My primary research focus is the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior (i.e., behavior that causes significant harm and disrupts life activities) across the lifespan, including adults with intellectual disabilities, one of the most marginalized groups in the world. I focus on two areas: assessment advances and novel reinforcement-based interventions. Dracobly et al. (2018) was the first study to specifically compare anecdotal assessments, a common yet marginally accurate assessment, across experts and caregivers. We demonstrated this novel, adapted approach, agreement by experts, could inform empirical analyses. In two subsequent studies, I extended research on empirical assessments informed by anecdotal assessments. Baak et al. (Accepted) conducted brief empirical assessment and an extended treatment analysis of a novel application of differential reinforcement of precursors. Likewise, Sanchez et al. (Accepted) conducted empirical analysis of properties and qualities of food that produced reductions or elimination of rumination, an often intractable and debilitating form of self injury. Similarly, during the pandemic, Houck et al. (2024) adapted assessments to identify masks that evoked cooperation with wearing by one of the groups most at risk, adults with intellectual disabilities in residential settings. My research on assessment-informed interventions led to a practice paper, focused on recommendations for selecting functional communication responses (Houck et al., 2023; featured on the journal’s podcast, BAPCast). 

I have one of the only behavior-analytic labs in the country conducting empirical analyses of the effects of trauma, on both desirable and problem behavior, with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Houck and Dracobly (2023) described several important areas of needed research, directly leading to a series of clinically focused studies. Houck et al. (Accepted) identified how previously neutral or desirable stimuli, after incidental pairing with an experienced traumatic event, disrupted interaction and engagement. A subsequent study demonstrated how these trauma-related stimuli altered variables controlling problem behavior. Both studies are cutting-edge, demonstrating how these stimuli alter the efficacy of clinical interventions.

My research on creativity and problem solving has focused on applied and translational projects. This is a new area and a corollary to clinical services. I focus on assessing and increasing creativity with individuals with developmental disabilities and improving staff skills in promoting creativity-based play skills. The translational research has involved programmable video games as apparatuses for studying response variability with humans. This has produced two theses and one independent project. We are preparing these projects for submission as they will be useful in advancing clinical decision making and practice.