Association for Behavior Analysis International

It is important for educators to select efficacious treatments so that children meet the goals on which they are working. This progress occurs with the selection of evidence-based practices. With the increase in the number of children diagnosed with a developmental disability (e.g., autism), however, there has been a corresponding increase in the number fad treatments disseminated to the public. Given the rapid proliferation of alternative unproven treatments, teachers and practitioners face serious challenges in identifying empirically-validated treatments models. Unfortunately, far too many well-meaning professionals continue to incorporate pseudoscientific strategies into their daily practice. Fad treatments, popularized in the media and often endorsed by celebrities, waste money that can be used in providing effective treatments to children with developmental disabilities, and whereas some fad treatments may be ineffective, others may be out right dangerous. In this panel, we will discuss (1) strategies to help teachers and practitioners differentiate between science and pseudoscience, (2) some of the questionable interventions that have been promoted in the media, and (3) potential reasons why behavioral professionals may choose to implement alternative unsupported treatments.

Although basic behavioral research was one prevalent, numerous factors have contributed to the current scarcity in basic research programs in university settings. However, ensuring the future of behavior analysis will certainly require the training of basic behavioral scientists. Panelists will be asked to share their experiences in training students (undergraduate and graduate) in basic and translational research. Additionally, panelists will be asked to provide recommendations for future researchers on how to obtain and maintain their own animal labs and get students interested in basic and translational research at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Panelists will discuss how to incorporate basic and translational research components into existing programs, even programs with a currently heavily applied focus. Panelists will also be asked about their predictions about the future of basic behavior analytic research, and will be asked to provide advice for researchers interested in pursuing a career in basic and translational research.

The need for behavior analytic approaches to environmental sustainability has become apparent over the last several years. Many community leaders and citizens are looking for a scientific approach to these problems, and behavior analysis can offer a solution. While environmental sustainability may be a non-traditional research question for the field, behavior analytic researchers are producing important experimental findings, and offering invaluable solutions for future research in the field. The presenters for this panel will be Mark Alavosius, William D. Newsome, and Molli M. Luke. All three presenters have published research in the area of environmental sustainability, offering invaluable insights into effective interventions and suggestions for future research. Research into environmental sustainability is becoming more and more socially valid, and this panel event will allow participants to hear from top researchers in environmental sustainability, their empirical understanding where behavior analysis has been, and where behavior analysis can go to helping improve the sustainability of our planet.

Effective presenting is an important skill for behavior analysts to master in order to best engage and teach audiences, advance ones career, represent the field, and ultimately disseminate the science. Unfortunately, graduate training programs in behavior analysis have historically not emphasized training in effective presenting. This is concerning given the professional advancements and opportunities that can arise as a result of one being a skill presenter including job prospects and invited speaking engagements. The goal of this Professional Development Series is for the invited presenters to provide insight into their experiences with as well as thoughts and recommendations on how to be an effective presenter. The panelists come from diverse institutions and backgrounds and have unique experiences and expertise with regard to presenting. In particular, the panelists will discuss methods and offer advice for preparing presentations for various audiences, delivering a presentation in an engaging manner, and creating visually appealing slideware. The panel will conclude with an opportunity for audience members to ask questions regarding topics related to effective presenting.

There has been a rising trend in pharmaceutical interventions for individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities in addition to the rising need for behavioral interventions. It is not uncommon for service recipients to be receiving psychotropic medication in addition to behavioral treatment concurrently. Practitioners are commonly told to consider effects of medications during service delivery; however, this typically is not covered in the practitioners formal education as evidenced by the lack of requirement of pharmacology courses in most applied graduate programs. Without consideration to drug effects, this may compromise the integrity of data collection and interpretation. The purpose of this panel is to discuss the status of pharmaceutical interventions in Autism, overview of behavior analytic studies evaluating drug treatment, and provide insight and recommendations for practitioners and researchers to bridge the disconnect between medical and behavioral interventions. In addition, the panelists will each offer a unique perspective on this topic to facilitate discussion among each other in addition to audience participation.