ABA Inside Track

Dr. David Cox, an expert in deep learning and AI, discusses the fascinating integration of artificial intelligence into behavior analysis. He explores how AI can enhance clinical decision-making and therapeutic outcomes while navigating complex ethical considerations. The metaphor of AI as a chef crafting safe recipes captures the essence of ensuring transparency and informed consent. Cox also highlights AI's potential for optimizing scheduling in ABA practices, emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines as these technologies evolve in the field.

Man, the more episodes we do around how well-meaning authorities tend to fall back to maintaining the inequitable status quo, the more examples of it we find. This week, we look at many of the practices in schools that continue to perpetuate ableism and what behavior analysts can do to disrupt these trends. And, spoiler alert, half of these practices were actually implemented to INCREASE access to education for individuals with disabilities. It turns out just trying to be nice doesn’t actually fix much without a solid understanding of individual perspectives. So, y’know, listen to the episode and don’t be “that guy”. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Storey, K. (2007). Combating ableism in schools. Preventing School Failure, 52, 56-58. doi: 10.3200/PSFL.52.1.56-58 Bottema-Beutel, K., Kapp, S.K., Lester, J.N., Sasson, N.J., & Hand, B.N. (2021). Avoiding ableist language: Suggestions for autism researchers. Autism in Adulthood, 3, 18-29. doi: 10.1089/aut.2020.0014 Timberlake, M. (2020). Recognizing ableism in educational initiatives: Reading between the lines. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 2, 84-100. doi: 10.46303/repam.02.01.5 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

While we might be taking some time off for the holidays, you wouldn’t know it from our podcast schedule. This month we begin the countdown to episode 300 with an announcement of our big anniversary plans, some details of a new ABA Inside Track publication, and, of course, episodes on the cutting edge of behavior analysis. Specifically, we’re talking about ableism in the school system (and what behavior analysts can do to combat it) and how artificial intelligence may not be as scary as we thought (thanks to the soothing assurances of special guest, Dr. David Cox). Finally, we wrap up 2024 with a pair of bonus episodes: Our annual End-Of-Year extravaganza with podcasting friend, Matt Cicoria, from Behavioral Observations and our audio from Upstate Caring Partners awesome summer conference on compassionate care. See you in 2025! Articles for December 2024 Abelism in Schools Storey, K. (2007). Combating ableism in schools. Preventing School Failure, 52, 56-58. doi: 10.3200/PSFL.52.1.56-58 Bottema-Beutel, K., Kapp, S.K., Lester, J.N., Sasson, N.J., & Hand, B.N. (2021). Avoiding ableist language: Suggestions for autism researchers. Autism in Adulthood, 3, 18-29. doi: 10.1089/aut.2020.0014 Timberlake, M. (2020). Recognizing ableism in educational initiatives: Reading between the lines. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 2, 84-100. doi: 10.46303/repam.02.01.5 Artificial Intelligence and ABA w/ Dr. David Cox Cox, D.J. & Jennings, A.M. (2024). The promises and possibilities of artificial intelligence in the delivery of behavior analytic services. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 123-136. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00864-3 Jennings, A.M. & Cox, D.J. (2024). Starting the conversation around the ethical use of artificial intelligence in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 107-122. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00868-z

Though many of us likely think of ourselves as talendted clinicians, do we honestly consider our work with others to be considered art? Well, Richard Foxx did and so, apparently, do a lot of behavior analysts who think its high time we operationalize and train folks in the field on some of the skills that make creating a therapeutic alliance seem so effortless (at least, for some of us!). Thanks to our fabulous patrons, we’re digging into the topic of behavioral artistry. Are there really skills that separate the artist BCBAs from the jobbers? And if so, how does one become an artiste de behavior analysis? This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Patrons, don’t forget to get your code for a free CE for listening to this episode. Articles discussed this episode: Foxx, R.M. (1985). The Jack Tizzard Memorial lecture: Decreasing behaviours: Clinical, ethical, and environmental issues. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 10, 189-199. doi: 10.3109/13668258508998639 Callahan, K., Foxx, R.M., Swierczynski, A., Aerts, X., Mehta, S., McComb, M., Nicols, S.M., Segal, G., Donald, A., & Sharma, R. (2019). Behavioral artistry: Examining the relationship between the interpersonal skills and effective practice repertoires of applied behavior analysis practitioners. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 3557-3570. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04082-1 Bukszpan, A.R., Anderson, A., Moon, E., Kaplan, A., & Leaf, J.B. (2024). Training behavior technicians to become behavior artists through the teaching interaction procedure. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/bin.1963 Lugo, A.M., King, M.L, Lamphere, J.C., & McArdle, P.E. (2017). Developing procedures to improve therapist-child rapport in early-intervention. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 395-401. doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0165-5 Anonymous. Confessions of a Previous ABA Technician - Part 2: The Problem with Pairing. Therapist Neurodiversity Collective. https://therapistndc.org/the-problems-with-pairing/ If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

Dr. Corey Stocco, an expert in behavior analysis focusing on lying in children, unpacks the intriguing world of dishonesty. He kicks off with a giant lie to illustrate honesty's complexities. Discussion pivots to the ethics of lying and how storytelling shapes our understanding of deceit. Stocco emphasizes behavioral interventions to foster honesty and the role of praise among teens. The conversation critiques current research methods, advocating for innovative approaches to better understand the motivations behind lying in youth.

