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Applied Behavior Analysis and Adults with Autism: Applications to Promote Competence and Quality of Life |
| Saturday, February 7, 2009 |
| 11:45 AM–12:45 PM |
| Grand Ballroom |
| Area: AUT; Domain: Applied Research |
| CE Instructor: Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D. |
| Chair: Marianne L. Jackson (California State University, Fresno) |
| PETER F. GERHARDT (Organization for Autism Research) |
 Dr. Peter Gerhardt is President and Chair of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding applied research and disseminating the relevant findings in support of learners with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Dr. Gerhardt has over 25 years experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with an ASD in educational, employment, and community based settings. He is the author or co-author of articles and book chapters on the needs of adults with autism spectrum disorder, the school-to-work-transition process, assessment of social competence, and analysis and intervention of problematic behavior. He has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Education. In 2007, Dr. Gerhardt was awarded the John W. Jacobson Award for Significant Contributions to Effective Behavior Intervention by the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. |
| Abstract: Recent years have seen a surge of interest in applied behavior analysis (ABA), particularly as it relates to the treatment of autism. The target of many misconceptions (e.g., ABA interventions produce only rote responding) behavior analysis is a natural science approach to understanding behavior and to change socially important behaviors in meaningful ways. Although the efficacy of interventions based upon the principles of ABA is well documented, one of the many, more persistent misconceptions is that such interventions are applicable only with younger learners. This presentation will provide an overview of efficacy of ABA-based interventions across a variety of skill/instructional domains with older learners. Particular attention will be paid to instructional strategies beyond discrete trial instruction (DTI). |
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