Section 18.522. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Applied behavioral analysis—The design, implementation and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, which includes:

(i) The use of direct observation, measurement and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior.

(ii) The attempt to solve behavior challenges using evidence-based principles and practices of learning and behavior.

(iii) The analysis of the relationship between a stimulus, consequence or other variable as defined in this section. The changes of stimuli, consequences or other variables may occur individually, as a combination or in relationship with each other. The change of stimuli, consequences or other variables may be external or internal to the person whose behavior is being analyzed.

Autism spectrum disorders—Any of the pervasive developmental neurobehavioral disorders defined by the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or its successor, including autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

BACB—The Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

BAS—The Bureau of Autism Services of the Department of Public Welfare.

Behavior challenges—Symptoms that include impairment in reciprocal social interaction, qualitative impairment in communication, the presence of internalizing or externalizing behaviors such as suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviors, aggression, destructive or disruptive behaviors, isolation and social withdrawal, ritualistic repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behaviors, or extreme difficulty in adapting to change and transition.

Behavior specialist—An individual who designs, implements or evaluates a behavior modification intervention component of a treatment plan, including those based on applied behavioral analysis, to produce socially significant improvements in human behavior or to prevent loss of attained skill or function, through skill acquisition and the reduction of problematic behavior.

Consequence—A resulting directly measurable change of a person’s behavior produced by a change in a stimulus or stimuli.

Diagnostic assessment of autism spectrum disorders—Medically necessary assessments, evaluations or tests performed by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed psychologist or certified registered nurse practitioner to diagnose whether an individual has an autism spectrum disorder.

Stimulus—An event, circumstance or condition that can be changed or does change based upon the behavior specialist’s manipulation.

Treatment plan—A plan for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders developed by a licensed physician or psychologist pursuant to a comprehensive evaluation or reevaluation performed in a manner consistent with the most recent clinical report or recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Variables—An observed or manipulable condition which can be changed or does change and a directly measurable change of a person’s behavior produced by the change.