EVENT: CCBS annual west coast conference announced for April 17, 2010

Mark your calendar for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies annual west coast conference -this year the meeting will be organized and co-hosted by Rob Holdsambeck, Ed.D., BCBA and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology/ Los Angeles. The conference will be held April 17, 2010,  in Los Angeles, CA.

Presenters announced at this time include,

• Andy Bondy, Ph.D., BCBA
  Pyramid Educational Systems
  
• William L. Heward, Ed.D., BCBA
  Past ABA International President, Professor Emeritus,
  The Ohio State University
• Jane Howard, Ph.D., BCBA
  Cal State University, Stanislaus
  Therapeutic Pathways
• Hank Pennypacker, Ph.D.
  Professor Emeritus, University of Florida
  Mammacare
• Janet Twyman, Ph.D., BCBA
  Vice President of Instructional Development at Headsprout

Full program, updates and early registration will be posted soon on
The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies website.

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

 

January preparations for one month Oregon legislative session in February

The Oregon Disabilities Network [A project of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition] reports in their most recent GO!Bulletin/Grassroots Oregon Bulletin,

February Legislative Session Preparations begin in January

The Oregon Legislature is scheduled to go into a one month legislative session on February 1, 2010. Since the session will be very short, timelines will be very tight. House members will be allowed to introduce one bill and Senators will be allowed to introduce two bills. Committees will be allowed to introduce legislation with the approval of the President or Speaker. On January 12, 13, 14, legislative committees will hold public hearings on many of the bills that will be officially introduced during the session. Committee agendas will become available soon. Bills will be assigned to Committees by January 11, 2009.

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

 

 

ANNOUNCE: ABA International's Expansion of the Practice Board and Board Member Activities

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Practice Board has been very active over the past six months. Membership and the focus of the Board has been expanded; this was done to address issues ABAI members have identified as critical to their support needs in the practice of applied behavior analysis...

Included in this expansion of the Practice Board membership are the following,
 
Chair: Michael  F. Dorsey, Ph.D., BCBA

Committees  and respective committee chairs:

• Governmental  Affairs: Thomas Zane,  Ph.D., BCBA
• Licensing:  Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA
• Insurance:  Doreen Granpeesheh, Ph.D., BCBA
• Insurance  Billing: Travis Thompson, Ph.D., and Wayne Fisher, Ph.D., BCBA
• Science  to Practice: Jennifer Zarcone, Ph.D., BCBA
• Education:  R. Douglas Greer, Ph.D.
• Practitioner  Hotline: Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA
• Administrators:  Bob Littleton, Ed.D., and Rita Gardner, MPH, BCBA
• Student  Practitioners: Josh Pritchard, MS, BCBA
  

Members of the ABAI Practice Board have attended or are scheduled to attend a number of ABAI affiliated state chapter and related conferences this year, including:

• New Jersey ABA
• Tennessee ABA
• Missouri ABA
• Four  Corners ABA
• The  Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy
  
• Autism  New Jersey
• Minnesota Northland ABA
• Texas ABA
• Pennsylvania ABA
• Behavior  Analysis Association of Michigan

Practice Board members are available to present at state conferences on subjects related to practice or to consult with chapters on issues such as the development of state licensing laws or third party insurance billing. Recently, Thomas Zane, Michael Weinberg, and Michael Dorsey were invited to meet with the Board of Directors of New Jersey ABA and consult on the potential development of a state licensing law.

Please feel free to contact the ABAI office to request an appearance or meeting with Practice Board members.

Billing Committee Update

Travis Thompson, Ph.D., Co-Chair of the ABAI Practice Board’s Insurance Billing Committee reported on December 22, 2009 that his committee recently forwarded a "Letter of Intent" to submit a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Billing Code proposal covering ABA services for children diagnosed with Autism to the American Medical Association for consideration. Dr. Thompson noted that a representative from AMA contacted him today and that they confirmed receiving our letter of intent. Further, the AMA representative commented that the AMA thought the committee appropriately involved a cross-section of constituencies and organizations, and they noted that it was a good step that the Chair of the Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (which oversees ADHD and autism) of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has offered to assist with the effort. AAP is the major professional organization for all pediatricians. Dr. Thompson noted that the ABAI proposal is anticipated to be submitted to the AMA Committee June 2010. The AMA representative noted that, if our request is acted on favorably at the June 2010 meeting, the new codes could be in place by June 2012.
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Related links

Practice Resources, ABA International

Sunday, December 20, 2009
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG Blog
December 2009 notes on recent activities of the ABAI Practice Board

Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG Blog 
ABAI NEWSFLASH: New Practice Resources at ABA International! 

