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| Organizational Member Roundtable Presentation/Discussion |
| Sunday, February 4, 2007 |
| 3:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| Grand Ballroom |
| Area: AUT; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Majda M. Seuss (ABAI) |
| Abstract: ABA International Organizational Members that provide services and advance behavioral research in autism will participate in a roundtable presentation and discussion. |
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| Applied Behavior Consultants, Inc. (ABC) |
| KOJI TAKESHIMA (Fremont Unified School District) |
| Abstract: One of the most difficult problems related to learning in children with autism is the generalization of that learning from the exact circumstances where it was taught. This paper describes a conceptual and practical approach to dealing with this problem.
A five step program is offered whereby behaviors taught in a discrete trials format can be generalized to the environment at large. After a behavior is taught at a table, the discriminative stimuli are systematically varied while maintaining the behavior. The next step involves varying the location of the teaching session while adding distractors and thinning the schedule of reinforcement. The taught behavior is then brought into chain of behaviors that represent daily living and activity routines relevant to the taught behavior, especially if peers can be brought into the interactions. The final step involves bringing the taught behavior under the control of the behavior of peers. Practical examples at each step will be described. |
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| Center for Autism and Related Disorders |
| DOREEN GRANPEESHEH (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.) |
| Abstract: The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is a large-scale behavior-analytic organization committed to the effective treatment of children with autism. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, CARD develops individualized assessment and treatment plans. CARD was established 15 years ago and currently has 14 US-based offices and 3 international offices. The CARD Research team is committed to science as the most objective and reliable approach to evaluating effective treatments for autism. Our mission is to conduct empirical research on assessments and treatments for autism and to disseminate our research findings and derived technology through publication and education of professionals and the public. A number of barriers impede the evaluation of clinical services including problems associated with experimental design, measuring accuracy of data collection, and treatment integrity. The purpose of the current presentation is to describe our efforts toward program evaluation and related research activities in a clinical agency. In order to address problems associated with these efforts, a scientist-practitioner model has been adopted and will be described. Preliminary outcome data will also be presented as well as suggestions for pursuing research endeavors in a service-delivery setting. |
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| The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc. |
| LE'ANN L. MILINDER (The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc.), Kim M. Kelly (The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc.) |
| Abstract: The Institute is a private, non-profit human service and educational organization that provides supports to people with disabilities throughout New England and Maryland. Established in the early 1980s, The Institute has an extensive history of providing evidenced-based, effective treatments to people of all ages and diagnoses. Our services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are wide-ranging and include individual therapy with children and adults, family and educational consultation, professional and para-professional training, the operation of alternative educational programs, individualized residential placements, and day or employment services in the community. Unique to our organization is our commitment to providing services across the life span for people with ASD.
The Institute’s clinical staff consists of numerous doctoral level, Master’s level, and board-certified behavior analysts who bring a wealth of experience to our clinical and research activities. As a service organization, the content of our research is derived from the clinical needs of the individuals we serve and the unanswered questions that exist in applied educational and behavioral technologies. Recent projects include studying the effect of video media on verbal behavior and play skills, investigating the use of siblings to promote skill generalization, and analyzing intervention techniques for teaching joint attention. |
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| National Autism Center |
| SUSAN WILCZYNSKI (National Autism Center) |
| Abstract: Established in 2005, the National Autism Center is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting effective, evidence-based treatment approaches and providing direction to families, practitioners, organizations, policy-makers, and funders. The Center is bringing nationally renowned experts together to establish national standards, model best practices, and conduct applied research.
The National Autism Center is currently leading the National Standards Project. The National Standards Project is an unprecedented effort to complete a systematic review of research on behavioral and educational treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders for individuals below the age of 22. It will involve a transparent review that objectively quantifies research articles in order to determine the strength of evidence supporting different interventions. We have a team of well-respected expert panelists involved in the development of the conceptual model and review. The National Standards Project will provide information about comprehensive and focused interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and will be available to parents, educators, and practitioners.
The National Autism Center provides state-of-the-art diagnostic assessment services in children suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder and also delivers an education series for parents of newly diagnosed children. |
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