A Message from the Conference Co-chairs

Dear CalABA Members and Friends:

In keeping with the longstanding tradition established during prior CalABA conferences, the 2006 CalABA conference will include presentations by outstanding researchers and practitioners as well as unique professional development activities. We are very pleased to have keynote addresses delivered by Wayne Fisher, Patrick Friman, Mark Sundberg, and Timothy Vollmer. Each keynote presenter has established an exemplary record of scholarly productivity, contributed significantly to the peer review process in their many editorial activities, and made substantial contributions in the area of training and mentoring behavior analysts. In addition to the very accomplished keynote presenters, this year's invited speakers illustrate the broad range of behavior analytic research and practice. Within the basic behavior analytic tradition, Timothy Hackenberg and Gregory Madden will present invited addresses on the applied implications of basic research involving token reinforcement and (behavioral) economic conceptualizations of problems of excess (e.g., gambling). With regard to application, Gina Green, Ethan Long, and Bridget Taylor will deliver addresses on contemporary treatment methods to improve the behavior of individuals with autism, while highlighting the most effective methods, and cautioning against those lacking in empirical support. In addition, Caio Miguel will deliver an address on current research in the area of autism, with special emphasis on the topic of verbal behavior. In the area of developmental disabilities, invited addresses will be delivered by Brian Iwata and Henry Roane. Addresses by Lee Kern and Nancy Neef will focus on the role of behavior analysis in educational settings as well as more traditional clinical concerns. David Schaal and Meeta Patel will deliver addresses on two distinct clinical problems: pediatric feeding disorders and the role of behavior analysts in evaluating and treating behavioral outcomes of cerebral ischemia (stroke). David Wilder will deliver an invited address on current behavior analytic research in the area of organizational behavior management. Conceptual concerns relevant to behavior analysts will be addressed by Timothy Hackenberg and David Palmer, while Gerald Shook will deliver an address on ethical issues encountered by behavior analysts in the course of service provision. We anticipate yet another phenomenal conference offering a broad range of topics to meet the interests of all behavior analysts. In addition to the series of presenters noted previously, there will also be presentations by numerous up-and-coming professionals, researchers, and students.

Practitioners of all types will find workshops offering a wealth of useful information. Topics include autism intervention, the development of verbal behavior, child therapy, visual display of data using Excel, ethical decision-making in behavioral services, behavioral intervention plans, behavior management, reading and writing intervention, discrete trial methods, and behavior analysis in schools. Please be sure to pre-register, as space is limited!

Check this website frequently for updates, but register now to make sure you don't miss out on the '06 conference!

John C. Borrero, PhD, BCBA
Holly White, MA, BCBA

2006 CalABA Conference Committee