pennsylvania expert speaker series for behavior analysts€¦ · educational environment mark...

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Expert Speaker Series

for Behavior Analysts

2012 - 2013

Pennsylvania

Date Title

November 20, 2012 We Are All in This Together Now!

James E. Connell, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

December 6, 2012 Science, Fads, and Applied Behavior Analysis:

Why Ineffective Treatments Persist and What

We Can Do About It

Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA-D

January 10, 2013 From Code to Conduct: Applying the Guidelines to

Ethical Challenges in the Practice of Behavior Analysis

Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D

January 24, 2013 Empirical Evaluation of Alternative Treatments for

Individuals with Special Needs

Robert LaRue, Ph.D., BCBA-D

February 28, 2013 Increasing Compliance in Individuals with

Developmental Disabilities

David A. Wilder, Ph.D., BCBA-D

March 14, 2013 Designing Systems to Promote Treatment Integrity

Jessica Glass Kendorski, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

April 18, 2013 What to Consider When Considering Medication

Michael J. Murray, M.D.

May 6, 2013 iPads and Autism: Best Practices in the

Educational Environment

Mark Mautone

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, Inc. can be obtained through the web-site at

www.melmark.org. Additional information about professional development

opportunities can be found at www.memarkce.com.

http://www.melmark.org

2012-2013 Expert Speaker Series

We Are All in This Together Now! James E. Connell, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

Drexel University

November 20, 2012 (3:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: Formal training in mental health and/or behavioral consultation is largely

absent in behavior analysis graduate training programs. Thus, behavior analysts are left

to their own devices when consulting with related service personnel, school-building

administrators, teachers, and interdisciplinary teams working in mental, physical and

behavioral health care organizations. This presentation identifies the need for formal

training in behavior analysis training programs. Additionally, this presentation

illustrates a behavioral model of consultation and questions whether private events

should be, and could be part of the consultative behavioral targets. Finally, this

presentation explores the possibility that targeting private events, congruent with

observable actions may lead to long-term behavioral changes.

James E. Connell, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D is a nationally and state certified School

Psychologist, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Connell holds two

appointments at Drexel University. He is an Associate Professor in the School of

Education, and the Clinical Director and Research Fellow of the AJ Drexel Autism

Institute. His previous appointments include the University of Pennsylvania’s School of

Medicine with a secondary appointment in The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s

(CHOP) Center for Autism Research (CAR), and Temple University’s School

Psychology Program. His research and clinical interests include identifying the

variables that influence adult behavior change in community settings. He continues this

research theme at Drexel with research projects focused on the widespread

dissemination of evidence-based interventions in school and community settings. His

overarching goal is to advance to the dissemination and implementation literature of

evidence-based programs in community settings.

NOTE: This is a 3 credit BACB Type 2 CEU event.

Science, Fads, and Applied Behavior Analysis: Why Ineffective Treatments Persist and What We Can Do About It Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Endicott College

December 6, 2012 (3:30 p.m.— 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: Treatments having little or no empirical evidence of effectiveness continue to be used with persons exhibiting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Such treatments waste time that could better be spent on the use of proven therapies, consume financial resources, and extract an emotional cost from parents and caregivers when such treatments fail. Fad treatments continue to be popular for many reasons. Some advocates adhere to an anti- (or pseudo-) scientific belief and thus dismiss scientific and empirical evidence as the defining criteria for judging the quality of treatments. For others, there is misunderstanding of what constitutes quality evidence of effectiveness, thus erroneously assuming that all types of evidence are equally persuasive. Another possible explanation for why ineffective treatments continue to be used suggests a phylogenectic characteristic to assume causal relationships among random events, when no such relationships actually exist. This workshop will provide the audience with a review of fad treatments in use with persons with ASD and developmental disabilities, discuss the reasons why such treatments persist in the absence of empirical evidence, and present ways of judging whether a particular treatment meets commonly accepted standards of empirical evidence of effectiveness.

Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA-D is a Professor of Education and Director of the Applied Behavior Analysis Online Program at the Institute for Behavioral Studies, Van Loan Graduate School, Endicott College. Dr. Zane earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in psychology at Western Michigan University and his doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis at West Virginia University. He has served as a Post-Doctorate Research Associate at the University of Massachusetts, Professor at Mount Holyoke College, and Johns Hopkins University Department of Psychiatry. He is a licensed psychologist in New York and Massachusetts. Dr. Zane has published in various journals and books, presented at regional, national, and international conferences, and been an invited lecturer in Ireland and the Republic of China. His research interests include teacher training, staff development, and evidenced-based practice in autism. As part of his duties at Endicott College, he offers a BCBA certificate program through distance learning.




From Code to Conduct: Applying the Guidelines to Ethical Challenges in the Practice of Behavior Analysis Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Melmark; Endicott College

January 10, 2013 (3:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: Behavior analysts become familiar with the BACB's Guidelines for

Responsible Conduct in their training, and rely on these guidelines to navigate

professional and ethical challenges. However, the complexities of clinical practice

sometimes obscure the process. In this presentation, we will focus on how the

Guidelines can serve as a compass and as a resource. We will also discuss other skills

that help behavior analysts remain aligned with our ethical guidelines. Scenarios that

assist in illustrating the concepts and the process, will be reviewed.

Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D is the Executive Director of Research at Melmark.

Dr. Weiss is also a Professor at Endicott College, where she directs the Master’s

Program in ABA and Autism. She has worked in the field of ABA and Autism for over

28 years. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University in

1990 and she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2000. She previously

served as Director of Research and Training and as Clinical Director of the Douglass

Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University for 16 years. Her clinical and

research interests center on defining best practice ABA techniques, evaluating the

impact of ABA instruction in learners with autism, teaching social skills to learners with

autism, matching the most effective treatments to learners with autism, training staff to

be optimally effective at instruction, and maximizing family members’ expertise and

adaptation.



Empirical Evaluation of Alternative Treatments for Individuals with Special Needs

Robert LaRue, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center

January 24, 2013 (3:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: Autism is a complex disorder characterized by significant deficits in social

reciprocity and communicative ability as well as the presence of repetitive behavior/

restricted interests. Given the complex nature of autism, a wide variety of interventions

have emerged in recent decades. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), sensory

integration, specialized diets, pharmacological interventions, mercury detoxification

procedures are among the most commonly-used interventions with learners on the

autism spectrum. However, many of these treatments persist in the absence of scientific

data supporting their use. This absence of data is particularly problematic for parents

and practitioners who are trying to provide the best possible intervention for their

learners with autism. The prospect of selecting an appropriate treatment for autism can

be overwhelming for anyone with the vast amount of conflicting information available.

The purpose of the current presentation is two-fold. The first is to review some of the

commonly used alternative treatments for autism and the empirical support for their use.

The second purpose is to review some strategies that may be useful for evaluating the

effectiveness of non-behavioral treatments.

Robert LaRue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Graduate

School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. He earned a dual

doctorate in biological and school psychology from Louisiana State University in 2002.

He completed his predoctoral internship with the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns

Hopkins University and a postdoctoral fellowship with the Marcus Institute at Emory

University. He currently serves as the Director of Behavioral and Research Services at

The Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, where he supervises several doctoral

students and staff providing behavioral consultation to programs within the Center. He

has authored articles in peer-reviewed journals, written several book chapters, and

presented at national and international conferences. His research interests include the

assessment and treatment of maladaptive behavior, staff and teacher training, and

behavioral pharmacology.



Increasing Compliance in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities David A. Wilder, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Florida Institute of Technology

February 28, 2013 (3:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: Compliance, a behavior problem related to poor stimulus control, is the most

common problematic behavior among children, and is a frequent target of behavior

change in both children and adults with developmental disabilities. This presentation

will review recent research on the assessment and treatment of compliance and

recommend techniques for practice. Recent data on the high-probability instructional

sequence, guided compliance procedures, manipulation of effort, the integrity of

compliance-based interventions, and differential reinforcement will be presented.

David A. Wilder, Ph.D., BCBA-D is a Professor of Behavior Analysis at the Florida

Institute of Technology and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Wilder received

his Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from University of Nevada in 1998 under the

supervision of Dr. James E. Carr. He then completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the

Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Behavioral Psychology at the Johns

Hopkins University School of Medicine / Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD.

Before coming to Florida, Dr. Wilder was an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the

University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA for four years. Dr. Wilder is currently an

Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), a former

Associate Editor for the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management (JOBM), and

serves on the editorial boards of Education and Treatment of Children and Behavioral

Interventions. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the California

Association for Behavior Analysis and the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis.



Designing Systems to Promote Treatment Integrity

Jessica Glass Kendorski, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine

March 14, 2013 (3:30 p.m.— 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: This presentation will review the essential components for designing and

fostering environments that promote the successful implementation of interventions.

Specific strategies for promoting integrity at the systems and individual level will be

reviewed as well as strategies to reduce barriers. Emphasis on climate, relationship

building, problem solving, and performance feedback to promote treatment integrity

will be reviewed.

Jessica Kendorski, Ph.D., NCSP received her doctorate from Temple University. Dr.

Kendorski has experience working with children with Autism and other developmental

and intellectual disabilities in both home and school settings. Dr. Kendorski is currently

an Assistant Director at the Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine in the

School Psychology Program. She is also the Director of Clinical Training and trains

future school psychologists and consultants in the latest and most evidence-based

methods and strategies. Dr. Kendorski also has been consulting to local school districts

in central and southern New Jersey starting and monitoring school wide positive

behavior support programs.



