The New England Behavior Analyst

The New England
Behavior Analyst
a publication of the berkshire association for behavior analysis and therapy (babat)
Volume 11
August 2016
BABAT Conference To Continue as a
Three Day Event
E
ach year the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis
and Therapy (BABAT) holds one of the largest and most important conferences for behavior analysis in the United States.
And now, the conference has expanded to three days. This
allows BABAT to offer a day of advanced workshops, entitled
The Behavior Analyst Master Series, taught by internationally
recognized experts in ABA, including Merrill Winston, Andy
Bondy, Jon Bailey, Wayne Fisher, Peter Gerhardt, Pat Friman,
Bridget Taylor, Nic Weatherly, Eileen Roscoe, Cathleen Piazza
and Ed Daly. These 3 hour workshops, offered on Wednesday,
October 12, 2016, will have a limited number of attendees and
will be followed by a complimentary dinner for attendees with
the presenters and other invited speakers.
The 37th annual BABAT conference will be held on October 12, 13, and 14, 2016, at the University of Massachusetts
Amherst. The BABAT conference provides an opportunity
for behavior analysts throughout the country to hear and
share their own cutting-edge research, recommendations
for practice, and updates on professional issues. There are
over 35 invited speakers giving addresses at BABAT this year,
including: Jon Bailey (Florida State University), Andy Bondy
(Pyramid Educational Consultants), John Borrero (University
of Maryland-Baltimore County), Vince Carbone (Carbone
Clinic), Charlie Catania (University of Maryland-Baltimore
County), Wayne Fisher (University of Nebraska Medical Center and Monroe Meyer Institute), Pat Friman (Boys Town),
Scott Geller(Virginia Tech), Peter Gerhardt (Epic School),
Matt Goodwin (Northeastern University), Gina Green (Association of Professional Behavior Analysts), Tim Hackenberg
(Reed College), Louis Hagopian (Kennedy Krieger Institute),
Greg Hanley (Western New England University), Bill Heward
(Ohio State University), Jim Johnston (Auburn University),
Tiffany Kodak (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Linda
LeBlanc (Trumpet Behavioral Health), Sam Leigland (Gonzaga University), Jay Moore (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), Alan Neurenger (Reed College), Amy Odom (Utah State
University), Dave Palmer (Smith College), Stephanie PeterContinued on Page 4
Dr. Christy Alliwood from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
delivering a post lunch address at the 2015 BABAT
Conference
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Conference Update
1
Board Members
2
Message From the President
2
BABAT Membersship Update
4
Jerry Shook Practitioner Award6
BABAT on Facebook and Twitter
6
Professional Practice Update
10
BABAT Social
12
About BABAT
12
The Ne w E ng l a nd Be hav ior Analyst
Board Members
President
Joseph Ricciardi, PsyD, ABPP, BCBA-D
Seven Hills Clinical Associates
Seven Hills Foundation
Treasurer
Elizabeth (Liz) M. Martineau, EdS, MBA,
BCBA
Nashoba Learning Group
Secretary
Tracey Toran, MS, BCBA
New England Center for Children
Conference Chair
Rick Graff, PhD, BCBA-D
New England Center for Children
Conference Co-Chair
Maureen Kelly, PhD, BCBA-D
New England Center for Children
Membership Chair
Patrick Heick, PhD, BCBA-D
CREC
Student Relations Chair
Judah Axe, PhD, BCBA-D
Simmons College
Media Chair
Stacie Bancroft, PhD, BCBA-D
New England Center for Children
Member at Large – Central and
Western Massachusetts
Amanda Karsten, PhD, BCBA-D
Western New England College
Special Appointment to the Board
Gordon Defalco, PhD, BCBA-D
The May Center
Committee Members
Continuing Education
Chata Dixon, PhD, BCBA-D
New England Center for Children
Kathy Clark, MS, BCBA
New England Center for Children
ABAI Liaison
Alan Harchik, PhD, BCBA-D
Independent Consultant
A MESSAGE FROM THE BABAT PRESIDENT
Trends Tell the Story
Joseph N. Ricciardi, PsyD, ABPP, BCBA-D, CBIS
BABAT President, and Assistant Vice President, Seven Hills NeuroCare
G
ive a behavior analyst three data points, and the analyst can tell you a story. I have
dozens of data points in front of me. Let me tell you the story.
Ten years ago regional behavior analysts worked primarily in applied settings with a
few working in public schools working primarily with kids with autism. Today, behavior
analysts are virtually a requirement for any public school special education department,
and they work across a range of clinical populations, learning challenges, and behavioral
consultation. Roles have expanded into leadership positions as well,
and behavioral technology is making its way into ISPs and classrooms
as “standard practice.”
Ten years ago behavior analysis was all about autism, kids primarily, and some adults with IDD. But today behavior analysts are enjoying key positions in community agencies serving people with brain
injuries, substance abuse, and complex mental health problems. In
many organizations, behavioral analysis is the core clinical approach,
and the BCBA is viewed as the ideal credential for clinicians. A model
that was in place a decade ago, where
Behavior analytic
a person without the credential and possibly without an
services are in high
advanced degree, could be hired to function as a “behavior specialist” is beyond archaic. In fact, it is now ethically
demand. Demand
questionable to continue this practice.
indicates that BCBAs
As the field has grown, so has the BABAT Conference.
solve problems and
Ten years ago, our conference program fit on four pagmeet the needs of
es—there were 8 invited speakers, 10 workshops, and 15
the marketplace. The
symposia. Are you ready for 2016? This year we will feature
BCBA is recognized as over 35 invited speakers, 23 workshops, and 27 symposia
across three days. And of course, ten years ago we may
a solution to a wide
have served 400 or so attendees. This year we anticipate
range of problems,
1,200.
across a wide range
The trends do tell a story. One perspective is that “the
of populations and
field is growing.” Okay, but what drives the growth? The
settings.
answer is simple: Demand. Behavior analytic services
are in high demand. Demand indicates that BCBAs solve
problems and meet the needs of the marketplace. The BCBA is recognized as a solution
to a wide range of problems, across a wide range of populations and settings.
This year the BABAT conference will be your opportunity to continue to be competitive in this exciting growth and expansion. To be part of this, you will need the most
current thinking and concepts, and a strong professional network. That’s what the BABAT conference offers. BABAT is your cost-effective solution to advancing knowledge and
keeping up with your professional network.
Be sure to register early, though. Trends over the past three years tell the story of the
conference sells-out faster and faster each year.
Web Master
Nick Vanselow, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Salve Regina University
A ugust 2016
2
More than
just data entry
The quality of the
curriculum matters
A PRODUCT OF
The Ne w E ng l a nd Be hav ior Analyst
BABAT Membership Update
Patrick Heick, Ph.D., BCBA-D,
BABAT Membership Chair
A
s many of our members enjoy the summer months and
take time off from work or their studies, the BABAT conference committee is hard at work planning another stellar conference. Indeed, the upcoming 37th annual BABAT conference is
shaping up to be the best one yet. With invited presentations
from over 35 nationally recognized experts in our field as well
as the continuation of the Behavior Analyst Master’s Series, the
upcoming conference will surely showcase BABAT’s commitment to providing the region’s premier ABA conference year
after year.
Our members recognize the quality of the BABAT conference as well as the benefits of membership – such as reduced
conference costs. If you are not a member or not yet convinced
that BABAT offers one of the nation’s best ABA conferences at a
great value, perhaps findings from our recent conference survey might persuade you. As detailed in the previous volume
of The New England Behavior Analyst (February 2016), survey
responses regarding the 2015 conference were overwhelming
positive and reflected very high ratings of the quality of conference offerings. For example, 85% of respondents rated the conference as “very good” or “excellent” and 82% said they were
“quite satisfied” or “extremely satisfied”. In addition, survey
responses affirmed organizer’s efforts at restructuring conference offerings to better use limited venue space. For example,
87% and 73% of respondents rated their satisfaction with the
location of the conference and the quality of the venue space as
“somewhat high” or “very high”, respectively. These scores reflected improved satisfaction ratings compared to scores from
a previous survey. One of last year’s biggest changes was extending the conference to a 3rd day in order to offer the Master
Series Workshops. Survey responses indicated that this change
was also very well received with 9 out of 10 attendees rating
the workshops as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. With regard to the
price and value of conference, 76% of respondents judged the
conference as “a lot of value” or “a great deal of value” and
76% rated their satisfaction with the price of the conference as
“somewhat high” or “very high”. Given these ratings on quality
and value, its not surprising that 84% of respondents indicated
that the conference was “somewhat better” or “much better”
than other regional or state conferences.
In addition to organizing one of the country’s best regional
conferences for behavior analysts, BABAT offers its members
discounts on registration, workshop, and continuing education
costs – be sure to take advantage of these discounts when registering for the upcoming conference! BABAT also regularly offers
networking opportunities, ongoing legislative advocacy, and
regular access to emails and newsletters designed to inform
members of important issues, current events, and potential
changes in the field. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining. If you are a member, be sure to spread the word
about BABAT and the benefits of membership by encouraging
others to sign up when registering for the upcoming conference. See you at the conference!
We would like to thank the following organization for their support of the 2016 BABAT
Social and for their support of behavior analysts in New England.
ABACS
Amego, Inc.
May Institute
Melmark New England
Nashoba Learning Group
BABAT Conference To Continue as a Three Day Event
Continued from Page 1
(Alpine Learning Group), Tim Vollmer (University
of Florida) and Merrill Winston (Professional Crisis Management Association).
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 more information on conference registration and related BABAT membership benefits. Don’t forget: BABAT has sold out the last three years
in a row, so register today! We look forward to seeing you at
BABAT 2016!
Calendar
son (Western Michigan University), Anna Petursdottir (Texas Christian University), Cathleen Piazza (University of Nebraska Medical
Center and Monroe Meyer Institute), Carol
Pilgrim (University of North Carolina-Wilmington), Alan Poling (Western Michigan University), Erin Rasmussen (Idaho State University), Gorge Reyes (Westfield State University), Eileen Roscoe
(New England Center for Children), Kate Saunders (University
of Kansas), Tris Smith (University of Rochester), Bridget Taylor
A ugust 2016
4
Melmark New England, a school and residential program,
is dedicated to serving children, adolescents, and adults with
autism spectrum disorders, brain injury, and developmental delays
We are seeking talented, qualified individuals to join a great team of professionals!
•Home-basedTherapist
•ABAOvernightResidentialCounselor
•AdultResidentialProgramStaff
•ABALeadResidentialCounselor
•Educational&BehavioralConsultant •AdultDayProgramStaff
•AdultProgramCoordinator
•AdultOvernightResidentialProgramStaff
•Clinical/TrainingCoordinator
•AdultLeadResidentialProgramStaff
•VocationalManager
•AdultDayProgramManager
•ABAResidentialCounselor
For more details regarding these opportunities and benefits or to apply,
please visit www.melmarkne.org or contact:
Lauren Francis
Human Resources Recruiter
978.654.4354 direct
978.654.4382 fax
[email protected]
461 River Road
Andover, MA 01810
Melmark offers competitive salaries, health and dental coverage, retirement plan, life insurance, disability and tuition assistance. Melmark
is an equal opportunity employer. Melmark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, or any other protected status.
The Ne w E ng l a nd Be hav ior Analyst
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Jerry Shook Practitioner Award for 2016
D
r. Shook’s founding of the BACB
tant contribution(s) to the quality of
established a professional identity
life of an individual(s) through the use
for ABA practitioners that have made
of applied behavior analysis, please
it possible for an unlimited number of
complete the Jerry Shook Practitioner
individuals to benefit from behavioral
Award Nomination form describing
services. It is in his memory that we
the contribution(s) they have made
recognize the work of an outstanding
and why you feel they should be nomBCBA Practitioner in New England.
inated for the award. In your descripIf you, a colleague, or someone you
tion, try to emphasize the role ABA
supervise are making exceptional and
has played in this accomplishment.
enduring contributions to the quality of
Self-nominations are acceptable.
life of individuals through the practice
The winning nominee will:
of ABA we want to hear from you.
While we are able to select only one
»» Receive free registration to the nominee as the recipient of the Jerry
BABAT conference.
Shook Practitioner Award each year
»» Attend the speaker’s dinner on the true compliment comes from the
Thursday evening at the conferDr. Jerry Shook
nomination by a colleague or supervi
ence where they will have the
1948-2011
sor who recognizes a practitioner’s out
opportunity to talk to some of standing work. So we encourage you to
the leading researchers in ABA.
tell a colleague or supervisee that they are doing excep»» Receive an award at the conference commemorating tional work as an applied behavior analyst and because of
their accomplishment.
that you would like to nominate them for the award.
