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- 2025 Conference Agenda
2025 Annual conference - Agenda
*This schedule is subject to change.
Thursday, November 138:00 am - 9:00 am 9:00 am - 11:30 am The Power of Listening The Group Learning Experience: Moving Children from 1:1 Learning to Group Learning Blacher et. Al, 2022 found that 1 in 6 children with autism are expelled from preschool or daycare. Common reasons for expulsion included: unable to sit and learn in a group, not following instructions, hitting, and yelling at others. In the field of ABA, services are often delivered in a 1:1 format. While necessary and effective in the beginning, individual instruction is less efficient and may make it difficult for the autistic child to transition into school-based services. Group instruction early on in ABA programming may provide increased access to reinforcement and quicker rates of skill acquisition while fostering peer interactions and promoting skills in social interaction and communication areas. Group instruction requires the child to be able to attend to, imitate and follow instructions provided to the collective, “group.” While there has been an increase in clinic-based ABA services, there is little training and information on how to teach and move a child from 1:1 learning into a group learning experience. This workshop will provide clinical decision-making guides to help determine group readiness and program for group learning, specific programming goals, and strategies for moving children from a 1:1 learning format into a group learning format. 11:30 - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 3:00 pm AI in Action: A BCBA’s Guide to Efficiency This workshop, focusing on AI tools for BCBAs, will delve into the practical applications of AI, including a comprehensive overview of ChatGPT and its use in optimizing daily BCBA tasks. Participants will learn how to build and tailor a Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) model to fit specific needs within their practice. We will explore a range of AI-driven solutions that can streamline administrative tasks, enhance decision-making, and improve client outcomes. Key areas of application include analyzing data, optimizing scheduling, and streamlining assessments. The workshop will also address the ethical considerations inherent in integrating AI technologies into practice, ensuring that professionals adhere to the highest standards of responsible AI use in clinical settings. By introducing other innovative AI tools, participants will gain a comprehensive view of how these technologies can be leveraged to not only augment their current practices but also to elevate their service delivery. When They “Will Not Grow Out of It”: Identifying, Assessing, and Addressing Pediatric Feeding Problems When children are not eating, parents often hear that they “will grow out of it” or “will eat when they are hungry.” Feeding is the second most important function of each living organism, after breathing. Feeding issues are very complex and require specialized assessment and treatment. Between 20%-50% of typically developing children and 80-90% of children with neurodevelopmental issues present with feeding difficulties. Moreover, young children with neurodevelopmental issues often present first with feeding problems and later with motor and language/communication delays. Feeding skills require coordination of sensorimotor function, motor planning, postural stability, appropriate functioning of internal organs. These skills affect oral food intake, chewing, and swallowing. The purpose of this workshop is to discussed feeding issues and their comorbidities, assessment of feeding skills, specific approaches in addressing feeding issues, developmental readiness, and oral-motor difficulties. Anti-Coercion Training: Identifying Topographies, Trends & Variables, and Creating Feedback Systems for Ongoing Evaluation of Performance Improvement Based on Patient Report Over the past two decades, the landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has shifted dramatically due to insurance mandates and growing advocacy for ethical, person-centered care. While these changes have diversified intervention modalities and reduced reliance on overtly coercive practices, subtle and systemic forms of coercion persist—even within "positive" and reinforcement-based approaches. Research and survivor accounts reveal that trauma and adverse outcomes remain prevalent, particularly when interventions prioritize compliance over autonomy, consent, and sensory needs. This comprehensive workshop addresses the critical need for behavior analysts to recognize, analyze, and systematically reduce coercive practices that can undermine therapeutic relationships and client well-being. Participants will develop expertise in identifying both overt and nuanced forms of coercion embedded within contemporary ABA practices, from subtle reinforcement manipulation, to inadequate consent protocols. The workshop integrates evidence-based strategies from trauma-informed care, ethics frameworks across multiple disciplines, and innovative technology-assisted feedback systems to create sustainable practice improvements. Through a blend of historical context, survivor narratives, research evidence, and hands-on practice, this workshop will challenge participants to move beyond compliance as a metric of success. Instead, it will promote trauma-informed, assent-based, and feedback-driven approaches that prioritize autonomy, meaningful relationships, and quality of life for all clients. Friday, November 148:00 am - 9:00 am President Address and Welcome 9:00 am - 11:30 am With our ears to the world, eyes on the industry, and a heart for service; building what we dream can almost jeopardize our wellness, sacrifice our integrity, and compromise our relationships. As keynote, Landria will discuss her career journey through the lens of prioritization. She will discuss how agency, autonomy, and core principles are key to the Be Well and Stay Well model needed for a sustainable career. Learning Objectives:
