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Clinical Interviewing in Behavior Analytic Practice: Effective Techniques for Gathering Information, Conveying Compassion, and Working With Cultural Sensitivity |
Friday, May 26, 2023 |
12:00 PM–3:00 PM |
Convention Center Mile High Ballroom 2B |
Area: CBM/DDA; Domain: Service Delivery |
CE Instructor: Maggie Veiga, M.Ed. |
MAGGIE VEIGA (University of Massachusetts ), Joseph N. Ricciardi (May Institute) |
Description: Clinical-behavior analysts use clinical interviewing as part of intake, assessment and ongoing consultation. They gather background information, determine comorbid medical problems, and identify family and cultural values. Then, they interview to identify and prioritize behaviors of concern; possible antecedents and reinforcing consequences; and to develop testable hypotheses of function. Yet few behavior analysts receive training in interview and clinical communication skills (LeBlanc, Taylor, Marchese, 2020). Recent trends in the advanced practice of ABA now require clinical interviewing skills. For example, interviewing skills are required to design synthesized FA conditions (Slaton, Hanley, Raftery, 2017), integrate compassionate care approaches (Taylor, LeBlanc, Nosik, 2019), foster collaboration (Rohrer et al., 2021), identify possible trauma history (Rajaraman et al, 2022), respond to important cultural differences (Fong et al., 2016), and support a circumstances view of behavioral challenges (Friman, 2021). This workshop will provide behavior analysts with an overview of the clinical interview process, its aims, and objectives. Specifics will include strategies and techniques for using structured interviews, developing rapport and bond with informants, active listening, conveying empathy, interrupting/redirecting unfocused exchanges. This workshop is consistent with an emerging line of research targeting acquisition of these essential skill sets (Rohrer & Weiss, 2022). |
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to explain how structured interviews are used to enhance clinical information gathering. Participants will be able to describe and demonstrate the active listening skill set. Participants will be able to list three tactics for communicating empathy, concern, or compassion. Participants will be able to define at least one source of cognitive bias in the interpretation of a clinical interview. Participants will be able to describe and demonstrate verbal tactics for redirecting unfocused exchanges. |
Activities: The format will combine lecture, video demonstrations, and structured opportunities for practice and feedback |
Audience: Intermediate. It is ideal for trainees to have completed clinical intake processes with individuals and families and have experience with the standard conduct of an FBA. |
Content Area: Practice |
Instruction Level: Intermediate |
Keyword(s): clinical assessment, compassionate care, culturally responsive |
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Early Identification and Treatment of Autism Symptomatology in Infants |
Friday, May 26, 2023 |
4:00 PM–7:00 PM |
Convention Center Mile High Ballroom 1E/F |
Area: AUT/DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
CE Instructor: Rebecca P. F. MacDonald, Ph.D. |
REBECCA P. F. MACDONALD (New England Center for Children), Sally Dupere (The New England Center for Children), VICTORIA WEISSER (The New England Center for Children) |
Description: While there is a growing body of research examining early symptoms of ASD, the point at which this pattern of atypical social responding begins to deviate in children who are later diagnosed with autism is unclear. A preponderance of evidence indicates that autism symptomatology emerges between 6 and 12 months of age (Tanner & Dounavi 2020). Some studies suggest that symptoms of autism can emerge in infants as early as 3 months of age (Jones & Klin 2013). A thorough review of the research on early diagnosis of ASD will be provided. The purpose of this workshop is to describe the research we have been doing with high-risk infants birth through 18 months of age to document the emergence of early symptomatology. In this workshop we will present a tool we have developed called the Early Markers of Autism (EMA) that provides direct observation of possible early markers that may be predictive of a diagnosis of autism. We will review data from our study and discuss specific behaviors that may be concerning at a young age. A variety of exercises will allow participants to record data using the EMA, as well as to practice implementing portions of the tool. In addition, we will review strategies for coaching parents and teaching infants, which is very different from teaching toddlers. This research has implications for the early identification of autism and potentially leading to changing the diagnostic trajectory for those infants at risk of a later diagnosis of autism. |
Learning Objectives: 1. The participants will be able to describe early markers of autism in infants. 2. The participants will be able to describe strategies for teaching infants’ early skills. 3. The participants will be able to coach parents to teach skills to their infants using behavioral skills training. |
Activities: Workshop objectives will be met through a balanced presentation of lecture, video observation, small group discussion and guided practice. |
Audience: Participants are encouraged to have their BCBA and be engaged in clinical practice with individual on the Autism Spectrum. |
Content Area: Practice |
Instruction Level: Intermediate |
