Developing and Evaluating the Feasibility of a Manualized Tier 3 Problem Behavior Intervention for Young Children With Developmental Delay

The purpose of the research plan is to iteratively develop, refine, and evaluate FBA-EC over the course of four years. In Years 1 and 2, the PI will develop an initial version of the intervention based on a systematic literature review and feedback from key stakeholders, including research experts, early intervention directors, behavior analysts, early intervention specialists, and caregivers. In Year 3, FBA-EC will be tested in a single-case design study. The intervention will be modified based on the study results, including feedback regarding the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of FBA-EC. In Year 4, the PI will conduct a small randomized controlled trial with approximately 12 early intervention specialists and 60 caregiver-child dyads to evaluate the promise of FBA-EC for improving early intervention specialists' self-efficacy, caregivers' competence, and children's behavior and social-emotional skills. Fidelity will be assessed through direct observation in the single-case design study and the randomized controlled trial. Feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability will be assessed through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders. Child outcomes will be assessed using a combination of observational and standardized measures. Data from the single-case design studies will be analyzed using visual analysis and effect size calculation. Data from the pilot study will be analyzed using multilevel modeling. The PI will also conduct a cost analysis to determine the cost of implementing the final version of the intervention.