| Time | Topic |
| 10:00am – 11:20am | The Heart of Applied Behavior Analysis Speaker: Dr. Justin Leaf (Ph.D., Director of Research)
Intensive behavioral intervention based upon the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis has repeatedly been shown to be effective in improving functional skills, social skills, language skills, and reducing aberrant behavior for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At the heart of Applied Behavior Analysis is having the individuals whom we work with make meaningful progress which will improve their quality of life. In order for individuals diagnosed with ASD to make meaningful gains, behavioral intervention must be implemented by quality staff. The purpose of this talk is to highlight different areas in which behavioral intervention can make meaningful differences (e.g., food tolerance, bullying, language development). In doing so the presenter will provide recommendations of how to make meaningful progress so practitioners and caregivers can improve the lives of children with whom they provide treatment.
This topic is designed to give participants an overview of effective procedures that can be used with all ages and functioning levels. The case studies presented will illustrate how to work on behavior issues in various locations. |
| 11:20am – 11:35am | Break |
| 11:35am – 1:00pm | Using ABA Principles in Group TeachingSpeaker: Mr. Toby Mountjoy (M.Sc., BCBA, Director)
It is critical that children with ASD learn how to learn in a group setting to prepare them for school and natural settings. Contrary to popular belief, ABA provides a systematic approach to learning in groups as well as 1 on 1 training. In this talk, Mr. Mountjoy will share how to identify if children are ready for group training and discuss the effective methods of how to get started and the critical areas of programming to be successful. |
| 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Lunch |
| 2:00pm – 3:20pm | The Case Against Eclectic InterventionsSpeaker: Dr. John McEachin (Ph.D., Co-founder and Director)
One of the most important research findings from the past several decades is that individuals with autism are enormously capable, but they require specialized teaching in order to learn. Some approaches have focused mainly on making accommodations such as reducing sensory stimulation, establishing routines, providing visual supports, and promoting peer tolerance of atypical behavior. The most effective approaches focus on developing skills in children with autism so that they become more competent, possess coping skills, understand how others think, and why others behave the way they do. This allows the person with autism to more effectively achieve what is important to him or her and can lead to the discovery of new sources of joy in daily life. |
| 3:20pm – 3:35pm | Break |
| 3:35pm – 5:00pm | Evolution of ABA Speaker: Dr. Ronald Leaf (Ph.D., Co-founder and Director)
Years of research and clinical applications have produced a proliferation of behaviorally based intervention programs for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Though all are under the umbrellas of ABA, often originating from the same seminal efforts, divergent directions in philosophy, conceptualization and application have often been followed between and within these various types of ABA programs. The sometimes subtle and sometimes substantial disparities that may be found between some Applied Behavior Analysis approaches to treating persons with ASD. Drawing from over 40 years of research and clinical application of Applied Behavior Analysis, Dr. Leaf will share the strategies that Autism Partnership has developed over decades and that have helped children reach their potential. |
| 5:00pm – 5:30pm | Q&A session |