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Culturo-Behavior Science Updates on Earth-Threatening International Problems |
Saturday, May 27, 2023 |
10:00 AM–10:50 AM |
Hyatt Regency, Mineral Hall D-G |
Area: CSS/PCH; Domain: Theory |
Chair: Susan M. Schneider (Western Michigan University) |
Discussant: Susan M. Schneider (Western Michigan University) |
CE Instructor: Richard F. Rakos, Ph.D. |
Abstract: The global community is facing an onslaught of wide-ranging, multi-determined, and vexing cross-national conflicts, environmental threats, political and social upheavals, human and animal migrations, health and economic inequities, and human rights violations, to name a few prominent social ills. Culturo-behavior science (CBS) has evolved into a behavior analytic approach that draws on concepts like the metacontingency and context to analyze and intervene with social and cultural problems on the systems level. The increase in prominence achieved by CBS can be seen in recent books (e.g., Cihon & Mattaini, 2020) and journal issues (e.g., Perspectives on Behavior Science, Hantula, 2019) devoted to it, as well as in the growth of Behavior and Social Issues, the ABAI journal devoted exclusively to addressing social problems through behavior analysis. This symposium, sponsored by Behaviorists for Social Responsibility, presents recent CBS work on two urgent global problems that potentially have Earth-threatening consequences: war and climate change. |
Instruction Level: Basic |
Target Audience: Behavior analysts interested in applying their skills to systemic social problems |
Learning Objectives: After this symposium, attendees will be able to (1) describe the range of application of behavior science to climate change, the limits to date, and future directions for application; (2) analyze and categorize state-promoted propaganda in terms of stimulus control mechanisms, and (3) utilize systems-level analytic tools to more comprehensively identify the environmental determinants of climate-friendly behaviors and of war propaganda |
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Losing Wartime Hearts and Minds: The Limits to Antecedent Stimulus Control in the Twenty-First Century |
RICHARD F. RAKOS (Cleveland State University) |
Abstract: The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was accompanied by torrents of state-promulgated propaganda. From the behavior analytic perspective, propaganda is promoted through antecedent stimulus control, as demonstrated by Rakos (1993) for the first US-Iraq war; this analysis categorized US war propaganda missives in terms of stimulus equivalence, motivating operations, rules, and discriminative stimuli and assessed their functional impact. The current inquiry follows a similar strategy, but updates the analysis by using newer conceptual tools like the metacontingency and contextual behavior science. This examination of the Russian propaganda effort reveals it to be less successful than the US campaign in 1990. A comparison of the propaganda strategies used by the US in 1990 with those used by Russia in 2022 expose important similarities in stimulus control tactics, despite the two countries’ political and ideological differences. But the analysis also suggests key differences that may contribute to the lesser impact of the Russian propaganda effort. |
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Global Warming: Recent Efforts in Behavior Analysis |
MARK P. ALAVOSIUS (Praxis2LLC), Ramona Houmanfar (University of Nevada, Reno) |
Abstract: Global warming is described as a “super wicked problem” by policy scientists. This label emphasizes urgency of preparing for the accelerating warming of the planet and the vast impacts this will levy on all life. The behavior analysis community has addressed the topic at least since the 1970s as revealed in research articles, texts, and conference presentations. While other applications of behavior analysis currently dominate efforts of the scientific and service community, advances in culture-behavior science indicate conceptual analyses may be laying foundations for more urgent, expansive effort that can build on preceding work to address climate change. The journal “Behavior and Social Issues” (BSI) published a special section on behavior and climate change in 2022 to summarize the current efforts; a second section is invited for publication in 2023. This address considers the recent conceptual, experimental, and applied work conveyed in these BSI publications as well as several notable recent ABAI books*. A likely path ahead is outlined that entails an iterative approach in which behavior analysts engage actively with efforts to advance culturo-behavior science and organize our future lives to be less environmentally harmful and more sustainable. The ABAI concentration in culturo-behavior science offers an initiative that can promote young researchers and practitioners to allocate effort toward better understanding and changing behaviors critical to preserving future well-being. |
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A Paradigm Shift in This Moment of Invisible Symptoms: What the Adolescent Brain Tells Us About How to Conceptualize Addiction and its Treatment |
Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
10:00 AM–10:50 AM |
Convention Center Four Seasons Ballroom 1 |
Area: SCI; Domain: Applied Research |
Chair: Liz Kyonka (California State University - East Bay) |
CE Instructor: Liz Kyonka, Ph.D. |
Presenting Author: SARAH FELDSTEIN EWING (University of Rhode Island) |