All day beverages sponsored by: 10:45 - 11:45 am Arizona, like much of the nation, is undergoing a dramatic demographic shift: for the first time in history, older adults will soon outnumber children. This transition presents a powerful opportunity for behavior analysts to expand their scope of practice into the rapidly growing field of senior care. As the population ages, so does the need for behavior services that promote emotional wellness, reduce memory-related challenges, and support quality of life in later years. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) bring a unique and versatile skill set to this space—one that translates seamlessly across research, education, and community-based care. This keynote will showcase real clinical case examples and explore critical barriers such as workforce training and sustainable funding. It will also illustrate how BCBAs can serve as dynamic, collaborative partners within interdisciplinary elder care teams. In the face of this generational shift, Arizona must take bold, strategic steps to enhance aging services—and ABA is poised to be a bright and essential part of that future. 11:45 am - 1:15 pm 1:15 - 2:45 pm Applied behavior analysis is a powerful science grounded in both experimentation and dedication to the wellbeing of the species. Scientific exploration is fueled by questions found in the problems, circumstances, and solutions of our lives. Solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems are often found in ingenious and innovative ways. One of the ways that science progresses is through historical exploration of research failures and successes. Wisdom and inspiration can be, and have been, found everywhere including areas where voices have been suppressed. Some examples include indigenous knowledge that invites wholistic and systems processes; in areas where we have traditionally seen silos, such as the divisions between the arts and sciences, science fiction contributions that focus on the creative process for the well-being and struggles of the species; in members of the species that have been ignored, such as children who often bring a unfiltered openness to situations; and in sectors of society that are often characterized as unimportant or trivial, like disco that can shift ideas and patterns of thinking. Scientific curiosity can be fostered through nurturing environments that encourage exploration and empower bold ideas. The urgency of our times suggests the importance of innovative approaches to improving lives across the globe. Imagination can fuel collective action and make life improvement go viral. 2:45 - 3:00 pm All day beverages sponsored by: 3:00 - 4:00 pm Project Readmission Disrupt: Using Single-Subject Designs to Reduce Unnecessary Emergency Department Utilization At the end of 2022, Intermountain Centers launched Project Readmission Disrupt, an innovative intervention leveraging Arizona’s Health Information Exchange (HIE), Single-Subject Research Designs (SSRD), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to proactively identify and engage members experiencing medical or behavioral health crises. This integrated approach allows for real-time, data-driven decision-making to intercept and stabilize members before emergency department (ED) or inpatient admissions occur, reducing crisis-driven utilization. Implemented across Pinal County, Pima County, Cochise County, Maricopa County, and Yuma County the project was further refined through SSRD methodologies, which provided systematic and individualized assessments of intervention effectiveness. Recognizing that extreme summer heat and housing instability pose heightened risks, we applied AI-driven predictive analytics to optimize outreach efforts and tailor interventions to members most at risk. This presentation will cover the results of the project that compared summer of 2023 to summer 2024 when emergency utilization tends to peak. The presentation will culminate an explanation of how the integrated approach yielded statistically significant reductions in emergency and acute care: 20.97% decrease in ED visits 28.66% decrease in inpatient utilization 38.33% decrease in readmission rates These results demonstrate the power of combining SSRD for individualized outcome analysis, AI for predictive modeling, and HIE for real-time data integration to drive targeted interventions. By reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, teams involved not only improved service efficiency but also enhanced member quality of life, allowing for greater stability, continuity of care, and autonomy in their recovery. Integrating Developmental Principles and the Science of ABA to Enhance Outcomes for Young Autistic Children As we embrace innovations in early intervention for autism and developmental disabilities, merging developmental science and ABA is critical to achieving meaningful outcomes for young children. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) represent this new frontier: They blend developmentally appropriate practice — meeting each child where they are emotionally, socially, and cognitively — With the rigor and individualization of ABA — ensuring that teaching is evidence-based, data-driven, and meaningful. NDBIs, including models like the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), provide a roadmap for this integration: 1) Embedding learning within natural, motivating routines, 2) Supporting child autonomy and social communication through everyday interactions, 3) Building skills across developmental domains, not just isolated behaviors, and 4) Strengthening relationships as the foundation for all learning. At the heart of this work is the belief that we are better together —Better when we bridge disciplines rather than divide them; Better when we view developmental science and behavioral science as complementary, not competing; Better when we center the voices and strengths of autistic children and families in everything we do. NDBIs provide a structured yet flexible framework for embedding learning within natural routines, supporting autonomy and communication, and strengthening developmental domains through socially meaningful activities. Participants will learn how integrating these approaches honors the whole child, fosters authentic relationships, and leads to improved outcomes. As we look toward new horizons in early intervention, the future is clear: Blending developmental principles and the science of ABA is not only possible — it is essential for optimizing outcomes for young autistic children. What Happens After 10?: Developing a Training Program That Supports Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities Parents of children with autism ages 10 and under are empowered with a multitude of tools that have long been researched to ensure that quality of life is improved by skill acquisition that often results in a decrease in challenging behavior, and therefore, sustaining quality of life. One of those tools is Parent Training. There are various types of Parent training that focus on training parents to effectively implement ABA strategies to encourage the maintenance of the skills acquired by the child aged learner. Eventually, the child-aged learner will become an adult who will have different desires and needs if they hope to sustain an independent life. Although there are aspects of current parent training curriculums that can be modified to support parents implementing ABA strategies, there is a need to expand the current content to fit the needs of an adult. 4:00 - 4:15 pm All day beverages sponsored by: 4:15 - 5:15 pm Panel: Creating Pathways to Clinical Support: Psychological Safety Makes the Key Difference Presented by Alexandra Tomei, M.Ed., BCBA, Kelly Bernard, BCBA, Andi Brennan, Ph.D, LMFT, BCBA, Cynthia Owens, BCBA Clinical support is crucial at every stage, from case conceptualization to discharge. Establishing multiple pathways to access support is vital for the success of both clients and the teams serving them. However, reaching out to peers, supervisors, or those outside one's direct reporting line can be intimidating. For any support pathway to be effective, it must be both accessible and safe. A key element of successful clinical support is the creation of a psychologically safe environment. This safety promotes open communication and collaboration, ensuring that all aspects of a client’s health are addressed comprehensively and effectively. It ensures that the team seeking support is seen as experts on the client, their family, and the overall case – not just as a team struggling. Psychological safety ensures that teams not only reach out, but reach out again and again. Creating a safe environment to wrestle with complex cases, ethical dilemmas, or advocacy needs supports the client, the field, and the organization. This presentation will highlight the tangible benefits of creating multiple pathways to clinical support – the heart of which being psychological safety. Attendees will walk away with practical skills for creation and implementation of these support pathways, that serve to elevate quality of care for clients and staff alike. 5:30 - 7:30 pmNetworking Reception |
saturday, October 5
8:30 - 9:00 am
Breakfast and Registration
9:00 - 10:00 am
Concurrent Sessions
Clinical Track: Ethically Supporting Immigrant Families: Contextual Insights and Collaborative Strategies for Behavior Analysts in Educational and Clinical Settings
Presented by Natalia Baires, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Immigrant families of neurodivergent children face unique challenges when accessing special education and applied behavior analytic services in the United States. Behavior analytic practitioners have an ethical responsibility to address these challenges by collaborating with immigrant families to enhance educational and behavioral outcomes. Therefore, the current presentation will introduce a flexible and functional contextualized framework designed to ethically support immigrant families of neurodivergent children within educational and clinical settings. Barriers faced by this population in accessing special education and/or applied behavior analytic services will be underscored. Moreover, recommendations will be provided to guide behavior analytic practitioners and organizations in fostering inclusive practices to enhance the quality of life for immigrant families of neurodivergent children.
Expanding Track: No Such Thing as a Bad Kid
Presented by Amanda Hineline, M.E., BCBA, LBA
Foster children’s behaviors are often misinterpreted as defiance when they are adaptive responses to trauma. This presentation explores how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can enhance social work, offering a compassionate approach to foster care. Key topics include trauma’s impact on behavior, ethical interventions, and reinforcement-based strategies. Participants will learn to reframe behavior as communication and apply trauma-informed, function-based interventions for lasting change.
RBT Track: Beyond the Minimum: Identifying and Securing Effective Supervision as an RBT
Presented by Kristen Byra, BCBA-D and Amber Feick, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, IBA
This event offers Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) an essential framework for identifying and advocating for high-quality supervision in ABA settings. Participants will learn to recognize the core components of effective supervision, with particular emphasis on Behavior Skills Training (BST) for skill acquisition protocols and behavior intervention plans. The session will explore how quality supervision involves BCBAs who actively engage with their supervisees, regularly assess learning needs, and provide opportunities for guided practice with feedback. RBTs will learn specific indicators that demonstrate whether they are receiving supervision that meets professional standards, and develop strategies for effectively communicating their supervisory needs. Through case examples and practical scenarios, attendees will gain confidence in recognizing when supervision meets best practices and when improvements may be necessary for their professional development and client outcomes.
10:00 - 10:15 am
Break and Visit Exhibit Booth
10:15 - 11:15 am
Concurrent Sessions
Clinical Track: genArete: A Function-Based, Relational-Operant-informed Assessment System for Individualized Programming in ABA
Presented by Stu Law, BCBA
genArete (pronounced “generate”) is a novel assessment system emerging in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), designed to support individualized programming through a functional, relational lens. Rooted in free-operant measurement, Relational Operant Theory, and a radically personalized benchmarking model, genArete aims to align with traditional validity standards while avoiding the constraints and limitations often associated with protocol-driven assessment systems. This symposium will present findings from three early validation studies. Study 1 examined the internal structure of the Complex Verbal Behavior domain to determine whether item hierarchies and relational nesting followed a logical and empirically consistent progression. Study 2 assessed inter-rater reliability and demonstrated high agreement among clinicians, even in the absence of standardized protocols—highlighting the utility of shared functional understanding as a fidelity anchor. Study 3 explored the clinical application of genArete-informed interventions through a series of single-subject case studies, comparing outcomes to those derived from traditional assessment tools and typical ABA service delivery. Across studies, results support genArete’s potential as a viable and adaptable tool for assessing and teaching individuals in ways which pay homage to their unique goals and learning histories.
Expanding Track: Professional Pivot: From Clinician to OBM Consultant
Presented by Mellanie Page, BCBA, MBA
Behavior Analysts are uniquely equipped with skills that can seamlessly transition into the field of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM). This presentation explores the commonalities between the practice of Behavior Analysis in clinical settings and its application within organizational contexts. Participants will gain an understanding of how foundational competencies in behavior analysis, such as assessment, intervention design, and data analysis, are directly applicable to OBM. The discussion will also cover additional skills that BCBAs may need to develop to fully engage in OBM, such as understanding change management, enhancing employee performance, and behavioral systems analysis.
