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        Workshops

 

Workshop Registration     (schedule & descriptions below)

You must register for the conference in order to register for a workshop. Pre-registration for workshops is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and workshops will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register online for the conference and workshops.
 



 
Fees:
  • $60: 6-hr workshop
  • $35: 3-hr workshop
  • $60: CEU processing fee (no maximum), where applicable. ($20 of this fee will be earmarked to support CalABA's public policy work.)

Continuing Education (CEUs):

  • BACB: Behavior Analyst Certification Board
  • MCEP: Mandatory Continuing Education Program for Psychologists
  • BBS: Board of Behavioral Sciences
  • SLPAB: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Bureau
    		• Program Area:

  • AUT: Autism
  • CM: Clinical and Medical
  • DD: Developmental Disabilities
  • ED: Education
  • EXP: Experimental
  • HDG: Human Development & Gerontology
  • PEL: Professional, Ethical, & Legal
  • OBM: Organizational Behavior Management
  • TCP: Theoretical, Conceptual, & Philosophical
  • VB: Verbal Behavior
    		• Levels:

  • Intro: Introductory
  • Intermed: Intermediate
  • Adv: Advanced

    • Workshop Schedule and Descriptions (subject to change – check this site periodically for updates)

    Saturday, March 14, 2009 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    (see other workshops available Sat. 9am - 4pm and Sat. 1pm - 4pm)    (top)
    Workshop # 1 - Invited
    (CM – Intermed)
    KEITH D. ALLEN
    Munroe-Meyer Institute

    CE: BACB, MCEP
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 50
    Available: sold out

    		Behavioral Parent Training: What to Do and How to Do It
    Parents usually are the most influential people in a child's life. So when child issues such as noncompliance, aggression, and acting out occur at home and school, it is important for parents to take on a primary role in their resolution. This workshop will provide practitioners with the knowledge they need to take an evidence-based approach to training parents to solve these problems. The workshop will include a review of the criteria for identifying the best research in behavioral parent training, a critique of the empirical support for well established and for not-so-well established but popular programs, a review of the behavioral principles underlying these programs, and a discussion of how to translate that research to practice in ways that will promote adherence.

    Workshop # 2 (PEL, CM – Intermed)
    MATTHEW NORMAND
    University of the Pacific

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 30
    Available: 1


    Treatment Integrity: Methods for Effective Behavioral Intervention
    When assessing the effectiveness of behavioral interventions, one must be able to determine if any observed treatment failures are due to a) an improperly designed intervention or b) an improperly implemented intervention. The latter concern is related to the issue of treatment integrity, or the extent to which behavioral interventions are implemented as designed. As such, the development of clear methods by which treatment integrity can be assessed is critical to the success of any behavior intervention plan. These methods, once developed, also can serve as a tool for training those individuals who will be implementing the intervention. This workshop will review the most relevant research concerning the effects of treatment integrity on the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and describe the implications thereof for behavior analysis in practice. Participants will be taught to task analyze behavioral interventions for the purposes of developing behavior-based competencies for staff training and for the on-going assessment of treatment integrity.

    Workshop # 3 (ED – Adv)
    CARL G. CONKLIN
    University of Kansas

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 45
    Available: 14


    Class-wide Function-based Intervention Teams
    Class-Wide Function-Based Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) is an interdependent group-oriented contingency. This is a class-wide behavior management strategy that has been under investigation by Juniper Gardens Children's Project (JGCP) for the past several years. CW-FIT is a behavior intervention that incorporates teaching and reinforcing prosocial classroom skills (e.g., "How to get the teacher's attention," "Follow directions the first time," "Ignore others' inappropriate behavior") in a game format. CW-FIT has proven effective by increasing prosocial behaviors in 18 classrooms from kindergarten to the eighth grade. JGCP is implementing CW-FIT in an additional 16+ classrooms this school year.

    The CW-FIT workshop is for an audience of coaches. That is, the workshop is for behavior analysts or school psychologists working or consulting with schools and/or teachers. The workshop is designed to provide the audience with some of the most current class-wide management strategies utilizing behavior principles and bridging the gap between research and practice. The basic components of CW-FIT are teaching skills, self/peer management, extinction, and DRA/contingencies. In relation to school-wide positive behavior support, CW-FIT is a secondary level intervention designed to supplement school intervention skills by providing additional strategies for use in the classroom.

