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Monday, August 5
 

9:00am EDT

01. Conference Welcome and Pennsylvania Updates - Presidents Hall
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Mike Miklos

Mike Miklos

Miklos BCT
Mike Miklos, MS, BCBA, is a behavior analyst and Pennsylvania certified school psychologist currently in private practice. He previously served as an educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) and served as co-lead for the PaTTAN... Read More →
avatar for Angela Kirby

Angela Kirby

Director, PaTTAN
Since 2008, Dr. Angela Kirby has served as the Director of the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance (PaTTAN) located in Harrisburg, Pa. In this role, she has led various training and technical assistance efforts on behalf of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education... Read More →

Monday August 5, 2019 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

10:00am EDT

02. Opening Keynote: Build Your Legacy - Being a Champion with Behavior Analysis - Presidents Hall
Whether you are a student, Behavior Analyst, Educator, or a parent, you will find yourself building a legacy. As Behavior Analysis’ exposure increases not only in the world of autism but also in mainstream education in general, each of us has a more and more important role to play. What will your legacy be and how do you ensure an impact? Not surprisingly, the answers are unlikely to be found in graduate school and sometimes require hard lessons that only come with experience. This presentation will discuss various challenges faced by practitioners and educators using individual examples and from a large-scale perspective. Additionally, it will highlight the different issues we must address, the importance of doing so for our field, and just how dangerous the future could be if we do not act now. If you struggled with a response about your impact or do not see the clear call to action, get ready to work because you have more to give…to your field, your clients, and to yourself. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Nikki Dickens

Nikki Dickens

Emily N. Dickens, M.S., BCBA—or “Nikki”— is the Director of the FSU Early Childhood Autism Program in Panama City, a nonprofit clinic and community outreach organization. She received her Masters from FSU Panama City in 2005, returned in 2013 to oversee the ECAP practicum... Read More →

2. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

11:00am EDT

03. Current Effective Practices in a Representative District - Presidents Hall
The PaTTAN Autism Initiative ABA Supports currently provides consultation to over 600 classrooms across Pennsylvania, including rural, suburban, and urban schools.  This brief session will highlight the Moon Area School District and their collaborative efforts with the Autism Initiative, involving seven classrooms spanning Kindergarten through High School students.  The partnership comprises dedicated teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, internal coaches, behavior analysts, therapists, and amazing students.  The presentation will provide video examples of the use of reinforcement-based instruction based on the science of behavior analysis. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Ryan Delaney

Ryan Delaney

Educational Consultant, PaTTAN
Ryan Delaney is an Educational Consultant for the PATTAN Autism Initiative supporting classrooms throughout Pennsylvania. He received his master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and earned his BCBA through the Penn State ABA certificate program.

3. Presentation pdf
3. Handout pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:00pm EDT

04. Introduction to the Conference and Applied Behavior Analysis - Presidents Hall 4
Presentation will include a brief overview of evidence-based interventions for students with autism. Since most evidence suggests the importance of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in guiding interventions for individuals with autism, many sessions at the National Autism Conference focus on ABA. During this session, the basic principles of ABA will be presented for beginners and those who want a review of those principles. This session is appropriate for parents and educators. The content of this session will prepare attendees to get the most out of this year’s conference. Information presented will be supported by videos of ABA-based interventions. Additionally, the session will include a brief review of how data may be presented in the various ABA-based sessions occurring at the conference. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Harned

Ashley Harned

Educational Consultant, PaTTAN Central
Ashley Harned, M.Ed., BCBA, works as an educational consultant with PaTTAN’s Autism Initiative. Prior to coming to PaTTAN, Ashley served as a special education teacher for K–4 students with high- and low-incidence disabilities for eight years. Ashley secured her undergraduate... Read More →
AP

Abigail Pastorella

Abigail Pastorella, M.S., BCBA, LBS is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Specialist, and Certified School Psychologist for the State of Pennsylvania. Abigail earned her Master of Science degree from Millersville University and her Bachelor of Science degree from... Read More →

4. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

1:00pm EDT

06. Early Social Responding and Verbal Behavior: An Analysis of Current Applications - Deans Hall 1 & 2
Since the publication of the pioneering work by Hart and Risley (1975, 1978), naturalistic-based interventions, focusing on the acquisition and generalization of social communication, have been increasingly incorporated into Applied Behavior Analytic programs for children with autism. In the past two decades, several researchers have drawn from this literature to develop and divulge comprehensive early intervention models that are said to focus specifically on early social behavior (e.g., Dawson et al., 2009; Rogers & Dawson, 2010). Given the syndrome specific and primary deficits of autism, intervention that aims to address impairments in social responding early on may result in clinically significant outcomes for this population. Because language is typically acquired in the context of and maintained by social interaction, early focus on establishing people as a source of reinforcement may enable children to acquire verbal behavior under more environmentally valid sources of control. The current presentation will firstly briefly review the sparse literature on naturalistic interventions and the extent to which, as a scientific community, we have developed both an analysis and subsequent techniques to address and alter the social deficits in autism. The presentation will particularly focus on operationally defining and illustrating strategies to establish early social responding by referring to current behavioral interpretations of joint attention and eye contact as a conditioned reinforcer and derived evidence-based applications to establish language in the context of, to contact and maintain social interaction. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Francesca degli Espinosa

Francesca degli Espinosa

BCBA-D
My clinical and research interests focus on behavioural interpretations of social responding and advanced applications of contemporary analyses of verbal behaviour (Horne & Lowe, 1996; Michael, Palmer, & Sundberg, 2011) as a basis for teaching generalised verbal repertoires, and... Read More →

6. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

1:00pm EDT

10. Effects of Pace of Instruction on Skill Acquisition and Problem Behavior - Presidents Hall 1
This session will review some common misconceptions about how students with autism should be taught with a focus on instructional pace and skills sequence. A brief review of research related to the topic will be included as well as pragmatic suggestions on how to arrange instructional materials, teaching environments, and structure teaching sessions while maintaining a brisk pace of instruction to keep students engaged. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA

Speakers
avatar for Willow Hozella

Willow Hozella

Clinical Director, May Institute
Willow Hozella, PhD, BCBA, is an educational consultant with PaTTAN's Autism Initiative. He provides in-class consultation to autism support classrooms throughout Pennsylvania, working directly with students, teachers, para-educators, and other staff to implement evidence-based instructional... Read More →

10. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

1:00pm EDT

05. Recent Research on Teaching Verbal Behavior to Children with Autism - Presidents Hall 2
A recent review of empirical applications of Skinner’s Verbal Behavior (1957) to interventions for children with autism showed that the number of studies published each year has increased over time (DeSouza, Akers, & Fisher, 2017). Additionally, research on applications of Skinner’s Analysis of Verbal Behavior spans a variety of peer-reviewed outlets. Recent research has continued to examine methods to directly teach a variety of verbal operants including mands, tacts, intraverbals, and echoics as well as methods to produce emergent responding across non-targeted operants. While the increase in publications is exciting and beneficial in advancing evidence-based interventions, it may be challenging practitioners to keep up with the literature. The current presentation will provide an overview of several recent studies on teaching verbal behavior to children with autism. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Alice Shillingsburg

Alice Shillingsburg

Dr. Alice Shillingsburg obtained her doctoral degree and training in clinical child psychology and behavior analysis at Auburn University. She is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level. She is the senior vice president of Applied Verbal... Read More →

5. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:00pm EDT

08. The Evolution of a Science: A Brief History of Behavior Analysis, Including Applications to Autism Treatment - Presidents Hall 3
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for A. Charles Catania

A. Charles Catania

Professor Emeritus, UMBC
A. Charles Catania, Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), is Past-President of the Association for Behavior Analysis and of Division 25 of the American Psychological Association. He has been Editor of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of... Read More →

8. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:00pm EDT

09. Bearcat BEST - Building Excellence through Skills Training - Room 206
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Philip Kanfush

Philip Kanfush

Saint Vincent College
Dr. Philip Kanfush started the Bearcat B.E.S.T. transition program at Saint Vincent College in 2015 to serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities on a college campus with their same-age peers. The program has successfully served nearly 40 students at present... Read More →
avatar for Alaina D'Aloiso

Alaina D'Aloiso

Alaina D’Aloiso graduated from Saint Vincent College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 2017. She holds current Pennsylvania teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (pre-K through grade 4), Special Education (for both grades pre-K through... Read More →

9. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

4:15pm EDT

12. Legal and Ethical Considerations for the Written Functional Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Plan - Presidents Hall 1, 2 & 3
Many BCBAs working in schools and other settings are responsible for conducting functional assessments and developing behavioral intervention plans. What many behavior analysts may not know is that the written documents represent the only view of the process that outside observers, regulators, and advocates might have. Therefore, it is critical that the written document is constructed in a manner that is consistent with standards of legal and ethical practice. Although some aspects of practice vary from state to state, the fundamentals of the written assessment and written plan are generally consistent. In this presentation, Dr. Vollmer will draw from his experiences to describe “hot button” items associated with the written component of the assessment and plan. He will make suggestions related to making the written components clear, and as free from misinterpretation as possible. Throughout, legal and ethical standards will guide the discussion. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB Ethics
Speakers
avatar for Timothy Vollmer

Timothy Vollmer

Professor and Associate Chair, Psychology, University of Florida
Timothy R. Vollmer received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 1992. From 1992 until 1996 he was on the psychology faculty at Louisiana State University. From 1996 to 1998 he was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He returned to the University... Read More →

