Association for Behavior Analysis International

This talk focuses on the roles and responsibilities of behavior analysts in the dissemination of Applied Behavior Analysis and research through social media. The Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts explicitly states that it is the responsibility of all behavior analysts to promote the field through all available mediums, which includes social media. Behavior analysts and those seeking certification currently use social networks--such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest--to seek advice on degree programs in behavior analysis, dissemination, and clinical practice. While it is common for behavior analysts to seek the advice of those with more experience or different expertise when developing treatments, it is important to ensure that confidentiality breaches, among other ethical issues, do not occur. The behavior of this verbal community is discussed to ensure that no harm is done to clients or to the field of behavior analysis. Enforcement of the compliance code, as of January 2016, calls for a review of acceptable practices for dissemination of Applied Behavior Analysis through social media.

There is a crisis facing veterans today. Suicide among veterans is a large problem facing our country. Veterans suffering from PTSD or other service-related disorders are in need of behavior-based therapies provided by behavior analysts trained in the principles of behavior analysis. This panel will discuss various avenues for behavior analysts interested in supporting the veteran community. Each panelist will provide a brief overview of the work they are doing with the veteran community. Then the chair will facilitate a question-and-answer session between the panelists and the audience. The first panelist, Dr. Robert E. Wright will discuss his work providing behavioral skills training to service professionals that work with veterans through his company Behavioral Educational and Resource Services Inc. Then, Dr. Kent Corso will discuss his work developing behavioral health programs for businesses, organizations and hospitals that provide services for veterans. Thirdly, Dr. Abigail Calkin will discuss her work and recent publication that provides insight into the struggles that accompany veterans and their families.

For a field that capitalizes on the utility of feedback and motivation to influence behavior, behavior analysts working in service delivery may be able to improve the way that they manage the performance of employees who provide direct behavior analytic services. Applied behavior analysis has been accepted as the most effective treatment for deficit and excessive behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result, there is a dire need for therapists trained in the principles of behavior to provide one-on-one therapy to children diagnosed with autism. Unfortunately, qualified therapists are limited in number and potentially difficult to retain for long employment durations. In theory, those who have been extensively trained in the principles of behavior should be the most effective in performance management, however, this may not be the case. This panel will discuss how those working in behavior analytic service delivery are currently doing with respect to the management of employee behavior, how they could improve, and practical explanations for why constraints exist.

Ensuring the safety of both the client and the practitioner is paramount to the facilitation of the client's success. To ensure this safe practice, the ethical guidelines set forth by the BACB dictate the various "do's" and "do not's" of conducting treatments. Both knowing and adhering to the current codes allows the practitioner to move forward, fully confident in their ability to formulate safe and comprehensive treatments. Before beginning treatment, the practitioner must create an environment for success, minimizing or entirely dealing with any and all anticipated ethical problems prior to the commencement of treatment. Addressing ethical dilemmas before they have the chance to occur is important, as new issues can arise that the practitioner could not have anticipated and being prepared can minimize the amount of occurrences of these dilemmas. This panel will discuss how best to prepare the environment for clinical practice to protect both one's self as the practitioner and the client and how to approach some potential ethical struggles that preparation of the environment alone cannot account for.