Abstract: There has been a global surge in adolescents’ use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)/vaping, cannabis (vaped, edible), and use of prescription opioids (POs) not-asprescribed. The nature of these substances often renders them “difficult-to-detect” due to limited physical and behavioral signs, along with subtle, but often, hazardous longer-term effects. Here, Dr. Feldstein Ewing will address the nature of substance use presentation in the adolescent age group, including challenges in detection and related complications that impact screening and prevention. Further, in terms of intervention, many of the existing addiction treatments that we use with adolescents were originally designed for adults; however, the adolescent brain is increasingly being recognized as substantively different than the adult brain. And, likely for related reasons, adolescents engage with substances in different ways than adults. Dr. Feldstein Ewing will begin by reviewing empirical data on “difficult-to-detect” effects, including acute effects at neural levels and longer-term neurocognitive and developmental changes that precede outward physical symptoms. Dr. Feldstein Ewing will also present translational approaches, integrating brain (developmental human neuroscience; fMRI) and behavior (clinical intervention programs) to begin to inform timely updates in how we approach defining addiction in this age group, along with how we update our approaches to behavioral treatment in this age group. |
Instruction Level: Intermediate |
Target Audience: Clinicians, scientists, mental health faculty |
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) Identify the nature of substance use and related risk behaviors during the teen years; (2) Identify existing prevention and intervention approaches for adolescent health risk behaviors; (3) Describe translational approaches to inform improvements in adolescent prevention and intervention approaches |
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SARAH FELDSTEIN EWING (University of Rhode Island) |
Dr. Feldstein Ewing is the Prochaska Endowed Professor of Psychology, Director of the Adolescent Neuroscience Center for Health Resilience (ANCHoR) at URI, and Adjunct Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior (DPHB) and Advance CTR at Brown University. She currently serves as Associate Editor at Transla'onal Psychiatry (Nature). With over 147 peer-reviewed publicaQons and 4 books, she has published widely regarding the developmental fit, neurocogniQve mechanisms, gender differences, and cross-cultural adaptaQon of intervenQon approaches for this developmental stage. She has also developed a highly innovaQve NIH-funded line of translaQonal research to evaluate the connecQon between basic brain mechanisms (e.g., brain structure, funcQon, connecQvity) and youth health risk behavior (e.g., clinical symptoms, prevenQon and intervenQon outcomes). She has conducted this work primarily with underserved and underrepresented youth [e.g., low SES youth, young people of color (POC), young females, sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth), and in the context of youth cannabis use, alcohol use, prescripQon opioids (POs used not-as-prescribed], HIV/STI risk, and high body mass (BMI). Dr. Feldstein Ewing has served as a key member of the NaQonal Academy of Sciences Workgroup for the Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017), and naQonal and internaQonal panels addressing youth brain:behavior translaQonal research and its implicaQons for intervenQon approaches for this age group (e.g., Novavi Symposium on AddicQon Research and Treatment, Denmark: 2022; NIH Science of Behavior Change Capstone Conference, 2021; MacArthur FoundaQon Law and the Brain, 2016). |
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Behavior Analysis and Racial Prejudice: Empirical Research and Perspectives for Intervention |
Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
11:00 AM–11:50 AM |
Convention Center 401/402 |
Area: TBA; Domain: Service Delivery |
Chair: Daniel Mark Fienup (Teachers College, Columbia University) |
CE Instructor: Julio C. De Rose, Ph.D. |
Presenting Author: JULIO C. DE ROSE (Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos) |
Abstract: Behavior analysis has much to contribute to the study of prejudice, and in particular racial prejudice. Well-established behavioral processes are involved in this complex social phenomenon. These processes include discrimination and generalization, stimulus equivalence and other kinds of derived relations, and the transfer or transformation of stimulus functions. This presentation will consider studies dealing with one particular aspect of prejudice: relational responding linking racial groups with negative attributes. Some studies with children have shown that it is possible to reverse such prejudicial relations in the laboratory, and that the reversion may persist for several weeks. Furthermore, current studies are attempting to address some important questions raised by these earlier works, such as: 1) How sensitive and valid are our measures of relations between races and attributes? 2) How can we increase the effectiveness of procedures to counteract these relations? 3) Can similar procedures be effective with older participants, such as adolescents and adults? 4) Can the findings of such research be useful to generate educational interventions against prejudice? Behavior analysis shows potential to make a meaningful contribution to the understanding and change of racial prejudice but needs to increase research efforts to address critical questions so far unanswered. |