12. Presentation pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 4:15pm - 5:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming
 
Tuesday, August 6
 

9:00am EDT

13. A Step-Wise Approach to Behavioral Intervention: Implications for Behavioral Consultation - Presidents Hall 1
The presenter will describe a philosophy of behavioral intervention that is based on empirical evidence. He will begin with a discussion of strategies for prevention of severe behavior disorders. Next, he will describe the role of "healthy contingencies" in both the prevention and early intervention of behavior disorders. Third, he will discuss age-appropriate contingency management strategies. Fourth, he will discuss individualized intervention strategies. Finally, he will discuss limits in the scope of practice for behavior analysts, and the importance of collaboration with other professionals. Throughout, the presenter will offer time for questions and discussion. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Timothy Vollmer

Timothy Vollmer

Professor and Associate Chair, Psychology, University of Florida
Timothy R. Vollmer received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 1992. From 1992 until 1996 he was on the psychology faculty at Louisiana State University. From 1996 to 1998 he was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He returned to the University... Read More →

13. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

14. Analyzing and Interpreting Trends in Data: Dancing with the Data - Room 108
Behavior Analysis is an evidence-based, data-driven approach to solving problems. Baseline data provide a wealth of information about behavior in addition to providing a benchmark against which to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. This workshop will describe patterns of behavior frequently observed in baseline measurement and what they tell us about variable responsible for behavior. The workshop will also evaluate how to compare baseline and treatment data and what it they tell us about motivating operations and learning effects. His workshop will also examine the importance of tracking down sources of variability and how this can influence our understanding of the controlling stimuli, contexts and functions of behaviors. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Ron Van Houten

Ron Van Houten

Dr. Van Houten received his BA from SUNY at Stony Brook and his MA and Ph.D. from Dalhousie University where he received training in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior. He is currently Professor of Psychology at Western Michigan University. Dr. Van Houten has published 42 papers... Read More →

14. Handout pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

16. An Update on Legal Issues for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Room 208
This session will provide an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, related federal agency policy interpretations and state laws, and court decisions specific to students with ASD, with a particular focus on eligibility and methodology issues. The emphasis will be on recent legal developments since the corresponding presentation during last year's conference. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Perry Zirkel

Perry Zirkel

Professor Emeritus of Education and Law, Lehigh University
Perry A. Zirkel is university professor emeritus of education and law at Lehigh University, where he formerly was dean of the College of Education, subsequently held the Iacocca Chair in Education for its five-year term. He has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and a J.D. from... Read More →

16. Handout pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

18. Project ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communication Teachers) - A Parent Training Curriculum from Birth to Age - Room 207
The importance of the direct involvement of parents in the education of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been widely recognized (e.g. National Autism Center, 2009; National Research Council, 2001). Project ImPACT (Ingersoll and Dvortcsak, 2010) is an evidenced-based, parent-training curriculum that has been used to improve children with ASD’s social communication skills. Evaluation of this program has revealed that parents increased their knowledge of the intervention techniques (Ingersoll and Dvortcsak 2006; Ingersoll and Wainer 2011), improved accuracy of implementation of the intervention techniques (Ingersoll and Wainer, 2011), were highly satisfied with the program (Ingersoll and Dvortcsak 2006; Ingersoll and Wainer 2011), and ascribed gains in their child’s social communication skills directly to the program (Ingersoll and Dvortcsak 2006; Ingersoll and Wainer,2011). Child measures revealed an increase in language use (Ingersoll and Wainer, 2011). Teachers reported that participating parents’ ability to utilize techniques and the child’s social communication skills improved because of the program (Ingersoll and Dvortcsak 2006; Ingersoll and Wainer 2011). Topics will include the following: the importance of parent training as part of the intervention for children with ASD; overview of Project ImPACT; parent-mediated intervention model based on best practices; successful elements of PMI; intervention targets and social communication skills; naturalistic development behavioral intervention; and, preparation for Project ImPACT. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Anna Dvortcsak

Anna Dvortcsak

Anna Dvortcsak, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech pathologist in private practice in Portland, Oregon. She provides consulting, parent training and individual speech and language services to families and children with autism. Anna has experience conducting research on the efficacy of treatment... Read More →

18. Presentation pdf
18. Handout 1 pdf
18. Handout 2 pdf
18. Handout 3 pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

19. Ethics for Behavior Analysts: “The Good Place” - Deans Hall 1 & 2
This session is an enlightening approach to ethics, and an overview that is pragmatic and analytic. The tools a behavior analyst brings to the table with regards to interventions with clients should also be used to govern one’s own behavior. Ethics is a topic that is all encompassing, and practitioners can often face a variety of decisions that should be driven by ethics-related undercurrents. This session will provide an analysis of ethical behavioral approaches, practical applications, data collection techniques, and strategies to improve expertise and self-care. Welcome to the “Good Place” where behavior analysts can discuss daily decisions, integrity and principles that can occur and should be analyzed and managed to maintain professionalism. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB Ethics, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Lori Chamberlain

Lori Chamberlain

Educational Consultant, BCBA, PaTTAN
Lori has worked as an educational consultant at PaTTAN for 20 years. She is a board certified behavior analyst since 2004. She started in the field as an elementary teacher. When she taught in the classroom, she wanted to learn how to help the students in her classroom that needed... Read More →
avatar for Rebekah Houck

Rebekah Houck

Behavior Analyst/Autism Consultant, PaTTAN
Rebekah Houck, MEd, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a BA in Psychology from Loyola University and a MEd in Education from Florida Atlantic University. Her educational background casts a wide net from multicultural education and women’s studies to communication and... Read More →

19. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

21. Programming Considerations for Life After School - Room 105
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
JK
CS

Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

22. Discovering Units of Analysis in our Concepts of Stimulus and Response - Room 106
In 1935 B.F. Skinner published the paper On the Generic Nature of the Concepts of Stimulus and Response. Skinner’s publication laid the foundation for a science of behavior and has changed the lives of countless individuals with and without disabilities. This presentation will detail how Skinner discovered lawful behavioral principles by allowing his own behavior to be shaped by the behavior of his subjects. Participants will learn the importance of identifying precise units of stimulus and response. Participants will also learn the role that such units play in the analysis of classroom events, such as identifying the stimulus and response classes of socially significant problem behaviors. Additionally, this presentation will provide a discussion of how the analytic units discovered and defined by Skinner can be incorporated into an understanding of the complex behaviors instructors aim to develop for their students on the autism spectrum. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for David Roth

David Roth

David Roth received his master’s degree in Behavior Analysis at California State University, Stanislaus. He currently consults with the Pennsylvania Technical Training and Assistance Network for public school classrooms serving students with autism across the state of Pennsylvania... Read More →

22. Presentation pdf
22. Handout 1 pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

15. Teaching Verbal Behavior and Functional Skills to Persons with Moderate to Severe Disabilities (including Autism) - Presidents Hall 3 & 4
Persons with autism and other developmental disabilities have benefited from treatment programs that emphasize the application of behavior analytic principles. Many of these programs are now informed by B.F. Skinner’s, (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an extension of this approach to treatment of persons with moderate to severe disabilities. Several curricula will be discussed including The Essential for Living. The Essential for Living is an assessment and curriculum uniquely designed to address the learning difficulties of this group of persons. With its foundation in the analysis of verbal behavior, these materials provide a functional curriculum for children and adults with severe learning needs. An overview of this approach along with video illustrations of treatment methods in educational settings across several essential domains, e.g., self-care, verbal behavior training within the routine of daily events, and reducing problem behavior by teaching tolerating and waiting skills, along with others. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Vincent Carbone

Vincent Carbone

Director, Carbone Clinic
Dr. Vincent J. Carbone is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate and New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst. He received his graduate training in behavior analysis at Drake University. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Penn State University and has taught... Read More →

15. Presentation pdf
15. Handout 1 pdf
15. Handout 2 pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

9:00am EDT

17. Toward a Functional Analysis of Social Behavior - Room 206
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Social behavior is a topic of enormous scientific importance, spanning disciplines from anthropology to neuroscience. Although the topic has been widely studied outside behavior analysis, it has received only scant attention over the years within the field. This is unfortunate because behavior analysis has much to contribute to this field, both methodologically and conceptually. My main aim in this talk to summarize what is known about social behavior (e.g., cooperation, resource sharing, imitation, social interaction) across species and settings, and to outline a functional approach to conceptualizing and studying it. I will call attention to areas in which behavior-analytic concepts and methods have the potential for substantive contributions to this rapidly growing field. I will also discuss some tangible ways in which this type of functional analysis can be translated into practical applications, including special populations for whom social behavior poses significant challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Tim Hackenberg

Tim Hackenberg

Tim Hackenberg received a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 1982 and a doctorate in psychology from Temple University in 1987, under the supervision of Philip Hineline. He held a postdoctoral research position at the University of Minnesota with Travis... Read More →

17. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

9:00am EDT

20. Teaching Advanced Mands - Presidents Hall 2
The basic principle of mand training is that the student will learn under conditions of motivation to ask for what they want. “Want it, say it, get it” is the basic formula. The mand repertoire utilized by proficient speakers in day-to-day interactions, however, involves more complicated environment-behavior relations. This session will describe complex multiply controlled mands and will review instructional protocols and skill sequences relative to complex mands. Practical considerations for addressing motivation to initiate the social interaction necessary for complex mands will be discussed. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Mike Miklos

Mike Miklos

Miklos BCT
Mike Miklos, MS, BCBA, is a behavior analyst and Pennsylvania certified school psychologist currently in private practice. He previously served as an educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) and served as co-lead for the PaTTAN... Read More →

20. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

29. (repeat of 15) Teaching Verbal Behavior and Functional Skills to Persons with Moderate to Severe Disabilities (including Autism) - Deans Hall 1 & 2
Persons with autism and other developmental disabilities have benefited from treatment programs that emphasize the application of behavior analytic principles. Many of these programs are now informed by B.F. Skinner’s, (1957) analysis of verbal behavior. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an extension of this approach to treatment of persons with moderate to severe disabilities. Several curricula will be discussed including The Essential for Living. The Essential for Living is an assessment and curriculum uniquely designed to address the learning difficulties of this group of persons. With its foundation in the analysis of verbal behavior, these materials provide a functional curriculum for children and adults with severe learning needs. An overview of this approach along with video illustrations of treatment methods in educational settings across several essential domains, e.g., self-care, verbal behavior training within the routine of daily events, and reducing problem behavior by teaching tolerating and waiting skills, along with others. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Vincent Carbone

Vincent Carbone

Director, Carbone Clinic
Dr. Vincent J. Carbone is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate and New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst. He received his graduate training in behavior analysis at Drake University. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Penn State University and has taught... Read More →

29. Presentation pdf
29. Handout 1 pdf
29. Handout 2 pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

31. (repeat of 17) Toward a Functional Analysis of Social Behavior - Room 208
Social behavior is a topic of enormous scientific importance, spanning disciplines from anthropology to neuroscience. Although the topic has been widely studied outside behavior analysis, it has received only scant attention over the years within the field. This is unfortunate because behavior analysis has much to contribute to this field, both methodologically and conceptually. My main aim in this talk to summarize what is known about social behavior (e.g., cooperation, resource sharing, imitation, social interaction) across species and settings, and to outline a functional approach to conceptualizing and studying it. I will call attention to areas in which behavior-analytic concepts and methods have the potential for substantive contributions to this rapidly growing field. I will also discuss some tangible ways in which this type of functional analysis can be translated into practical applications, including special populations for whom social behavior poses significant challenges. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Tim Hackenberg

Tim Hackenberg

Tim Hackenberg received a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 1982 and a doctorate in psychology from Temple University in 1987, under the supervision of Philip Hineline. He held a postdoctoral research position at the University of Minnesota with Travis... Read More →

31. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

32. Special Education Law and Ethical Issues for Behavior Analysts - Presidents Hall 1
This session will focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) and the issues that practicing behavior analyst should be apprised of. Participants will learn about federal requirements for conducting functional behavioral assessments, writing behavior intervention plans, understanding the term positive behavior supports as used in the IDEIA, and the requirements for independent educational evaluations including FBAs. Information will be provided in lecture format with case studies as examples. The legal and ethical responsibilities of a behavior analyst will be discussed. Time will be allotted for extensive question and answer around case study framework. Detailed handouts will be provided. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB Ethics, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Missy Olive

Missy Olive

After many years in higher education, Melissa Olive, Ph.D., BCBA-D, “Missy”, founded Applied Behavioral Strategies. Missy has served on the Editorial Board of Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, Journal of Early Intervention, and Young Exceptional Children and she is... Read More →

32. Presentation pdf
32. Handout pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

33. Coaching Families on the Implementation of ABA Strategies in Everyday Routines - Room 207
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
VP
DM

Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

34. Trial-based Functional Analysis: Current Research and Applications - Room 106
Functional analyses are commonly used to determine the function of problem behavior. They involve the direct manipulation of various environmental variables to determine their influence on problem behavior in order to direct treatment development. Although research supports the use of functional analyses, they may not always be feasible in all settings (e.g., schools) due to limited resources, primarily access to controlled environments. The trial-based functional analysis (Bloom, Iwata, Fritz, Roscoe, & Carreau, 2011) was developed to allow teachers to participate in conducting functional analysis in their classrooms, with brief assessment trials embedded into ongoing activities. This presentation reviews current research in trial-based functional analysis, and examines conceptual, ethical, and procedural issues related to its use. A new model for using trial-based functional analysis in clinic settings will be reviewed. Data analysis and new approaches that use signal detection theory and other methods to identify thresholds for determination of function will be presented. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Bloom

Sarah Bloom

Sarah Bloom received her PhD in Psychology at the University of Florida in 2008. She was an assistant professor in the Applied Behavior Analysis area of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at Utah State University from 2008 to 2013. She is currently an associate... Read More →

34. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

35. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Evidence for Parents - Room 108
IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) guide the delivery of special education and related services and supplementary aids and supports for children with disabilities in Pennsylvania. This parent-focused session will review IDEA, the special education process, eligibility for special education services, statewide timelines, common acronyms, the IEP process, the IEP and other relevant documents, as well as roles and responsibilities of IEP team members.Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Harned

Ashley Harned

Educational Consultant, PaTTAN Central
Ashley Harned, M.Ed., BCBA, works as an educational consultant with PaTTAN’s Autism Initiative. Prior to coming to PaTTAN, Ashley served as a special education teacher for K–4 students with high- and low-incidence disabilities for eight years. Ashley secured her undergraduate... Read More →
AP

Abigail Pastorella

Abigail Pastorella, M.S., BCBA, LBS is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Specialist, and Certified School Psychologist for the State of Pennsylvania. Abigail earned her Master of Science degree from Millersville University and her Bachelor of Science degree from... Read More →

35. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

37. Updates: Bureau of Autism Services – Office of Developmental Programs - Room 105
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT
Speakers
NW
JE

Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

27. (repeat of 13) A Step-Wise Approach to Behavioral Intervention: Implications for Behavioral Consultation - Presidents Hall 2
The presenter will describe a philosophy of behavioral intervention that is based on empirical evidence. He will begin with a discussion of strategies for prevention of severe behavior disorders. Next, he will describe the role of "healthy contingencies" in both the prevention and early intervention of behavior disorders. Third, he will discuss age-appropriate contingency management strategies. Fourth, he will discuss individualized intervention strategies. Finally, he will discuss limits in the scope of practice for behavior analysts, and the importance of collaboration with other professionals. Throughout, the presenter will offer time for questions and discussion. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Timothy Vollmer

Timothy Vollmer

Professor and Associate Chair, Psychology, University of Florida
Timothy R. Vollmer received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 1992. From 1992 until 1996 he was on the psychology faculty at Louisiana State University. From 1996 to 1998 he was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He returned to the University... Read More →

27. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

28. Is My Child Really Included? - Presidents Hall 3 & 4
Every parent wants their child to be included and be a part of their school community and ultimately included in the community at large. However, it can often be a challenge to accomplish the goal of meaningful participation while also ensuring optimal outcomes and safety of all involved. This presentation will provide guidelines for parents and teams to consider as well as a review of critical skill sets that result in successful participation in general education settings, home, and community settings. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Amiris Dipuglia

Amiris Dipuglia

State Lead/Consultant, PaTTAN Autism Initiative
Amiris Dipuglia obtained her degree as a medical doctor in 1991 from the Pontificate Catholic University Mother and Master in the Dominican Republic. When her eldest son Alexander was diagnosed with autism, she abandoned her medical career and pursued her certification as a behavior... Read More →

28. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

30. Supervision Savvy - Room 206
In order to ensure that trainees possess the skills necessary to become competent behavioral analysts who are prepared to represent the field with integrity, it is essential for supervisors to take a behavior analytic and data driven approach to providing individualized quality supervision. This training will cover the components of competency-based supervision including systems for assessment, maintenance, and progress monitoring of trainee skill sets, use of behavior skills training (BST), and the delivery of effective performance feedback. Additionally, this training with review current requirements and upcoming changes to the supervision model. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB Supervision, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Kittenbrink

Rachel Kittenbrink

Dr. Rachel Kittenbrink is the founder and director of Pittsburgh Behavioral Services, a small non-profit service agency providing direct intensive ABA services and consultation to programs for individuals with autism and learning differences in the western PA region. Rachel has experience... Read More →
JM

30. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

4:30pm EDT

41. Special Presentation: Not Just Autism - Generic Extension of Effective Practices Across Special Education Settings - Presidents Hall 1, 2 & 3
Since 2002, the PaTTAN Autism Initiative has been providing technical support to classrooms across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania based on the principles of behavior analysis and effective instruction. The structure of that technical support and the associated instructional processes have helped improve instruction for students with autism across a wide range of functional levels. This session will describe how the basic design features of the PaTTAN Autism Initiative have relevance for a wide range of special educational settings. Emphasis will be placed on the commonality of effective instruction practices and on celebrating what individuals with autism spectrum disorders have taught us. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Mike Miklos

Mike Miklos

Miklos BCT
Mike Miklos, MS, BCBA, is a behavior analyst and Pennsylvania certified school psychologist currently in private practice. He previously served as an educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) and served as co-lead for the PaTTAN... Read More →
avatar for Amiris Dipuglia

Amiris Dipuglia

State Lead/Consultant, PaTTAN Autism Initiative
Amiris Dipuglia obtained her degree as a medical doctor in 1991 from the Pontificate Catholic University Mother and Master in the Dominican Republic. When her eldest son Alexander was diagnosed with autism, she abandoned her medical career and pursued her certification as a behavior... Read More →

41. Presentation pdf
Tuesday August 6, 2019 4:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming
 
Wednesday, August 7
 

9:00am EDT

42. Managing Problem Behavior in the Home and in Community Settings - Room 207
This session will provide critical information for parents and other team members related to preventing and managing problem behaviors that are common for many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Focus will be on practical methods of teaching alternatives to problem behavior and for reducing how often problem behaviors occur. This session will discuss the importance of situations that lead to problem behavior. We will discuss how to alter our interactions with children with ASD to successfully establish willing learners who communicate their needs more effectively, increase the likelihood of cooperation, and tolerate adverse conditions in the absence of significant problem behavior. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Amiris Dipuglia

Amiris Dipuglia

State Lead/Consultant, PaTTAN Autism Initiative
Amiris Dipuglia obtained her degree as a medical doctor in 1991 from the Pontificate Catholic University Mother and Master in the Dominican Republic. When her eldest son Alexander was diagnosed with autism, she abandoned her medical career and pursued her certification as a behavior... Read More →

42. Presentation pdf
42. Handout pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

43. Teaching "Learning How to Learn" - A Functional Analysis of Curriculum Programming for Children with Autism - Presidents Hall 4
Following the publication of the Me book, the first textbook that outlined a behaviorally based instructional sequence for children with autism, numerous curriculum manuals have been published. Manuals have been invaluable in providing both parents and practitioners with sequences of objectives and behavioral procedures to establish verbal and nonverbal skills in children with autism. While some manuals have organized their objectives across traditional developmental areas, favoring a more structural approach to teach language skills, other have employed a functional approach to categorize language objectives. Regardless of their conceptual premise, all published manuals share common characteristics: they all provide a list of objectives that are operationally defined, for each objective they describe a prompt hierarchy, and a corresponding mastery criterion based on a number of specific responses to be demonstrated. In this presentation, I will attempt to illustrate a functional analysis of curriculum development and suggest an additional level of specificity in the design and implementation of behaviorally derived instructional sequences for children with autism. Firstly, I will suggest a way of organizing skills based on whether they constitute a generalized operant class or cumulative/finite skills and how such classification necessarily induces a consideration of mastery criteria for each skill. Secondly, I will endeavor to demonstrate how when behavioral topographies are brought under the relevant and multiple sources of environmental control they lead to rapid and generalized learning, enabling the child to acquire novel responses with minimal teaching. This conceptual framework will be illustrated in relation to two pivotal skills that may lay the foundation for the development of multiply controlled generalized verbal behavior: Simple and conditional discriminative learning and naming. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Francesca degli Espinosa

Francesca degli Espinosa

BCBA-D
My clinical and research interests focus on behavioural interpretations of social responding and advanced applications of contemporary analyses of verbal behaviour (Horne & Lowe, 1996; Michael, Palmer, & Sundberg, 2011) as a basis for teaching generalised verbal repertoires, and... Read More →

43. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

48. Maintaining Employee Performance: Specific Strategies for Training and Maintaining High Levels of Staff Fidelity - Deans Hall 1
When thinking about service delivery to individuals with autism, it is reasonable to stress the importance of well-trained staff. The teachers and direct-care workers shoulder huge responsibility when delivering treatment for the individuals they serve. The staff are expected to implement instructional protocols and behavior treatment plans that, if successful, should result in individuals with autism possessing a wider skill set, and engaging in skills and competencies more independently, with greater efficiency, all that should lead to a higher quality of life. Thus, it is critical to service provision that staff are trained to implement protocols and plans with great efficiency and fidelity. The quality of the interventions is important too, in that these interventions must result in accomplishing the stated goals that should lead to great client outcomes. But procedures designed to effectively train staff that leads to long-term maintenance must be identified and used for these purposes. This presentation will focus on many issues related to the training and maintenance to achieve those goals. Different training models will be presented, with outcome data being reported. Low- and high-tech staff training strategies will be discussed, along with common errors that staff make when implementing instructional and behavioral plans. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Thomas Zane

Thomas Zane

Dr. Thomas Zane is a Professor of Practice and the Director of Online Behavior Analysis programs in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. Dr. Zane earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in psychology at Western Michigan University and his... Read More →

48. Handout 1 pdf
48. Handout 2 pdf
48. Handout 3 pdf
48. Handout 4 pdf
48. Handout 5 pdf
48. Handout 6 pdf
48. Handout 8 pdf
48. Handout 7 pdf
48. Handout 9 pdf
48. Handout 10 pdf
48. Handout 11 pdf
48. Handout 12 pdf
48. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

49. International Applications Derived from PATTAN’s Autism Initiative - Room 112
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Dita Chapman

Dita Chapman

Dita Chapman was born in former Czechoslovakia but left the country at the age of 20, ten years after the iron curtain fell, with a great desire to see the bigger world. She ‘stumbled’ across ABA during her undergraduate degree in psychology in London when she discovered that... Read More →
HV

49. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

51. Ethical Issues Regarding the Assessment and Treatment of Feeding Difficulties (Picky Eaters) - Room 105
Many children with autism spectrum disorders develop food selectivity or what is also called “picky eating.” It is not uncommon for children to restrict their diets to one brand of chicken nuggets, to refuse to eat colored foods, or to consume only pureed foods. This training will focus on the ethical issues related to the assessment & treatment in behavioral feeding. Participants will also learn what medical, behavioral, and related service assessments should be completed before starting feeding therapy. Participants will discuss the ethical issues related to the use of various techniques such as deprivation, physical prompting, and extinction. Time will be available for questions and answers throughout the event.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB Ethics, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Missy Olive

Missy Olive

After many years in higher education, Melissa Olive, Ph.D., BCBA-D, “Missy”, founded Applied Behavioral Strategies. Missy has served on the Editorial Board of Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, Journal of Early Intervention, and Young Exceptional Children and she is... Read More →

51. Presentation pdf
51. Handout pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

60. Age Appropriate Programming to Build Play, Leisure and Social Skills - Presidents Hall 1
This session will review effective teaching procedures and data systems for teaching age appropriate programming for leisure and social skills. Participants will be able to develop and implement systematic leisure programs with corresponding data systems.  The presentation will show examples from language-based assessments across various levels to develop appropriate programming for middle and high school aged students in social skill areas related to games, job tasks, activities of daily living, and opportunities in the community. The session will expand social skills across the verbal operants and the role of the mand, tact, listener response, and intraverbal in the development of social skills in the natural environment. Throughout the session, the instructors will present case study examples that include the assessment process, target selection, data systems, and video samples of students in both middle and high school classroom settings. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Heidi Scriven

Heidi Scriven

Heidi Scriven, M.Ed., BCBA is an educator who has worked with individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities for more than 10 years. Heidi was previously the Autistic Support/Life Skills Support teacher at Franklin Regional Middle School but has since transitioned to... Read More →
AW

Allison Wright

Allison Wright received her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She went on to earn her Masters in Special Education and Elementary Education from Chatham University.  Mrs. Wright completed her Graduate Certificate... Read More →
avatar for Tom Miller

Tom Miller

Educational Consultant, PaTTAN Autism Initiative ABA Supports
Tom Miller, M.S., BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has more than 12 years of experience working with individuals with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities. He currently serves as an Educational Consultant for the PaTTAN Autism Initiative ABA Supports, providing... Read More →
avatar for Jolin Jackson

Jolin Jackson

Educational Consultant, PaTTAN
Jolin Jackson, MS, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has more than 10 years of experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jolin received his master’s degree in school psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale... Read More →

60. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

66. Establishing Effective Supervisory and Consultative Practices: A Data Driven Approach - Room 106
This session will teach participants how to design, implement, and evaluate supervisory and consultative practices. Participants will learn how to use behavioral skills training with supervisees and professionals receiving consultation. The presentation will provide participants with guidelines for evaluating performance expectations of both the trainee and the supervisor or consultant. Participants will learn key characteristics of effective performance feedback. Throughout the presentation, examples and practical resources will be shared. Suggestions for preventing and addressing barriers to implementation as well as ethical considerations will also be discussed. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB Supervision, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Amy Naccarelli

Amy Naccarelli

Amy Dunn-Naccarelli, Ed.D., BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and certified teacher in Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education. Amy earned her Master of Education and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Arcadia University. Amy holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational... Read More →

66. Handout 2 pdf
66. Handout 3 pdf
66. Handout 4 pdf
66. Handout 1 pdf
66. Presentation pdf
66. Handout 6 pdf
66. Handout 5 pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

67. How Can I Include My Own Child With ASD In Preschool and Community? A Family Forum on Evidence-Based Practices - Room 208
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
MM

Mary Mikus

Mary Mikus is a consultant with Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA), which supports the Bureau of Early Intervention Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning. In her role, Mikus works on the statewide initiatives of inclusion, autism, and Parents as Partners... Read More →
SB
AM
JS
CH
SC

67. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

45. Speech-Language Pathology & Applied Behavior Analysis: Implementation of Speech Generating Devices Within an Evidence-Based Framework - Presidents Hall 3
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
ND
TL

45. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

9:00am EDT

47. The Poisoned Cue and its Implications for Teaching and Social Interactions - Room 206
Much is known about discriminative stimuli established under either reinforcing or aversive stimuli and about how they work as conditioned reinforcers or conditioned aversive stimuli. However, little is known experimentally about discriminative stimuli established with both reinforcing as well as aversive events. It has been reported that the interaction between reinforcing and aversive events makes the discriminative function somewhat different from other discriminative stimuli (see Hearst & Sidman, 1961). Karen Pryor (2002) called this phenomenon the Poisoned Cue. She suggested that a cue, or SD, that is established using both reinforcing and aversive events leads to the breakdown of the behavior both preceding and following the cue. This may be due to an increase in avoidance behaviors and the uncertainty that exists regarding the consequence that will follow. The Poisoned Cue phenomenon is important because it reflects the majority of teaching situations in the real world. SDs in the real world are rarely taught with purely positive reinforcement or purely aversive consequences. This presentation will show an experimental analysis of the Poisoned Cue, and techniques to identify situations that might involve Poisoned Cues. It will also discuss ways to overcome these cues. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Jesus Rosales-Ruiz

Jesus Rosales-Ruiz

Jesús Rosales-Ruiz is an associate professor at the University of North Texas in the Department of Behavior Analysis. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1995, under the mentorship of two pioneers in the field of behavior analysis, Donald M. Baer and Ogden R. Lindsley... Read More →

47. Presentation pdf
47. Handout pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

9:00am EDT

52. Low Tech Approaches/High Tech Approaches to Instruction - Presidents Hall 2
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
BH
avatar for Janet Twyman

Janet Twyman

Dr. Janet Twyman is an education innovator, thought leader, and founder of Blast: A Learning Sciences Company. She’s also the Director of Innovation and Technology for the Center on Innovations in Learning, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Univ. of Mass. Medical School... Read More →

52. Handout 1 pdf
52. Handout 2 pdf
52. Handout 3 pdf
52. Handout 4 pdf
52. Handout 5 pdf
52. Handout 6 pdf
52. Handout 7 pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

54a. It Takes a Village – A Process for Identifying and Talking about Early Signs of ASD - Room 105
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT
Speakers
LR

54a. Handout 1 pdf
54a. Handout 2 pdf
54a. Handout 3 pdf
54a. Handout 4 pdf
54a. Handout 5 pdf
54a. Handout 6 pdf
54a. Handout 7 pdf
54a. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

55a. The Role of Treatment Fidelity Checks in Autism Support Classrooms - Room 103
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Robin Kimmey

Robin Kimmey

Robin Anne Kimmey is currently the District Behavior Specialist at the Eastern Lebanon County School District and also serves as the Internal Coach for Autism Support Classrooms that are part of the PaTTAN Autism Initiative. She holds a graduate degree in Special Education from The... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Yeiser

Tiffany Yeiser

Tiffany Yeiser is currently the kindergarten through second grade Autism Support teacher at Fort Zeller Elementary in the Eastern Lebanon County School District (ELCO). She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a bachelors in Early Childhood and Special Education. She also has... Read More →

55a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

56a. Making it Work: First Year in an Autistic Support Room - Room 205
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
AB
JS

Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

57a. Make it Count: Ensuring Effective Staff Training Procedures - Room 109
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
LW
CC
LA

57a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

58a. Sign Language Training in the Classroom Setting - Room 106
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
This session will review teaching sign as a response form in the classroom setting using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. The topics covered will include selection of response form based on assessment, teaching procedures for sign training, and programming using data-based decision making and analysis. This session will cover case study samples of school-aged students ranging in age from Kindergarten to 8th grade with an emphasis on both the levels and ages of the learners. Case study samples presented by different teachers will include the assessment process, teaching procedures, data systems, and video samples of their students. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
TH

Taylor Hubert

Taylor Hubert graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Currently, Taylor is getting her Master of Special Education: Autism from Slippery Rock University. She has been teaching at an approved private school for four years. She... Read More →
ES

Erica Simmons

Erica Simmons holds a Master's in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Pittsburgh and is a board certified behavior analyst. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from La Roche College. She has spent two years at Pace... Read More →
avatar for Erin Shields

Erin Shields

Erin Shields graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Developmental Psychology, Master's degree in Special Education, and teacher certifications in the areas of Special and Early Childhood Education. She received a post-graduate certificate in... Read More →

58a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

59a. A Strategic Approach to Internal Coaching, Staff Training and Family Engagement - Room 207
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
HM

59a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

61a. Effective Programs to Achieve Skill Acquisition with Optimal Outcomes for Older Learners with Significant Developmental Delays - Room 107
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
This session will review organizational classroom techniques as well as methods of instruction for older learners with a significant developmental delay in a high school setting. Verbal behavior as well as daily living skills are taught through various methods: a material sort with functional items, manding (with learners that started without a response form or any functional mands), natural environment teaching, big 6+6 fluency program and behavioral interventions. It is important to teach meaningful skills well however organization of materials and staff training is critical piece that will be presented as well. The school day should occur with maximum instructional time and conducted in an efficient manner in order to get the most instruction into the day of students that have limited skills and are near the end of their public school education. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Lori Chamberlain

Lori Chamberlain

Educational Consultant, BCBA, PaTTAN
Lori has worked as an educational consultant at PaTTAN for 20 years. She is a board certified behavior analyst since 2004. She started in the field as an elementary teacher. When she taught in the classroom, she wanted to learn how to help the students in her classroom that needed... Read More →
KV

Kara Vollmer

Kara Vollmer has been an elementary special education teacher in the St. Marys Area School District for the last ten years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with... Read More →
LA

Laura Auman

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in special education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2010, Laura began working as an autistic support teacher in an alternative education setting at Custer City Private School. There she worked with students with severe emotional... Read More →

61a. and 61b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

62a. Social Skills Instruction - Room 208
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Available credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
SA
AC

Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

69a. Teaching Advanced Language Skills for High School Students from Discrete Trial to Natural Environment Teaching - Room 112
Note: This session takes place during the first half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled B) to fill the second half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
CB

Chris Burke

Chris Burke is a Behavior Analyst with Pittsburgh Behavioral Services currently serving the Moon Area School District as Internal Coach for their Life Skills Classrooms.  He has studied at West Virginia University, Duquesne University, and holds a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention... Read More →

Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

64. (repeat of 43) Teaching "Learning How to Learn" - A Functional Analysis of Curriculum Programming for Children with Autism - Presidents Hall 4
Following the publication of the Me book, the first textbook that outlined a behaviorally based instructional sequence for children with autism, numerous curriculum manuals have been published. Manuals have been invaluable in providing both parents and practitioners with sequences of objectives and behavioral procedures to establish verbal and nonverbal skills in children with autism. While some manuals have organized their objectives across traditional developmental areas, favoring a more structural approach to teach language skills, other have employed a functional approach to categorize language objectives. Regardless of their conceptual premise, all published manuals share common characteristics: they all provide a list of objectives that are operationally defined, for each objective they describe a prompt hierarchy, and a corresponding mastery criterion based on a number of specific responses to be demonstrated. In this presentation, I will attempt to illustrate a functional analysis of curriculum development and suggest an additional level of specificity in the design and implementation of behaviorally derived instructional sequences for children with autism. Firstly, I will suggest a way of organizing skills based on whether they constitute a generalized operant class or cumulative/finite skills and how such classification necessarily induces a consideration of mastery criteria for each skill. Secondly, I will endeavor to demonstrate how when behavioral topographies are brought under the relevant and multiple sources of environmental control they lead to rapid and generalized learning, enabling the child to acquire novel responses with minimal teaching. This conceptual framework will be illustrated in relation to two pivotal skills that may lay the foundation for the development of multiply controlled generalized verbal behavior: Simple and conditional discriminative learning and naming. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Francesca degli Espinosa

Francesca degli Espinosa

BCBA-D
My clinical and research interests focus on behavioural interpretations of social responding and advanced applications of contemporary analyses of verbal behaviour (Horne & Lowe, 1996; Michael, Palmer, & Sundberg, 2011) as a basis for teaching generalised verbal repertoires, and... Read More →

64. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

65. Preparing Students with ASD for Life In and After High School: Lessons from the Field - Presidents Hall 1
The post school landscape for adolescents with ASD, both with and without intellectual disability, is concerning, with studies consistently indicating that young adults are leaving college at higher rates, underemployed or unemployed, and are socially isolated. There are a number of practices that have been identified as predictors of post school success for individuals with various disabilities, including appropriate transition assessments, integration with same-age peers, and providing work based learning experiences. There are a number of barriers for providing these opportunities, including limited time and flexibility for students accessing the “Future Ready” curriculum, staffing, limited opportunities, and perceived disinterest from peers. The Center on Secondary Education for Students with ASD (CSESA) conducted a randomized control trial (RCT) to evaluate a comprehensive intervention model for high school students with ASD (n=546). The CSESA model targets four core areas: social competence, academics, independence and transition. Part of the model includes collaborating with school staff, students to first identify high priority needs, then implement evidence-based strategies, including peer mediated interventions, and work based learning experiences. This presentation will highlight the top tips from staff members at 30 high schools across the country and will include practical examples, photos, and videos, along with data about student needs and experiences from these schools. Details related to HOW staff can implement appropriate transition assessments, relationship/community building activities with peers in general education settings, work based learning experiences, and WITH WHOM staff may consider collaborating will be included.
In our work with over 1,000 high school staff members, we frequently face barriers to these interventions for students with ASD. This session will provide solutions to several structural limitations of high schools and will better allow high school staff to implement these interventions, which are a proven practice in improving the transition-related outcomes for students with ASD. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Kara Hume

Kara Hume

Dr. Kara Hume is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Advanced Research Scientist at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. She has worked in the field of special education for 25 years in various capacities... Read More →

65. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

36. Effective Technologies in Evoking First Instances of Speech In Non-Vocal Children With Autism - Room 206
Various longitudinal studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorder with speech impairments and minimal verbal skills have less favorable outcomes in life; hence, development of speech and communication in children with autism is both desired and beneficial. In this session, the duration to vocalization, vocal emergence by form and operant, vocalization in older children and relative success of the technologies used will be explored. Current research indicates an estimated 25-50% individuals with autism fail to develop vocal speech (DeWeerdt, 2013; Wodka, Mathy & Kalb, 2013). A current study spanning 6 years and 8 months reviewed technologies for emergence of vocals in 126 children. Non-vocals children between 1.8 to 13.5 years participated in four experiments that used delayed multiple baseline design across subjects. Experiment 1 studied the role of sign-mand training and paired vocals on the emergence of speech in 58 participants. Experiment 2 studied the effect of vocal prompt delays during sign-mand training on three children who failed to acquire vocals on experiment 1 for 9-33 weeks. Experiment 3 studied the additive effect of intraverbal training with paired auditory stimulus on 46 children who failed to acquire vocals after 12-40 weeks of sign-mand training. In experiment 4 a treatment package of sign-mand training and intraverbal training with paired vocals were introduced on 19 children. Of the total 126 children across all experiments, 105 (83%) emerged with vocals meeting the mastery criteria (n=seven vocals) with permanent effects. The mean IOA of the study was 89% (range 83%-94% and treatment integrity 86% (range 57%-100%). Retrospective data analysis suggested age of children was not a determinant for vocal emergence. Children up to an age of 13.5 years acquired first vocals. The first instances of speech emerged across various verbal operants such as mands, echoic-mands, echoics and intraverbals. Motivating operation accounted for 65% of initial vocals however, 27% first vocals also emerged as intraverbal fill-ins. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Smita Awasthi

Smita Awasthi

Smita Awasthi completed her Masters (Psych) as a University topper in 1983 and a PG Dip in Counseling from NCERT, India. She completed her ABA Education from University of North Texas, USA (2004) to become the first Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) from India. She continues... Read More →

36. Handout pdf
36. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

63. Positive Behavior Support Plans: The Interface Between Instruction and Intervention - Presidents Hall 2
This session will present an analysis of positive behavior support plans that includes the critical components to consider when writing the plan.  Behavior plans should consist of antecedent interventions to reduce motivation to engage in the problem behavior, a socially appropriate alternative behavior that will be taught to replace the problem behavior, and strategies for how staff will prevent the problem behavior from contacting reinforcement when it does occur.  Practical interventions for teaching appropriate communication and paring instruction with improving conditions will be discussed.  A focus on identifying the function, or functions, of problem behavior and then designing a plan that includes instructional goals to teach appropriate replacement behavior will be emphasized. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Willow Hozella

Willow Hozella

Clinical Director, May Institute
Willow Hozella, PhD, BCBA, is an educational consultant with PaTTAN's Autism Initiative. He provides in-class consultation to autism support classrooms throughout Pennsylvania, working directly with students, teachers, para-educators, and other staff to implement evidence-based instructional... Read More →

63. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

68. Early Development of Social Reciprocity: Developmental Social Neuroscience Meets Public Health Challenge - Presidents Hall 3
This presentation highlights the critical role of early diagnosis and intervention in attenuating the symptoms of autism. Data will be presented on early diagnostic indicators obtained through eye-tracking-based behavioral assays that quantify the social disabilities in autism. The results of these assays were used to generate "growth charts" of normative social engagement, and the deviations from the norm were taken as early indicators of risk. These methods yielded high sensitivity and specificity for the screening of infants. The ultimate goal of this effort is to develop objective and quantitative tools for the detection of autism in infancy, tools that might be deployed in primary care practices. This work will be contextualized in terms of recent developmental social neuroscience research with toddlers with autism, which implicated developmentally very early emerging, and evolutionarily highly conserved, mechanisms of social adaptation that set the stage for reciprocal social interaction, which in term represent the platform for early social brain development. These mechanisms of socialization are under stringent genetic control, setting the scientific basis for parent-delivered, community-viable, early treatment in which social engagement is “engineered” via daily activities, thus impacting a child’s development during every moment of social interaction. Effective screening of infants would be unethical without a clinical infrastructure providing access to family support and early intervention for those screened positive. Through a collaboration with Dr. Amy Wetherby, we are now establishing tools and procedures for the full integration of primary care physicians and early intervention providers with the goal of establishing a new system of healthcare delivery for infants & toddlers with autism spectrum disorders. This system deploys “Early Social Interaction” as its modality of parent-delivered treatment. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Ami Klin

Ami Klin

Professor, Emory University School of Medicine
Ami Klin, Ph.D. is the Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar Professor and Chief of the Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Emory University School of Medicine, and Director of the Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. He obtained his Ph.D... Read More →

68. Presentation pdf
68. Handout 1 pdf
68. Handout 2 pdf
68. Handout 3 pdf
68. Handout 4 pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

2:45pm EDT

54b. Project ImPACT in Action: Philadelphia Infant Toddler Early Intervention - Room 105
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT
Speakers
JN

Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

55b. The Role of Treatment Fidelity Checks in Autism Support Classrooms - Room 103
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Robin Kimmey

Robin Kimmey

Robin Anne Kimmey is currently the District Behavior Specialist at the Eastern Lebanon County School District and also serves as the Internal Coach for Autism Support Classrooms that are part of the PaTTAN Autism Initiative. She holds a graduate degree in Special Education from The... Read More →
avatar for Tiffany Yeiser

Tiffany Yeiser

Tiffany Yeiser is currently the kindergarten through second grade Autism Support teacher at Fort Zeller Elementary in the Eastern Lebanon County School District (ELCO). She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a bachelors in Early Childhood and Special Education. She also has... Read More →

55a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

56b. (repeat of 56a) Making It Work: First Year in an Autistic Support Room - Room 205
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
AB
JS

Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

57b. (repeat of 57a) Make it Count: Ensuring Effective Staff Training Procedures - Room 109
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
LW
CC
LA

57a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

58b. Sign Language Training in the Classroom Setting - Room 106
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
This session will review teaching sign as a response form in the classroom setting using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. The topics covered will include selection of response form based on assessment, teaching procedures for sign training, and programming using data-based decision making and analysis. This session will cover case study samples of school-aged students ranging in age from Kindergarten to 8th grade with an emphasis on both the levels and ages of the learners. Case study samples presented by different teachers will include the assessment process, teaching procedures, data systems, and video samples of their students. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
TH

Taylor Hubert

Taylor Hubert graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Currently, Taylor is getting her Master of Special Education: Autism from Slippery Rock University. She has been teaching at an approved private school for four years. She... Read More →
ES

Erica Simmons

Erica Simmons holds a Master's in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Pittsburgh and is a board certified behavior analyst. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from La Roche College. She has spent two years at Pace... Read More →
avatar for Erin Shields

Erin Shields

Erin Shields graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Developmental Psychology, Master's degree in Special Education, and teacher certifications in the areas of Special and Early Childhood Education. She received a post-graduate certificate in... Read More →

58a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

59b. (repeat of 59a) A Strategic Approach to Internal Coaching, Staff Training and Family Engagement - Room 207
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
HM

59a. and b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

61b. (repeat of 61a) Effective Programs to Achieve Skill Acquisition with Optimal Outcomes for Older Learners with Significant Developmental Delays - Room 107
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
This session will review organizational classroom techniques as well as methods of instruction for older learners with a significant developmental delay in a high school setting. Verbal behavior as well as daily living skills are taught through various methods: a material sort with functional items, manding (with learners that started without a response form or any functional mands), natural environment teaching, big 6+6 fluency program and behavioral interventions. It is important to teach meaningful skills well however organization of materials and staff training is critical piece that will be presented as well. The school day should occur with maximum instructional time and conducted in an efficient manner in order to get the most instruction into the day of students that have limited skills and are near the end of their public school education. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Lori Chamberlain

Lori Chamberlain

Educational Consultant, BCBA, PaTTAN
Lori has worked as an educational consultant at PaTTAN for 20 years. She is a board certified behavior analyst since 2004. She started in the field as an elementary teacher. When she taught in the classroom, she wanted to learn how to help the students in her classroom that needed... Read More →
KV

Kara Vollmer

Kara Vollmer has been an elementary special education teacher in the St. Marys Area School District for the last ten years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary/Special Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with... Read More →
LA

Laura Auman

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in special education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2010, Laura began working as an autistic support teacher in an alternative education setting at Custer City Private School. There she worked with students with severe emotional... Read More →

61a. and 61b. Presentation pdf
Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

62b. (repeat of 62a) Social Skills Instruction - Room 208
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Available credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
SA
AC

Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

2:45pm EDT

69b. Teaching Advanced Language Skills for High School Students from Discrete Trial to Natural Environment Teaching - Room 112
Note: This session takes place during the second half of the afternoon instruction period. Please also select a session (labeled A) to fill the first half of the afternoon.
Available credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
CB

Chris Burke

Chris Burke is a Behavior Analyst with Pittsburgh Behavioral Services currently serving the Moon Area School District as Internal Coach for their Life Skills Classrooms.  He has studied at West Virginia University, Duquesne University, and holds a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention... Read More →