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

ANNOUNCE: October 8-9, 2010 Northwestern ABA Conference

OR-ABA's neighbor to the north, the Northwestern Association for Behavior Analysis (NWABA), has posted a preliminary notice that they will be hosting a conference October 8-9, 2010 on the campus of Gonzaga University, Spokane WA.

The NWABA executive board is currently conducting the preliminaries for keynote speakers and other conference preparations. Their website states that they will be posting announcements of the keynote speakers and the call for papers sometime in early winter.

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

OR-ABA members in the news: Kudos to OR-ABA member Jenny L. Fischer, BCBA on publication of a new article in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

 A new article in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders is lead-authored by OR-ABA member, Jenny L. Fischer, M.S., BCBA , who is now in private practice in  Bend, Oregon.

The article in the January-March 2010 issue of
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (volume 4, issue 1), is,
Fischer, J.L., Howard, J.S., Sparkman, C.R., & Moore, A.G. (2010). Establishing generalized syntactical responding in young children with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(1), 76-88.
doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2009.07.009

Congratulations on publication Jenny, and regards from us at the
Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis!

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Disclaimer

The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

OPPORTUNITY: OnBACE at the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies has an online tutorial program to offer an additional option for BACB CEUs  for BCBAs & BCaBAs. The Cambridge Center is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certication Board as a Type 2 CE provider; access to the materials and CEU award require registration.

OnBACE: Online Behavior Analysis Continuing Education

These video tutorials are segmented to present a particular set of objectives and include quizzes on the covered material.

Current offerings can be seen at the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies OnBACE page.

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

EVENT: December 18 Early Registration Deadline for ABAI 2010 Autism Conference

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has sent out a reminder of the December 18, 2009 early registration deadline for the two-day single-track event,

ABA International 2010 Autism Conference 

Translational Science and Effective Practice
Friday, January 22 – Sunday, January 24, 2010
Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago

To register

Hotel and travel information for the conference

( To obtain the special group rate for accommodations at the time of reservation, attendees must mention that they are with the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Cut off date for the group rate is December 30, 2009, although it is recommended that reservations be made as soon as possible).

BACB & APA CE credit is available for the presentations

An abbreviated description of the Autism Conference is below.

A full schedule for the conference is also available on the web

Friday January 22, 2010
Evening

• Opening Reception, 
• Poster Session 1
• Exhibitors, Bookstore, and 
• Author Signing Fair (8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
  

Saturday January 23, 2010

Opening Remarks

• Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota) and Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College)

Morning session
Chair: Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College)

• Early Behavioral Intervention and Family Psychological Adjustment.
  Bob Remington, Ph.D. (University of Southampton)
  
  
• A Comparison of Methods for Collecting Data on Students' Performance During Discrete Trial Teaching.
  Dorothea C. Lerman, Ph.D., BCBA (University of Houston, Clear Lake)
  
  
• Intensive Early Behavioral Intervention and Brain Development.
  Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
  
  
• Discussion and Audience Q & A
  Craig H. Kennedy, Ph.D., BCBA (Vanderbilt University) 

Afternoon session
Chair: William L. Heward, Ed.D., BCBA (The Ohio State University)

• Augmentative Communication Strategies with Children with Autism and Severe Disability.
  Joe Reichle, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
  
  
• A Standardized Approach for Individualizing School-Based Interventions for the Challenging Behaviors of Students with Autism.
  Glen Dunlap, Ph.D. (University of South Florida)
  
  
• Identifying Effective and Preferred Behavior-Change Programs: A Case for the Objective Measurement of Social Validity.
  Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College)
  
  
• Discussion and Audience Q & A
  Dorothea C. Lerman, Ph.D., BCBA (University of Houston, Clear Lake)
  

Evening

• Poster Session 2
  

Sunday January 24, 2010
Morning session
Chair: Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)

• The Science and Practice of Discrete-Trial Training: Why Some Teaching Procedures Are More Effective Than Others.
  Kathryn Saunders, Ph.D., (University of Kansas)
  
  
• Assessment and Treatment of Feeding Problems in Autism.
  Cathleen C. Piazza, Ph.D., (Munroe-Meyer Institute)
  
  
• Interaction of Health Conditions and Environmental Factors in Challenging Behavior in Autism.
  Craig H. Kennedy, Ph.D., BCBA (Vanderbilt University)
  
  
• Discussion, Audience Q & A, and Closing Remarks
  Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College) and Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
  

For questions or assistance, please contact  convention@abainternational.org.

Association for Behavior Analysis International
550 West Centre Ave, Suite 1
Portage, MI 49024
Phone: 269-492-9310
Fax: 269-492-9316
http://www.abainternational.org

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

 

ANNOUNCE: New Oregon Commission on Autism website

A website for the Oregon Commission on Autism is now up.
 
Mission Statement for the Commission

The mission for the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorder  

Develop appropriate, collaborative and timely supports and services across the lifespan.This mission is accomplished by the creation and implementation of a long term strategic plan that increases coordination, promotes best available practice, makes efficient use of resources, and both directly engages with, and better responds to the needs of, people on the spectrum and their families.

The site has the Commission's calendar, history, documents, contact info and other relating to their work.

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

 

MEETING: Jan. 15, 2010 Meeting of the Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis

Next Meeting of the

OREGON ASSOCIATION FOR BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (OR-ABA)

WHEN: Friday, January 15, 2010; 9:00a-2:00p

WHERE: Oregon Institute of Technology [OIT]
3201 Campus Drive Klamath Falls, OR 97601
COLLEGE UNION-MT MAZAMA ROOM

CAMPUS MAP

Lunch will be provided.

RSVP* by Monday, January 4, 2010 to Sarah Schaefer, LPC, BCBA,

(971)344-9440 or sschaefer_AT_advbehavioralconcepts.com

*A group will be driving down to Klamath Falls on Thursday. 
Please let Sarah Schaefer know if you are interested in carpooling and sharing a hotel room when you RSVP.

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Presenter

Maria Lynn Kessler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor at OIT, Program Director of the Applied Psychology Program

Dr. Kessler teaches behavior modification courses at OIT where she has been a professor since January, 2003.  She obtained a MS in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University and a PhD in Psychology from Florida State University where she studied under Dr. Jon S. Bailey.  Dr. Kessler has worked with a variety of populations in many settings including: Developmental Disabilities, Child Abuse/Neglect, and Organizational Behavior Management.

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OUR MISSION:

• The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis is an organization for professionals, parents, caregivers, educators, researchers and others who are interested in promoting the field of behavior analysis within the community.  The association plans on fulfilling this purpose by the following:
• Encourage the understanding of all aspects of behavior analysis (e.g., the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and radical behaviorism) in universities, schools, and community settings by encouraging competent practice, providing a forum for behavior analysts to gather and share information, and disseminating information on behavior analysis to the community.
• Supporting the design and application of evidence based practices to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Oregon.
• Serving as a professional reference group for those who identify themselves as scientists or practitioners in disciplines that embrace the principles and practices of behavior analysis.
• Advising political, legislative, and policy-making bodies with respect to all matters pertaining to behavior analysis.
• Promote the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as the appropriate body for credentialing practitioners of Applied Behavior Analysis in the state of Oregon.
• Maintaining a website containing information about the organization as well as resources pertaining to behavior analysis.

