Expert Speaker Series for Behavior Analysts

Transcription

1 Pennsylvania Expert Speaker Series for Behavior Analysts For each event, BACB Type 2 Credits will be awarded to certificants who attend the entire presentation (1 credit is awarded per 50 min of presentation duration). Events will be held in the Multi-Purpose Center at Melmark and are open to the general public. View our brochure to get a peek at the exceptional presentations planned for Please see registration form inside.

2 Date October 24, :30 pm -7:30 pm Title SLPs and Behavior Analysts: Strategies for Effective Collaboration Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP November 7, :30 pm -7:30 pm Dispelling the Myths and Overcoming Implementation Obstacles related to Functional Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D December 12, :00 pm -7:00 pm What s the Emperor Wearing These Days? Communication Issues with SGDs, Apps and Other Technology Andy Bondy, Ph.D. January 16, :00 pm -7:00 pm Establishing Natural Reinforcer Control in Children with Autism Tina M. Sidener, Ph.D., BCBA-D February 20, :00 pm -7:00 pm Translational Research & the Continuing Importance of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior for Applied Behavior Analysts Michelle Ennis Soreth, Ph.D., BCBA-D March 6, :00 pm -7:00 pm Establishing Creative Play: A Behavior Analytic Perspective Robert K. Ross, Ed.D., BCBA-D March 20, :00 pm -7:00 pm ABA on Trial: A True Tale of Deception, Denial and Redemption as Told by an Expert Witness Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA-D April 24, :00 pm - 7:00 pm Determinants of Reinforcer Value in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Iser DeLeon, Ph.D., BCBA-D Page 2 May 8, :00 pm - 6:00 pm Stimulus Control and Procedures to Facilitate Visual Discriminations David M. Wilson, Ph.D., BCBA-D

3 About MELMARK Melmark is a comprehensive multi-service provider of residential, educational, therapeutic, and recreational services for children and adults with developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury, other neurological and genetic disorders, and related challenging behaviors. Programs are offered in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Our varied programs promote independence, increased self-awareness, and confidence, while offering participants opportunities to make friends and develop personal interests. Melmark delivers effective, research-based services emphasizing personal worth and achievement. All programming occurs in the least restrictive environment possible. Additional information on Melmark can be obtained through the website at Additional information about professional development opportunities can be found at Page 3

4 Expert Speaker Series SLPs and Behavior Analysts: Strategies for Effective Collaboration Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Eden II Programs October 24, :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Abstract: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and professionals in applied behavior analysis (ABA) frequently participate as members of support teams for children with autism. Collaboration between these professionals can enhance the team s work, since each professional brings valuable resources to the table. However, overlapping areas of expertise, different terms used for similar instructional elements, and variations in addressing the same problems may complicate the collaborative process unless each professional understands the other s framework. This becomes even more of a problem when faced with the complex learning profiles of children on the autism spectrum. This presentation will discuss the challenges in collaboration across these disciplines and identify the possible underlying factors for these challenges. In addition, some possible strategies to promote more effective collaboration will be discussed. Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the Executive Director of the Eden II Programs. She received her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the City University of New York Graduate Center. She is co-president of the Council on Autism Services as well as a member of the Scientific Advisory Council for the Organization for Autism Research. She is on the board of the Interagency Council of NY on Developmental Disabilities and the Staten Island Not for Profit Association. She is on the Advisory Board of the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts. She is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis. Joanne is coauthor of the interactive CD-ROM entitled Behavioral Programming for Children with Autism. In addition she has authored a number of articles and book chapters relating to speech and language disorders, autism and behavior analysis. She has presented nationally and internationally on autism and related topics. Page 4