Wednesday August 7, 2019 2:45pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
 
Thursday, August 8
 

9:00am EDT

71. Establishing Generative Verbal Learning for Children with Autism - Presidents Hall 1
Typically, developing children demonstrate an explosion of language skills between the ages of 2 and 3 (Hart & Risley, 1995). A child acquires new speaker and listener skills daily, often without direct training or reinforcement. However, many children with autism struggle with, or fail to make this critical linguistic leap. This learning barrier could be related to a child’s inability to benefit from generative verbal learning. Generative verbal learning occurs when existing verbal skills enable or accelerate the acquisition of other verbal skills, without direct teaching or reinforcement (Rosales-Ruiz & Baer, 1997). An account of generative learning based on Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior will be described (e.g., Horne & Lowe, 1996; Greer & Ross, 2008; Staats, 1996). It will be suggested that there are several different types of generative effects that collectively allow for the rapid and efficient acquisition of more advanced verbal repertoires. The VB-MAPP contains a number of milestones that can be identified as measures of generative learning. These milestones will be described, along with ways to read a child’s existing VB-MAPP in terms of generative verbal learning scores. Finally, suggestions will be offered for how and when to establish generative repertoires for children with autism. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Mark Sundberg

Mark Sundberg

Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, received his doctorate in applied behavior analysis from Western Michigan University in1980, under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. He is the author of the VB-MAPP: Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program, and co-author of the... Read More →

71. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

72. Guidelines for Moving from Assessment to Programming - Room 207
During this session, we will discuss a variety of assessment practices that can be utilized to assess a wide range of skills from early basic skills to more complex verbal and non-verbal behavior. The focus of the session will be on using assessment data to develop individualized instructional programs that are not only introduced systematically, but are relevant, balanced and at the appropriate level. The presenter will highlight the importance of sequencing instruction in such a way that the learners can acquire the component skills needed to eventually engage in more complex verbal and non-verbal behavior. Curricular sequence, relevant target selection, and establishing adequate performance and acquisition rates will also be addressed. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Aimee Miller

Aimee Miller

Educational Consultant, PaTTAN
Aimee Miller, M.Ed., BCBA is an educational consultant with the Pennsylvania Autism Initiative. She earned her master's degree in education from Cabrini College and her undergraduate degree in special education from Bridgewater College of Virginia. She completed her course work to... Read More →

72. Handout 1 pdf
72. Handout 3 pdf
72. Handout 2 pdf
72. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

75. Early Intervention, Inclusion, and ABA: Transforming from Professional to Parent - Room 208
This session will highlight research validated instructional strategies for meeting the needs of young children with autism in the home, clinic, and inclusive settings.  Procedures for intervention, tools for inclusion, and data collection materials will be shared. Videos and explanations of various formats for instruction will be presented. Topics discussed will include mand training, natural environment teaching, intensive teaching, targeting social behavior, managing problem behavior, and toilet training. The presentation will also touch on parent and family training and trouble-shooting instructional programming for learners with a wide-range of communicative levels. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Rachel Kittenbrink

Rachel Kittenbrink

Dr. Rachel Kittenbrink is the founder and director of Pittsburgh Behavioral Services, a small non-profit service agency providing direct intensive ABA services and consultation to programs for individuals with autism and learning differences in the western PA region. Rachel has experience... Read More →

75. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

77. How to Plan to Increase Graduation Rates and Decrease Dropout Rates for Students with Disabilities in Pennsylvania - Room 106
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Tina Lawson

Tina Lawson

Tina M. Lawson, Ed.D., is an educational consultant with PaTTAN. Her areas of interest and expertise are behavior support, autism, systems change, and effective instruction. She holds certification in special education and school guidance and counseling, a Doctorate of Education in... Read More →

Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

78. The Role of Fluency in Programming for Children with Language Delays - Presidents Hall 4
One educational method that is highly effective and supported by published evidence is fluency training. Fluency training is implemented for skills that a child can demonstrate but not at a speed that is efficient. It serves to build the rate at which particular skills are emitted. Many educators are familiar with fluency for academic skills such as words read correctly per minute. This session will discuss atomic repertoires and the component/composite analysis for operants using fluency training. Rate data is a valid measurement and fluency instruction is an effective teaching tool, however, an analysis of when to use such tools is important for maximizing effective instructional time. Skills taught to fluency aims serve to build retention, endurance, stability and promote generalization for more complex language. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Lori Chamberlain

Lori Chamberlain

Educational Consultant, BCBA, PaTTAN
Lori has worked as an educational consultant at PaTTAN for 20 years. She is a board certified behavior analyst since 2004. She started in the field as an elementary teacher. When she taught in the classroom, she wanted to learn how to help the students in her classroom that needed... Read More →

78. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

79. Teaching and Understanding Mathematical Word Problems - Room 105
Teaching word problems is one of the most challenging situations facing every teacher of mathematics.  Fortunately, findings from research can guide our instruction in a way that makes sense. This session will introduce participants to researched strategies for teaching students to understand the underlying mathematical nature associated with word problems. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT
Speakers
avatar for Jared Campbell

Jared Campbell

Jared Campbell, Ph.D., is an educational consultant with PaTTAN in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Before working at PaTTAN, he taught high school mathematics and served as a district curriculum coordinator for math and science. He currently works in mathematics and multi-tiered systems... Read More →

79. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

73. A Behavioral Interpretation of Mathematics and Logic - Room 206
In this workshop I discuss some of the behavioral contingencies underlying mathematical and logical concepts.  Even cave men must have found it useful to count, to estimate, to sort, and to match; to evaluate relative size, length, and duration; to tact temporal relationships such as before, next, after, past, future, and the length of the seasons; to tact physical relationships such as above, below, adjacent, near, far, heavy, and light.  But each such act of quantification or estimation must have been biased by a host of conditions in effect at that time or place. The relatively objective and abstract verbal rules of logic and mathematics must have had their roots in practical rules of thumb shaped by long exposure to such natural contingencies.
The elements of logic and mathematics are examples of verbal behavior, and their great power and usefulness derives from that fact. They facilitate model building and the formal structures and abstractions of science. These models generate precise predictions that go far beyond normal experience, and they have permitted astonishing advances in science and technology. I translate these elements into corresponding verbal units: Textual and transcriptive behavior, tacts and abstract tacts, intraverbals, intraverbal chains, and intraverbal frames. Problem solving is interpreted as bringing cycles of supplementary stimuli to bear on the task at hand. In light of this analysis, I suggest reasons that logic and mathematics are commonly hard to learn and point to procedures that may prove useful when teaching such concepts to students at every level of ability. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for David Palmer

David Palmer

Editor, Skinner-for-the-21st-Century series, B. F. Skinner Foundation
David Palmer earned his doctorate in the experimental analysis of behavior under John Donahoe at the University of Massachusetts in 1988. His subsequent career has been devoted to attempts to show that language, problem solving, memory, and the behavior of "listening" can best be... Read More →

73. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

9:00am EDT

74. Executive Functioning Redefined - Presidents Hall 2
Executive Functioning has traditionally been defined by psychology as the series of neurologically-
based skills involving mental control and self-regulation. Executive Functioning has also been defined as a set of processes that have to do with managing oneself and one’s resources in order to achieve a goal. Notwithstanding the obvious importance of the brain in executive (and most other) behavior, we propose that Executive Behavior is akin to Cooper, Heron, & Heward’s Self-Management: The personal and systematic application of behavioral principles that result in the desired modification of one’s own behavior (1987) and Skinner's Self Control (1953). Examples of naturalistic and contrived methods to teach attention, memory, emotional regulation, and time and energy management will be presented.
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Mariela Vargas-Irwin

Mariela Vargas-Irwin

Dr. Vargas obtained her doctoral degree from Rutgers University, completed her internship at Boston Children’s Hospital through Harvard Medical School, and pursued post-doctoral training at the Judge Baker Children’s Center. She has over twenty-five years of experience working... Read More →

74. Handout pdf
74. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

9:00am EDT

76. Converging Qualities of Personal Competence: What They Are and How to Teach Them - Presidents Hall 3
What is to be taught? How is learning to occur? What makes for a truly successful learner? Educators are increasingly looking to the learning and psychological sciences for help in answering these questions. Covering content is no longer considered adequate, nor is a simple emphasis on the purely academic domain sufficient. Educators are being challenged with developing competencies that extend beyond what might be called the cognitive domain. This is especially important for children with developmental challenges. Often efforts focus solely on competencies in what might be termed the “cognitive domain.” In addition to cognitive competencies, three other competencies have been identified that some have suggested are essential for learners to master metacognitive, social/emotional, and motivational competencies. Although there is an emerging consensus that these are important, there is not wide- spread agreement on precisely how these competencies are defined and how they may be acquired. This workshop provides a behavioral description of each competency, how each may be taught, and how the competencies converge, that is, how each competency may contribute an important component (or components) to another. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for T.V. Joe Layng

T.V. Joe Layng

T. V. Joe Layng has nearly 50 years of experience in the experimental and applied analysis of behavior with a particular focus on the design of teaching/learning environments. in 1971 he founded the Center for Innovative Design and Programed Instruction at Western Illinois University... Read More →

