the new england behavior analystthe new england behavior analyst ... vince carbone (carbone clinic),...

The New England Behavior Analyst

August 2012Volume 4

a publication of the berkshire association for behavior analysis and therapy (babat)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Conference Information 1

Board Members 2

President’s Update 2

Student Awards 2

Call for Student Posters 2

Membership Update 4

Advocacy and Practice Update 6

Literature Review 8

Call for Nominations: Gerry Shook Practitioner Award 10

Second Annual BABAT Social 10

Meeting the ARICA Challenge: A Member Success Story 12

About BABAT 14

BABAT on Facebook and Twitter 14

Each year, the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Ther-apy (BABAT) holds one of the largest and most important confer-

ences for behavior analysis in the United States. The 33rd annual BABAT conference will be held on October 11 and 12, 2012, at the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). The BABAT conference provides an opportu-nity for behavior analysts throughout the country to hear and share their own cutting-edge research, recommendations for practice, and updates on professional issues.

This year a record number of invited speakers will be giving address-es at BABAT, including: Vince Carbone (Carbone Clinic), Aubrey Daniels (Aubrey Daniels International), Bill Dube (University of Massachusetts Medical School), Flo DiGennaro-Reed (University of Kansas), John Do-nahoe (University of Massachusetts), Pat Friman (Boys Town), Peter Gerhardt (McCarron School), Greg Hanley (Western New England Uni-versity), Steve Higgins (University of Vermont), Brian Iwata (University of Florida), Jim Johnston (Auburn University); Linda LeBlanc (Trumpet Be-havioral Health), Dorothea Lerman (University of Houston, Clear Lake), Sam Leigland (Gonzaga University), Brian Martens (Syracuse University), John Molteni (University of St. Joseph), Dave Palmer (Smith College), Anna Petursdottir (Texas Christian University), Derek Reed (University of Kansas), Denny Reid (Carolina Behavior Analysis and Support Center), Ken Silverman (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine), Ron Van Houten (Western Michigan University), Tim Vollmer (University of Flor-ida), Dave Wacker (University of Iowa), and Doug Woods (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee).

We are also excited to announce that several of our distinguished speakers will also be providing workshops! Invited speakers will be pre-senting on topics such as the assessment and treatment of problem be-havior, skill acquisition for individuals with intellectual disabilities, trans-lational research, organizational behavior management, professional development, verbal behavior, ethical issues, parenting issues, poverty and drug addiction, and climate change and sustainability, just to name a few!

BABAT is also pleased to be presenting the 8th annual Murray Sidman Award for Enduring Contribution to Behavior Analysis to Jerry Shook, the founder of the Behavior Analysts Certification Board (BACB). Several notable individuals will be speaking on Jerry’s behalf.

The BABAT conference provides a wonderful forum for students, professionals, and parents to view, discuss, and share information in our field. Be sure to visit our website (www.babat.org) for information on conference registration and BABAT membership benefits. We look for-ward to seeing you at BABAT 2012!

BABAT Conference 2012Don’t miss one of the nation’s premier behavior analysis conferences!

Dr. David Palmer delivering a talk at a past BABAT conference.

August 2012 2


Board Members

PresidentJoseph Ricciardi, PsyD, ABPP, BCBA-DSeven Hills Clinical AssociatesSeven Hills Foundation

TreasurerJim Sperry, MS, BCBAMay Institute

SecretaryTracey Toran, MS, BCBANew England Center for Children

Conference ChairRick Graff, PhD, BCBA-DNew England Center for Children

Conference Co-ChairMaureen Kelly, PhD, BCBA-DNew England Center for Children

Membership ChairPatrick Heick, PhD, BCBA-DWestfield State College

Professional Practice ChairBill Ahearn, PhD, BCBA-DNew England Center for Children

Student Relations ChairJudah Axe, PhD, BCBA-DSimmons College

Media ChairStacie Bancroft, PhD, BCBA-DNew England Center for Children

Member at Large – Greater BostonElizabeth (Liz) M. Martineau, EdS, MBA, BCBA Nashoba Learning Group

Member at Large – Central and Western MassachusettsAmanda Karsten, PhD, BCBA-DWestern New England College

Special Appointment to the BoardGordon Defalco, PhD, BCBA-DEvergreen Center

Committee Members

Continuing EducationChata Dixon, PhD, BCBA-DNew England Center for Children

Kathy Clark, MS, BCBANew England Center for Children

ABAI LiaisonAlan Harchik, PhD, BCBA-DIndependent Consultant

Web MasterAllen Karsina, PhD, BCBA-DNew England Center for Children

Joseph N. Ricciardi, PsyD, ABPP, BCBA-D BABAT President, and Seven Hills Clinical Associates

Persistence involves a set of behaviors that sustain activity toward a goal. No doubt the recent stall in the movement to secure licensure of behavior analysts in Massachusetts was a disappointment.

