Behavioral Program App for Children and Adults Released

Image from Behavior Breakthroughs app (Southwest Research Institute)

Researchers at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas have developed diagnostic and training aids to better understand disruptive behavior, packaged as an iPhone app. Behavior Breakthroughs, as the application is called, is an interactive training simulation to help parents and caregivers of children and adults learn to effectively implement behavioral strategies and techniques.

The program is based on Applied Behavior Analysis derived from behavioral science research and developed for parents, teachers, and professionals who care for children with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and related challenges.

The simulation displays realistic images of a virtual child named Asa, engaging in challenging behaviors. The user chooses an intervention based on principles such as positive reinforcement and extinction. The child’s behavior will become more or less agitated depending on the user’s timing and choice.

The app offers the first level of SwRI’s complete program. More extensive versions of Behavior Breakthroughs for PCs and Macs are planned. The iPhone app works as well on the iPod Touch and iPad.

Read more: Robots to Help Children With Autism

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