Cultivating Curious and Compassionate Behavior Analysts: An Immersive Ethics and Supervision Workshop Experience

Behavior analysts are well trained on how to assess the function of distressed behavior. However, this can sometimes occur at such a high level of objectivity and adherence to protocols that the safety and well-being of the learner is not maintained. Additionally, over focusing on function can result in missing key aspects of a comprehensive treatment plan for supporting a learner in their natural environment. This training focuses on going beyond the typical training provided on functions of behavior and behavioral assessment to provide attendees with a more comprehensive understanding of how to supervise and train others to navigate distressed behavior with compassion and curiosity. Through a series of experiential activities and case examples, Dr. Miller provides a deeper dive into considerations relating to ethical and flexible application of procedures to address distressed behavior that synthesizes the research from behavior analysis and related fields. Attendees will have the opportunity to develop intervention plans that are comprehensive and designed using a shaping process using a template created by Dr Miller to guide the process.. Attendees will also receive a packet of shaping program examples to refer to when creating their own programs in the future.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to describe how to provide supervision relating to the primary purpose of functional assessment
2. Participants will be able to identify at least 1 benefit to including advancements in functional analysis technologies during supervision
3. Participants will be able to explain at least 1 ethical consideration regarding extinction to incorporate during supervision
4. Participants will be able to describe at least 1 general guideline to follow when addressing challenging behavior during supervision
5. Participants will be able to describe the importance of maintaining analysis in developing behavior intervention plans when supervising others on the development of such plans