As the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) continues to grow and evolve, the integration of technology has become increasingly important. One of the most innovative tools to emerge recently is FirstWork, an app designed to digitize and streamline Discrete Trial Training (DTT). Developed by Patrick, a behavior scientist with a passion for making ABA therapy more accessible and effective, FirstWork is poised to change the way therapists, parents, and caregivers deliver therapy to children with autism and other developmental disorders.
The Inspiration Behind FirstWork
Patrick’s journey to creating FirstWork began during his time working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). He recognized the incredible potential of DTT but also saw the challenges associated with its consistent and effective implementation, particularly for those new to the field or parents who lacked a formal behavioral background. DTT is a structured teaching method that breaks down skills into small, manageable components, but delivering these lessons with high fidelity requires specific knowledge and materials. Patrick saw an opportunity to create a tool that would make DTT more accessible to everyone, from seasoned professionals to parents working with their children at home.
How FirstWork Works
FirstWork simplifies the DTT process by digitizing all its components—from setup to reinforcement. The app offers thousands of targets, covering a wide range of learning goals, including classic ABA objectives like matching-to-sample and feature-function-class. One of the standout features of FirstWork is its reinforcement system, which allows children to earn screen time on their favorite apps, such as YouTube, as a reward for completing lessons. This integration of digital rewards helps maintain motivation and engagement, especially in home environments where creating a structured learning setting can be challenging.
The app also includes features that make it easier for users to set up and save lessons, share programs with other team members or parents, and track progress with detailed data. For instance, users can create unique student profiles, customize lesson settings, and access detailed reports on each child’s progress. This level of customization and data tracking ensures that therapy is both effective and tailored to the individual needs of each child.
Filling a Gap in the Market
What sets FirstWork apart from other tools on the market is its comprehensive approach to DTT. While there are many resources available for ABA practitioners, few offer the level of integration and ease of use that FirstWork provides. The app not only digitizes the entire DTT process but also addresses common challenges such as managing screen time and ensuring consistency across different users.
For example, FirstWork allows users to restrict access to certain apps during lesson time, which helps create a focused learning environment. After completing the lessons, the app automatically grants access to these apps as a reward, reinforcing the desired behavior. This system is particularly useful for parents who may struggle to manage their child’s screen time effectively while ensuring that learning goals are met.
A Journey from Idea to Innovation
Patrick’s background in behavioral neuroscience and his interest in technology played a key role in the development of FirstWork. After graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself thinking more about how technology could fill gaps in ABA therapy, especially as many traditional methods were disrupted by the shift to remote learning. While pursuing graduate studies in behavior science at the University of Pennsylvania, Patrick began to explore how systems and technology could be used to make effective ABA practices more accessible.
With the support of a business incubator at the university, Patrick developed FirstWork alongside his co-founder, Thaddeus. The app was built with input from behavior analysts and ABA practitioners, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of the field.
The Impact of FirstWork
Since its launch, FirstWork has received positive feedback from users, particularly regarding its ability to speed up the DTT process and increase the volume of learning trials completed in a session. This efficiency is crucial for programs that require a high number of repetitions to achieve mastery. In some cases, children using the app have been able to complete over 20 questions in a single minute—far more than would be possible with traditional flashcards.
In addition to its impact on learning outcomes, FirstWork has also proven to be a valuable tool for managing transitions and screen time behaviors. The app’s ability to enforce structured screen time rules has made it easier for parents and therapists to maintain consistency and reduce conflict around device use.
For organizations, FirstWork offers a cost-effective solution to the time and resources typically spent on creating and managing physical materials. The app’s ability to save and share programs digitally reduces the need for printed flashcards and other physical resources, which can be costly and time-consuming to produce.
Looking Ahead: The Future of FirstWork
Patrick and his team are committed to continually improving FirstWork by adding more customization options and supporting a wider range of DTT goals. Their vision is to make DTT more accessible not just for ABA professionals but also for parents who may not have the same level of expertise. By creating a tool that is both highly customizable and easy to use, they hope to provide early learning opportunities for a broader audience, helping to bridge the gap in services for children with developmental needs.
As FirstWork continues to evolve, it promises to be an indispensable tool for the ABA community, offering a new level of efficiency, consistency, and accessibility in therapy.
Get Started with FirstWork
For those interested in exploring FirstWork, the app is available on both iOS and Android platforms and can be downloaded HERE.
Behavior/Brain Magazine readers will also enjoy an extra 15% off!
The app offers a free trial, making it easy for practitioners, parents, and organizations to test its features and see how it can fit into their therapy routines. Whether you’re looking to streamline your DTT sessions or provide more structured learning opportunities at home, FirstWork offers a versatile and effective solution.
Check out our interview with CEO and Founder of FIrstWork, Patrick Faga
Melissa Druskis, Editor-in-Chief of Behavior/Brain Magazine, sits down with Patrick Faga, CEO and Founder of FirstWork, to explore his cutting-edge app designed to streamline and enhance the implementation of DTT in ABA sessions and at home. Watch now to discover the app's features and see a live demo in action.
Comments