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Elizabeth Hardesty, MA, BCBA, Breanna Roberts, MA, BCBA, and Thomas Zane, PhD, BCBA-D Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas Most children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in at least one form of challenging behavior throughout their lifetime (Quetsch et al., 2023; Steenfeldt‐Kristensen et al., 2020). Research shows that some challenging behavior may…
Reviewed by Avni Marya, ASAT Extern and Kate McKenna, MEd, MSEd, MS, BCBA Association for Science in Autism Treatment Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) practice in a variety of settings in which they are often expected to train colleagues or caregivers in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Additionally, BCBAs supervise Registered Behavior Technicians…
I am a first-year teacher in a self-contained classroom. I appreciate how data can guide my decision-making and help me better assess progress. Nonetheless, I feel a bit overwhelmed and would welcome some general guidance on what type of data to collect and when. Answered by Shira Karpel, MEd, BCBA and Shayna Gaunt, MA, BCBA…
Kristina Gasiewski, MEd, MOTR/L, BCBA and Kate McKenna, MEd, MSEd, MS, BCBA Association for Science in Autism Treatment History Behavior analysis is the science founded on the belief that behavior should be the primary focus of scientific study (Cooper et al., 2020). It is both a discipline and a practice. The philosophy on which the…
I am a newly minted BCBA consulting for a team in a public-school setting for an 8-year-old boy with ASD. He has a history of escape-motivated behavior (e.g., refusal to do his homework) which appears to have progressed to engaging in avoidant behaviors as soon as he is approached by several of his providers. I am familiar…
I am a father of a three-year-old boy who has recently received an autism diagnosis. Our pediatrician recommended we investigate ABA services. However, when I researched ABA on the internet, I was confused by the mixed information I found. It seems that there are people who have strong opinions about ABA that conflict with what…
Question: I am the parent of an adult with autism, who will soon transition from a school program to adulthood. I am reading about engagement as an indicator of good programming. What does it mean and how can I tell if a program promotes it? Answered by Karen Parenti, MS, PsyD, CEO/Executive Director Heather Rothman,…
Katherine O’Keefe, BA Association for Science in Autism Treatment For parents looking for a new resource for creating positive behavior change through contracting, look no further than Drs. Jill C. Dardig and William L. Heward’s new book, Let’s Make a Contract. Two respected professionals in the field of child and family development, Dardig and Heward…
Dana Reinecke, PhD, BCBA-D Capella University and Supervisor ABA One of the most rewarding and impactful jobs a behavior analyst can have is preparing aspiring new professionals. Behavior analysts learn through varied experiences as students, trainees, and mentees, under support and guidance from experienced faculty, supervisors, and mentors. Not only is it an honor and…
Reviewed by Kate McKenna, MEd, MSEd, BCBA, LBA Association for Science in Autism Treatment Kirstyn Mazza, MS, RBT Hunter College The supervision of many professionals in the fields of education and therapy is often required of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), and it is important that BCBAs use proven strategies to supervise and train others, so…
Buchanan, S., & Weiss, M. J. (2010). Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism: An Introduction. Robbinsville, NJ: Autism New Jersey. Reviewed by Lesley A. Shawler, PhD, BCBA Association for Science in Autism Treatment Learning your child has autism and the various therapies that exist can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Autism New Jersey has…