PEAK is a comprehensive ABA-based assessment and curriculum designed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or other developmental disorders. It builds on B.F. Skinner’s foundational work, incorporating over 30 years of subsequent research to address the complexities of language development.

Central to PEAK is the concept of derived relational responding (DRR), drawn from Relational Frame Theory (RFT). DRR allows learners to recognize and respond to relationships between stimuli without direct training. By targeting language skills not covered in Skinner’s original framework, PEAK addresses challenges such as response complexity, training efficiency, and the emergence of novel responses.

The curriculum features four modules covering 736 programs, and its comprehensive assessment can be completed in about 90 minutes. Data sheets, along with goals and objectives, are included, and the material is written in accessible, non-technical language.

Direct Training Modules

- - Focuses on the simplest learning process
  - Requires few pre-requisite skills
  - Includes many of the kills in ABLLS-R or VB-MAPP
    - Requesting, labeling, imitation
  - Learners are taught skills using prompting, positive reinforcement and immediate feedback

Generalization Module

- - Teaches learners to use skills in new and different settings as well as in new and novel ways

PEAK Direct Training Book Cover
Evidence-Based Autism Assessment and Treatment

PEAK Generalization Book Cover
Evidence-Based Autism Assessment and Treatment

Equivalence Module

- - Learning to relate concepts together that have not been directly taught
  - Encourages learners to gain new knowledge without being directly taught
  - Teaches learners to attain new skills from skills previously taught

PEAK Equivalence Book Cover
Evidence-Based Autism Assessment and Treatment

Transformation Module

- - Teaches learners to solve problems, make decision, and plan actions
  - Teachers the learner how things are related to one another
    - same, different, opposities as well as perspective taking

PEAK Transformation Book Cover
Evidence-Based Autism Assessment and Treatment

PEAK also integrates updated behavioral research, recognizing that as language skills increase, traditional contingency-based systems may become less effective. Additionally, brain studies indicate that derived stimulus relationships activate broader regions of the brain. By combining these insights with discrete trial methods, PEAK offers a streamlined, evidence-based option for programs seeking a robust, language-focused, behavior-based curriculum.

For More Information on PEAK

What is Relational Frame Theory (RFT)?