Unpacking the TR

1 General CEU

*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 Tolerance Response (TR), the second step in the SBT behavior chain, which trains a learner to accept a denied request without escalating. Participants learn what makes an effective TR and how to choose among response types based on a learner’s repertoire, safety considerations, and the need to keep the response distinct from the FCR. The module covers the teaching protocol along with the shift into variable, unpredictable trial schedules that continues through the rest of treatment. A substantial portion addresses troubleshooting the problems that people tend to struggle with most and walks viewers through practice in TR data collection.

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

• Describe the purpose and function of the TR as a response demonstrating acceptance of a denied FCR, and select an appropriate response type based on a learner’s repertoire and profile
• Implement the TR teaching protocol, including working from HRE, denying the FCR, prompting the TR at the point of motivation, and returning to reinforcement quickly
• Apply variable trial scheduling and appropriate FCR-to-TR ratios while shaping the response
• Troubleshoot common TR problems
• Collect and interpret TR data, including scoring trials 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.