Keynote Speakers
The Prevention of Problem Behavior
Brian A. Iwata, PhD, BCBA-D
University of Florida
Abstract
Research on problem behavior has yielded two powerful and complementary technologies: assessment methods that identify environmental determinants of a wide range of disorders such as self-injury, aggression, and property destruction; and systematic, reinforcement-based interventions that reduce the frequency of such behaviors. Although these technologies have been applied with great success, research continues to emphasize the elimination of problem behavior long after it has been acquired. This presentation describes the extension of research on assessment and treatment in three general areas toward the prevention of problem behavior: identifying and eliminating risk factors (establishing operations), development of adaptive response classes, and behavioral inoculation against specific problematic situations.
Bio
Brian Iwata (PhD, Florida State University) is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Florida. He formerly held faculty appointments at Western Michigan University and at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Brian developed the first model for conducting functional (experimental) analyses of problem behavior, regarded as the standard in the field for both clinical research and practice. Brian is the former chief editor of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and former president of four national or international organizations, including the Association for Behavior Analysis. He has published over 225 articles and chapters on various aspects of behavior analysis and has received numerous awards for his work.
When Capitalism Meets Behavior Analysis: New Ethical Challenges for Practitioners
Jon S. Bailey, PhD, BCBA-D,
Florida State University
Abstract
The values that guided the development of applied behavior analysis emerged from the science of behavior. Our founders expressed those values in the seminal paper “Some Current Dimensions of Applied Behavior Analysis” (Baer, Wolf & Risley, 1968). They envisioned a field that was applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, embodying conceptual systems, effective, and generalizable. They specifically did not include "profitable," and I do not believe they could imagine a day behavior analysis would emerge as a profession powered by the profit motive and competitive markets with all the attendant legal and ethical issues we see in other business ventures. In this presentation I will address the clash of two cultures -- capitalism and behavior analysis -- and outline what I see as some specific problematic issues for our profession.
Bio
Dr. Bailey received his PhD from the University of Kansas and is currently Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Florida State University where he was a member of the graduate faculty for 38-years and produced a record 63 PhDs. He is currently Co-Director of the FSU Panama City Masters Program in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Bailey is President of Behavior Management Consultants, Inc., and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He is Secretary/Treasurer and Media Coordinator of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, which he founded in 1980. Dr. Bailey has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles, is a past editor of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and is co-author of Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis, How Dogs Learn, Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 2nd Expanded Edition, How to Think Like a Behavior Analyst, and 25 Essential Skills and Strategies for Professional Behavior Analysts, all co-authored with Dr. Mary Burch.
What do you do for fun? Addressing play and leisure across the age span of individuals with autism
Bridget A. Taylor, Psy.D, BCBA-D
Alpine Learning Group
Abstract
Identifying age-appropriate play and leisure activities for learners with autism can be quite challenging. It can be especially difficult as individuals with autism age, and if a learner’s primary preference is to engage in repetitive or stereotypic behavior. The good news is the field of applied behavior analysis offers a range of teaching strategies to improve the play and leisure skills of individuals with autism. Teaching play and leisure skills must begin early, and often requires creativity and modification of activities to match a learner’s skills and abilities. This presentation will provide an overview of a variety of play and leisure activities that can be adapted or modified for a learner with autism. Videotaped examples will illustrate research-based teaching strategies and a variety of activities across the age span.
Bio
Dr. Bridget A. Taylor is co-founder and Executive Director of Alpine Learning Group and Senior Clinical Advisor for Rethink Autism. She has specialized in the education and treatment of children with autism for the past 25 years. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a licensed psychologist. Dr. Taylor is active in the autism research community and has published numerous articles on effective interventions for autism. She serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Interventions, and Behavior Analysis in Practice. She is also a member of the Autism Advisory Group of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies, is a board member of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, and serves on the advisory board of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts.