To report task-interspersal data, define the task sets, order or randomization rule, ratio, response windows, prompts, consequences, supports, and observation period before sessions begin. Then show exposure, independent and prompted responding, acquisition, maintenance, latency, session time, partner integrity, access failures, withdrawal, and client report. Keep acquisition and maintenance denominators separate, and retain held or invalid sessions with their reasons.
Define how to report task-interspersal data
Give each trial a task status, target, eligible opportunity, response, prompt, latency, consequence, partner action, and validity state. Version the task pool when mastery, materials, response definitions, or supports change.
Use aligned denominators
Acquisition accuracy uses eligible acquisition trials. Maintenance accuracy uses eligible maintenance trials. Exposure shows planned versus delivered trials by type. Integrity uses correctly implemented components divided by components due. Session time and client experience remain separate measures.
Track the design variables
The provider survey found variation in ratios, domains, task types, and reinforcement. The object-label study documented independent responses, reinforcement integrity, and observer agreement. Those details show why an overall session percentage is too coarse.
Use professional sources carefully
The BACB outline covers measurement, experimental design, integrity, and interpretation. The Ethics Code addresses documentation, involvement, and evaluation. ASHA supports AAC availability as a system condition, not a client score.
A practical example
Ten sessions contain 40 acquisition and 80 maintenance trials. Independent results are 22/40 and 77/80. Correct delivery occurs in 115/120 trials. AAC is ready in 9/10 sessions, and one session ends after withdrawal. Each denominator answers a different question.
Questions families can use
Which trials belong to acquisition? Did task status change? Are prompts separate? Was the planned ratio delivered? Are client withdrawals and system failures visible? Does the report include raw counts and time?
Sources
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, BCBA Test Content Outline, 6th edition
- Bottini and colleagues, Task Interspersal Implementation Practices With Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Volkert and colleagues, An Exploratory Analysis of Task-Interspersal Procedures While Teaching Object Labels
- Grow and LeBlanc, Designing Receptive Language Programs
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Finni resources
