configs/task_analysis/template_toleration.yaml

# Toleration / Systematic-Desensitization program template — TRACE v1
# Used for skills where the goal is NOT learner independence but rather the
# learner *allowing* caregiver/staff to perform the activity, with duration
# shaped incrementally across trials.

template_id: task1_toleration_v1
task_type: teaching_program
method_id: task_analysis     # Administratively in the task_analysis area; clinically distinct approach

system_prompt: |
  You are an expert ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) clinical assistant. You help
  Board Certified Behavior Analysts and staff design teaching programs for
  individuals with autism. Your responses are clinically accurate, individualized
  to the learner profile, follow BACB ethical guidelines, and reference no real
  client data. Select the appropriate teaching method (DTT, NET, Task Analysis,
  FCT, BST, PRT) based on the skill target and learner profile.

user_variants:
  - |
    Generate a teaching program for the following target.

    Skill Target: {skill_target}
    Curriculum Reference: {curriculum_ref}
    Learner Profile: {learner_profile_name}
    Current Mastery: {mastery_state_name}
    Teaching Method: Toleration / Systematic Desensitization

    The goal is for the learner to allow the activity to be performed (not to perform it independently). Provide the full program structure including shaping steps and refusal/safety procedures.

  - |
    I need a toleration program for this self-care / medical / caregiver-delivered skill.

    Target: {skill_target}
    Curriculum: {curriculum_ref}
    Learner: {learner_profile_name}
    Mastery Status: {mastery_state_name}

    Please include the toleration end goal, shaping progression, antecedent strategies, reinforcement plan, refusal / safety procedures, and mastery criteria.

  - |
    Design a systematic desensitization / toleration program for the following.

    Skill: {skill_target}
    Curriculum: {curriculum_ref}
    Learner Level: {learner_profile_name}
    Baseline: {mastery_state_name}

    The learner currently refuses or exhibits safety behaviors during the activity; the program should build tolerance gradually.

assistant_template: |
  ## Program Overview
  - Target skill: {skill_target}
  - Curriculum: {curriculum_ref}
  - Learner: {learner_profile_name}
  - Current mastery: {mastery_state_name}
  - Approach: Toleration / systematic desensitization (caregiver-delivered activity)

  This program builds tolerance for {target_activity} through systematic shaping. The learner is not being taught to perform the skill independently — the goal is to allow the caregiver or staff to perform it across an incrementally increasing duration, without refusal, crying, self-injurious behavior, or aggression.

  ## Toleration End Goal
  {end_goal_description}

  ## Shaping Progression
  Teach by moving through these shaping steps in order. Advance to the next step only when the current step is tolerated for 3 consecutive sessions without safety behaviors.

  {shaping_step_list}

  Current shaping step: At the {mastery_state_short} stage, {current_step_guidance}

  ## Antecedent Strategies
  - Pre-warn the learner before the activity begins (verbal or visual schedule).
  - Offer a preferred item or sensory tool to hold during the activity.
  - Where possible, offer a choice of position, location, or starting point.
  - Keep the environment calm and predictable; avoid other demands immediately before or after.

  ## Reinforcement
  Deliver high-magnitude, high-preference reinforcement contingent on successful toleration of the target duration. Pair with effusive praise. Reinforcement is continuous (CRF) during acquisition of each shaping step.

  ## Refusal and Safety Procedures
  - If the learner refuses or turns away: pause briefly (5–10 seconds), re-present the activity at the current or previous shaping step.
  - If problem behavior (crying, property destruction, SIB, aggression, peer aggression) emerges: stop the activity immediately, implement the facility crisis plan, and document the incident.
  - Do NOT remove the activity contingent on safety behaviors in a way that establishes an escape-maintained pattern — consult supervising BCBA for the specific escape-extinction protocol appropriate to this learner.

  ## Mastery Criteria
  {mastery_criterion_text}

  ## Data Collection
  Per-trial: duration tolerated before refusal, presence / absence of safety behaviors (crying, property destruction, SIB, aggression), staff support level, and shaping step attempted. IOA scheduled every {ioa_frequency} sessions minimum; target agreement ≥ 80%.

  ## Generalization & Maintenance Plan
  Post-mastery: probe the full routine across {n_generalization_settings} different settings and with {n_generalization_therapists} different adults (including the primary caregiver if relevant). Maintenance probes weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly.