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| Examining Diversity in Behavior Analysis |
| Sunday, May 29, 2016 |
| 3:00 PM–3:50 PM |
| Vevey 1 & 2, Swissotel |
| Area: CSE/PRA; Domain: Translational |
| Chair: Elizabeth Hughes Fong (Fielding Graduate University and Multicultural Alliance of Behavior Analysts) |
| Discussant: Elizabeth Hughes Fong (Fielding Graduate University and Multicultural Alliance of Behavior Analysts) |
| CE Instructor: Elizabeth Hughes Fong, M.A. |
| Abstract: This symposium explores the application of applied behavior analysis to diverse populations. Specifically, how interventions and diversity may be inter related. The first paper will review the perception and access to ABA treatments to diverse populations. This paper will focus on understanding how Autism is perceived across different cultures and learning about the challenges faced by applied behavior analysis (ABA) service providers as they work to improve the lives of individuals on the spectrum as well as continuously improving perceptions and acceptance of treatments of those in areas that are under served The second paper examines the lack of diversity within the practice of Behavior Analysis. Specifically, how the diversity in practioners of ABA do not reflect the diversity of clients. For behavior analysis to maintain continued growth and interest with all populations, board certified behavior analysts have to actively recruit multicultural populations to be in the field to maintain relevance in the changing demographics of the United State of America. |
| Keyword(s): diversity, ethics, multicultural, social validity |
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| Autism Perceptions and Access to Applied Behavior Analysts Treatment Across Diverse Populations |
| LILA AYYAD-ALHARSHA (Academic & Behavior Consultants of Illinois) |
| Abstract: In recent years, there has been an increase in autism awareness which is due to the significant increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. As numbers increase, we must ensure that children diagnosed with the disorder have access to interventions based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) which will help to improve the lives of those diagnosed. Access to ABA services is critical to the growth of and development of children on the spectrum, however global access to these services is limited. Additionally, although there is an increase in autism awareness, the disorder continues to be understood and treated differently cross culturally. This portion of the symposium will focus on understanding how autism is perceived across different cultures and learning about the challenges faced by ABA service providers as they work to improve the lives of individuals on the spectrum as well as continuously improving perceptions and acceptance of treatments of those in areas that are underserved. |
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| Why Are There Not More Multicultural Board Certified Behavior Analysts? |
| SEANA FICKLIN (Trinity Behavior Consulting) |
| Abstract: Behavior analysis is a field that is a significant part of the health service profession with continued interest and growth. The field has added more clinicians to keep up with the increasing demand of areas of need. Although a significant amount of clinicians have been added to the field, the diversity in board certified behavior analyst clinicians have been slowed to keep up with the increase in multicultural populations. The increase in multicultural populations in United States of America are becoming a necessity for the field of behavior analysis to adapt to this change. It is a matter for the field to adhere to this change and not be known as a field that does not adhere to change by losing relevance to multicultural populations. Behavior analysis is a proven field that has the capability to work with all populations. With the changing demographics of America, it is imperative that there are more clinicians who reflect the increasing multicultural populations who can relate the value of behavior analysis by taking cultural norms into consideration. For behavior analysis to maintain continued growth and interest with all populations, board certified behavior analysts have to actively recruit multicultural populations to be in the field to maintain relevance in the changing demographics of the United States of America. |
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