RBT Track: From Conflict to Clarity: Mastering Difficult Conversations in Leadership
Presented by Casey Russ, M.Ed. BCBA LBA
Effective leadership requires the ability to engage in difficult conversations that drive accountability while fostering trust and professional growth. Avoiding these discussions can lead to misalignment, decreased performance, and strained relationships. This presentation explores a clear methodology for conducting productive conversations on feedback and expectations, emphasizing evidence-based approaches from leadership and behavioral science. Drawing on insights from Crucial Conversations (Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, & Switzler, 2012) and Radical Candor (Scott, 2017), as well as behavior-analytic perspectives from Feedback F**-Ups and How to Avoid Them* (Ventura, Parks, Crowley, & Uriarte, 2022), attendees will learn practical tools to navigate challenging discussions with confidence. Additionally, a literature review of peer-reviewed research, including studies on compassionate care (Taylor, LeBlanc, & Nosik, 2019) and workplace conflict in Applied Behavior Analysis (Kazemi et al., 2022), will provide a research-backed framework for addressing performance gaps while maintaining positive workplace relationships. By applying these strategies, leaders can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring clarity, accountability, and stronger professional relationships within their teams.
11:15 - 11:30 am
Break and Visit Exhibit Booth
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Clinical Track: Cultivating the Next Generation: Overcoming Barriers to BCBA Supervision with a Hierarchical Model
Presented by Stephanie Gates, BCBA, LBA and Emily Urban, BCBA, LBA
The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has seen remarkable growth, with a 353% increase in BCBAs over the past decade. As BCBA supervisors, we are the guardians of our field. As cliché as it sounds, it’s true! Now more than ever, it is essential to provide quality supervision to future professionals—going beyond merely signing off on fieldwork hours. BCBA supervisors are tasked with shaping trainees into independent practitioners by fostering clinical skills through evidence-based practices. Yet, this is often easier said than done. Alongside supervision, BCBAs juggle numerous responsibilities, including client-related tasks, administrative duties, funder requirements, RBT supervision, and more. These demands often present significant barriers to delivering high-quality supervision. In this presentation, we will explore how implementing a hierarchical supervision model can alleviate some of these common challenges. We will highlight a competency-based, data-driven approach designed not only to improve the supervision process but that will make your team want to stick around!
Expanding Track: Teaching Cultural Humility to Practitioners in a World Where Cultural Humility is Unrecognizable
Presented by Nia Flowers, BCBA
As Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), we are responsible for training the next generation of BCBAs to provide care to a diverse group of people that they may not have been previously exposed to. How does one teach cultural humility in a society that glorifies the extradition of immigrants and makes derogatory language the norm? In this presentation, we will explore cultural humility, both in research and application, and ways you can be prepared to teach these ethical decision-making skills to your supervisees. We will look closely at the BACB’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts and ensure our supervisees are prepared to provide high quality care to all groups of people. We will analyze our personal biases and how they can affect patient treatment. And we will ensure we have the tools to move from bias to action.
RBT Track
Presented by Becca Tagg
12:30 - 2:00 pm
Lunch and Poster Session
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Clinical Track: Assuming Trauma, Defining Trauma: A Behavior Analyst’s Guide to Informed Care
Presented by Olivia Setzer, MS, BCBA, LBA and Joseph Hacker MA, BCBA, LBA
Trauma-assumed care has become an essential framework in compassionate and effective behavior analytic service delivery. At the heart of this approach lies a critical assumption: that trauma—whether known or unknown—has likely shaped our clients’ experiences. But what exactly is trauma? And why might the same event impact individuals in vastly different ways? Effectively supporting individuals with trauma histories requires a functional, not just topographical, understanding of the concept. This talk draws on Tieman and Markle’s concept analysis methodology to move beyond surface definitions, identifying the conditions necessary for “trauma” to function as a meaningful, complex concept. Legal, psychological, and logical definitions will be considered to clarify the term and inform practical applications. Attendees will explore clinical scenarios that highlight examples and non-examples of trauma-assumed care. This discussion will connect conceptual clarity to ethical and responsive clinical practice.