5 Dispelling the Myths and Overcoming Implementation Obstacles related to Functional Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D Western New England University University of Massachusetts Medical School November 7, :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m Expert Speaker Series Abstract: Hundreds of studies have shown the efficacy of treatments for problem behavior based on an understanding of the function of the problem behavior. Assertions regarding the legitimacy of different types of functional assessment vary substantially across published studies, and best practices regarding the functional assessment process are sometimes difficult to cull from the empirical literature or from published discussions of the behavioral assessment process. A number of myths regarding the functional assessment process, which appear to be pervasive within different behavioranalytic research and practice communities, will be reviewed in the context of a description of an efficient and parent- and treatment-validated functional assessment process. Attendees will have an opportunity to design personalized functional analyses for children in their care. Dr. Gregory Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D has been applying the principles of learning to improve socially important behaviors of children and adults with and without disabilities for over 20 years. He worked and trained at the Spurwink School, the Groden Center, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute, was degreed at the University of Florida, was tenured at the University of Kansas, and is currently a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Behavior Analysis Doctoral Program at Western New England University and an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Hanley has published over 70 articles in peerreviewed journals in areas such as the assessment and prevention of problem behavior, teaching tactics for young children, and evidence-based values. Dr. Hanley is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 25) and its president elect, past Editor of Behavior Analysis in Practice (BAP), and a past Associate Editor of The Behavior Analyst, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and BAP. Page 5

6 Expert Speaker Series What s the Emperor Wearing These Days? Communication Issues with SGDs, Apps and Other Technology Andy Bondy, Ph.D. Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. December 12, :00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Abstract: Over 25 years ago, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) used a training protocol that incorporated Skinner s analysis of Verbal Behavior to help rapidly establish manding and other key verbal operants in students with ASD and other developmental issues. There have been over 120 publications regarding the effectiveness of PECS and recently a publication in the journal Pediatrics suggested it (along with ABA) among it s guidelines for children with ASD. The same publication also noted that no other AAC strategy had as yet an established evidence base. However, with the advance of technology involving the use of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) and ipad apps, many parents and professionals are convinced that the voice associated with such devices will lead to better communication skills as well as speech. This talk will review recent research regarding such devices as well as apps. We also will review why the PECS protocol is effective with regard to the rapid development of verbal behavior- behavior under the stimulus control of the audience (or listener). We will then use a similar analysis to review whether some of the uses of SGDs and apps ensures that verbal behavior is being established. Andy Bondy, Ph.D. has over 40 years of experience working with children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. For more than a dozen years he served as the Director of a statewide public school program for students with autism. He and his wife, Lori Frost, pioneered the development of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). He designed the Pyramid Approach to Education as a comprehensive combination of broad-spectrum behavior analysis and functional communication strategies. He is a co-founder of Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc., an internationally based team of specialists from many fields working together to promote integration of the principles of applied behavior analysis within functional activities and an emphasis on developing functional communication skills. He received the 2012 Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis award for International Dissemination of ABA. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. Page 6

7 Expert Speaker Series Establishing Natural Reinforcer Control in Children with Autism Tina M. Sidener, Ph.D., BCBA-D Caldwell College January 16, :00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Abstract: Contrived reinforcers (e.g., tokens) are often used to effectively teach skills to children with autism. A common goal in applied behavior analysis programs, however, is to bring responses under the control of naturally-occurring reinforcers. In this workshop, I will discuss skill areas in which natural reinforcers are particularly important for children with autism. I will also present recent research on methods for establishing reinforcers and teaching skills maintained by natural reinforcers. Tina M. Sidener, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Associate Professor in the Applied Behavior Analysis Department at Caldwell College in New Jersey. She received her doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University and completed a predoctoral internship at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University. She currently serves as the Director of Training in the Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell College. Dr. Sidener is a board member of several journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, Education and Treatment of Children, and Behavior Modification. Her current clinical and research interests include establishing conditioned reinforcers, assessment and treatment of stereotypy, pediatric feeding disorders, and teaching language and social skills. Page 7

8 Expert Speaker Series Translational Research & the Continuing Importance of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior for Applied Behavior Analysts Michelle Ennis Soreth, Ph.D., BCBA-D Rowan University February 20, :00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Abstract: Recent disagreements in the behavior analytic community have centered on the relationship between the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Some behavior analysts have argued that the branches have become increasingly isolated from one another, resulting in a separation of communities that has impeded progress in the discipline. As the applied branch has experienced tremendous growth and success, it has even been argued that expertise in basic research and EAB may no longer be necessary or relevant for a successful career in ABA. Other behavior analysts, however, have argued for a united effort and coordination of basic and applied research agendas and communities to best address a wide range of behavioral concerns that are of great societal importance. This translational research agenda is an integrative approach that reflects the larger trends taking place in the sciences and healthcare fields, and represents perhaps the most promising path towards increased prosperity for our discipline. In this presentation, the importance of EAB and the role of translational research will be discussed in light of both the history and future prospects of the field of behavior analysis. Michelle Ennis Soreth, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Associate Professor of Psychology and current advisor of graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis at Rowan University in southern New Jersey. Dr. Soreth was first exposed to behavior analysis as an undergraduate at Rollins College under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Ruiz. She later earned her Ph.D. in Brain, Behavior, & Cognition with a Specialization in Behavior Analysis at Temple University under the tutelage of Dr. Philip Hineline. She joined the faculty at Rowan University in 2006, and since that time has established an active Pigeon Learning Laboratory and has been closely involved in the development of three new graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Soreth s broad academic interests include basic behavioral phenomena, the wide scale delivery of applied behavior analysis, and the philosophy of behavior analytic theory. Page 8

9 Expert Speaker Series Establishing Creative Play: A Behavior Analytic Perspective Robert K. Ross, Ed.D., BCBA-D Beacon ABA Services March 6, :30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Abstract: The training will focus on teaching participants procedures for establishing simple play repertoires and procedures for reinforcing the use of these basic play skills in novel settings, with novel materials and in novel combinations. The instructor will describe creativity and generativity in play skills from a behavior analytic perspective. All procedures will be described in terms of basic principles and demonstrated live or via videos. Participants will be taught to use research-supported strategies to teach play skills and to then to support their generalized and expanded use. These strategies will include, but are not limited to: matrix training (Goldstein & Mousetis, 1989), video modeling (MacDonald, Sacramone, Mansfield, Wiltz & Ahearn, 2009), activity schedules (MacDuff, G. S., Krantz, P. J., & McClannahan, L. E., 1993), and the use of visual/text supports for motor and vocal actions in the context of play scenarios. Creativity will be defined using behavioral descriptions with an emphasis on how to support stimulus generalization, response generalization and recombinative generalization of play skills. Robert K. Ross, Ed.D., BCBA-D is the Senior Vice President of Treatment Efficacy and Graduate Education at Beacon ABA Services of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Beacon provides intensive behavioral educational services to children diagnosed with PDD/Autism and behavioral and learning challenges. In addition to his oversight of all research activity at Beacon he also provides direct and consultation services to families, schools and educational programs throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Ross is a primary instructor in the BCBA certification program at Cambridge College in Cambridge Massachusetts. Dr. Ross is the President of the Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), the largest membership organization with ABAI. He also serves on the Practice Board of ABAI where he is Chair of the Empirically Supported Treatments Committee and is the incoming President of the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis. Beacon ABA Services is active in pursuing cutting edge research in the treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Dr. Ross oversees all research activities at Beacon. Dr. Ross is currently focusing research efforts in such areas as evidence based practices, early literacy, social and play skills, and applications of visually supported instructional methods. Page 9

10 Expert Speaker Series ABA on Trial: A True Tale of Deception, Denial and Redemption as Told by an Expert Witness Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA-D Florida State University March 20, :00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Abstract: Three Miami parents with autistic children challenged a ruling by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) that ABA was "experimental" and therefore refused to fund behavioral treatment. A team of attorneys for Florida Legal Services represented the plaintiffs and I served as an expert witness in this case. I will describe the so-called "evidence" that is often used against ABA and the scientific data that we presented to the Federal Judge. A blow-by-blow account of the case will be presented in detail including a description of the misrepresentations of our field and the role that the peer review process and meta analysis played in the final judgment of the case. Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA-D received his PhD from the University of Kansas in 1970; Mont Wolf was his mentor and major professor. He has been on the faculty in the Department of Psychology at FSU since that time and is now semi-retired as Professor Emeritus of Psychology. He is Director of the FSU Panama City, Master's Program in Psychology with a Specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is a Fellow of ABAI and APA and is Secretary/Treasurer, Program Chair and Media Coordinator of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, which he founded in 1980; he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, is a past-editor of JABA and is co-author of six books including his most recent: Ethics for Behavior Analysts, 2nd Expanded Edition published in Dr. Bailey received the Distinguished Service to Behavior Analysis Award, May 2005, from SABA and both the APA Division 25, Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award and the University of Kansas Applied Behavioral Science Distinguished Alumni Award in He was an Expert Witness in the 2012 US District Court case of K.G. vs. Dudek where the Federal Judge ruled ABA is not experimental as defined under Florida administrative law and federal law. Page 10

11 Expert Speaker Series Determinants of Reinforcer Value in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Iser G. DeLeon, Ph.D. The Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine April 24, :00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Abstract: Programmed reinforcement arrangements are often a critical part of instructional and therapeutic plans for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Behavior analysts have therefore invested considerable effort in devising means to identify and evaluate reinforcers. One finding that has repeatedly fallen out of this research is that preferences, and hence reinforcer effectiveness, are dynamic, which has important implications for the long-term utility of these arrangements. The core of this presentation is related to how, and why, the value of reinforcers change as a function of time, experience, and context. I will describe a series of translational studies designed to examine the implications of basic behavioral phenomena in determining reinforcer value and choice responding in both typically developing humans and children with IDD. Specific topic areas include temporal discounting, within-trial contrast, reinforcer continuity, behavioral economic theory, and the so-called detrimental effects of extrinsic reward on intrinsic motivation. For each line of investigation, I will consider the basic animal or human operant research that sparked our studies as well as why applied researchers and practitioners should be interested in their implications. As the studies unfold, I will also address the rewards, and difficulties, of conducting translational behavioral science. Iser DeLeon, Ph.D., BCBA-D received his B.A and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Florida. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Director of Research Development for the Department of Behavioral Psychology at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and core faculty of the Behavior Analysis graduate program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Dr. DeLeon further serves the behavior analytic community through membership on the Board of Directors of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board; the Science Board of the Association for Behavior Analysis: International; and the editorial boards of The Behavior Analyst, the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, which he also served as Associate Editor. His research has focused on assessment and treatment of behavior problems in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and determinants of choice in this population. His most recent efforts, funded by the National Institutes of Health for the past several years, combine these topics to explore implications of basic behavioral processes for enhancing the effects of Page 11

12 Expert Speaker Series Stimulus Control and Procedures to Facilitate Visual Discriminations David M. Wilson, Ph.D., BCBA-D Georgian Court University May 8, :00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Abstract: The ability to discriminate among visual stimuli is critical to the success of students in both regular and special education classrooms. Students are often required to discriminate among academic materials such as numbers, letters, words, colors, and communication pictures. Acquiring visual discriminations that serve as the basis for learning can be especially difficult for students with autism who often fail to acquire simple visual discriminations under standard teaching conditions. The purpose of this presentation will be to provide professionals with an overview of stimulus control, transfer of stimulus control, and procedures to facilitate visual discriminations in learners with autism. Procedures reviewed will include: differential reinforcement, errorless learning, stimulus fading, and stimulus shaping. The strengths and limitations of each procedure will be discussed. Attendees will acquire knowledge of stimulus control and transfer of stimulus control procedures, as well as the key empirical articles associated with these topics. David M. Wilson, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an assistant professor of psychology and the director of applied behavior analysis internships at Georgian Court University. He teaches courses in applied behavior analysis at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Dr. Wilson graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in Psychology, and he earned his Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida. Dr. Wilson is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and has served as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. He has worked with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities for over 15 years. His area of interest is the assessment and treatment of severe behavior disorders, as well as skills development in individuals with autism. Page 12

