Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #187

Primary Student Contact First Name: Emma
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Zweber
Pronouns: She/her
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: epz20b@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9035/Screenshot%202026-01-27%20at%208.46.58%E2%80%AFPM.png
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work: Applied Behavior Analysis
Bio of all individuals presenting this work:
My name is Emma Zweber. I am currently a second year graduate student in the Applied Behavior Analysis master's program at Florida State University. After I graduate, I plan to work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in a clinic setting. I enjoy working with children with autism spectrum disorder, specifically working on increasing communication and daily living skills while decreasing maladaptive behaviors. In the future I intend to work and conduct research in nursing home settings with elders with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

Poster Title: Token-to-Trim: Utilizing a Token Economy to Increase Haircutting Tolerance
Abstract:
My poster displays the rationale, procedures and results for a protocol I designed and implemented for an eight-year old boy with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this protocol was to increase reinforcement utilized for his haircutting desensitization program. The clinical team implemented a variety of programs to help the client receive a haircut in the absence of avoidance and maladaptive behaviors. However, previous attempts proved to be unsuccessful, as the client avoided a haircut when brought to the salon. Therefore, a protocol was developed to increase the reinforcement utilized throughout his haircutting desensitization program. This protocol utilized token economy procedures to motivate the client to continuously make progress with receiving a haircut. After implementing the token economy, the client quickly mastered his original hair cutting program, and successfully received a hair cut in a salon with zero maladaptive behaviors. 

Research Mentor Name: Madelynn Roberson
Research Mentor's College (or High School): Florida State University 
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject): Applied Behavior Analysis 
Research Mentor's Email: mmr23b@fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s): {Empty}
Co-presenter(s): {Empty}
Keywords: Autism, Haircutting, Desensitization, Token Economy
Poster Session/Number: {Empty}
Work: Complete
Presentation Modality: Face to Face Poster session
Poster PDF: {Empty}
Poster Thumbnail: {Empty}
I will be printing my poster: Yes
Year: 2026
Annual description: 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=KWx4bCN5kMfq4GJG-aSLuw365jRO5j4gTqJe65PSFw8
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