Instruction Level: Advanced |
Target Audience: Researchers and students interested in the behavioral aspects of prejudice and in possibilities of intervention. |
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) Identify behavior principles involved in racial prejudice; (2) Describe and discuss experimental procedures to investigate prejudice as well as how to counteract it; (3) Identify shortcomings of the behavior-analytic research on prejudice and directions for future development; (4) Identify perspectives for intervention on prejudice. |
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JULIO C. DE ROSE (Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos) |
Ph.D. at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1981, and postdoctoral Fulbright fellow at the Shriver Center for Mental Retardation, in Waltham, MA (1984-6). Currently, Professor of Psychology at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil, and Research Director of the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Behavior, Cognition and Teaching. Author or co-author of more than 170 articles and chapters on experimental, applied, and conceptual Behavior Analysis. Served in the editorial boards of several international journals in the field of Behavior Analysis, and currently Associate Editor of The Psychological Record. |
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Development of Behavior Analytic Treatment Packages to Address Diverse Clinical Problems |
Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
11:00 AM–12:50 PM |
Hyatt Regency, Capitol Ballroom 1-3 |
Area: CBM/AUT; Domain: Applied Research |
Chair: Matthew L. Edelstein (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
Discussant: Robert LaRue (Rutgers University) |
CE Instructor: Matthew L. Edelstein, Psy.D. |
Abstract: Central to any evidence-based practice is the development of a series of procedures aimed at solving a specific problem. The effective “packaging” of behavior analytic technologies is essential to creating new contexts for our practice. In this symposium, we will provide preliminary evidence for innovative treatment packages to address problems of social significance. In the first presentation, Dr. Mellott will highlight a procedure to teach tolerance of aversive medical procedures for a small neurotypical child. In the second, Dr. Pogue will present data on functional assessment and treatment of selective mutism. In the third, Dr. Lenfestey will discuss a client-centered, function-based intervention of compulsive behavior. In the fourth, Dr. Strohmeier will present procedures for using behavior analytic techniques to change caregiver behavior. Collectively, these studies seek to broaden the reach of behavior analysis toward addressing diverse clinical problems. |
Instruction Level: Intermediate |
Keyword(s): caregiver behavior, diverse populations, functional assessment, systematic desensitization |
Target Audience: Experience with functional assessment methodology, familiarity with different behavior problems associated with childhood, experience and interest in caregiver training |
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify function-based interventions targeting novel clinical problems 2. Describe behavior analytic approaches to common socially significant interfering behaviors |
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Evaluation of a Wait Training Procedure to Treat Challenging Behavior Evoked by Aversive Medical Procedures |
JOSHUA MELLOTT (Kennedy Krieger Institute), Elizabeth Chan (Florida State University), Hannah Dugoni (Pacific University), Matthew L. Edelstein (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
Abstract: Behavior analytic approaches to treating anxiety include identifying the function of anxious behavior, teaching alternative replacement behaviors (e.g., a functional communication response), and conducting exposures to anxiety-provoking stimuli to increase habituation and decrease reactivity to such stimuli. The current study expanded upon a functional communication training and schedule thinning without programmed alternatives protocol as a framework for conducting exposures to aversive but necessary medical procedures. Following the patient’s ability to (a) utilize a functional communication response and (b) tolerate restricted access to preferred items for a terminal wait criteria (S∆ conditions), researchers implemented systematic desensitization by inserting increasingly anxiety-provoking stimuli within wait periods. Results suggested significant decreases in disruptive behavior in the presence of both S∆ conditions and anxiety-provoking stimuli, allowing the patient to access required medical treatment. Implications include procedures that may be implemented with patients who engage in disruptive behavior that prevents access to necessary medical treatment. |
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Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Selective Mutism |
EMILY POGUE (Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine), Megan Krantz (Loma Linda University), Matthew L. Edelstein (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