    This workshop will consist of:

    1. examples of CW-FIT success,
    2. instruction on game components,
    3. discussion of teacher interviews,
    4. video modeling of game components,
    5. roll playing introducing the game,
    6. role playing introducing classroom skills,
    7. introducing the timer,
    8. pulling it all together with a group discussion.
    Workshop # 4 (AUT, ED – Intermed)
    CYNTHIA L. ROSS-OWENS
    DEVON M. HOMME
    BRITTANY L. SHEETS
    The Kendall School - Therapeutic Pathways

    CE: BACB, SLPAB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 50
    Available: 5

    		Critical Features of Intensive Behavior Analytic Intervention for Children with Autism
    This workshop will describe critical program components that may maximize the benefits of intensive behavior analytic intervention to young children with autism spectrum disorders. Program elements to be reviewed include both initial and ongoing assessment, goal development as a function of age of diagnosis and baseline skills, specific tactics to promote generalization of skills to multiple environments, etc. In addition, changes in the skills needed by parents over the course of an intensive behavior analytic intervention program, and the resulting implications for changes in parent training are discussed. The participants will be able to prioritize goals and program development based upon the child's age at entry and skills presented at baseline. The participants will also be able to identify necessary prerequisite skills prior to introduction to other environments to address generalization.

    Workshop # 5 (AUT, DD – Intermed)
    CATHLEEN C. PIAZZA
    Munroe-Meyer Institute

    CE: None
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 100
    Available: 69


    Assessment and Treatment of Feeding Problems in Autism
    Feeding disorders are common in children diagnosed with autism and may be exhibited as a variety of topographies (e.g., food selectivity, food refusal). These problems may result in inadequate nutritional status and may be related to long-term developmental and behavioral sequelae. The purpose of this workshop will be to discuss methods of evaluating how specific behaviors can be defined and measured to allow quantification of variables related to the topographies of feeding disorders displayed by children with autism. A second purpose will be to review how this data-based approach can be used to prescribe and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.


    Saturday, March 14, 2009 • 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    (see other workshops available Sat. 9am - 12pm and Sat. 9am - 4pm)    (top)

    Workshop # 6 - Invited
    (DD, ED - Intermed)
    BRIAN K. MARTENS
    Syracuse University

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 100
    Available: 91


    Identifying Contingent Relations from Observational Data Using Contingency Space Analysis
    Descriptive assessment methods are often used to identify consequences for problem behavior, thereby aiding in the design of effective treatment programs. Consensus has not been reached, however, regarding the types of data and/or analytic strategies that are most useful for describing behavior-consequence relations. One promising approach involves the analysis of conditional probabilities from sequential recordings of behavior and events that follow its occurrence. This workshop will begin by reviewing a 6-step procedure for conducting a comprehensive functional behavior assessment. Strategic considerations in accomplishing Step 5 (sequential observation of behavior and its consequences) will be described including recording procedures, scoring the data, and displaying the results. Various computations for identifying contingent relations from conditional probabilities will then be described followed by discussion of an alternative strategy known as a contingency space analysis (CSA). Participants will be trained in procedures for conducting and interpreting a CSA with practice and feedback, and data will be presented illustrating how a CSA can be used to inform intervention design and evaluate changes in reinforcement contingencies following treatment.

    Workshop # 7 - Invited
    (AUT, PEL – Intro)
    GINA GREEN
    Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
    ERIC V. LARSSON
    Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention-Midwest

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 50
    Available: 5


    Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage of ABA Intervention for Autism
    Recently several states have adopted laws requiring health insurance companies to cover treatments for autism, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions. Similar laws are pending or planned in other states. Successful adoption and implementation of such laws requires close collaboration among parents, behavior analysts, other professionals, and policymakers. Arguments for insurance coverage must be articulated and supported with evidence on the efficacy and medical necessity of ABA intervention for autism, the costs and cost savings of insurance coverage, and the qualifications of providers. This workshop will provide participants with information, suggested strategies, and supporting resources for working with insurance companies to obtain coverage of ABA intervention in individual cases; advocating for legislation to require health insurance coverage of ABA intervention for autism and related disorders; and developing regulations to implement legislative mandates for insurance coverage of ABA interventions.

    Workshop # 8 (DD, ED - Intro)
    DONALD M. STENHOFF
    University of Kentucky
    BRYAN J. DAVEY
    ACCEL
    STEPHANIE JOHNSON
    STAR

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 30
    Available: 11


    Using Excel for Analyzing Treatment Outcomes in Applied Settings
    Visual display of data is imperative when communicating functional relationships and intervention outcomes with consumers and fellow practitioners. BCBAs are expected to be skillful in using graphs to convey results. However, simply possessing knowledge of graphical displays may not transfer to effective or efficient software use. Excel is an efficient way for behavior analysts to create graphs. Excel graphs convey effect across multiple-baseline, alternating treatment, and reversal designs. In addition, standard celeration charts and cumulative review graphs are often used to display client progress. These graph types are often used to display interview results (e.g., FAST, MAS), preference assessment, structural and functional analyses, treatment (i.e., DRA, DRNO, FCT, etc) and discrete trial program outcomes. While Microsoft Excel 2003 and 2007 can be difficult to use, this workshop will provide participants with hands on training promoting effective use. At the completion of the workshop attendees will be able to create spreadsheets and data sets, graphs (e.g., alternating treatment designs, reversal designs, cumulative record), manipulate graph components (e.g., axes, phase change lines). Instructors will provide several models, followed by opportunities for participants to practice with feedback. Additionally, workshop instructors will provide an Excel CD tutorial that will assist participants in future Excel projects. Participants are required to bring a laptop with the Excel application.

    Workshop # 9 (AUT, DD – Intermed)
    WAYNE W. FISHER
    Munroe-Meyer Institute

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 100
    Available: 54


    Functional Analysis and Treatment of Destructive Behavior
    Functional analysis is an individualized evaluation designed to assess an individual's problem behavior in relation to environmental events that may influence the probability of that behavior. Functional analysis is designed to identify
    1. the environmental contexts in which an individual's problem behavior is likely and unlikely to occur;
    2. the consequences that reinforce and maintain the individual's behavior in those contexts; and
    3. the treatments that are most likely to effectively reduce the individual's problem behavior.

    In this workshop, I will show how FBA methods have

    1. increased our understanding of the influence of environmental antecedents and consequences have on problem behavior;
    2. led to the development of innovative and effective interventions, and
    3. provided methods for determining which treatment components are necessary and sufficient to replace problem behavior with appropriate, alternative responses. I will also show how descriptive data can be used to develop functional analyses for idiosyncratic functions of problem behavior.
    Workshop # 10 (AUT, DD - Intro)
    MANYA VAUPEL
    CHRISTINA WHALEN
    SHANNON CERNICH
    Jigsaw Learning

    CE: None
    Fee: $35
    Max. enrollment: 100
    Available: 87

    		Using Technology in Your ABA Programs for Children with Autism
    There are many challenges to face when implementing effective ABA programs for students with autism. Technology can provide lots of solutions to the challenges teachers, clinicians, and parents deal with in effective ABA programming for students with Autism. In this workshop we will explore what has been done in terms of utilizing various assistive technology to enhance student learning in ABA programs in current research investigations. We will discuss different ideas for using technology in ABA programming in schools, homes and the community, we will provide examples of what is being done currently in schools and clinics, and we will explore the critical components to effective ABA programming and how technology can provide more efficient solutions to some of these components that are easily overlooked. At the end of this workshop, participants should have a better understanding of current practice and research in assistive technology in ABA programming, they should have additional resources in finding and implementing the appropriate technology needed in their programs, and they should be able to identify appropriate technology that will assist or enhance their current instructional programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

    Saturday, March 14, 2009 • 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    (see other workshops available Sat. 9am - 12pm and Sat. 1pm - 4pm)    (top)

    Workshop # 11 (CM, PEL - Intermed)
    KAREN R. WAGNER
    Behavior Services of Brevard

    CE: BACB
    Fee: $60
    Max. enrollment: 40
    Available: 30


    Making Training Videos Using Software You Probably Already Have
    This workshop will show participants how to create simple training videos for staff and parents. Using pedagogy from behavior analysis theory and practice, as well as beginning filmmaking techniques, participants will learn to plan their training video to achieve the best outcomes for their intended audience. Basic, bare-bones videomaking will be demonstrated and attendees will participate in the processes of production, editing, and finishing a brief training video created in the workshop.

