Advocacy in the field of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is often seen as the domain of policymakers and high-profile campaigns. But, what if advocacy is also in the small, daily choices we make as practitioners? Join Dr. Amanda N. Kelly, also known as "Behaviorbabe," for an engaging and interactive session that redefines advocacy as a continuum, spanning from grassroots efforts to system-wide reform. Drawing on over two decades of lived experience and legislative wins, Dr. Kelly will unpack the powerful interplay between “Big A” Advocacy: like securing funding or influencing policy, and the essential “little a” actions that occur in clinical settings, homes, and classrooms every day. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies, renewed perspective, and the confidence to embrace their role as advocates -no matter their title or setting.

Co-Presenter: Amy Foxman, PhD, BCBA, LBA

In Part 1, the presenters will delve into the essential role of integrating safety preparedness for children and adults, with a specific focus on individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. The presenters will introduce an assessment tool they have developed to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals in their discussions and with the formulation of safety protocols. This tool comprises a thoughtfully crafted set of open-ended questions that cover critical areas, such as fire safety, water safety, wandering behavior, and in-school safety.

Part 2 of the presentation will focus on the practical application of the safety assessment through the use of a goal bank and the implementation of Behavioral Skills Training (BST). Presenters will highlight how individualized goals can be derived from assessment responses and tailored to the specific needs and developmental levels of individuals with autism and related disabilities. Attendees will be introduced to a goal bank that addresses key safety domains and provides a starting point for instruction. Through demonstrations and examples, the presenters will outline how BST—comprising instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback—can be effectively used by caregivers, educators, and clinicians to systematically teach and reinforce critical safety skills across home, school, and community settings.

Based on an article Co-Authored by: Lara Bollinger, Jerome Chiu, and Ally Dube

In their seminal work published in 1988, Van Houten and colleagues established foundational principles for the rights to effective behavior intervention, ensuring ethical and effective treatment for individuals with behavioral challenges. This revisitation of their pioneering article investigates the enduring relevance of these rights in contemporary practice and the evolving context shaping our considerations. Re-examining these principles reveals their continued pertinence and essential role in safeguarding the welfare of clients and their caregivers. In light of evolving therapeutic approaches and societal changes, it is crucial for behavior analysts to reaffirm their commitment to upholding these rights. By highlighting the challenges and barriers persisting in current practice, this presentation aims to ignite a vital conversation within the field, fostering collaboration and innovation to identify solutions that protect the well- being and dignity of the individuals we serve. This reevaluation underscores the ongoing importance of these rights and encourages practitioners to critically assess how they are applied today. By acknowledging the obstacles and dilemmas that clients, caregivers, and professionals encounter in contemporary practice, we can collectively work toward solutions that ensure the ethical and effective treatment of individuals with behavioral challenges. This presentation is a call to action, emphasizing the need for a renewed commitment to these rights and inviting dialogue to drive progress in the field of behavior analysis.

Co-Presenter: Amy Foxman, PhD, BCBA, LBA

In this presentation geared towards parents and caregivers, we will delve into the essential role of integrating safety preparedness for children and adults, with a specific focus on individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. The presenters will introduce an assessment tool they have developed to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals in their discussions and with the formulation of safety protocols. This tool comprises a thoughtfully crafted set of open-ended questions that cover critical areas, such as fire safety, water safety, wandering behavior, and in-school safety. We also will explore behavior analytic procedures for teaching critical safety skills for children and adults with autism.

This meticulously designed workshop aims to equip behavior analysts with essential skills and knowledge to elevate their practices. In this workshop, we will delve into the definitions of medical necessity, exploring their sources and understanding their significance within the realm of effective treatment planning. Attendees will also identify and apply relevant ethical standards crucial for making informed medical necessity determinations, ensuring the highest level of care for their clients. Recognizing the importance of treatment planning, participants will not only become well-versed in the components specified by the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) but will also gain the expertise needed to formulate effective treatment planning goals, intricately linked to diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, our workshop will explore the nuanced differences between focused and comprehensive models of treatment, providing participants with the insights necessary to make informed recommendations based on specific case contexts. To conclude, attendees will have the opportunity to create goals and objectives directly tied to diagnostic criteria for their clients and the caregivers they support. Join us for this enriching learning experience and take your practice to new heights.

Panelists: Dr. Heather McGee, Dr. Celia Heyman

This presentation explores strategic approaches for university faculty to enhance the career readiness of their graduates. Emphasizing the importance of active engagement with employers, we will discuss methods such as conducting follow-up interviews with organizations that hire alumni, understanding the types of jobs graduates secure, and maintaining open lines of communication with recurring employers to assess their evolving needs for fresh-out-of-school candidates. The talk will also present key recommendations from industry panelists, including the value of seeking diverse experiences under multiple supervisors, which enriches a graduate's professional adaptability. Additionally, we will address common barriers students face in securing quality supervision, particularly the challenges of balancing time and thoroughness in supervision experiences. This session offers actionable insights for faculty to better prepare students for the demands of the workforce while fostering strong industry connections.

Co-Presenter: Amy Foxman, PhD, BCBA, LBA

In this presentation geared towards parents and caregivers, we will delve into the essential role of integrating safety preparedness for children and adults, with a specific focus on individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. The presenters will introduce an assessment tool they have developed to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals in their discussions and with the formulation of safety protocols. This tool comprises a thoughtfully crafted set of open-ended questions that cover critical areas, such as fire safety, water safety, wandering behavior, and in-school safety. We also will explore behavior analytic procedures for teaching critical safety skills for children and adults with autism.

Co-Presenter: Amy Foxman, PhD, BCBA

In this presentation geared towards professionals and educators, we will delve into the essential role of integrating safety preparedness for children and adults, with a specific focus on individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. The presenters will introduce an assessment tool they have developed to empower parents, caregivers, and professionals in their discussions and with the formulation of safety protocols. This tool comprises a thoughtfully crafted set of open-ended questions that cover critical areas, such as fire safety, water safety, wandering behavior, and in-school safety. We also will explore behavior analytic procedures for teaching critical safety skills for children and adults with autism.

Join Dr. Amanda N Kelly, also known as "Behaviorbabe," for an engaging and interactive webinar aimed at demystifying the concept of ABA and autism advocacy. Discover how advocacy extends beyond immediately recognizable grand gestures and operates as a continuum, involving both "Big A" and "little a" advocacy efforts. While many perceive advocacy as requiring monumental, often unattainable steps, Dr. Kelly will illustrate how significant "Big A" Advocacy—such as securing funding, elevating supports, and enhancing resources—begins with consistent, daily "little a" efforts. Learn from Dr. Kelly's decades-long advocacy adventures and find out how each of us can make a meaningful impact for our clients every day!

Co-Presenters: Jerome Chiu (Class 1 & 2) & Sarah Schmitz (Class 6)

Navigating the intricacies of health insurance as a behavior analyst often feels like a daunting trial-and-error process, leading to years of frustration, burnout, and potential setbacks for our clients. Such challenges not only strain our professional lives but also cast a shadow on the public's perception of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Introducing our "Critical Foundations" series—a transformative 6-class journey designed specifically for behavior analysts and ABA professionals eager to enhance their advocacy skills. This comprehensive series delves deep into crucial topics frequently bypassed in conventional graduate education, equipping you with the indispensable knowledge and tools to deliver meaningful and effective care.

Co-Presenter: Dr. Amy Foxman

In this presentation, we will delve into the essential role of integrating emergency preparedness into the design of treatment plans for our clients, with a specific focus on individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. The presenters will introduce an assessment tool they have developed to empower analysts in their discussions and the formulation of safety protocols with clients and stakeholders. This tool comprises a thoughtfully crafted set of open-ended questions that cover critical areas, such as fire safety, water safety, wandering behavior, and emergency evacuations (e.g., floods, hurricanes). Throughout this presentation, we will also explore the ethical responsibilities of analysts and engage in a dialogue regarding effective methods for fulfilling these obligations through meaningful conversations and actionable responses based on the gathered insights.

Co-presenter: Jerome Chiu

This meticulously designed program aims to equip behavior analysts with essential skills and knowledge to elevate their practices. In this workshop, we will delve into the definitions of medical necessity, exploring their sources and understanding their significance within the realm of effective treatment planning. Attendees will also identify and apply relevant ethical standards crucial for making informed medical necessity determinations, ensuring the highest level of care for their clients. Recognizing the importance of treatment planning, participants will not only become well-versed in the components specified by the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) but will also gain the expertise needed to formulate effective treatment planning goals, intricately linked to diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, our workshop will explore the nuanced differences between focused and comprehensive models of treatment, providing participants with the insights necessary to make informed recommendations based on specific case contexts. To conclude, attendees will have the opportunity to create goals and objectives directly tied to diagnostic criteria for their clients and the caregivers they support. Join us for this enriching learning experience and take your practice to new heights.

On September 26, 2020, the autism and ABA world lost two powerful advocates: Feda and her autistic son Muhammed “Mu” Almaliti, tragically in a house fire. Feda, her sister, and her niece were able to evacuate the burning house. Unfortunately, Muhammed did not immediately exit their home and so Feda ran back inside. Unable to convince her son to leave, Feda remained inside the burning home with Mu. There is a popular saying in the autism community, “A child with autism becomes an adult with autism”, meaning we must plan and prepare for the entire lifespan. Feda spent nearly two decades prior to her death adamantly advocating for quality autism services, spearheading successful autism insurance reform in the state of California. She was a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned: in her life and in her death. From this tragedy, the September 26th project was created. The project aims to develop and disseminate information about safety protocols to be used in an emergency.

Regardless of how long one has been studying or practicing, at one point or another, we all find ourselves in icky, tricky, sticky situations. Encountering an ethical challenge or conflict can feel a lot like walking face-first into a spider web (Kelly et al., 2023). At first, you may not see the ethical challenges that lie ahead of you, just as you may not see the web as you approach it. Just as someone might instinctually panic when walking into a spider web, as behavior analysts, we might feel a sense of panic or uncertainty when we find ourselves during an ethical conflict. It is natural for us to feel overwhelmed or uncertain when facing complex ethical challenges. However, with training and experience, support, and guidance, we can learn to approach ethical conflicts with calm and confidence, carefully navigating forward in ways that uphold the rights of our clients and the promises of our field. (4-hour, in-person workshop)

Co-Presenter: Naa Garrido

This training will provide behavior analysts with strategies for incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations into their supervision practices when working with supervisees and trainees, connecting each step with our ethical obligations as outlined in the Code. The presenters will discuss DEI issues, offering strategies for how supervisors can promote self-awareness and cultural humility in their interactions. By emphasizing the importance of DEI in the practice of behavior analysis teachings, supervisors can help prepare the next generation of behavior analysts to be more culturally sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs of their clients.

Co-Presenter: Ellie Kazemi

This roundtable discussion focuses on prioritizing problems by gathering diverse perspectives from multiple stakeholders. The insights and recommendations shared during this brainstorming session will provide valuable guidance, allowing attendees to develop skills that will allow them to pinpoint problems for us to address collectively as a community.

Panelists: Sarah Trautman and Sara DiFucci

This panel brings together diverse viewpoints, including that of a parent raising a child with autism while also working in the staffing and recruitment domain, alongside experienced behavior analysts who have been ardent advocates for individuals on the autism spectrum. The session aims to shed light on the pivotal role that ethics and our choices play in shaping our interactions and decisions that directly impact our clients' experiences. Through the exploration of real-world scenarios and the sharing of insights, the panelists will delve into the ethical obligations we bear towards our clients. A special emphasis will be placed on recognizing the cascading effects of our actions.

Panelists: Brett DiNovi, Sarah Trautman, Jing Zhou, Megan Miller, and Issac Bermudez

Embark on a journey with us as we dive into the ethical implications of ABA's controversial reputation, especially in the realm of its online presence. Our esteemed panelists will shed light on the impact of ABA's negative reputation on talent recruitment and retention, while providing empowering strategies for recruiting teams. Together, we will deepen our understanding of these issues and equip recruiters with practical tools to navigate this landscape. Join us as we continue the crucial conversation on promoting ethical practices within the field of ABA and enhancing effective communication surrounding its application.

Behavior analysis is a science, with applications that extend beyond autism and individuals with intellectual disabilities. But how do we as behavior analysts begin to branch out? How do we create opportunities when, so few seem to exist? What are the steps we must take to extend our experience? Join me on a journey where we will explore how we can establish legitimate career opportunities with new populations and in new settings. Perhaps you have seen the litany of special interest groups that exist, but how do we move forward with these “interests”, so they become more than a hobby? In this presentation, we will discuss areas where behavior analysts have successfully branched out beyond traditional autism service delivery. We will take a look at the stories and lessons learned from over 20+ individuals who dared to do what few others have dared to do before them, so that others may be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Regardless of how long one has been studying or practicing, at one point or another, we all find ourselves in icky, tricky, sticky situations. Encountering an ethical challenge or conflict can feel a lot like walking face-first into a spider web (Kelly et al., 2023). At first, you may not see the ethical challenges that lie ahead of you, just as you may not see the web as you approach it. Just as someone might instinctually panic when walking into a spider web, as behavior analysts, we might feel a sense of panic or uncertainty when we find ourselves in the midst of an ethical conflict. It is natural for us to feel overwhelmed or uncertain when facing complex ethical challenges. However, with training and experience, support, and guidance, we can learn to approach ethical conflicts with calm and confidence, carefully navigating forward in ways that uphold the rights of our clients and the promises of our field. This presentation will review several ethics scenarios, applicable to early career analysts and seasoned analysts alike. Scenarios discussed will include multiple settings (e.g., school, home, clinic, community) and will be reviewed using a 6-step ethics decision-making model.

Panelists: Dr. Darren Sush, Tanner Seirks, Dr. Tiffany Hodges and Katherine Wooten

As Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has become more widely recognized as a treatment for Autism and covered by insurance it is important ABA providers are aware of the best ways to work with payors. ABA professionals would benefit from understanding how medical necessity guidelines are created, how to work within medical necessity criteria, understanding benefits, how to read denials, and what benefits are available through your payor relationship. ABA is now a widely covered treatment option for Autism Spectrum Disorders with most insurance companies including Medicaid, commercial, and self-funded plans. BCBA’s can decrease time dealing with escalated insurance issues and completing clinical reviews by fully understanding the medical necessity process. BCBA’s may also be able to improve outcomes for their clients by leveraging programs and resources that insurance companies have available to support their members. Insurance organizations often have case management supports, medical case management teams, self-service tools for caregivers, and online tools for providers; being able to navigate these resources may improve the client and their families overall experience. Materials covered will address these areas and provide tools on how to better navigate partnering with a payer.

Behavior technicians and analysts alike have an obligation and responsibility to behave in ways which protect our clients (BACB, 2020; Bailey & Burch, 2022). We’ve made a commitment to behave ethically and to promote ethical behavior within our field. Regardless of how long one has been studying or practicing, at one point or another, we all find ourselves in tricky situations. The purpose of this presentation is to review three ethics decision-making models for ABA providers, as well as the benefit of layering the “5 Cs for Consideration” when approaching ethical dilemmas.

Gain Confidence in Medical Necessity. Imagine feeling confident in your Treatment Plan. Imagine knowing your plans will be approved and feeling certain you’ll get the resources you need to help your clients. Decrease Personal Burnout. The stress of the Treatment Plan process is real. Dedicate the time to improving and you’ll gain back valuable peace of mind. Increase Your Approvals. Rejections take away from your valuable time. What if you could get approved on the first try? Good news, you can!

Whether you are a practitioner, consultant, researcher, or parent, we all encounter opportunities to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Benefits of having multiple providers and experts on board can include collaborative brainstorming with shared responsibility for client outcomes. When individuals disagree, however, it can be challenging to determine whose expertise will prevail or what next steps the team should be making. In addition to creating an uncomfortable workplace, when members of the team are resistant or hesitant to trust another's idea, fidelity of an intervention may also be compromised. When disagreements occur this often translates to a delay in client access to treatment. This presentation will review common conflicts, as well as offer some suggestions for effectively navigating these dicey situations.

Co-presenter: Lara Bollinger

Behavior analysts have historically been trained as scientists, often with backgrounds in psychology, education, or a related field. However, with the adoption of insurance funding in the United States, behavior analysts are now expected to operate as medical professionals. This presentation will include a brief literature review on the topic of medical necessity. Additionally, the presenters will discuss how medical necessity is conceptualized in practice, including specific strategies when making medical necessity determinations.

Co-presenter: Jerome Chiu

The Practice Guidelines for Healthcare Funders and Managers (CASP, 2020) categorizes caregiver consultation as a critical feature of treatment. However, across the industry, caregiver consultation is rarely prioritized and when it is, the quality of this support is highly variable. Drawing on collective experiences, working with and for healthcare funders, the presenters will share common mistakes and missteps made by analysts when conceptualizing caregiver support. Our goal of this presentation is to establish a higher standard of care for clients by presenting proven practices, as well as a model of consultation, which we believe will lead to an increase in caregiver engagement.

Panelists: Lara Bollinger, Dr. Ivy Chong, & Kim Mack-Rosenberg

Behavior analysts have historically been trained as scientists, often with backgrounds in psychology, education, or a related field. However, with the adoption of insurance funding in the United States, behavior analysts are now expected to operate as medical professionals. While the original Lovaas study, and later replications, have evaluated the effects of focused (15-25) and comprehensive (25-40+) treatment models, making medical necessity determinations is not often taught or discussed in many University programs. This presents numerous challenges and places the responsibility of teaching how to make clinically sound, medically necessary treatment recommendations on ABA organizations and agencies who employ behavior analysts. This presentation will include a brief literature review on the topic of medical necessity as well as a brief history of autism insurance reform in the US. Additionally, the presenters will discuss how medical necessity is conceptualized at their organization, including specific tools developed for supporting analysts who are tasked with making medical necessity determinations.

Behavior technicians and analysts alike have an obligation and responsibility to behave in ways which protect our clients (BACB, 2020; Bailey & Burch, 2022). We’ve made a commitment to behave ethically and to promote ethical behavior within our field. Regardless of how long one has been studying or practicing, at one point or another, we all find ourselves in tricky situations.

The purpose of this presentation is to review three ethics decision-making models for ABA providers, as well as the five C’s for us to consider when approaching ethical conundrums. Participants will practice using these tools to discuss real-life scenarios which have been previously submitted, as well as have an opportunity to pose scenarios and ask additional questions for the group to review and discuss in real-time.