But the initiative is far from over. There is no doubt what we need to do. We need to persist.Watching this bill progress over the past several years makes

it clear that legislative activity involves the familiar process of shaping. First, you need to identify and eliminate or avoid the antecedents to immediate rejection. Then, you move the legis-lation toward acceptance by rewarding successive approxima-tions. All of this makes for a slow process, accumulating modest momentum, until finally a bill is passed. State Representative John Scibak, a Hopkins trained behavior analyst before he be-came a legislator, has shared this analysis at BABAT and ABAI over the years.

Today we are closer than ever to a licensing bill. The developments over the past two years have suc-ceeded in integrating the input of the BACB, ABAI, APBA, MassABA, and BABAT—this degree of concor-dance is itself an achievement. There is presently wide-ranging sup-port in the legislature and across several interested groups (families, for one). The bill is being used as a model by other state associations seeking licensure in their states. These are all indications of significant progress. We need to persist.

Several years ago I was enjoying the Berkshire country-side with my wife. We were paddling a canoe down one of its meandering rivers when a storm moved in. With the sky darkening and the air feeling rather electric, I said “Row faster.” A few minutes later we were drift-ing beneath power lines that crossed the river in our aluminum canoe when suddenly lightening struck—“Row even faster!” I yelled. We did, we persisted, and we made it back safely.

BABAT is committed to persistence. We will need to do all the activity we did to get this far in the first place, and row even faster! To get this far we all contacted our legislators and made sure that at the right time, we were sharing our personal position on licensure. To get this far, we agreed to consensus building—compromises between various groups that did not compromise our essential position about licensure. To get this far, we saw the process as slowing trending in the right direction, and did not give in, give up, or cease.

We will continue to pursue licensure because it is best for the Commonwealth offering consumer protection and improved access to services. We will persist because licensure is best for the field, guard-ing against unqualified practitioners who diminish ABA by inappropriate conduct. We will persist, sus-taining all the activities we did to get this far.

And we will row even faster, and never, ever drop the oar.

Persistence: The Right Response Class at the Right Moment

A MESSAGE FROM THE BABAT PRESIDENT

We will continue to pursue licensure

because it is best for the Commonwealth

offering consumer protection and

improved access to services.

August 2012 3


Autism Intervention Specialists is actively seeking full-time BCBAs to provide supervision to Massachusetts, Southern NH and Central and Southern CT.

AIS provides in home and center based insurance funded 1:1 ABA services to

children, teens, and adults with Autism, Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, Rett Syndrome, and CDD.

Our BCBA Supervisors conduct FBAs, create and maintain individual behavioral intervention plans, provide feedback and guidance to our 1:1 Pros, and provide

parent training.

Now Hiring BCBA’s for MA, NH and CT

If you are interested in more information about

Autism Intervention Specialists, please go to our website at:

www.autismspecialty.com

If you are interested in applying for a position within our company,

please send your resume, certification # and 3 letters of

reference to:

[email protected]

Reviews are underway for two of our annual student research competitions. Thank you to all the students who submitted to these awards:

BABAT STUDENT PAPER AWARD » This award is for a completed student project » The winner is awarded a plaque, $1000, and a chance to present in the auditorium at the

BABAT conference

BF SKINNER FOUNDATION/BABAT STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD » This award is for a student research proposal » The winner is awarded a plaque and $500 to support the project

STUDENTS: Submit to the 2012 BF Skinner Foundation/BABAT Student Poster Competition!

Deadline is: SEPTEMBER 10, 2012. See www.babat.org for submission guidelines.

Student Awards: Time to submit! Last Call for Posters!The submission deadline for symposia, pa-pers, panel discussions, and workshops has passed for the 2012 BABAT conference, but you still have time to submit a poster pro-posal. The deadline for posters is September 7, 2012. Take advantage of this great oppor-tunity to share some recent work with your fellow colleagues. Poster submissions can be made electronically at our website (www.babat.org). Students, don’t forget that we have a student poster competition, with a prize of $500 for the best student poster, so be sure to submit your work soon!

Quick tips: » First, download the document Instruc-

tions for Conference Submissions 2012 from www.babat.org for help prepar-ing your proposal.

» Then, follow along with the Instruc-tions document, gathering all required information into a word processing file.

» Submit on line, cutting from your word processing file directly into the on-line fields.

August 2012 4


Patrick Heick, Ph.D., BCBA-D, BABAT Membership Chair

BABAT remains New England’s premier membership association for behavior analysts. Our members contribute to an active commu-

nity of 900 students, educators, practitioners, and scientists who work to improve the nature and application of our science through educa-tion, practice, and research. Members enjoy many benefits of member-ship including the following:

» Discounts on registration, workshop, and continuing education costs at BABAT conferences

» Networking opportunities » Legislative advocacy » Access to emails and newsletters informing members of important

issues, current events, and potential changes in the field

Overall, BABAT supports its members and the field of applied behavior analysis through adherence to its mission to promote the professional practice of applied behavior analysis in Massachusetts. In the past year, significant efforts have been directed at educating our members about the licensing bills and legislative hearings target-ing the work of behavior analysts. Indeed, this issue will dramatically change the current and future practice of behavior analysis. Subse-quently, the BABAT Board of Directors has endeavored to inform and empower our members to protect their right to practice. The Board will continue to work to keep our members up-to-date on legislative issues as well as other events and concerns central to the practice of behavior analysis.

Membership DriveBABAT continues to strive to reach out to even more behavior analysts and future behavior analysts and encourage their membership. As we have seen in the last year, increasing numbers of students, educators, practitioners, and scientists are interested in joining our professional community. All of our past and new members have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of membership including conference discounts, monthly emails, receipt of the New England Behavior Analyst, and many other membership benefits. At the last conference, for example, attendees were offered an incentive to join BABAT for one year at a cost of only $5.00. Registered members could then save up to $15.00 off of registration, workshop and/or continuing education fees - this was one way that membership had immediate benefits!

For those who haven’t yet joined, please plan to join New England’s largest membership association for behavior analysts at the next BABAT conference. That is, membership fees can only be processed during on-site registration. Please be sure to join and encourage other New Eng-land behavior analysts and students of behavior analysis to join as well.

For those not interested in joining, you can still receive BABAT emails and newsletters for FREE. If interested, add your name and email ad-dress to the BABAT mailing list by going to our website (http://www.ba-bat.org/membership/joinbabat.html) or send your information to the BABAT Membership Chair at [email protected] and stay informed for FREE!

We welcome questions, comments, or concerns about our service to our members or the field in general as well as ideas on how to bet-ter support BABAT members and/or fulfill our mission. Correspondence should be directed to Patrick Heick, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Membership Chair, at [email protected].

BABAT Membership Update

this seems like it needs more of an explanation/headline, no? at least a byline that explains who he is?

Lorem Ipsum

[Date]

3rd Annual Convention March 21-23, 2013

Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

“Vivamus porta est sed est.”

Aliquam dolor.

The only convention designed just for ABA practitioners, researchers, and consumers

Invited tutorials, workshops, and discussions by top-notch speakers on evidence-based behavior change procedures, professional credentialing and public policies,

ethics, training and supervision, running a business, and more

NEW this year: Open submissions for symposia and posters on practice-related research

High-quality BACB Type 2 CEUs

Social and professional networking oppportunities

Great values on registration, workshop, CEU, exhibitor, and advertising fees

Fabulous venue near the world-famous Strip

Discounts for APBA members. Not yet a member? Join NOW at http://www.apbahome.net/register-members.php

Check www.apbahome.net regularly for the Call for Papers and details about hotel reservations, the convention program, registration, and advertising.

August 2012 6


Bill Ahearn, PhD, BCBA-D

Though we are all disappointed that the bill, establishing an indepen-dent Board of Registry of Behavior Analysts, was not voted on in the

House prior to the formal legislative session’s end on July 31st, there were many very positive developments in the effort to license behavior analysts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way and what follows is an abbreviated description of the efforts of behavior analysts and our parent advocate allies.

Prior to the beginning of this legislative session, Rep. John Scibak (S. Hadley) met with a number of key stake-holders, including BABAT and MassABA, and crafted a licensing bill that would es-tablish a behavior analyst licensing board in Massachusetts. The bill, H1901, was sub-mitted and 38 legislators signed on as co-sponsors. A competing bill that would have given the authority to regulate the practice of behavior analysis to the Board of Regis-try of Psychologists was submitted, with 3 co-sponsors, by Rep. Ruth Balser (Newton) and was supported by the Massachusetts Psychological Association.

The bills were reviewed by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional licensure. When the bills were heard before the committee there was a huge turnout by behavior analysts and our supporters. The testimony was overwhelmingly in favor of an independent licensing board for behavior analysts. Ultimately the bill was reported favorably out of the committee and sent to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Prior to this there were some relatively minor changes made to the bill, most of which were meant to address some concerns that had been raised about the bill. At this time the bill became S 2217. While in the Senate Ways and Means committee, it was proposed that a subcommittee of behavior

analysts be formed under the Board of Registry of Psychologists and much oversight would have been provided to this body. At this juncture, BABAT, MassABA, AFAM, and Autism Speaks mobilized our memberships and our public campaign, along with a number of other efforts, resulted in the Sen-ate Ways and Means Committee releasing the bill as an independent board of behavior analysts. They also re-wrote the bill. There were many positive aspects of this new bill, which was then S 2379. Among these positives, the bill identified an initial board that would be made up of 9 members, 7 of whom would have a BACB credential, and this board would be charged with establishing the rules for licensing behavior analysts. Additionally, all current BACB-certified persons would qualify for licensure.

There were also some concerning changes. Among these concerning changes was the addition of a referral clause for behavior analytic servic-es and the board would have been required to license agencies, most of which are currently regulated by a variety of state government agencies, that provide behavior analytic services.

This version of the bill was amended, the Senate passed it, and it was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee. At this point another pub-lic campaign was initiated targeting the House leadership. Over 500 calls were received by the office of the Speaker of the House. The House did move the bill up to a third reading but a last minute impasse resulted in the vote not taking place. There is still a chance that this impasse can be overcome during informal session prior to the end of the calendar year. We would like to thank you all for your support. We would also like to thank Rep. Scibak for his leadership in guiding the bill through this pro-cess and MassABA for their strong advocacy. It was very important to es-tablish a united effort and the MA behavior analytic community worked very well together. Both APBA and the BACB also provided very helpful support. Finally, we are very thankful for all of the support that our parent advocate community, especially Autism Speaks and AFAM, provided to us in the effort.

We will let you know when we need you to act again as we will not give up until we establish an independent Behavior Analyst Licensing law.

Applied Behavior Analyst Licensing Bill (SB 2379) Approved by Senate but Stalls in House

ADVOCACY AND PRACTICE UPDATE

We would like to thank you all for

your support ... It was very important

to establish a united effort and the MA behavior analytic

community worked very well together.

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August 2012 8


Written by Erin C. McLoughlin, MEd, BCBA Edited by Corey Stocco, M.S., BCBA

The field of applied behavior analysis has demonstrated decades of ef-fective interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Some

of these individuals achieve high levels of success, opening them to post-sec-ondary options (e.g., higher education or employment) similar to their peers without an ASD. Additionally, young adults with an ASD report that they would like to attend college (Hewitt, 2011 and Morrison, Sansosti & Hadley, 2007). In a recent review, Levy and Perry (2011) reported that 5-40% of individ-uals with high-functioning autism attended college. Taylor and Seltzer (2011) analyzed the post-high school activities of 66 young adults with autism, and reported that 14% of their participants attended college. Of those 9 individu-als, 78% also worked part-time. Only 4 participants in the study worked in a setting with no supports or services. In both of these categories, the majority of participants lived at home with their parents. The findings in these studies indicate two important points. First, individuals with high-functioning autism desire to, and are capable of, participating in post-secondary education and competitive employment, but it is uncommon to achieve such outcomes. Second, even if adults with ASDs attend college or get a job, most do not become independent at home or in the workplace. In other words, there is much to be done to improve the outcomes for adults with ASDs. Like other areas in which applied behavior analysts have made an impact, researchers have started the process of (a) identifying socially valid target behavior, and (b) establishing effective and socially valid behavior change procedures.

Complex skills are required to navigate the complicated environments within college and the workplace. Hewitt (2011), for example, suggested that a successful college experience requires academic achievement, a high degree of independence in self-care and residential contexts, man-agement of frequently-changing schedules, and participation in complex social situations. Given such a long list of complex skills, it might seem diffi-cult for researchers to identify the target behaviors of utmost importance. This particularly is true for individuals with ASD who do not present se-vere problem behavior (e.g., self-injury) but instead demonstrate deficits in, for example, social skills (e.g., greeting others, asking questions). Mor-rison, Sansosti, and Hadley (2007) used an old, but effective, tool to iden-tify behavior important for adults with ASDs to be successful during col-lege: the clinical interview. Morrison and colleagues interviewed parents of children with Asperger’s who planned to attend college. The parents reported behaviors they believed to be most important for their children’s success. One behavior was self-advocacy (i.e., student disclosure of his disability to professors and requesting accommodations in the classroom and with homework). Though the authors do not expand on the potential outcomes brought about by self-advocating, this study highlights the util-ity of clinical interviewing skills in behavior analytic researchers (see Iwata, Wong, Riordan, Dorsey, & Lau, 1982, for a description and demonstration of effective clinical interviewing skills). A useful starting point for research-ers interested in helping adults with ASDs might be interviewing relevant members of the community (e.g., clients, successful college students, pro-fessors, etc.) to identify target behavior.

Of course improving the outcomes for adults with ASDs requires more than simply identifying target behavior. To navigate the complex univer-

sity context, individuals require access to empirically validated behavioral technology that facilitates their success. A few studies have reported be-havioral technology that has produced socially valid outcomes. Hillier, Fish, Cloppert and Beversdorf (2007) reported that a weekly social and vo-cational skills support group produced improvements in mean participant reports of peer relations and empathy. Though Hillier and colleagues did not directly measure participant target behavior, asking participants to re-port on improvements is an important measurement in achieving socially valid outcomes. However, researchers should include direct measurement of target behavior in future evaluations of behavioral technology used to facilitate success for adults with ASDs. Though little research has evalu-ated such behavioral technology, a reasonable starting point is behavioral technology that has proven effective to teach skills to low-functioning in-dividuals. For example, Smith and Belcher (1985) used task analyses and least-to-most prompting to teach four of five adults with autism to inde-pendently complete self- and home-care skills (e.g., brushing teeth, comb-ing hair, cleaning a sink, or cooking spaghetti). This study demonstrates empirically-supported behavioral technologies (i.e., task analyses and prompting strategies) that could be modified to teach skills to adults with ASDs seeking help with complex college skills. For example, once an im-portant skill has been identified (e.g., self-advocacy), researchers or prac-titioners might break the complex skill into its component parts (e.g., list desired accommodations, compare list to professor’s syllabus to identify what needs are already met, arrange meeting with professor, and discuss potential accommodations with professor). Additionally, each of these components might consist of smaller components. Once the complex skill has been task analyzed, then a behavior analyst might use least-to-most prompting while the client practices skills during role play or completes homework assignments. Future research should consider empirically-validated tools, such as task analysis and prompting strategies, previously used to teach less complex skills to other target populations.

As adults with ASDs transition through different stages of life, it is important to remember to work toward outcomes that will persist once supports and services are removed. While self-advocacy might be an im-portant skill during college, it is unlikely to help an individual manage the higher variability in schedules and expectations encountered in college and making deadlines. Ganz and Sigafoos (2005) demonstrated that teach-ing adults with autism to use self-monitoring can lead to improvement in work task completion. Self -monitoring could apply to self-care skills, aca-demic task completion, and even social behaviors of college students with autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, self-monitoring is a skill that has generality (see Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968, for a discussion). That is, empirical-ly-validated behavioral technology can be used to teach self-monitoring, which is likely to produce outcomes that will persist once supports and services are removed. Future research should investigate these assertions and others related to improving the performance of adults with ASDs in college. The field of applied behavior analysis has developed a wide vari-ety of empirically-validated strategies to improve outcomes for individuals with autism. Behavioral researchers have yet to extend the literature base to the small but increasing population of young adults with autism who at-

Transitioning into Adulthood: Socially Valid Behavior, Procedures, and Outcomes for Individuals with ASDs.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Continued on Page 12

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August 2012 10


Given the success of our first BABAT Social and Networking Event this past Spring, we are planning to hold a second

social event in the Spring of 2013.As the date gets closer we’ll be sure to advertise the event

through Facebook and through email, so keep an eye out for ticket sales!