    Participants will learn:

    1. the ethical considerations of presenting correct procedural methodology and accurately describing expected outcomes. They will also receive information on the ethical considerations of using consumers of behavior analysis services in their training videos.
    2. how to create a storyboard to organize the filming, give a diagram of the skill being taught, the best way to present the skill, and the sequence of steps needed to create the video.
    3. how to create a script to ensure the behavioral techniques are presented and explained properly, to give the volunteer "actors" cues for their verbal and physical behavior, and to prevent extensive filming time.
    4. to video their "actors" performing the script, and make adjustments to the video shoot as necessary.
    5. editing, through observation of the presenter, or; edit alongside of the presenter.
    6. how to add titles and narration to enhance the training video.
    7. how to publish the video into a format that will be usable for their needs.
    Workshop # 12 (PEL, DD - Intermed)

    JOSE D. RIOS
    BehaviorLogix

    ISAAC L. BERMUDEZ
    ACES

    ELIZABETH DAVIDSON
    HOWARD HAZARD-TSERNOV
    NATALIE STAFFORD
    IECP

    RUTH TELLO DI LEVA
    Familias First

    ARTURO ZEPEDA
    DE MIRANDA, JR.
    Miranda United Children's Home

    CE: BACB, BBS
    Fee: $60
    Max. enrollment: 100
    Available: 69

    		A Step-by-Step Guide: Assessing, Designing, and Implementing Effective Behavior Plans
    Functional assessments and behavior intervention plans are increasingly being used, developed and implemented across a variety of settings such as schools, homes, early intervention services, residential programs, adult workshop/day programs, geriatric agencies and rehabilitation centers. Despite this, until recently, there have not been any standard methods or protocols for the design and development of assessment and treatment plans. This workshop will address a variety of steps necessary to conduct effective and comprehensive assessments and intervention plans. Topics of this workshop include:
    • Common problems encountered in assessment and treatment plans
    • A protocol for designing comprehensive plans
    • The importance and types of commonly used functional assessment methods
    • The logical relationship between functional assessment results and the intervention methods chosen (i.e., those based on the function of the problem behavior)
    • Ethical issues related to plan development and implementation
    • Staff and systemic issues related to plan implementation

    This workshop will include various exercises and handouts. Participants will be provided with a binder that includes sample data forms, samples of correct and incorrect plans, exercise material, a behavior plan template and key term glossary. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to critique behavior plans, design effective and comprehensive plans, use data to determine intervention techniques and understand various systemic and ethical issues related to plan implementation.

    Learner Objectives

    1. Participants will be able to discriminate between correctly and incorrectly designed behavior plans
    2. Participants will demonstrate the ability to understand the purpose and importance of different types of Functional Assessment
    3. Participants will understand how to include the assessment information into a written plan
    4. Participants learn how to use the results of the functional assessment data to create an effective behavior plan
    5. Participants will be taught to select various interventions based on the assessed function of the problem behavior
    6. Participants will learn how to write behavioral goals & objectives to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior plan
    7. Participants will understand how practitioners can approach ethical concerns towards assessment and interventions in behavior plans while using evidence-based best practices
    8. Participants will understand how to apply the behavior intervention plan
    9. Identify and address staff issues that affect plan implementation and secure systemic support
    10. Participants will understand the importance of conducting treatment integrity of the intervention plan
    Workshop # 13 (VB, AUT - Intermed)
    MARK L. SUNDBERG
    Sundberg and Associates

    CE: BACB, SLPAB, MCEP
    Fee: $60
    Max. enrollment: 170
    Available: 73

    		Designing a Language Intervention Program Based on the VB-MAPP
    The Verbal Behavior Milestone Assessment and Placement Program (the VB-MAPP) offers a new generation of the application of B. F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to language assessment for children with autism or other developmental disabilities. The VB-MAPP is a criterion referenced assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skill tracking system that is based on established developmental milestones, and research from the field of behavior analysis. Participants will learn how to use the five components of the VB-MAPP in order to identify the learning, language, and social needs of a child with autism and to develop an intervention program that addresses those needs. In addition, participants will learn how to use Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior to analyze weak or defective verbal skills, and to implement intervention strategies designed to ameliorate verbal deficits.