What to Consider When Considering Medication

Michael M. Murray, M.D.

Penn State Hershey

April 18, 2013 (3:30 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.)

Abstract: There is no cure for autism and related disorders but psychotropic

medications can play an important role when trying to improve the quality of life for

individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges. Making decisions about

medication trials can be difficult for families as they often fear they are putting their

loved ones at risk for the adverse effects of these medications and they can’t access

clear feedback from their family member as to his/her experience with the medication.

This presentation is aimed at highlighting the crucial role a multi-disciplinary team

plays in the evaluation of psychotropic medication trials for individuals with intellectual

and developmental challenges. The importance of case conceptualization to guide

medication choice will be presented. Finally, a review of some of the most commonly

used psychotropic medications for individuals with developmental challenges will be

offered.

Objectives:

1. Understand the role of the multi-disciplinary team in effective psychotropic

medication trials.

2. Describe the key components of pharmacological case conceptualization and

appreciate the importance of this in determining appropriate medication trials.

3. List which medications have FDA approval to treat symptoms of autism.

4. Understand why medications are used “off label.”

5. Understand the differences between the major psychotropic medication classes.

Michael J. Murray, M.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of

the Division of Autism Services at Penn State Hershey. In his clinical work, he is the

medical director of the Autism and Developmental Disorders Clinic at the Pennsylvania

Psychiatric Institute which serves children, adolescents, and adults across the autism

spectrum. His research is focused on improving social cognition and outcomes for

adolescents and young adults with ASD. Additionally, Dr. Murray serves as the

medical director for The Vista School and is the psychiatric consultant for Melmark.



iPads and Autism: Best Practices in the Educational

Environment

Mark Mautone

ITPADD

May 6, 2013 (3:30 p.m.— 6:30 p.m.)

Abstract: This presentation will provide a comprehensive insight into how the iPad is

used to educate individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The presenter will

review current research on iPads, as well as selection and implementation of iPad

applications across various educational domains. The demonstration of how the

advanced technology that the iPad offers will be shown for a person with ASD in their

daily life. Developing the individualized curriculum and materials needed to educate a

person with ASD through apps and using guided access will be discussed.

Mark Mautone has over 18 years experience in special education. He graduated from

Kean University with a BA in Teacher of the Handicapped and Caldwell College with a

MA in Applied Behavior Analysis. Mark is currently a lead teacher for the Hoboken

School District in New Jersey at their Applied Behavior Analysis Program for children

with autism. He is also the President of ITPADD-Integrated Technology for Persons

with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. A technology company that provides

training, 1:1 instruction, program development and technology support for children and

adults with autism. Mark is the designer/developer of ITPADD iPhone/iPod Touch app,

which was named one of 27 life changing apps for people with Tramatic Brain Injury by

Brainline.org, an organization funded by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.

He is an Apple Certified Associate in iWorks Suite. Mark has extensive knowledge in

assistive technology that includes adapting and creating individualized technological

curriculum using iWorks and iLife. He effectively harnesses standard curriculum with

iPad/iPod Touch applications to create a seamless learning experience.


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. 252. 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.

Registration Form

Name: _____________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________

Organization: _______________________________________________

Daytime Phone: _____________________

E-Mail: ____________________________________________________

Address to send confirmation of registration

___________________________________________________________

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Please select the event(s) you wish to attend:

Nov. 20, 2012 - We are All in This Together Now!

Dec. 6, 2012 - Science, Fads, and Applied Behavior Analysis:

Why Ineffective Treatments Persist and What We Can Do About It

Jan. 10, 2013 - From Code to Conduct: Applying the Guidelines to

Ethical Challenges in the Practice of Behavior Analysis

Jan. 24, 2013 - Empirical Evaluation of Alternative Treatments for

Individuals with Special Needs

Feb. 28, 2013 - Increasing Compliance in Individuals with

Developmental Disabilities

March 14, 2013 - Designing Systems to Promote Treatment Integrity

April 18, 2013 - What to Consider When Considering Medication

May 6, 2013 - IPads and Autism: Best Practices in the Educational

Environment

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 training sessions or to register,

please contact:

Meghan Kane, M.S.Ed, BCBA 610-325-4944

Research and Training Coordinator fax 610.325.2926

For more information this and other professional

development opportunities at Melmark, please contact:

Amanda Guld Fisher, Ph.D., BCBA-D Director of Professional Development

Training & Research

[email protected]

610-325-4745

www.melmarkce.com

2600 Wayland Road 1-888-MELMARK

Berwyn, PA 19312-2307 www.melmark.org

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