Autism Conference

Dr. Leaf is the Co-Director of Research and Director of Training for Autism Partnership Foundation and Professor at Endicott College. Justin received his doctorate degree in Behavioral Psychology from the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. Currently, Justin leads the research team at Autism Partnership Foundation, which conducts research nationally and internationally. His research interests include examining methods to improve social behaviors for children and adolescents with autism and developing friendships, comparing different teaching methodologies, evaluating parameters of reinforcement, and evaluating long term outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism. Justin has over 90 publications in either peer reviewed journals, books, or book chapters and has presented at both national and international professional conferences and invited events. Justin also recently edited a book entitled Handbook of Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment, Curricula, and Intervention. Justin is an Associate Editor for the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Justin also serves or has served on the editorial board for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, and the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social behavior, including, but not limited to, social communication, interaction, and reciprocity. To address these deficits, there are a myriad of social skills interventions available to the behavior analyst. Unfortunately, many of these interventions lack methodologically sound empirical support for their effectiveness, while others could be considered pseudoscientific and/or antiscientific. Behavior analysts who provide or oversee these interventions have an ethical obligation to select and provide effective intervention. Therefore, it is essential for behavior analysts to have a firm understanding of effective social skills interventions as well as the skills necessary to identify social skills interventions that lack empirical support and may be ineffective or harmful. The purpose of this workshop is to introduce practicing behavior analysts to the empirical evidence of several popular social skills interventions, provide examples of how to identify and research potentially pseudoscientific interventions, and outline the importance of understanding the evidence and identification of pseudoscientific interventions as it relates to ethical obligations to clients.

Objectives

At the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and describe at least two evidence-based social skills interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD.
2. Identify and describe at least two commonly used social skills interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD.
3. Describe at least two ethical implications of using social skills interventions that lack empirical support.

Instructional Level

Intermediate

Workshop Format

Lecture

Proposed Audience

Psychologists, Certified Behavior Analysts, Educators, Social Workers, Paraprofessionals, Parents/Caregivers, Students in a Behavior Analytic Field

Dr. Patricia Wright’s commitment to ensuring all individuals with autism have access to effective services and supports has guided her work over the past 30 years, from her earliest responsibilities as a special educator, to state and national-level program management. Specific examples of her advocacy include Dr. Wright’s management in the design of a statewide system of support for children with autism for the state of Hawaii, several years as the National Director of Autism Services for Easter Seals, and her industry positions leveraging technology and her current role at NEXT for AUTISM developing innovative service options to increase the quality of life of those living with ASD. Dr. Wright has held advisory roles for a number of professional associations and advocacy groups, including the Organization for Autism Research’s Scientific Council, the Executive Committee for the Friends of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts and the Autism Society Panel of Professional Advisors. She has been asked to provide expert testimony at Congressional Hearings and is a frequent contributor in the media, raising awareness of effective intervention for those living with disabilities. Dr. Wright completed her PhD and Master of Public Health from the University of Hawaii. Her research focuses on the delivery of evidence-based practices in schools and healthcare access for people with disabilities.

Abstract

Applied Behavior Analysis’ (ABA) intent is to improve the human condition. There is an increasing call for ABA to increase its sphere of influence and address issues of societal importance as a part of responsible conduct of behavior analysts (BACB Ethics Code 1.0). Social determinants of health (SDOH) are frequently used as a context to address health issues at a global, national and local level. Influencers including the World Health Organization and Healthy People 2020 organize their efforts at societal change around social determinants of health. Behavior analysts are well suited to contribute to these large-scale change efforts, but we must understand the intersection between our work and social determinants of health through the lens of the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts. This presentation will apply the construct of cultural humility and the inherent power imbalances that are present when addressing social determinants of health in our society. Topics of discussion to occur include impacts of implicit bias, microaggressions, the culture of behavior analysis, cultural humility, structural bias, racism, patriarchy, ableism, and kyriarchy. Specifically, how these topics align to the BACB’s Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Professional and Scientific Relationships (1.05 c, d, e).

Objectives

At the completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:

1. State at least two social determinants of health.
2. State the definition of culture.
3. State at least two observable behaviors that demonstrate cultural humility as a practicing behavior analyst.
4. Write at least one intervention that addresses disparities in social determinants of health.

Instructional Level

Intermediate

Workshop Format

Lecture, discussion and textual activities

Proposed Audience

Psychologists, Certified Behavior Analysts, Educators, Social Workers, Students