Unpacking CAB1

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 CAB1, the third step in the SBT behavior chain, which teaches a learner to cease engagement with or give up the items and activities within their synthesized reinforcement. Participants learn different forms relinquishing can take and how to choose among them, along with the teaching protocol and the variable, unpredictable trial scheduling. Participants learn about microshaping and how to use it effectively to shape responding. A substantial portion addresses troubleshooting the problems that people tend to run into most, and walks viewers through practice in CAB1 data collection with a live video model.

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

• Describe the purpose and function of CAB1 as ceasing engagement with or relinquishing items and activities, and identify different forms relinquishing can take for a given learner
• Implement the CAB1 teaching protocol, including working from HRE, progressing through the chain, and reinforcing relinquishing quickly and saliently
• Apply microshaping to break relinquishing into substeps when a learner needs it, and recognize when microshaping is unnecessary
• Troubleshoot common CAB1 problems
• Collect and interpret CAB1 data, including scoring substeps and applying mastery criteria across a variable schedule

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.