7:30 am - 8:30 am
Breakfast and Registration

8:30 am - 9:00 am
President Address and Welcome

9:00 am - 11:30 am
Workshop: A Trauma-Informed Framework for Clinician Empowerment in ABA Communities
Presented by Kelly Baird, M.A.,BCBA, LBA, CCTSI

This workshop introduces a Trauma-Informed Framework designed to empower clinicians within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) communities. The framework emphasizes practical strategies for fostering resilience, addressing trauma, and promoting self-care among clinicians. Participants will gain insights into the unique challenges faced by clinicians in ABA settings and learn how a trauma-informed approach can enhance their well-being and effectiveness in their practice. Through interactive discussions and activities, attendees will explore practical tools and techniques to implement the framework in their work, ultimately enhancing their ability to provide quality care while maintaining their own well-being. The workshop will incorporate fun elements to engage participants in an interactive, enjoyable learning experience.

11:30 - 12:30 pm
Lunch and Visit Exhibit Booth

Sponsored by:

12:30 - 1:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions

Moving Towards Value in Your Organization: The Future of Reimbursement Structures in ABA
Presented by Sara Gershfeld

This presentation will provide an overview of ways ABA organizations can leverage measurement systems to enhance value-based care. Focusing on client outcomes is one important component, and we must also be prepared to demonstrate efficient and effective processes and provide indices of costs and benefits. Measurement is not only important at the individual level, but also aggregated to show performance within and among groups as well as the level of the organization as a whole. The presentation will provide a foundational overview of value-based care and review existing value-based care models working successfully in Applied Behavior Analysis to promote improved quality and patient outcomes.

An Extended Hand: Catalyzing Clinical Resilience and Self-Compassion through ACT
Presented by Adam D. Hahs PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Behavior analysis has, for more than 60 years now, had a focus on patient-centered care, and this philosophical perspective (see Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968) accounts for much of the success of our science and practice, to be sure. As the science of ABA has evolved to account for more complex repertoires of behavior (e.g., advanced language and cognition), so too must the aperture of our analyses relative to behavioral phenomena (e.g., covert verbal behavior and compassion). To that end, the current talk aims to afford researchers and clinicians an ACT-based model by which clinical resilience may be concurrently occasioned by behavior like self-care, compassion, and the self-awareness in that asking for help (broadly defined) may be relationally reframed to evidence a sign of strength in the challenging yet critical work we are so fortunate to do.

1:30 - 1:45 pm
Break and Visit Exhibit Booth

1:45 - 2:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions

Got Outcomes? Move over Micro Analysis and Make Way for A Macro Approach to Skill Acquisition and Challenging Behaviors
Presented by Kristen Byra, BCBA-D, LBA

According to the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) practice guidelines for healthcare funders and managers, one of the outlined core characteristics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is that consistent and ongoing review of data is necessary to guide clinical decision making. The two most predominant methods of progress monitoring include mastery measurement, which evaluates an individual's understanding and proficiency across specific skills, and general outcome measurement (i.e., curriculum-based measurement), which evaluates skill across domains or curriculums (Iris Center, n.d.), yet there is limited reported on outcomes related to assessment results other than a simple reporting of points gained. Recently, the quality of services within applied behavior analysis (ABA) has come under renewed scrutiny (Silbaugh & El Fattal, R, 2022; Sohn, 2020). This scrutiny is related to poor outcomes and may be related to infrequent or ignored program monitoring of learner outcomes and progress. As behavior analysts we need to ask ourselves (1) are we making progress, (2) how do I know, and (3) is it enough? We can surpass our current methods of simple visual analysis and trend lines and utilize the percentage of non-overlapping data points (PND) to obtain an effectiveness score of intervention that has been applied to challenging behavior. In addition, by utilizing age equivalency scores, we can start analyzing response to intervention to determine if learners are acquiring skills more rapidly as a result of intervention compared to simple maturation.

Autism and Comorbid Conditions: Strategies to Enhance Practice and Supervision in Complex Cases
Presented by Katarzyna Motylewicz, DBH, BCBA, QBA, LBA and Liliane De Aguiar-Rocha, DBH, BCBA, QBA, LBA

According to the BACB, 72.12% of BCBAs work with autistic patients. This population has complex needs and other co-morbid conditions in addition to neurodevelopmental diagnoses, (i.e. seizures, mental health conditions, etc.), and behavioral health diagnoses.

In the traditional training of behavior analysts, we are taught to “consider organic variables” but we are not taught much about these variables. Therefore, we need to be able to collaborate with professionals in other disciplines and be able to have an understanding of how these organic variables will have an impact on our learner.

