Unpacking the FCR

1.5 General CEUs

*This is a self-contained module from the “Beyond the Protocol” workshop, a comprehensive workshop on PFA and SBT.

Course Abstract: This module gives an in-depth overview of the Functional Communication Response (FCR), the first step in the SBT behavior chain and the anchor the rest of treatment is built on. Participants learn what makes an effective FCR and how to choose among response types based on a learner’s repertoire and profile. The module covers the teaching protocol along with the shaping and prompting strategies used to build the response. A substantial portion addresses troubleshooting the problems that people tend to run into most and walks viewers through practice in implementation and FCR data collection.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to…

• Describe the purpose and function of the FCR and select an appropriate response modality based on a learner’s repertoire and profile
• Learn the key components needed to implement FCR trials with fidelity
• Apply microshaping and least-intrusive prompting strategies to shape an accessible FCR when a learner needs the response broken down further
• Troubleshoot an array of common FCR problems
• Collect and interpret FCR data and applying mastery criteria

Presenter Bios:
Hillary Laney, MA, BCBA, LBA spearheaded a company-wide transformation to assent-based care at one of the largest ABA organizations in the country. She built the mentorship infrastructure, data systems, and implementation frameworks that resulted in hundreds of clinicians and clinical leaders being trained and thousands of clients benefiting from PFA/SBT and assent-based care practices. She currently works as a Senior VP of Clinical Services at Centria Autism.

Liisa Podosek, MSW, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA built and delivered mentorship programs that transformed how hundreds of practitioners implement PFA/SBT and assent-based care, guiding clinicians from “I read about this” to “I can do this confidently.” She brings a trauma-informed lens to mentorship, helping practitioners navigate difficult cases and develop authentic caregiver partnerships. She currently leads the development and coordination of educational offerings through PFA & SBT Community.

Dr. Edward Sanabria, Ph.D, BCBA, LBA designed and implemented large-scale PFA/SBT mentorship systems that trained clinicians across the country in assessment and treatment approaches that prioritize client safety, dignity, and assent. His research interests in interdisciplinary collaboration, reflective practice, and the large-scale adoption of behavioral interventions inform his approach to helping practitioners develop humility-driven clinical practices that build strong therapeutic relationships. He currently serves as Senior Director of Functional Analysis and Treatment Implementation at Centria Autism, where he oversees national assent-based care training initiatives and PFA/SBT mentorship.