Kristin L. Miller, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Behavior Analysis Branch of Psychology Dedicated to understanding and improving behavior Focuses on objectively defined, observable behavior of social significance Uses the description, quantification and analysis of behavior
The Science Behaviorism: philosophical/theoretical foundation Basic Research: functional relationships between antecedent and consequent events under controlled conditions Applied Research: the application of basic principles to populations
Applications Behavioral Safety Organizational Management Child Development/Education Developmental Disabilities/Autism Animal Behavior Health/Sports/Fitness Social Problems (Gambling/Addiction/Forensics) Robotics
Behavior Analysis and Autism Autism (DSM IV): 1. Impairment in social interaction 2. Impairment in communication 3. Presence of stereotypical/repetitive behavior/restricted interests Onset before the age of 3 Spectrum disorder
Video Clips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grr9bxfljou&fe ature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kli-xdk4- _E&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snigzovb0r4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e12mbeu9e8
Rate of incidence: 1 in 110 CDC Data Occurs equally across racial and ethnic groups (except S. Korea) 4 to 5 times more likely in boys About 40% of children do not talk at all, About 30% show regression in communication
Risk Factors More likely in identical twins More likely seen in siblings (familial) Autism can be attributed to genetic, metabolic or neurological disorder about 10% percent of the time Autism presents with intellectual disability about 40% of the time
Treatments Applied Behavior Analysis (systematic teaching) Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy TEACCH/Other Methods (Son-rise, Floortime, etc.) Dietary Interventions Medication Sensory Integration Facilitated Communication Alternative Therapies
Standard for Treatment Evaluation Randomized design with control Peer-reviewed studies published in widelydisseminated journals
Evidence-Based Practice Applied Behavior Analysis: services in which children are systematically taught the skills they lack through careful consideration of the child s current levels and the prerequisites of each skill. Children are often taught with the use of special prompting procedures to minimize errors.
What is the evidence for Behavior Analysis? Between 1985 and 2011 over 500 studies demonstrated the effectiveness of ABA
Baseline
ABAI Accredited Programs B.A.: 240 Hours Content: principles, research methods, concepts, application, ethics, experimental analysis of behavior, and supervised practicum
ABAI Accredited Programs M.A.: 315 Hours (2015) Ph.D.: 495 Hours (2015) Content: principles, research methods, concepts, application, ethics, experimental analysis of behavior, and supervised practicum M.A. must complete thesis or equivalent Ph.D. must complete dissertation
Graduate Level Training Programs California State University, Los Angeles M.A. California State University, Stanislaus, M.S. Florida State University, Panama City Campus, M.A. Florida Institute of Technology, M.S. The Ohio State University, M.A., Ph.D. Queens College and Graduate Center of CUNY, Ph.D. Simmons College, M.A. Southern Illinois University, M.S. St. Cloud State University, M.S. Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A. and Ph.D. University of Cincinnati, Ed.S. and Ph.D. University of Houston-Clear Lake, M.A. University of Kansas, M.A. and Ph.D. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, M.A. University of Nevada, Reno, M.A. and Ph.D. University of North Texas, M.S. University of South Florida, M.A. West Virginia University, Ph.D. Western Michigan University, M.S. and Ph.D.
Organizations ABAI: Applied Behavior Analysis International Supports research, education practice of ABA CalABA: California Chapter BACB: Behavior Analysis Certification Board ABPA: Association of Professional Behavior Analysts Represents interests of BCBA-credentialed practitioners, provides trainings and support
Conferences APBA (Annual April in Tampa) ABAI (Autism January in Philadelphia) (Annual May in Seattle) CalABA (Annual February in Orange Co) Other Chapters
Behavior Analysts in the Area of Autism Treatment Work for: Non-Public Agencies Non-Profits School Districts Regional Centers Vocational /Residential Providers Private Contracts (families)
Regional Centers School Districts Private Pay Insurance Companies New mandate Costs Who Funds?
Public Policy Legislation Licensure Networking with Behavior Analysts Service Standards