Abstract: Selective mutism (SM) is a complex psychiatric disorder in which a child consistently fails to speak in specific situations despite demonstrating normal speech production in other situations. An ABA approach can offer individuals with SM a new understanding of the evocation and maintenance of this behavior, as well as individualized and effective treatment. Prior research has documented the heterogeneity of SM symptomology pointing to potential subtypes of the disorder. Via our training in direct assessment, systematic application of evidence-based treatments, and visual inspection of data, behavior analysts have much to contribute to this line of inquiry. This study used a multiple-baseline design across settings to evaluate the use of a behavioral intervention package consisting of differential reinforcement, contingency management, and exposure procedures in a 3.5-year-old girl with selective mutism. Treatment resulted in increased vocal responding across settings and verbal operants. Responding exhibited a highly variable, though increasing trend throughout baseline and treatment conditions. Oppositional behaviors and non-compliance were observed during treatment. Implications for subtypes of SM profiles and effective assessment and function-based treatment are discussed. |
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Treatment of Socially-Mediated Compulsive Behavior in a High Functioning Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder |
Amanda Taboas (Illinois State University), Charda Davis (William James College), Matthew L. Edelstein (Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
Abstract: Compulsive and repetitive behaviors are common features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); however, assessing and treating compulsive behaviors in high functioning individuals presents a unique challenge for clinicians. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used method for treating of compulsive behaviors, its effectiveness may be limited in populations with ASD. The current study used a withdrawal design to evaluate a functional communication training and exposure with response prevention paradigm with a high functioning individual with comorbid ASD and OCD who engaged in socially mediated compulsive behaviors. Treatment resulted in high rates of functional communication and decreased rates of compulsive behaviors observed across settings. Follow-up data suggested maintenance of skills at 6-month follow up measured via direct observation and parent report. Implications for client-centered, function-based approach to address compulsive behavior are discussed. |
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Shaping Parent Adherence to Function-Based Interventions |
CRAIG STROHMEIER (Kennedy Krieger Institute; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine), Michelle D. Chin (The Kennedy Krieger Institute) |
Abstract: Parent responses to child problem behavior may simultaneously abate the problem behavior episode and function as a reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior (e.g. attention delivered contingent on attention-maintained self-injurious behavior [SIB]). Parents may emit a similar response, independent of problem behavior, in order to avoid a behavior escalation; even when the response interferes with ongoing activities (e.g. interrupting work, a phone call, or an interaction with another family member). Strohmeier et al. (2020) referred to these escape and avoidance-maintained parent behaviors as Accommodation. Since accommodation is maintained by potent negative reinforcement contingencies (i.e. escape and avoidance of problem behavior), it may persist and interfere with adherence to function-based behavioral interventions, even after parents undergo behavioral skills training. This presentation will provide an overview of behavior therapy strategies, including Behavioral Activation, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and describe their use to target the negative maintaining contingencies that support accommodation and nonadherence. The presentation will include preliminary data from a clinical trial investigating the use of behavior therapy strategies to reduce parent accommodation of problem behavior and increase adherence with behavior plans. |
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Use of Rodent Behavioral Models to Investigate the Effects and Mechanism of Action of Classical Psychedelic Drugs and Related Molecules |
Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
3:00 PM–3:50 PM |
Hyatt Regency, Centennial Ballroom D |
Area: BPN; Domain: Applied Research |
Chair: Jonathan W. Pinkston (Western New England University) |
CE Instructor: Adam Halberstadt, Ph.D. |
Presenting Author: ADAM HALBERSTADT (University of California San Diego) |
Abstract: Classical psychedelic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin induce profound alterations of consciousness via 5-HT2A receptor activation. Over the last twenty years, considerable clinical evidence has emerged indicating that psychedelic drugs may have therapeutic efficacy against a range of disorders, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic pain. The therapeutic use of psychedelics has a number of potential limitations, including off-target interactions and the intense hallucinogenic effects produced by these substances, which necessitates close clinical supervision for several hours and can cause anxiety and confusion in some patients. However, the degree to which the clinical efficacy of psilocybin and related substances are linked to their psychedelic effects is not entirely clear. It may be possible to decouple the psychedelic and therapeutic effects produced by this drug class, potentially permitting the development of analogs of existing psychedelics that retain therapeutic activity but with less potential to produce hallucinogenic effects and undesirable side-effects. Developing and evaluating new agents from this class has historically been difficult due to the complexities associated with the preclinical assessment of psychedelic potential. The presentation will review work conducted over the last decade to develop and optimize preclinical behavioral models that can be used to characterize psychedelic-like molecules. In addition to helping to answer fundamental questions about the mechanism-of-action and structure-activity relationships of psychedelic drugs, the availability of these models has facilitated the identification of new members of this drug class with unique pharmacological properties. These second-generation molecules are starting to move through the drug development pipeline and are being investigated as novel therapeutics. |
