Training Applications

Training events and materials are grouped and tailored according to areas of specialization. There are currently three areas of focus within the Marcus Autism Center Crisis Prevention Program with training materials and presentations tailored to address crisis situations that may occur in the following settings:

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA), clinical or therapeutic (e.g., behavioral health center or clinic)
• Medical (e.g., hospital or medical clinic)
• Educational (e.g., classroom and school environments)

User and trainer certifications

We offer certification for users and trainers as part of our program.

• A certified user is trained and authorized to use the techniques taught during the course.
• A certified trainer is trained and authorized to use the techniques and to train and certify certified users at the organization the license agreement was created under. A Marcus Autism Center Crisis Prevention Program certified trainer is not trained or authorized to certify other certified trainers within our program and is only certified to teach techniques up to the highest level of training they received. To allow for independent training, each certified trainer within our program is also granted access to the our copyrighted training materials, as well as access to our data management software.

Training levels

Different training tiers are available so that organizations can choose the level of training that best fits the needs of their program. The current tiers are based on the type of crisis prevention techniques taught, the use and level of personal protective procedures or the type of containment used.

• Tier 1: Fundamentals of Crisis Prevention–crisis prevention, de-escalation, post-crisis management strategies
• Tier 2: Intermediate Skills Training–crisis prevention, de-escalation, post-crisis management strategies and select personal protective procedures without containment
• Tier 3: Advanced Skills Training–crisis prevention, de-escalation, post-crisis management strategies and full training on personal protective procedures
• Tier 4: Advanced Skills Training With Containment –crisis prevention, de-escalation, post-crisis management strategies and full training on personal protective procedures, with optional training on up to three types of containment

Training segments

Training consists of three segments and is designed to provide users with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, manage and de-escalate crisis situations.

• Section I: Crisis Prevention and De-escalation: In the first section, users learn how to implement preventive strategies that are designed to reduce the likelihood of crisis situations and increase successful care. Users also learn how to use de-escalation techniques to prevent the use of more intrusive behavior management techniques (e.g., containment) and avoid crisis situations.
• Section II: De-escalation and Post-Crisis Management Strategies: In the second section, users learn how to recognize a crisis situation, implement an appropriate de-escalation strategy based on the needs identified during a crisis situation, and take appropriate action following crisis situations to develop future prevention and therapeutic strategies.
• Section III: Personal Protective Procedures: In the third section, users learn how to safely manage individuals who become aggressive or engage in destructive behavior. This section is only provided as part of our intermediate and advanced courses. These procedures are designed to be used by staff who regularly work with children and adolescents who engage in challenging behavior. When used correctly, these procedures can reduce the chances of personal injury or injuring the aggressor. Training includes didactics, demonstration and practice. The practice is designed to be as realistic as possible so users learn the procedures, when to use them, how to apply them in a real-life situation and how to transition between procedures.

Physical demands of training

The implementation of crisis prevention and management skills often requires the use of verbal and physical management strategies. Training participants should possess good communication skills in their work setting that fit with the Marcus Autism Center Crisis Prevention Program materials provided to them. Additionally, participants should only take part in training if they are not a medical or safety risk to themselves or others. Depending on the level of training, participants may be required to engage in various physical activities. Participants should also be prepared to demonstrate procedures several times throughout the training. Since the training is associated with physical movement and mock crisis situations, there are some risks associated with participation in the training. Before participating in training, all trainees must sign a waiver that includes an affirmation that they have been made aware of the risks and assume all risks associated with training.

Training that includes segments of the personal protective procedures training is intensive and prepares participants for interaction with an aggressive or destructive individual, better than other training systems that do not include these training techniques. Additionally, this added practice builds confidence in our users, leading to better self-control and treatment integrity when problem behavior occurs.

Certification maintenance and renewals

Maintenance and renewals depends on the type of certification an individual receives from the Marcus Autism Center Crisis Prevention Program.

• A certified user maintains active certification granted they complete an annual refresher training and pass all requirements, as well as the individual maintains employment at the organization their license agreement was created under. After three years, the user must complete a recertification course. After which, the user’s three-year certification process is re-initiated.
• A certified trainer will maintain active certification for three years granted they conduct a minimum of three training events within their organization each year and they maintain employment at the organization their license agreement was created under. After three years, the trainer must complete a recertification course. After which, the trainer’s three-year certification process is re-initiated.