Phantom participants! Research wails! Graphs that go bump in the night! Turn the results down low. Now get ready for the discussion of your life. Here are chilling, thrilling articles that will make you shiver and shake — and make your friends quiver and quake! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Ackner, C. & Jacobs, K. (2024). Interobserver agreement among a ataff member and visitors at  a wolf sanctuary. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 926-931. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00950-5 Laske, M.M. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D. (2024). Um, so, like, do speech disfluencies matter? A parametric evaluation of filler sounds and words. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 574-583. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1093 Mondati, A. D., Reeve, S. A., Vladescu, J. C., DeBar, R. M., & Thomas, R. R. (2024). Remote teaching of AB graphs in Microsoft Excel. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00943-z If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

While nothing lasts forever, like a cold November podcast about behavior analysis, we give thanks for the fun topics that we can all enjoy before winter rolls in. First, spooky season continues with the creepiest grab bag episode ever! Then we’re joined by Dr. Corey Stocco who’ll be telling some truths about lying behavior. Finally, break out the smocks and easels because we wrap up the fall with a listener’s choice episode about behavioral artistry. So, join us by the fire with your leftover Halloween candy as we podcast into the night (or morning or whenever you want to listen). Articles for November 2024 Scary Grab Bags to Tell in the Dark Ackner, C. & Jacobs, K. (2024). Interobserver agreement among a ataff member and visitors at  a wolf sanctuary. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 926-931. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00950-5 Laske, M.M. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D. (2024). Um, so, like, do speech disfluencies matter? A parametric evaluation of filler sounds and words. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 574-583. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1093 Mondati, A. D., Reeve, S. A., Vladescu, J. C., DeBar, R. M., & Thomas, R. R. (2024). Remote teaching of AB graphs in Microsoft Excel. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00943-z   How to Stop Lying w/ Dr. Corey Stocco Stocco, C.S., Moline, A.D., & Bowar, S. (2021). Further evaluation of contingencies on lying about homework completion. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 620-634. doi: 10.1002/bin.1787 Lehardy, R.K., Luczynski, K.C., Stocco, C.S., Fallon, M.J., & Rodriguez, N.M. (2023). Increasing young children’s honest reports and decreasing their transgressions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56, 98-116. doi: 10.1002/jaba.960   Behavioral Artistry (Fall 2024 Listener Choice) Foxx, R.M. (1985). The Jack Tizzard Memorial lecture: Decreasing behaviours: Clinical, ethical, and environmental issues. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 10, 189-199. doi: 10.3109/13668258508998639 Callahan, K., Foxx, R.M., Swierczynski, A., Aerts, X., Mehta, S., McComb, M., Nicols, S.M., Segal, G., Donald, A., & Sharma, R. (2019). Behavioral artistry: Examining the relationship between the interpersonal skills and effective practice repertoires of applied behavior analysis practitioners. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 3557-3570. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04082-1 Bukszpan, A.R., Anderson, A., Moon, E., Kaplan, A., & Leaf, J.B. (2024). Training behavior technicians to become behavior artists through the teaching interaction procedure. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/bin.1963 Lugo, A.M., King, M.L, Lamphere, J.C., & McArdle, P.E. (2017). Developing procedures to improve therapist-child rapport in early-intervention. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 395-401. doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0165-5 Anonymous. Confessions of a Previous ABA Technician - Part 2: The Problem with Pairing. Therapist Neurodiversity Collective. https://therapistndc.org/the-problems-with-pairing/

Shayna Gaunt and Shira Karpel, co-founders of How to ABA, bring over 25 years of combined experience in behavior analysis. They dive into the complexities of ethical dilemmas faced by BCBAs, discussing real listener scenarios and the importance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication and thorough documentation to navigate these challenges. They also touch on the evolving BACB ethics code and advocate for continuous learning and humility to foster ethical practices in the field.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Cory Whelan, a speech-language pathologist and board-certified behavior analyst known for his work in practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment. He delves into how skill-based treatment follows assessments, sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights. The conversation covers effective strategies for enhancing safety and communication in behavioral treatment. Dr. Whelan also highlights the nuances of implementing skill-based treatment in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of tailoring approaches to individual needs.

Dr. Erin Leif, a behavior analyst from Massachusetts who has established significant programs in Australia, shares her insights on promoting client rights in the field. She discusses the importance of cultural responsiveness and new qualifications aimed at reducing restrictive practices. Topics also include navigating the complexities of restraints, the impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and strategies for enhancing communication with clients. With a blend of humor and real-world examples, Dr. Leif emphasizes a rights-based approach in behavior support.