Although the details for our next social aren’t firm yet, we know that the event will again include a great speaker, ethics CE’s, dinner, cocktails, time to socialize with area behavior ana-lysts, and a raffle by the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.

The event will also be a fantastic advertising opportunity for local schools, agencies, and service providers who are looking to reach out to New England Behavior Analysts!

Hope to see you there!

Second Annual BABAT Social To Be Held Next Spring

Last year the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy introduced the Practitioner Award to recognize the accomplishments of an exceptional practitioner in the New England area. The recipient of the award was Dr. James Chok, an outstanding behavioral psychologist from

Melmark New England. Once again this year the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy would like to recognize the

work of a regional practitioner who has used applied behavior analysis to make an exceptional contribution to the field. Practitioners should possess an advanced degree (masters or doctorate) as well as their BCBA. The nomi-nee must practice behavior analysis in one of the five New England States. Their work may be clinical in focus, or may include a focus on using behavioral concepts and technologies as trainers, organizational performance specialists (OBM), or other roles. In any case, their work should be recognizable as ABA according to its defining dimensions (applied, behavioral, analytic, etc...).

Some changes in the award process that will be made this year are:

a. Renaming the award the “Jerry Shook Practitioner Award” in memory of Dr. Jerry Shook founder and CEO of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and a founding Director of APBA, who succumbed to cancer on November 11, 2011. Dr. Shook’s founding of the BACB has had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of practitioners and those they serve..

b. Nomination should be sent directly through the BABAT web page using a form accessible through a link on the site.

c. The recipient of the award will attend the speaker’s dinner on Thursday evening and receive the award at the conference on Friday.

If you know of an ABA practitioner who has impressed you over the past year (August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2012) as having made an exceptional contribution through the use of applied behavior analysis, please go to the link on the BABAT website [BABAT.org] and describe the contribution they have made and why you feel they should be nominated for the award. In your description, try to emphasize the role ABA has played in this ac-complishment. Self-nominations are acceptable.

The winning nominee will receive free registration to the BABAT conference, attend the speaker’s dinner on Thursday evening at the conference where they will have the opportunity to talk to some of the leading researchers in ABA, and receive an award at the conference commemorating their accomplishment.

All nominations must be received no later than 8/1/2012 and include the nominee and your name, e-mail address, phone number and work loca-tion and address. The winning nominee will be informed by 9/15/12.

Finalists will be contacted by phone for a brief interview on their project and to request some form of permanent product on their project (e.g., data, protocol, etc.) that will allow us to verify the project.

The Gerry Shook Practitioner Award CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Enjoying the 1st annual BABAT Social this past Spring: (from left to right) Judah Axe, Phil Chase, Amanda Kelly, Shari Daisy, and Shari Pirnia.

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August 2012 12


tend college or university. The current research base supports the scientific need for extensions into this area, and the demonstrated social validity of the outcomes contributes to the importance of such work. Research in this area certainly would have an important impact on the field, on the students with autism who aspire to post-secondary education, and on the society that will benefit from the contributions of the bright young individuals who enter their adult lives with a college degree.

References

Allison, M. G., & Ayllon, T. (1980). Behavioral coaching in the development of skills in football, gymnastics, and tennis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13, 297-314.

Bryan, A. J. (1987). Single-subject designs for evaluation of sport psychology inter-ventions. The Sport Psychologist, 1, 283-292.

Baer, D. M., Wolf, M. M., & Risely, T. R. (1968). Some current dimensions of applied behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 91-97.

Ganz, J.B. and Sigafoos, J. (2005). Self-monitoring: are young adults with autism and MR able to utilize cognitive strategies effectively? Education and Training in Develop-mental Disabilities, 40 (1), 24-33.

Hewitt, L. (2011). Perspectives on support needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Topics in Language Disorders, 31 (3), 273-285.