2:45 - 3:00 pm
Break and Visit Exhibit Booth

3:00 - 4:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions

The Foundational Five: A Multifaceted Approach to Monitoring Organizational Culture and Staff Performance
Presented by Batoul Dekmak, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Kajza Coats, M.S., BCBA and Ashley Hamilton, BCBA, LBA, MSA

Maintaining a strong organizational culture aligned with key performance indicators is crucial for delivering quality services (Silbaugh & El Fattal, 2021). While universal intervention plans can be implemented organization-wide, additional training and systems may be needed to facilitate staff adoption (Horner & Kittelman, 2022). At the group level, a clinic engagement sampling procedure was developed to assess staff engagement in targeted behaviors aligned with organizational values and practices to indicate the degree of cultural adoption across the clinic (Sturmey & Crisp, 1994). At the individual level, a procedural integrity checklist was used to identify performance deficits or gaps requiring targeted training. By analyzing supplemental individual performance data alongside group data, a comprehensive view of overall performance can be obtained, and areas for improvement can be pinpointed. Supporting organizational culture through data-driven performance monitoring is imperative for consistent, high-quality service delivery. This presents a multifaceted approach to monitoring both group and individual staff performance to drive shifts in organizational culture.

A good idea will only get you so far: The importance of strategic planning and relationship building for legislative success
Presented by Mariel C. Fernandez, M.S., BCBA, LBA (Tx)

This presentation will focus on the importance of collaboration and relationships with respect to public policy and advocacy initiatives in the field of behavior analysis. A good idea will only get you so far with a payer, regulator, or legislator. Establishing strong relationships, incorporating parent and caregiver voices, and having a clearly developed strategic plan is crucial for passing legislation or regulatory change.

Discussion will include the importance of a strategic plan, unified messaging, how to build coalitions, establish strong relationships, and work together. Finally, mentorship opportunities will be discussed, including the importance of being involved in your state professional organization and national organizations.

4:00 - 4:10 pm
Break and Visit Exhibit Booth

4:10 - 5:10 pm
Cross Systems Collaboration: Arizona’s Participation in the NASDDDS Capacity Building Institute and a Collaborative Care Approach to Treatment
Panelists: Mary DeCarlo, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, Summer Kamal M.Ed, BCBA, Victoria Diforte M.Ed., BCBA, LBA and Diana Davis-Wilson DBH, LBA, BCBA, IBA

The Arizona Department of Economic Security's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), along with six other state DD programs, recently participated in a 9-month Capacity Building Institute (CBI) organized by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS). The CBI focused on various topics related to enhancing capacity for serving individuals with dual diagnoses of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and behavioral health issues. Arizona's cohort included representatives from DDD, two Behavioral Health providers (an ABA provider and a psychiatrist from a large outpatient behavioral health clinic), a DDD Behavior Supported Group Home Provider, and representatives from DDD's subcontracted Health Plans (United Healthcare Community Plan and Mercy Care Plan). The institute also involved a case study to identify system barriers and areas for improvement. This presentation aims to provide an overview of the lessons learned during the capacity building institute, discuss effective components of cross-system collaboration, and conclude with a member presentation highlighting the role of cross-system collaboration in their success.

Arizona's experience has revealed an increased risk of comorbid mental illnesses among individuals with I/DD. It has also emphasized the need for additional tools, assistance, information, and resources to accurately identify psychiatric diagnoses. An important aspect is the integration of comprehensive medical history and physical examinations with psychiatric assessments.

Recognizing the challenges in identifying and assessing trauma in individuals with I/DD, active involvement from the entire team and a proactive approach to finding solutions are necessary. Factors such as psychiatric issues, sensory processing challenges, limited communication skills, physical health concerns, behavioral difficulties, and the impact of the pandemic need to be explored to provide effective support.

The impact of the environment on individuals with I/DD is acknowledged, highlighting the importance of a trauma-informed approach and the creation of restorative environments that are free from triggering elements. The presentation proposes implementing a Biographical Timeline and trauma training for staff working with individuals with I/DD. It also emphasizes addressing staff trauma resulting from serious behavioral incidents and integrating treatment within the home environment.

The successes resulting from cross-system collaboration and interdisciplinary team involvement are outlined, including collaboration between DDD, health plans, medical providers, transportation services, and others. Notable achievements include streamlining the process for seeking appropriate inpatient care, the availability of intensive in-home support, proactive engagement with the police department, and the role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment in preventing crisis. Identified strengths include an integrated service delivery system, strong collaboration with health plans, stable funding, and a wide range of services available through Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and acute care.

Evidence Based Practices within the role of the Applied Behavior Analysis component of the collaboration were also used. The use of practices that have replicated success with individuals with intense and severe problem behaviors has been integral with creating safer learning environments for individuals with I/DD and severe behaviors in our collaborations. These practices include the use of Practical Functional Assessments (PFA) and Skill Based Treatment (SBT) protocols. The PFA approach allows teams to analyze and reach functional relations between severe problem behavior and individual needs resulting in the implementation of treatment needs quickly (Jessel, 2016). Following the use of a tested PFA the team focused on a SBT approach that has shown effective improvements and is comprehensive in nature (Handley, 2014). This approach allows for introduction of key functional communication replacement behaviors as well as working on skill building and tolerance.

5:10 - 7:00 pm

Networking Reception and Poster Session

Reception sponsored by: