Research Symposium Program - Individual Details
5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Emma Zweber She/her
BIO
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.
Token-to-Trim: Utilizing a Token Economy to Increase Haircutting Tolerance
Authors: Emma Zweber, Madelynn RobersonStudent Major: Applied Behavior Analysis
Mentor: Madelynn Roberson
Mentor's Department: Applied Behavior Analysis Mentor's College: Florida State University Co-Presenters:
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.
Keywords: Autism, Haircutting, Desensitization, Token Economy