13 Registration Form Name: Title: Organization: Daytime Phone: Mailing Address: Please select the event(s) you wish to attend: October 24, 2013 SLPs and Behavior Analysts: Strategies for Effective Collaboration by Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP November 7, Dispelling the Myths and Overcoming Implementation Obstacles related to Functional Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior by Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D December 12, What s the emperor wearing these days? Communication issues with SGDs, apps and other technology by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. January 16, Establishing Natural Reinforcer Control in Children with Autism by Tina M. Sidener, Ph.D., BCBA-D February 20, Translational Research & the Continuing Importance of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior for Applied Behavior Analysts by Michelle Ennis Soreth, Ph.D., BCBA-D March 6, Establishing Creative Play: A Behavior Analytic Perspective by Robert K. Ross, Ed.D., BCBA-D March 20, ABA on Trial: A true tale of deception, denial and redemption told as by an expert witness by Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA-D April 24, Determinants of Reinforcer Value in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities by Iser DeLeon, Ph.D., BCBA-D May 8, 2014 Stimulus Control and Procedures to Facilitate Visual Discriminations by David M. Wilson, Ph.D., BCBA-D Please note that limited seats are available for each CEU event, so registration is on a first come first served basis. For more information about the sessions, please see our website at For inquiries and for registration, please send completed registration form to: Meghan Kane, M.S.Ed, BCBA Tel: Research and Training Coordinator Fax: meghankane@melmark.org Page 13

14 DIRECTIONS TO MELMARK Interstate 95 From Center City or Philadelphia Airport: From I 95 South: take I 95 to Rt. 476 North (Blue Route). Exit the Blue Route at Exit #9 (Broomall/Upper Darby) onto Route 3 West. Proceed on Rt.3 West to Rt. 252 North (approximately 4 miles). Make a right on 252. Stay on 252 North for 3 1/2 miles. Make a left onto White Horse Road. Stay on White Horse Road until the first stop sign. Go straight across onto Wayland Road. After the next stop sign continue on Wayland Road and Melmark will be on the left. PA Turnpike Take Exit 328/Valley Forge, immediately bear right onto Rt.202 South/West Chester. Follow Rt. 202 South approx. 2 miles to the Rt. 252 Paoli exit. Follow Rt.252 South 3 miles crossing over Rt. 30. Continue on 252 South approx. 3 1/2 miles and make a right onto White Horse Road. Stay on White Horse Road until the first stop sign. Go straight across onto Wayland Road. After the next stop sign continue on Wayland Road and Melmark will be on the left. Route 1 North Take Media Bypass to Rt. 252 North. Stay on Rt. 252 North crossing over Rt. 3. Continue on Rt. 252 North for 3 1/2 miles. Make a left onto White Horse Road. Stay on White Horse Road until the first stop sign. Go straight across onto Wayland Road. After the next stop sign continue on Wayland Road and Melmark will be on the left. Blue Route/476 From 476 exit on Rt. 3 West to 252 (Exit #9 Broomall/Upper Darby). Make a right on Rt Continue on Rt. 252 North for 3 1/2 miles. Make a left onto White Horse Road. Stay on White Horse Road until the first stop sign. Go straight across onto Wayland Road. After the next stop sign continue on Wayland Road and Melmark will be on the left. From any other location: A. Get on Route 3 West (if coming from Philadelphia) and follow directions from Blue Route/476. B. Get on Route 3 East (if coming from West Chester) and follow directions from Interstate 95 starting with Route 3. Page 14

15 Notes Page 15

16 For more information about this and other professional development opportunities at Melmark, please contact: Amanda Guld Fisher, Ph.D., BCBA-D Director of Professional Development Training & Research Wayland Road MELMARK Berwyn, PA