Practitioners you nominate should:
Please complete the Jerry Shook Practitioner Award
»» Possess an advanced degree (masters or doctorate).
Nomination at http://babat.org/2016-jerry-shook-practitioner-award-nominations/.
»» Be board certified in ABA.
All nominations must be received no later than 9/2/16
»» Practice ABA in one of the five New England States.
and include the nominee’s and your name, e-mail address,
»» Practice in the field of ABA according to its defining diphone number and work location. The winning nominee
mensions (applied, behavioral, analytic, technological,
will be informed by 9/16/16.
conceptually systematic, effective, generality).
Finalists will be contacted by phone for a brief interview
on their project(s) and may be required to provide some
If you know of a BCBA practitioner who has impressed
form of permanent product on their project(s) (e.g., data,
you over the course of their careers as having made imporprotocol, etc.) that will allow us to verify the project(s).
Join our Community!
Be sure to “like” BABAT on Facebook and receive updates on important legislative issues, events, and links to behavior analysis news! We have almost 600 members and friends of BABAT following us on Facebook 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
A ugust 2016
6
Seeking Your Participation in Autism Research
A Brief Survey for Special Education Teachers, BCBAs, SLPs, OTs,
School Psychologists, and Other Autism Professionals
We are studying the ways in which autism professionals use
video modeling for skills-instruction.
We request you to take a brief survey (about 20-30 minutes)
to share your thoughts about using video modeling to teach
skills to individuals with autism.
As a thank-you for your time, you can choose to be
entered to win one of four $25 Amazon.com gift cards
when you finish the survey.
To take the survey, please go to the following link:
http://autismsurvey.weebly.com/
If you have questions, please contact: Nicole Caldwell,
Doctoral Candidate, University of North Texas at
[email protected].
Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
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Diagnostic Assessment
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Individual & Program Evaluations
Career Opportunities available for BCBA
certified and BCBA eligible candidates.
Clinical Coordinator (BCBA)
New Hampshire - Clinical Outreach position,
reports to the Clinical Director. Responsible
for assessments and design of treatment
plans. The Clinical Coordinator works
collaboratively with team members to
maximize progress for individual’s receiving
service.
Requirements: BCBA certification;
demonstrated competency relevant to
assignment, which may include work
experience with individuals with
autism, and/or continuing or additional
education/training in relevant treatment
strategies.
Apply online at www.ippi.org
New Hampshire Career Opportunities
www.ippi.org
Services available:
• Clinic- and home-based 1:1
services
• Social Skills Groups
• Clinic-based services during
school vacations
Positions available:
• Behavior therapists
• BCBAs
• Graduate students seeking
BACB® supervision
10 Gill St, Suite J
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617-505-6183
Quality services.
Limitless progress.
New location opening in the
South Shore in Fall 2016!
www.abacs.org
The Ne w E ng l a nd Be hav ior Analyst
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE UPDATE
Our Position on the Proposed
Massachusetts DS Revised
“Behavior Modification” Regulation
Joseph Ricciardi, PsyD, BCBA-D
President, BABAT
T
he Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
(DDS) recently proposed a revision of Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 115 which includes regulations pertaining to behavioral intervention for individuals and
services funded by the DDS. Since behavior analysis is the
science-basis for most behavioral intervention that is used in
DDS programs, and behavior analysis has been recognized as a
professional practice in Massachusetts, BABAT has an interest in
ensuring that these regulations are aligned with the established
best practices of behavioral intervention.
Though the intent of the revised regulations is to improve
service delivery to consumers, we have encountered many concerns in the proposed regulations as have several agencies who
provide DDS funded services. We agree that a revision is sorely
needed and long overdue: indeed, the regulations are presently
known by the antiquated term, “behavior modification.” Yet the
current revisions to CMR 115 misuse or fail to use the technical
language of our field, and do not go far enough in insisting on
what are known best-practices and standards of care in the field.
Further, there is some suggestion of limiting interventions that
most behavioral practitioners commonly consider alternatives
to restrictive procedures. Accordingly, it is our opinion that the
present revisions will deny people with intellectual disability effective treatment and permit treatments that do not adhere to
what the field largely agrees are the requirements of effective
treatment and standards of practice.
