in vivo and included praise for correct performance and corrective feedback. A concurrent multiple baseline across participants design was used to demonstrate that coaching was effective in increasing therapists’ accurate use of differential reinforcement. Additionally, there was a reduction in the clients’ problem behaviors. Implications for practice include the need for follow-up training or coaching after initial classroom style trainings and the importance of collaboration across disciplines.