Hillier, A., Fish, T., Cloppert, P. and Beversdorf, D.Q. (2007). Outcomes of a social and vocational skills support group for adolescents and young adults on the autism spec-trum. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 22, 107-115.

Iwata, B. A., Wong, S. E., Riordan, M. M., Dorsey, M. F., & Lau, M. M. (1982). Assessment and training of clinical interviewing skills: Analogue analysis and field replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 15, 191-203.

Koegel, R.L., Koegel, L.K. and McInerney, E.K., 2001. Pivotal areas in intervention for autism. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 30, 19-32.

Levy, A. and Perry, A. (2011). Outcomes in adolescents and adults with autism: a re-view of the literature. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5, 1271-1282.

Morrison, J.Q., Sansosti, F.J. and Hadley, W.M. (2007). Parent perceptions on the antici-pated needs and expectations for support for their college-bound students with As-perger’s Syndrome. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 22, (2), 78-87.

Smith, M.D. and Belcher, R. (1985). Teaching life skills to adults disabled by autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 15, (2) 163-175.

Taylor, J.L. and Seltzer, M.M. (2011). Employment and post-secondary educational opportunities for young adults with autism spectrum disorders during the transi-tion to adulthood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41, 566-574.

Transitioning into AdulthoodContinued from Page 8

LITERATURE REVIEW, continued

Written by Dr. Joseph Ricciardi, PsyD, ABPP, BCBA-D

The ARICA legislation (Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Au-tism) began implementation in 2011 as a means for providing fund-

ing for ABA services for autism through commercial medical insurance. This was a valuable advance for families and individuals with autism, it posed a significant challenge to behavior analysts who were unaccus-tomed to navigating the complex world of third-party behavioral health reimbursement.

One group of behavior analysts has met the challenge, bringing ABA services to families and individuals through ARICA funding.

Autism Intervention Specialists (AIS) began in March, 2011 as an ABA practice capable of providing ABA services funded by medical insur-ance. The demand for services has been phenomenal and AIS now has 4 locations, and providing ABA services from Worcester to Holyoke, and into Connecticut and New Hampshire.

“We are expanding wherever ABA needs to go,” AIS Executive Direc-tor, Tenney Hajnal, explained. AIS employs 9 BABAT Member BCBAs plus about 80 assistants, and delivers services in homes and direct thera-pies at the AIS locations. “Our direct therapies emphasize social skills development and social opportunities where social skills can be trained directly.”

One unique skills development program is delivered in a group for-mat called “Social Roundtable”, where ABA is used to teach adolescents and young adults with an autism spectrum disorder a range of social skills during planned activities that naturally require these skills. One example is a module where clients learn to plan a multi-course meal,

purchase items, prepare the meal, and then enjoy it together. “Some-thing like this is naturally engaging for the client, while our staff can implement direct instruction and other ABA interventions.”

Other activities include their community-based programming, where clients access community activities while working directly on skills with their ABA therapist, and more structured and traditional so-cial skills development groups.

Securing reimbursement has been challenging: “Reimbursement can sometimes be delayed for as long as 120 days,” Hajnal explained. AIS engaged in a rapid learning curve, however, and quickly learned through trial and error, and leadership by AIS CEO, Nassim Aoude, MS, BCBA, who navigated medical insurance reimbursement systems while a behavior analyst in California several years ago. Aoude, a BABAT Mem-ber, trained under West Coast notables in behavior analysis including William Frea, Ph.D., BCBA-D and advanced to clinical management until he decided to return to his East Coast roots and begin his own business.

At present, about 95% of AIS receivables are through third-party insurance. In all, AIS is paving a path for other Massachusetts behav-ior analysts, showing that BCBAs can learn third-party reimbursement systems, and can build a professional practice around these funding sources. Their story of persistence and its payoff should inspire other behavior analysts.

Perhaps most important of all, families and individuals with ASD have another way to secure ABA services. One parent was so impressed with the work, that he left a career in private business sector operations and management to become AIS’s Operations Director. “My son is do-ing great!” he said with great confidence.