Expanding Track: ABA is More Than Just Kids & Autism: Finding Your Unique Niche
Presented by Tia Glover
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is often associated with working with children on the autism spectrum, but its applications extend far beyond this traditional scope. This presentation explores the diverse career opportunities within ABA, highlighting how behavior analysts can carve out unique niches in fields such as mental health, organizational behavior management, criminal justice, healthcare, and beyond. Attendees will gain insight into how to identify their passions, leverage their skills, and break into alternative ABA pathways. Through real-world examples, actionable strategies, and industry insights, this session will empower professionals to think outside the box and redefine what it means to be a behavior analyst. Whether you're new to the field or looking to pivot, this presentation will inspire you to find a niche that aligns with your interests and professional goals.
RBT Track: Unlocking SBT and Empowering RBTs
Presented by Amber Feick, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, IBA and Kylee Pitts, M.S.
Skill-based treatment (SBT) is an evidence-based approach designed to address severe problem behavior by systematically teaching functional communication, tolerance, and cooperation skills in contextually relevant environments. This presentation will introduce behavior technicians to the foundational concepts and procedures of SBT, emphasizing their role in implementing treatment plans under clinical supervision. Participants will learn how to support the assessment process, run treatment steps with fidelity, and collect meaningful data throughout. Through discussion, modeling, and practical examples, attendees will gain the knowledge and confidence to contribute effectively to SBT programs while maintaining adherence to their scope of practice.
3:00 - 3:15 pm
Break and Visit Exhibit Booth
3:15- 4:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
Clinical Track: Universal Protocols: A Study of Four Applications
Presented by Brittany Eastman, M.Ed. and Shane Olson, BCBA
As a panel, we will present on the application of Universal Protocols—a trauma-assumed, assent-based framework designed to address severe interfering behavior with a strong emphasis on compassion, dignity, and client autonomy. Rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis, Universal Protocols aim to reduce the use of physical management, emphasize relationship-building over compliance, and create enriched environments that foster engagement through freely accessible preferred activities and flexible, client-led interactions. Our panel will share four diverse case examples from group home and clinic settings to illustrate how these principles were implemented in practice. Each case highlights both successes and challenges, including staff training, maintaining treatment fidelity, and building the soft skills necessary for compassionate care. The protocols encourage practitioners to limit non-essential demands, respond to clients with respect, and prioritize safety and rapport over task completion—shifting the culture of care toward one centered on trust and meaningful connection. We will also discuss the systemic supports required for successful implementation, such as performance-based coaching and ongoing feedback. Our goal is to demonstrate how Universal Protocols can transform clinical practice into a more humane, assent-driven approach that benefits both clients and staff.
Expanding Track: Protecting Professional Integrity: Safeguarding Credentials in Applied Behavior Analysis
Presented by Diana Davis Wilson, BCBA, DBH and Ashley Sanchez, BCBA, LBA, DBH
Managing credentials for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) requires the same level of diligence as protecting personal information like bank accounts or social security numbers. This presentation will address the growing risks and unethical practices related to the misuse and mismanagement of credentials in applied behavior analysis. Recent trends show that some companies are requesting credentialing information beyond employment agreements or offering a percentage of billing revenue in exchange for credential use. Such practices breach ethical guidelines and expose professionals to risks of fraud, potentially causing harm to both practitioners and clients. In this technical session, we will review the ethical codes from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) regarding the appropriate use and management of professional credentials. We will explore effective strategies for safeguarding and managing credential information, addressing common risks associated with companies retaining credentialing data beyond employment agreements. Additionally, we will discuss instances of credential misuse and share complaint data, including real-life examples of credential fraud and its detrimental impact on behavior analysts and the vulnerable populations they serve. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of independent credential management, and how to protect themselves from potential unethical practices. Through this presentation, behavior analysts will be equipped to ensure their credentials are used ethically, and will learn strategies to prevent misuse, fraud, and potential harm to their professional standing.
RBT Track: Expanding Clinical Competency: Assent-Based Care and Ethical Decision-Making for Behavior Technicians and Trainees
Presented by Batoul Dekmak and Brittany Bauerle
Arizona Association for Behavior Analysis
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