Research to Practice: Making Real Changes in the Lives of People with Autism

The agenda that follows is taken from the Association for Behavior Analysis International® web site. The focus of the conference, as the conference title declares, is on making real changes for the benefit of people with autism. Anyone who shares that focus on making real changes for people with autism should give serious thought to attending this conference if time and circumstances permit. All the topics are of compelling interest. One that catches my eye in particular as my son, who will be 13 in February, grows up is the discussion by Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., Organization for Autism Research entitled Applied Behavior Analysis and Adults with Autism: Applications to Promote Competence and Quality of Life.

If you are serious about helping people with autism make real changes in their lives this is the conference you should attend in 2009! Registration forms and information, including on-line registration, are available on the ABA International conference registration page.

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Research to Practice: Making Real Changes in the Lives of People with Autism

The 2009 Autism Conference program would not be possible without the dedicated contributions of the Program Committee.

2009 Autism Conference Program Committee

Agenda

The conference titles and speakers are listed below. Click on each to view the presentation abstract and speaker biography.

Friday, February 6

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Opening Reception: Poster Session 1, Exhibitors, Bookstore & Author Signing Fair

Saturday, February 7

8:00 am - 8:15 am
Opening Remarks and Introductions
William L. Heward, Ed.D., BCBA, The Ohio State University

8:15 am - 9:15 am
Fostering Independent Performance Skills in Young Children with Autism
Diane M. Sainato, Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Introduced by: William L. Heward, Ed.D., BCBA, The Ohio State University

9:15 am - 10:15 am
Improving Joint Attention and Reciprocal Language Skills in Children with Autism
Bridget A. Taylor, Psy.D., BCBA, Alpine Learning Group
Introduced by: Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA, Rutgers University

10:15 am - 10:45 am
Break

10:45 am - 11:45 am
Pivotal Response Intervention
Lynn Kern Koegel, Ph.D., and Robert L. Koegel, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Introduced by: Linda A. LeBlanc, Ph.D., BCBA, Western Michigan University

11:45 am - 12:45 pm
Applied Behavior Analysis and Adults with Autism: Applications to Promote Competence and Quality of Life
Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., Organization for Autism Research
Introduced by: Marianne L. Jackson, Ph.D., BCBA, California State University, Fresno

12:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Lunch Break

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Expert Panel/Question & Answer Session: Recent Developments in Behavioral Programming & Interventions
Panelists: Peter Gerhardt, Lynn Koegel, Robert Koegel, Diane Sainato, and Bridget Taylor
Moderator: Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA, Rutgers University

3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for Children with Autism: What Does Research Tell Us?
Adrienne M. Perry, Ph.D., C.Psych., BCBA, York University
Introduced by: James E. Carr, Ph.D., BCBA, Auburn University

4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Break

4:45 pm - 5:45 pm
Defining, Designing & Delivering ABA School Programs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Suzanne Letso, M.A., BCBA, Connecticut Center for Child Development
Introduced by: David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA, Association for Science in Autism Treatment

5:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Overview of ABAI’s Autism and Parent-Professional Partnership Special Interest Groups
Mary Jane Weiss, Past-President, ABAI Autism SIG & David Celiberti, President, ABAI's Parent-Professional Partnership SIG

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Dinner

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Poster Session 2, Bookstore and Exhibitors

Sunday, February 8

8:00 am - 9:00 am
Now That We Know What to Do, How Do We Do It? Implementation Science and Applied Behavior Analysis
Samuel L. Odom, Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Introduced by: Jack Scott, Ph.D., BCBA, Florida Atlantic University

9:00 am - 10:00 am
Experimental Approaches to Behavioral Assessment
Brian A. Iwata, Ph.D., BCBA, University of Florida
Introduced by: Susan M. Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA, National Autism Center

10:00 am - 10:30 am
Break

10:30 am - 11:30 pm
Expert Panel/Question & Answer Session: Using Science to Guide Autism Treatment
Panelists: Brian Iwata, Suzanne Letso, Samuel Odom, Adrienne Perry, and Susan M. Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA, National Autism Center
Moderator: James E. Carr, Ph.D., BCBA, Auburn University

11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Expert Panel/Question & Answer Session: Current Status, Challenges, and Opportunities in Legislation of Behavior Analytic Autism Services: Observations and Recommendations from Professionals and Parent Advocates

Panelists: Mandana Davani, M.D., St. Johns Radiology Associates; Michael Dorsey, Ph.D., BCBA, Vinfen Corporation and Gordon College; Kim Lucker, Ph.D., BCBA, Behavior Management Consultants; Eric D. Prutsman, Esq., Prutsman & Associates; Judith Ursitti, Autism Speaks
Moderator: Jack Scott, Ph.D., BCBA, Florida Atlantic University

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Concluding Remarks

autism

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Autism and ABA Conference: Issues and Recent Advancements in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism

More details on the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)'s Second Annual Autism Conference from Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10 in Atlanta:

Second Annual Autism Conference Offers New Insight Into Treating Autistic Children; Distinguished Speakers to Address a Growing Challenge

As many as 1 in 150 children have autism. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most scientifically backed methods available for treating autism. Leading ABA researchers will soon be gathering to present the latest developments in this life-changing science.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 6, 2007 -- As many as 1 in 150 children have autism, a complex disorder marked by impairments in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most scientifically backed methods available for treating autism. Leading ABA researchers will soon be gathering to present the latest developments in this life-changing science.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), along with its Autism and Parent Professional Partnership Special Interest Groups, will be hosting its Second Annual Autism Conference from Friday, Feb. 8 to Sunday, Feb. 10 in Atlanta. Last year's conference in Boston brought together over 1,600 attendees from across the globe.

This year's conference, "Issues and Recent Advancements in the Behavioral Treatment of Autism: Practical Strategies for Changing Behavior at Home and School," will focus on home- and community-based interventions as well as curriculum and instruction in the classroom.

The three-day conference will bring together 10 distinguished experts on ABA presenting resources and information that teachers, therapists and parents can use to improve the lives of children with autism. Presentation topics include:

• "Teaching the Social Dance" - strategies to teach young people with autism the verbal and non-verbal components to conversation
• "One Size Does Not Fit All" - ways to tailor treatments to individual needs to promise the best treatment outcome
• "From DT to DI: Using Direct Instruction to Teach Students with ASD" - how Direct Instruction (DI) can address the unique needs of learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while supporting the acquisition of academic skills

This year's Autism Conference will be held at Atlanta's Hyatt Regency Hotel. New additions include exhibitor booths, a bookstore and author book signing by the 10 presenters.

For more information or to register for the conference, visit the ABAI web site. Registrations received by Tuesday, December 11, 2007 will qualify for a $25 discount. Pre-registration will close Tuesday, January 15, 2008.

Credentialed members of the news media may attend free of charge with advanced approval.

About ABA International:
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is a nonprofit professional membership organization with the mission of developing, enhancing and supporting the growth and vitality of behavior analysis through research, education and practice. Founded in 1974, the association has approximately 5,000 members worldwide. Its affiliated chapters have a total membership of 12,000 worldwide.

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