76. Handout pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

85. (repeat of 73) A Behavioral Interpretation of Mathematics and Logic - Room 205
In this workshop I discuss some of the behavioral contingencies underlying mathematical and logical concepts.  Even cave men must have found it useful to count, to estimate, to sort, and to match; to evaluate relative size, length, and duration; to tact temporal relationships such as before, next, after, past, future, and the length of the seasons; to tact physical relationships such as above, below, adjacent, near, far, heavy, and light.  But each such act of quantification or estimation must have been biased by a host of conditions in effect at that time or place. The relatively objective and abstract verbal rules of logic and mathematics must have had their roots in practical rules of thumb shaped by long exposure to such natural contingencies.
The elements of logic and mathematics are examples of verbal behavior, and their great power and usefulness derives from that fact. They facilitate model building and the formal structures and abstractions of science. These models generate precise predictions that go far beyond normal experience, and they have permitted astonishing advances in science and technology. I translate these elements into corresponding verbal units: Textual and transcriptive behavior, tacts and abstract tacts, intraverbals, intraverbal chains, and intraverbal frames. Problem solving is interpreted as bringing cycles of supplementary stimuli to bear on the task at hand. In light of this analysis, I suggest reasons that logic and mathematics are commonly hard to learn and point to procedures that may prove useful when teaching such concepts to students at every level of ability. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for David Palmer

David Palmer

Editor, Skinner-for-the-21st-Century series, B. F. Skinner Foundation
David Palmer earned his doctorate in the experimental analysis of behavior under John Donahoe at the University of Massachusetts in 1988. His subsequent career has been devoted to attempts to show that language, problem solving, memory, and the behavior of "listening" can best be... Read More →

85. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

86. Effective and Efficient Strategies to Improve Para-Educator Delivered Interventions in the Autism Support Classroom - Room 208
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of multi-component approaches at increasing implementation fidelity of para-educator delivered interventions for students with autism and/or other disabilities. However, despite their effectiveness, implementation of these training strategies may require increased amounts of time and resources, thus compromising the feasibility of para-educator training in the special education classroom (Leblanc et al., 2005). This presentation will provide an overview of current models used to train para-educators in schools as well as effective and efficient training strategies that aim at improving implementation fidelity of para-educator delivered interventions and increasing the feasibility of para-educator training in the special education/autism support classroom. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Miguel Ampuero

Miguel Ampuero

Assistant Professor, Berry College
Miguel Ampuero, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis at Berry College. He teaches courses in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, and Special Education. Dr. Ampuero received his Ph.D. in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior... Read More →

Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

88. Toward a Technology of Teaching - Room 207
This session will describe current steps toward design and implementation of a software system to guide discrete trial instruction for teaching the verbal operants. The rationale, general design, components, and initial tryout results for the system will be described. The system is being developed as a component of PaTTAN’s Autism Initiative ABA Supports. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Mike Miklos

Mike Miklos

Miklos BCT
Mike Miklos, MS, BCBA, is a behavior analyst and Pennsylvania certified school psychologist currently in private practice. He previously served as an educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) and served as co-lead for the PaTTAN... Read More →
avatar for Amiris Dipuglia

Amiris Dipuglia

State Lead/Consultant, PaTTAN Autism Initiative
Amiris Dipuglia obtained her degree as a medical doctor in 1991 from the Pontificate Catholic University Mother and Master in the Dominican Republic. When her eldest son Alexander was diagnosed with autism, she abandoned her medical career and pursued her certification as a behavior... Read More →
DD

Dean DiSalvo

Dean DiSalvo received his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University in 1995. He served in engineering and project management roles for over 20 years, with a focus on the design, analysis, and optimization of wireless communication systems. After his daughter... Read More →

Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

89. Getting and Keeping the Job - Room 106
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Jane Thierfeld Brown

Jane Thierfeld Brown

Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D., is assistant clinical professor at Yale Child Study, Yale Medical School, and director of College Autism Spectrum and former director of Student Services at the University of Connecticut School of Law. She has worked in disability services for 37 years... Read More →
JR

89. Presentation 1 pdf
89. Presentation 2 pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

91. (repeat of 79) Teaching and Understanding Mathematical Word Problems - Room 105
Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT
Speakers
avatar for Jared Campbell

Jared Campbell

Jared Campbell, Ph.D., is an educational consultant with PaTTAN in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Before working at PaTTAN, he taught high school mathematics and served as a district curriculum coordinator for math and science. He currently works in mathematics and multi-tiered systems... Read More →

91. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA

1:15pm EDT

83. (repeat of 71) Establishing Generative Verbal Learning for Children with Autism - Presidents Hall 1 & 2
Typically, developing children demonstrate an explosion of language skills between the ages of 2 and 3 (Hart & Risley, 1995). A child acquires new speaker and listener skills daily, often without direct training or reinforcement. However, many children with autism struggle with, or fail to make this critical linguistic leap. This learning barrier could be related to a child’s inability to benefit from generative verbal learning. Generative verbal learning occurs when existing verbal skills enable or accelerate the acquisition of other verbal skills, without direct teaching or reinforcement (Rosales-Ruiz & Baer, 1997). An account of generative learning based on Skinner’s (1957) analysis of verbal behavior will be described (e.g., Horne & Lowe, 1996; Greer & Ross, 2008; Staats, 1996). It will be suggested that there are several different types of generative effects that collectively allow for the rapid and efficient acquisition of more advanced verbal repertoires. The VB-MAPP contains a number of milestones that can be identified as measures of generative learning. These milestones will be described, along with ways to read a child’s existing VB-MAPP in terms of generative verbal learning scores. Finally, suggestions will be offered for how and when to establish generative repertoires for children with autism. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Mark Sundberg

Mark Sundberg

Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, received his doctorate in applied behavior analysis from Western Michigan University in1980, under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. He is the author of the VB-MAPP: Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program, and co-author of the... Read More →

83. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

84. Parents as Teachers: Promoting Independent Living Skills in the Home and Community - Presidents Hall 3 & 4
The goal of education is to better the lives of learners outside of the four walls of the classroom. We strive to make learners, of all ages, as independent as possible in their homes and communities. In order to achieve this goal, instruction must be provided directly in the natural environment. Early pioneers of applied behavior analysis, such as Ivar Lovaas and Nathan Azrin, understood the importance of including parents and caregivers in treatment. Today, parents and caregivers are still necessary members of the treatment team and play an important role in teaching skills in the home setting. An effective behavior analyst serves as an instructor to parents and caregivers on how to effectively use behavioral technology in the home, how to collect and analyze data, and how to assess needs in their children. This workshop will introduce the audience to ABA instructional methods that are effective in teaching the skills that are necessary for individuals to be independent in their home and community. Through daily living skill examples such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, making simple meals, doing household chores, traveling in the community, and shopping, the presenter will explain and model for the audience how to effectively teach these skills, collect data and assess progress. Techniques will include developing task analyses, using differential reinforcement, shaping, modeling, using visual prompts, and chaining skills to promote independent complex behavior. Time will be left for audience participation and questions. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT
Speakers
avatar for Frank Cicero

Frank Cicero

Dr. Frank Cicero is a New York State licensed psychologist, licensed behavior analyst and board certified behavior analyst with over 23 experience working in the fields of applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorders. He received his masters degree in school psychology... Read More →

84. Presentation pdf
84. Handout pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

1:15pm EDT

87. Token Reinforcement: Bridging the Gap between Science and Application - Room 206
Token economies are among the oldest and most widely used procedures in applied behavior analysis. Unlike other successful technologies in behavior analysis, however, there has been little substantive contact between applied and basic research with token reinforcement over the years. Despite some 50 years of applied work on token economies, surprisingly little is known about the variables responsible for their effectiveness; they are rarely based on an understanding of the basic principles involved. This is beginning to change, as recent translational research is beginning to uncover the behavioral roots of token reinforcement. In this talk, I will discuss some research from laboratory and applied settings, designed to illustrate the benefits of an integrated approach to research and application. I will also provide concrete examples of how such knowledge of basic processes is translated into clinical practice. This type of function-based applied research has the potential to rapidly advance both the science and application of token systems. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
avatar for Tim Hackenberg

Tim Hackenberg

Tim Hackenberg received a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 1982 and a doctorate in psychology from Temple University in 1987, under the supervision of Philip Hineline. He held a postdoctoral research position at the University of Minnesota with Travis... Read More →

87. Presentation pdf
Thursday August 8, 2019 1:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming

4:30pm EDT

95. Closing Keynote: Why Be a Behavioral Educator? (What Does it Mean to Be a Behavioral Educator)? - Presidents Hall 1, 2 & 3
Why be a behavioral educator? What does it mean to be a behavioral educator? Does it imply working with learners with autism spectrum disorder or other special needs? Does it go beyond the use of discrete trials or the collection of data? Being a behavioral educator can include these things, but also much, much more. Within the presentation, several key features of behavioral educators will be shared, with historic and real-world examples of how behavior analysis is improving the work of teachers and the lives of students. The power of behavior analysis to vastly enhance teaching and learning for all learners will be explored, resulting in ideas and concrete actions new and veteran educators can do “right now” to improve their student outcomes. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB
Speakers
avatar for Janet Twyman

Janet Twyman

Dr. Janet Twyman is an education innovator, thought leader, and founder of Blast: A Learning Sciences Company. She’s also the Director of Innovation and Technology for the Center on Innovations in Learning, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Univ. of Mass. Medical School... Read More →

Thursday August 8, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
TBA
  Livestreaming
 
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