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

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EVENT: ClickerExpo is Coming to Portland, OR in January

The December issue of the TAGteach newsletter highlights that ClickerExpo 2010 is coming to Portland, Oregon

January 29-31, 2010
Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Portland – Lloyd Center
1000 NE Multnomah Street
Portland, Oregon 97232 USA

While the focus is on the use of clicker-training and positive reinforcement based shaping for dogs and other animals, the program also shows that there will be some principles-based workshops, and presentations by

• Karen Pryor (Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training, and Reaching the Animal Mind),  
• Julie S. Vargas, Ph.D. (B.F. Skinner's daughter, former professor at the University of West Virginia, and author of the newly published text, Behavior Analysis for Effective Teaching),  
• Jose Rosales-Ruiz Ph.D. Associate Professor of Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas, and 
• others whose knowledge of behavioral principles and application extends beyond the animal kingdom.

Teresa McKeon of TAGteach will be giving an introductory workshop as one of the sessions.

For details on ClickerExpo and presentations, please see the website.

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers. 

WORKSHOP (Updated): Camas, WA - James Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D on ABLLS-R and programming for children with autism

**20 Jan 2010 - information corrected/updated to represent most recent information from Behavior Analysts, Inc. and a change of venue for this event**

Seats are stated to still be available

Behavior Analysts, Inc. announces a Workshop Series For Parents and Professionals to be held in Vancouver, WA. Camas, WA.

Presenter: James W. Partington, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Director of Behavior Analysts, Inc., and author of the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (The ABLLS®-R)

January 27th – 30th, 2010
Change of Venue, New Location:
Camas Meadows Golf Club- Red Oak Room
4105 NW Camas Meadows Drive
Camas, WA 98607
Phone: 360-833-2000
Google map

at Clark College at Columbia Tech Center
18700 SE Mill Plain Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98683
Rooms- 144 & 146
Driving directions:
Building Map
Google map
Each day is a separate workshop and is registered for separately.
An early registration deadline is January 13, 2010; after that date it is noted that there will be an additional late registration fee.

Outline of daily presentations: Each is a separate workshop and is registered for separately.

January 27, 2010
Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities

January 28 ,2010
Introduction to The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (The ABLLS®-R)

January 29, 2010
Designing, Implementing and Trouble-Shooting Verbal Behavior Programs for Children with Autism

January 30, 2010
Understanding and Changing Challenging Behaviors and
Teaching Language Skills During Daily Activities to Children with Autism

For more detailed information on content of each day, a printable brochure/registration form, and online registration, please see, Behavior Analysts, Inc.

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers. 

ANNOUNCE: National Autism Center releases new educators' manual on evidence-based practice for ASD in schools

The National Standards Project of the National Autism Center announced in their December newsletter that a NEW manual targeting educators is available for free download or purchase at their website, and shared an update on the also available recently released National Standards Project Report.

National Autism Center Releases New Autism Educator Manual

We are pleased to make available a comprehensive new manual by the National Autism Center entitled, Evidence-Based Practice and Autism in the Schools.

“We created this manual for educators as a means of promoting evidence-based practice for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in schools,” said Susan M. Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA, Executive Director of the National Autism Center. “We know that research-supported interventions are most likely to produce positive outcomes for the ever-increasing numbers of students with ASD.”

The development and publication of the manuals were made possible through support from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc., and the Niel M. Wreidt 2003 Revocable Trust. The American Legion grant enabled us to distribute the first 3,000 manuals free of charge to public school systems throughout the country.

Due to the overwhelming response to the manuals, we are making them available on our website. Visitors can now download them for free, or purchase a hard copy through our on-line Bookstore. We welcome you to take a look!

This is a new complement to the National Standards Project Report, previously issued in September, which addressed the level of evidence for autism interventions.

NAC Director Susan M. Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA talks about the National Standards Project

In their update on the National Standards Project Report, the NAC December newsletter also stated that,

The response to our September announcement of National Standards Project results has been tremendous! Individuals from every state in the United States, and from close to 50 countries, have visited our website in the past two months. They have downloaded tens of thousands of free copies of the Project results.

Help us to continue spreading the word! Forward our e-card to others who might be interested in learning about the National Standards Project.

We invite you to visit our website to view and download a free electronic copy, or to purchase a printed copy, of the report.