Meeting the ARICA Challenge: A Member Success Story

Practical Applications of Evidence-Based Staff Training and Supervisions Dennis H. Reid, Ph.D., BCBA-D 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU & PDP $50.00 Promoting the Social Functioning of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders through Systemic Educational Supports Frank J. Sansosti, Ph.D., NCSP 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU, PDP & ASHA $50.00 A Practitioners Guide to Functional Communication Training Jeff H. Tiger, Ph.D., BCBA-D 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU, PDP & ASHA $50.00 Positive Behavior Support in Schools and Communities Glen Dunlap, Ph.D. 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU & PDP $50.00 Evidence-Based Practice and Quality of Life for Adults with ASD: Programming for Life in the Community Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D. 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU & PDP $50.00 Dispelling the Myths and Overcoming Implementation Obstacles Related to Functional Assessment of Problem Behavior Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU & PDP $50.00 iPads and Autism: Best Practices in the Educational Environment Mark Mautone, ITPADD 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU, PDP & ASHA $75.00 Successful Approaches to Severe and Challenging Behavior: Strategies, Methods, and Skill Building Interventions that Work Richard M. Foxx, Ph.D., BCBA-D 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 6 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU & PDP $125.00 Ethics Presentation Part 1: Maintaining Fealty to the Science: Evidence-Based Practice in the Delivery of ABA Services Thomas Zane, Ph.D., BCBA-D Part 2: Applying the Guidelines: Reviewing Real World Ethical Challenges Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 3 Credits - BCBA Type 2 CEU & PDP $50.00

Expert Speaker Series 2012-2013

Thursday Sep 13, 2012

Earn Credits for BCBA Type 2 CEU, PDP & ASHA

For more information and to register and pay on line visit our website and click on the “Consultation” link.

www.melmarkne.org Please note there is limited seating for each event Registration is on a first come first served basis Cost includes materials and refreshments. For more information contact Danielle Greeley [email protected] 978-654-4332

Thursday Oct 18, 2012

Thursday Nov 15, 2012

Thursday Jan 24, 2013

Thursday Jan 17, 2013

Wednesday Feb 6, 2013

Thursday Mar 14, 2013

Wednesday Apr 3, 2013

Thursday May 9, 2013

August 2012 14


Have ideas for future newsletter content? Contact BABAT’s Media Chair, Stacie Bancroft, at [email protected].

About BABATThe Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International and of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts.

Formed in 1979, BABAT is perhaps best known for the annual confer-ences it has hosted at UMass (Amherst) every year for over 30 years. This conference is for professionals, teachers, students, and persons interested in the areas of behavior analysis, autism, developmental disabilities, ethics, behavioral medicine, staff development, and more.

BABAT is more than an organization that hosts an annual conference, however. We also serve as a resource for behavior analysts and those inter-ested in behavior analysis in the region. To find out more about our activi-ties, sign up here for emails and newsletters, check us out on Facebook, and come back to this website periodically for updates.

BABAT Mission StatementBABAT supports and promotes the professional practice of applied behav-ior analysis in Massachusetts. To accomplish this goal, we...

» Conduct an annual conference of international scholars, researchers, and practitioners

» Provide continuing education opportunities for behavior analysts » Disseminate professional practice advisory policies » Alert members to regional and national issues affecting the practice

of ABA » Encourage student development and scholarship in ABA » Recognize the leaders in the field and their enduring contributions » Support legislative advocacy for the professional practice of applied

behavior analysis

THE BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND THERAPY (BABAT)

Join our Community!Be sure to “like” BABAT on Face-book and receive updates on im-portant legislative issues, events, and links to behavior analysis news!

We have over 260 members and friends of BABAT follow-ing us on Face-book currently. Join in and we

encourage you to post your own pictures, comments, and links on our wall!

….also, be sure to visit us at www.babat.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Director of Clinical ServicesSeven Hills Community Services is looking to hire a Director of Clinical Services to provide consultation and leadership to community-based programs serving adults with intellec-tual disability. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. (minimally, must have an advanced clini-cal degree) and BCBA (or eligible to sit for the

exam). The candidate’s clinical approach should be consistent with best practices in skills development and behavioral intervention for adults with intellectual disability and able to integrate with person-centered planning and positive behavior supports approaches. Sev-en Hills Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits pack-age.

For more information, contact Mr. Richard Neckes, Vice President, at 508.755.0234 x1323 or send letter of interest and CV to [email protected].

the new england behavior analystthe new england behavior analyst ... vince carbone (carbone clinic),...

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