Instruction Level: Intermediate |
Target Audience: Basic and clinical researchers and mental health professionals. |
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: (1) Describe potential therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs on depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic pain, (2) Discuss the potential limitations of the therapeutic use of psychedelics, including off-target interactions and the hallucinogenic effects produced by these substances, and (3) Describe work conducted over the last decade to develop and optimize preclinical behavioral models that can be used to characterize psychedelic-like molecules. |
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ADAM HALBERSTADT (University of California San Diego) |
Dr. Adam L. Halberstadt is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California
San Diego (UCSD). He received a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Delaware in
1998 and a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. Dr. Halberstadt’s
research focuses on the neurobiology of serotonin and the pharmacology and effects of
psychedelic drugs (serotonergic hallucinogens). He is currently the co-director of the
Psychedelics and Health Research Initiative (https://phri.ucsd.edu), which coordinates novel
basic and clinical research with psychedelics at UCSD. His laboratory at UCSD studies
psychedelic drugs using a cross-species translational approach and includes both preclinical and
clinical research programs. Dr. Halberstadt is currently conducting a clinical trial at UCSD to
investigate whether psilocybin can relieve the symptoms of intractable phantom limb pain in
amputees. His preclinical research program focuses on the pharmacology and mechanism-ofaction
of existing and novel psychedelic molecules. Dr. Halberstadt was also the primary editor
of “Behavioral Neurobiology of Psychedelic Drugs”, a volume that was published by Springer in
2018 as part of their Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences (CTBN) series. |
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Applications of Diversity and Inclusion Strategies to Decrease the Disparities in Access to Autism Services |
Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
6:00 PM–6:50 PM |
Convention Center Mile High Ballroom 4C/D |
Area: AUT/CSS; Domain: Service Delivery |
CE Instructor: Alyssa Kavner (she/they), M.A. |
Chair: Paula Pompa-Craven (Easterseals Southern California) |
NAA GARRIDO (Galena Autism and Behavioral Services) |
FATOU NJIE-JALLOW (New England Center for Children) |
ALYSSA KAVNER (SHE/THEY) (Easterseals Southern California) |
Abstract: Autism is prevalent in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, with 1 in 44 children aged 8 years or older receiving an autism diagnosis, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. However, minority groups are less likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed with autism or as having speech delays. There are also disparities in the age that some minority children are diagnosed with autism, as well as the reported quality of care received. Studies found inequalities specific to autism diagnosis and treatment due to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status that limit accessibility of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income families (Lauer, 2013; Magaña, et al. 2012; Smith et al., 2020). The panel discussion will start with an overview of disparities in access to healthcare, funding, and access to services and three organizations will discuss initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in service access. The panelists will then answer questions discussing organizational resources for building a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) department, staff and client resources aimed at increasing service access, and recruitment strategies aimed at increasing the diversity of service providers. |
Instruction Level: Advanced |
Target Audience: BCBAs, BCBA-Ds, and Professional Psychologists should have experience in implementing programs in their own organizations, engaging with their communities, and using measurement tools to indicate organizational outcomes. |
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the disparities in accessing treatment for autism services in BIPOC and low-income families and discover specific resources aimed at reducing those inequalities; 2. Identify strategies and resources needed to implement a Diversity and Inclusion program within their own organization; 3. Identify goals related to training, recruitment, outreach and partnerships aimed at reducing the inequalities for accessing and increasing the quality of treatment. |
Keyword(s): Access, Autism, Diversity, Inclusion |
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