The primary goal of the National Standards Project is to provide critical information about which treatments have been shown to be effective for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The National Standards Report covers a broad range of applied treatments and identifies the level of scientific evidence available for each. The report serves as a single, authoritative source of guidance for parents, caregivers, educators, and service providers as they make informed treatment decisions. We are confident that these findings and recommendations will change lives and give hope and direction to people whose lives are touched by autism.

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Past post:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
ANNOUNCE: National Autism Center releases National Report from the National Standards Project

Disclaimer

The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers. 

NEWS: Pediatrics Article Reports Positive Results of Intervention Model for Toddlers with ASD

A story being reported on by  CNN, and  Time, as well as other media outlets in reference to the newly published (November 30) Pediatrics article,

Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., Smith, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., et. al. (2009). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: The Early Start Denver Model. Pediatrics, Published online November 30, 2009
(doi:10.1542/ peds.2009- 0958)

Link to the abstract; purchase required for full access.

"Objective  To conduct a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a comprehensive developmental behavioral intervention, for improving outcomes of toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: Forty-eight children diagnosed with ASD between 18 and 30 months of age were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) ESDM intervention, which is based on developmental and applied behavioral analytic principles and delivered by trained therapists and parents for 2 years; or (2) referral to community providers for intervention commonly available in the community.

Results: Compared with children who received community-intervention, children who received ESDM showed significant improvements in IQ, adaptive behavior, and autism diagnosis. Two years after entering intervention, the ESDM group on average improved 17.6 standard score points (1 SD: 15 points) compared with 7.0 points in the comparison group relative to baseline scores. The ESDM group maintained its rate of growth in adaptive behavior compared with a normative sample of typically developing children. In contrast, over the 2-year span, the comparison group showed greater delays in adaptive behavior. Children who received ESDM also were more likely to experience a change in diagnosis from autism to pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, than the comparison group.

Conclusions: This is the first randomized, controlled trial to demonstrate the efficacy of a comprehensive developmental behavioral intervention for toddlers with ASD for improving cognitive and adaptive behavior and reducing severity of ASD diagnosis. Results of this study underscore the importance of early detection of and intervention in autism."

Two of the authors of the study are from University of Washington Autism Center, Center on Human Development and Disability, and the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.

The main significances are the very young ages of the enrolled children and the experimental design of RCT; it should be noted that some need for longitudinal followup to see if gains are maintained is discussed in the last paragraph of the full study, and that while 7 of the 24 student treatment group improved to PDD-NOS classification, 2 of the students in the treatment group moved from PDD to an Autistic Disorder diagnosis as well during the course of the study. The overall effect described for the treatment group was of significant benefit compared to the "community based" comparison group and spoke to a potential general benefit of early application of ESDM at the intensity and competency of service delivery as described in the Pediatrics article.

Two quotes from the newsreporting,

CNN: "...[Sally] Rogers acknowledges that this study is only the first step. "Every piece of science needs to be replicated before it becomes fact, so we are currently doing a replication study," she said...."

Time: "...Whether the Early Start Denver Model will prove to be more effective than other therapies remains to be seen. Leading autism researcher Tristram Smith, an ABA expert at the University of Rochester, who lauds the new study for its methodological rigor, notes that the gains made by children in the intervention group were similar to those reported in studies of ABA models. "I do think there is a need for head-to-head studies," says Smith. Also needed is high-quality research on how to match individual children with the therapy that suits them best."

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers. 

ANNOUNCE: The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB) now archived at Pubmed Central!

Joining the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) and The Behavior Analyst - The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB) volumes 1-22 (1982-2006) are now available in open access archive at Pubmed Central.

From the description at the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), website,

The annual issue of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior is for the original publication of experimental or theoretical papers relevant to a behavioral analysis of verbal behavior. Topics include: elementary verbal operants, multiple control, rule-governed behavior, epistemology, language acquisition, pedagogy, verbal behavior research methodology, and others.

For the most recent issues / to subscribe to The Analysis of Verbal Behavior,
see the Journals page at the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

Related post:

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

ANNOUNCE: New volume of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior now available. 

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

LECTURE: Online Podcast of Dr. Peter Gerhardt's Presentation to the City Club of Cleveland

The invited talk to the City Club of Cleveland on November 20, 2009 by Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D. President of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) & Chair of the OAR's Scientific Council  is now posted as a free listen/download podcast, and for purchase as a CD.

Link to the podcast
55:32 Published: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 12:00:00 -0500
alternative link

To the speaker's page,

Peter is a lively public speaker on the topic of autism and Asperger's Syndrome; he also mentions the contributions of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) to good outcomes, and during the Q&A, discusses more in depth possibility of loss of diagnosis in autism and significant improvement via EIBI.

• Understanding autism
• Fictions and facts
• Needs of adults and how society can work together to promote "quality of life".

• Included in the Q&A:
• - genetics/heritability/family clusters of autism? "Later" diagnoses of autism?
• - autism has been at the same prevalence - mis/different diagnosis in the past or real change in prevalence?
• - What would be diagnosis of the "Rainman"? What is the criteria for Asperger's Syndrome?
• - Are there pockets of autism or is it evenly distributed?
• - Need for early intervention -describe. How do people pay for this?

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

NEWS: Behavioral Therapy Boosts Treatment of Serious Behavior Problems in Autism Compared to Medication Alone

For those interested in the use of medications, behavior therapy, the combination of both in treating serious behaviors in pervasive developmental disorders, and use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in evaluating treatments, this article by Michelle Diament of Disability Scoop will be of interest. It describes study results that reported that the most effective results for treatment of problem behaviors in the study group of 4-13 year-olds with autism was a combination of parent training in use of behavioral therapy and medication vs. medication alone, with the improvements derived from parent training continued to increase over time. The research article itself will also be of interest; at the current time the article is available in free open access from the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's December issue.


A significant statement has been made by Thomas R. Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) regarding the results of this study,

“Medication alone has been shown to help with some symptoms of autism, but its potential is limited...This study shows promise of a more effective treatment protocol that could improve life for children with autism and their families."

ABA International members Eric Butter, Ph.D. and James A. Mulick, Ph.D. are two of the team of researchers who authored the research article.

Behavior Therapy Plus Medication Most Successful For Kids With Autism
By Michelle Diament
November 23, 2009
Disability Scoop 11/23/09

"Children with autism experienced fewer behaviors and needed less medication when their parents used behavior therapy in addition to medication, new research shows."

Aman, M.G., McDougle, C.J.,Scahill, L., Handen ,B., Arnold, L. E., et. al.(2009). Medication and parent training in children with pervasive developmental disorders and serious behavior problems: Results from a randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,48(12),1143-1154.
doi: 10.1097/CHI. 0b013e3181bfd669

-------------------------
Related:
NIMH Press Release
November 20, 2009
Parent Training Complements Medication for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

ANNOUNCE: CalABA Announces 2010 Conference Speakers and Events

28th Annual CalABA Conference · Feb. 18 - 20, 2010
Hyatt Regency, Irvine, CA

- Conference preview: Keynote and invited addresses - Conference advertising & exhibits. Deadline: Dec. 18, 2009 - Student researchers: 2010 Julie Vargas Award. Deadline: Dec. 1 - Graduate students: 2010 Skinner Foundation Research Award. Deadline: Dec. 1 - Fall 2009 CalABA newsletter available online

