Association for Behavior Analysis International

Behavior Analysis has enjoyed a long tradition of successful demonstrations of individual behavior change as evidenced by the now 50+ year history of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, the number of new publication outlets for applied research, and the demand for services (particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorder). However, the individuals we support are also a part of a culture or social environment(e.g., families, schools, organizations, communities). Social environments serve as the networks of contingencies that maintain much of our individual behavior. Culturo-behavior science adds to our understanding of individual behavior change, explores the contingencies that arise when one or more individuals are engaging in behaviors dependent upon one another (e.g., interlocking behavioral contingencies or socio-interlocked behaviors), and seeks to understand how to bring about social and systemic change. The goal of this Professional Development Series Panel is to introduce attendees to the types of research and the range of applications - organizational, social, and community systems - representative of culturo-behavior science.

Women face gender-related problems worldwide and are still underrepresented in important areas. Although female representation has increased substantially over time, women continue to face serious challenges. At the 2019 ABAI conference, three leaders in our field discussed gender inequality and shared their experiences. The purpose of this second panel is to empower women and continue discussing the gender gap and what can be done to close it. Three prominent behavior analysts will share their experiences as successful women and leaders in academia, clinical, and organizational settings. Panelists will discuss strategies to achieve goals and manage professional and personal life.

Students in graduate level training programs for behavior analysis may be required to serve in supervisory roles as soon as they graduate and become certified as BCBAs. To date, university that provide graduate level training programs in behavior analysis include limited opportunities for students to practice behaviors that are essential to building their supervisory skill set. These skills may include delivering effective feedback, assessing and monitoring supervisees’ progress, modeling effective professional, interpersonal and ethical behaviors, the ability to manage time effectively, plan a head and organize their own and their supervisees’ schedules to name a few. Students who graduate from programs for behavior analysis may find themselves overwhelmed by the workload and ill-equipped to handle the supervisory responsibilities that often are an integral part of becoming a BCBA. This panel seeks to provide behavior analysis graduate students and current supervisors in the field the opportunity to listen to experts share their experience and learn from them how they manage their time effectively while providing high quality supervision for a team of supervisees. The audience is invited to ask the panelists about their strategies and systems they have developed over the years to support their work as supervisors.

Graduate students in programs for behavior analysis and behavior analysts who serve as supervisors in the field

The panel session will provide ABAI student members pivotal perspectives from three professionals in navigating and communicating with the professional world of applied behavior analysis (ABA). This 50-minute panel session will allow ABAI members to interact with professionals in a conversation-like format. As well as ask questions regarding effective networking styles. The three professionals, Dr. Ross, Dr. Baker, and Dr. Joslyn, come from diverse backgrounds of ABA, including areas such as special education in PK-12 schools, behavioral gerontology, and crime and delinquency. The panel will address topics such as why networking is an important skill to acquire, how to make a great first impression with big names in the field, and tips and tricks on how to develop and improve one’s skill set. Discussions of interactions will not be limited to interacting with professionals in the field of ABA but also prospective mentors, employers, and clients. This panel intends to address questions we may have when networking with professionals. The panel seeks to aid students in learning how to make strong connections to increase their success as professionals in the field of ABA.

ABAI members, graduate students, and other individuals who want to learn how to network and communicate with other professionals in the field effectively.

This PDS features the editors of ABAI journals discussing the peer review process, its importance in science in general, and for consumers of scientific information. Panelists will describe the peer review process from article submission to addressing reviewer comments and understanding editorial decisions. The protections against misinformation that peer review offers are emphasized in this PDS.

All individuals interested in the publication process.

The relationship between a supervisor and supervisee is complex and dynamic and plays an important role in the training of behavior analysts. Supervision provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills as a behavior analyst with the support of someone with experience and expertise. While the supervision relationship is intended to be one of support and guidance, the imbalance in knowledge and experience can create a power differential between the supervisor and supervisee. This power imbalance can lead to an inauthentic relationship and the supervisee disregarding supervisor feedback. In an attempt to address these potential issues within the supervision relationship, supervisors can create a flexible context for supervision by making space for effective dialogue using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) approaches. By noticing and allowing space for the differences, biases, and experiences that exist between the supervisor and supervisee, the supervisor can foster a bidirectional learning experience which allows the supervisor and supervisee to learn from one another. The panelists in this talk will speak to their supervision experiences and discuss how they have been able to integrate ACT and RFT approaches within supervision. Speakers will also answer questions about how supervisors can begin integrating these approaches in their own supervision.

Graduate students, BCBAs, BCaBAs