We are concerned that the people who presently receive
these interventions and their families will not be helped by the
revisions, in as much as they may be harmed.
But we also believe there is a solution. Clearly, there is a need
for revision. We appreciate that DDS has taken a laudable first
step toward this. However, the process of ratifying the proposed
regulations after a public hearing should be halted until adequate input can be provided by the practitioner and advocate
communities.
BABAT will advocate for technical consultation by practi-
tioners of behavioral intervention and advocates for people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), autism
spectrum disorders, and their families. This is the same process
used when the drafting of the behavior analyst licensure laws
was taking place. BABAT was able to help with the process, reviewing drafts, collaborating with advocates, and reaching into
our network of national experts
for consultation and guidance.
Clearly, there is a
As a result, the Massachusetts lineed
for revision. We
censure law is one of the best in
the country, with wide support
appreciate that DDS
across practitioners, advocates,
has taken a laudable
and families.
first step toward this.
We are proposing a similar
However, the process
joint effort with the DDS. Our
of ratifying the
ultimate goal and purpose is of
proposed regulations
greater importance: ensuring
that people with IDD and their
after a public hearing
families continue to have access
should be halted
to effective treatments and cliniuntil adequate input
cians follow best practice stancan be provided
dards. We want to help the DDS
by
the practitioner
create regulations that can serve
and advocate
as a model for other states and
communities.
reflect the conceptual understanding, technical language,
and professional standards that
practitioners presently operate under. People with IDD have a
right to effective treatment, and these regulations in their present form stand in the way of accessing that right. The right to
effective treatment is in fact a human right, and one that is accepted by our field and advocacy organizations world-wide.
Members of the BABAT Board of Directors advocate for
continuing the process of revising these regulations with the
DDS, along with advocacy groups and the agencies who serve
people with IDD. This process should continue until the regulations are consistent with our research literature and professional
standards, and until the regulations protect the rights people
with IDD to receive effective treatment.
A ugust 2016
10
MSEd/EdS in APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
OPEN HOUSE - Register Today!
August 10TH at 6PM
September 7TH at 6PM
DEGREE ADVANTAGES
Classes start every October and February
Campus Locations in Longmeadow, Sturbridge and Burlington, Mass.
Program is a combination of online and on campus courses
Coursework and 1,500 hours of supervised, independent fieldwork overseen by
experienced, supportive faculty
Approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB©)
offered for BACB© exam
Intensive preparation o
PROGRAM OPTIONS
45 Credit MSEd in Applied Behavior Analysis/Autism Spectrum Disorders
39 Credit EdS in Applied Behavior Analysis
36 Credit MSEd in Applied Behavior Analysis
Enrolling Now for October 24TH
Apply Today at
GRADUATE.BAYPATH.EDU
FOR A CONSTANTLY CHANGING WORLD
The Ne w E ng l a nd Be hav ior Analyst
Don’t Miss the 2017 Annual BABAT
Social and Networking Event
Mark Your Calendars: April 13th, 2017
BABAT will be hosting the annual social and networking event
once again this coming April. Save the date for the opportunity
to come together and socialize with the local community of Ph.D.
students, public school teachers, leaders in the field, consultants,
early interventionists, adult caretakers, BABAT Board Members,
and everyone behavior analyst in between. As it has become tradition, this year’s event will again begin with the cocktail hour,
lead into a delicious dinner, followed by an invited presentation,
and will end with a raffle filled with all things behavior analysis.
If you are interested in advertising or sponsoring the event,
please contact Amanda Karsten [email protected].
For general event information please contact Stacie Bancroft at [email protected] or Jill Harper at [email protected].
THE BERKSHIRE ASSOCIATION FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND THERAPY (BABAT)
About BABAT
The 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
conferences 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 interested in behavior analysis in the region. To
find out more about our activities, sign up here for emails and
newsletters, check us out on Facebook, and come back to this
website periodically for updates.
BABAT Mission Statement
BABAT supports and promotes the professional practice of applied behavior analysis in Massachusetts. To accomplish this
goal, we...
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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
Have ideas for future newsletter content?
Contact BABAT’s Media Chair, Stacie Bancroft, at [email protected].
A ugust 2016
12
Support and lifelong
learning for all people
affected by autism and
developmental
disablities.
BEST CLINICAL
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508-455-6200
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