A Cultural Generalization: An Effective Training for Staff Integrity on DTT in the Application of the PEAK in Brazil
One short BST role-play session gives staff high, lasting DTT fidelity when teaching PEAK to autistic learners.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team trained staff in Brazil to run PEAK-DT lessons with autistic learners.
They used a short BST package: written steps, a demo, role-play, and feedback.
After training, staff ran real PEAK lessons while the researchers scored every move.
What they found
Staff hit high integrity scores right after the BST package.
The kids also learned new PEAK skills at the same time.
Good scores stuck around weeks later and held when staff tried new lessons.
How this fits with other research
Shin et al. (2021) ran almost the same BST steps with parents and got the same jump in DTT accuracy.
Ampuero et al. (2025) swapped DTT for an icon-exchange system and still saw one-session gains, showing BST stretches beyond PEAK.
Cruz et al. (2023) took a different road: they trained supervisors, not line staff, yet therapist DTT still rose.
Together the four papers say the same thing: brief BST lifts adult performance no matter who you train or what skill you target.
Why it matters
You do not need long workshops to get solid DTT. A single BST loop—show, practice, fix—can ready new staff in under an hour. Run it on Monday and watch integrity and learner gains climb by Friday.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) direct training is an evidence-based curriculum with extensive research. Treatment integrity is one of the critical components of an effective treatment. In developing countries where training opportunities are scarce, providing precise training poses a challenge. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral skills training (BST) role-play to train three staff members to implement the PEAK-DT language curriculum, using discrete trial teaching (DTT) with three learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Not only did the staff members implement the programs with high treatment integrity, but the learners also improved their performance on targeted skills. In addition, this study considered maintenance and generalization of the skills learned. Overall, data show that the BST role-play was successful as the staff members enhanced the skills of three learners with autism. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-022-00745-1.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2023 · doi:10.1007/s40617-022-00745-1