Conference preview. This year's CalABA conference will again feature a number of invited addresses and workshops by renowned speakers, including several from the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) (see below). KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Howard Goldstein, PhD, CCC-SLP. Ohio State University Identifying Evidence-Based Practices: Consumer Reports Evaluation of Autism Interventions Edward K. Morris, PhD. University of Kansas The Gernsbacher Lectures: Cut Aways, Outtakes, and Bloopers - and Essentialism OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR ADDRESS John A. Nevin, PhD. University of New Hampshire Behavioral Momentum: Equations and Applications GLENDA VITTIMBERGA MEMORIAL LECTURE Stephanie M. Peterson, PhD, BCBA-D. Western Michigan University Concurrent Schedules of Reinforcement During Stimulus Fading Intervention INVITED SPEAKERS Invited Addresses Autism Thomas S. Higbee, PhD, BCBA-D, Utah State University Using Script Fading to Promote Spontaneous Language in Children with Autism and Related Disorders Developmental Disabilities Richard G. Smith, PhD, BCBA-D, University of North Texas Assessing Behavior Disorders: Alternatives to Standard Functional Analysis Procedures Experimental David Pierce, PhD, University of Alberta Activity Anorexia: Participation of Neuroendocrine Responses in Food-related Behavioral Contingencies Human Development & Gerontology Patrick C. Friman, PhD, Boys Town Using Applied Behavior Analysis to Address Problems of Mainstream, Everyday Life Organizational Behavior Management Judy L. Agnew, PhD, Aubrey Daniels International Ensuring Effective Treatment: Lessons Learned from Business Applications of Behavior Analysis Professional, Ethical, & Legal Issues Jerry Shook, PhD, BCBA-D, Behavior Analyst Certification Board Professional Developments in the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Jim Johnston, PhD, BCBA-D, Auburn University Issues in Credentialing Professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis Verbal Behavior David Palmer, PhD, Smith College Future Directions in the Analysis of Verbal Behavior Other Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, PhD, University of North Texas From Fierce or Fearful to Friendly: A Shaping Program for Dogs, Cats, and Beyond Invited Workshops (Sat. only) Autism Thomas S. Higbee, PhD, BCBA-D, Utah State University Using Activity Schedules to Promote Appropriate Independent and Interactive Play Skills for Children with Autism Clinical/Medical Michael P. Mozzoni, PhD, BCBA-D, Learning Services NeuroBehavioral Institute Behavioral Methods and Strategies for Working with Neurologically Impaired Adults Education Lloyd Peterson, PhD & Stephanie Peterson, PhD, BCBA-D Sam Houston State University and Western Michigan University Making the Most of Teachable Moments: A Paradigm Shift APBA Co-conference Addresses Linda A. LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, Auburn University Teaching Children with Autism Using Naturalistic Teaching Strategies Coleen Sparkman, MA, CCC-SLP, Kendall School/Therapeutic Pathways Back to Basics: Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own Business or Going to Work for an Agency Panel Discussions Gina Green, PhD, BCBA-D, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts Jerry Shook, PhD, BCBA-D, Behavior Analyst Certification Board Jane S. Howard, PhD, BCBA-D, CalABA Public Policy Committee James C. Gross, JD, Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller, & Naylor, LLP Advocating for Public Policies to Support Behavior Analysis Jim Johnston, PhD, BCBA-D, Auburn University Gina Green, PhD, BCBA-D, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts Ethan Long, PhD, BCBA-D, The Bay School Janet Yi, MS, BCBA, JBA Institute Everyday Ethical Challenges for Professional Behavior Analysts Workshops (Sat. only) Gina Green, PhD, BCBA-D, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage of ABA Intervention for Autism Jose D. Rios, MS, BCBA, Private practice Writing, Implementing, and Evaluating Effective and Ethical Behavior Intervention Plans Conference advertising and exhibits. Take advantage of the many sponsorship and advertising opportunities while helping to ensure the success of our 2010 conference! For more information and to download an application, see our Sponsorship and Advertising page. Students.   Submit your research projects now for the Julie Vargas Award and the B. F. Skinner Foundation Research Award. The Dec. 1 deadline is just around the corner! Conference hotel reservations. Our hotel room block is filling up quickly, so make your room reservations early. Make your reservations online and automatically receive the special conference rate. For more information see our Travel & Hotel page. One-page flyer and conference logos. Help us spread the word about our 2010 conference! Print out our PDF single-page flyer to post at your schools and offices, and display our conference logos on your websites. Look for the "Marketing Items" link in the conference menu on the left at calaba.org. Thank you! Fall 2009 CalABA newsletter.  See this latest edition of our newsletter "Focal Point" for news from California's flagship behavior analysis organization, and visit our newsletter page for an archive of past issues. We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

---------- Disclaimer The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use. Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.