Expanding the Reach of Behavior Analysis

Behavior Analysis has witnessed exponential growth over the past several decades, driven by the dissemination of effective behavioral interventions. However, the dissemination of behavior analysis has not been without controversy. From the early critiques in Skinner’s era to more recent concerns raised by the autistic community, ethical and social challenges have highlighted the need for more refined dissemination strategies. Despite these obstacles, dissemination in behavior analysis has been somewhat limited in its application of core behavior-analytic principles, such as functional analysis and precise measurement of its impact. This paper proposes a comprehensive, behavior-analytic framework for dissemination, treating it as a structured treatment package. This approach involves conducting preference assessments to understand the values and motivations of the target audience, operationally defining specific target behaviors, applying functional analysis to refine dissemination techniques, setting measurable dissemination goals, and integrating ethical practices throughout. By enhancing dissemination efforts through this systematic approach, behavior analysis can increase its reach and societal impact while addressing ongoing ethical concerns.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify the challenges and ethical concerns with the practice of behavior analysis
• Participants will be able to explain how we could disseminate behavior analysis utilizing a comprehensive and systematic approach
• Participants will be able to design dissemination packages that meet the needs of a wider audience considering cultural values and its impact.

Presenter:

Daisy Confusione, MA., BCBA is a BCBA working towards her doctorate in Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School. She has worked in the field for over 10 years providing servic3e to clients from ages 2 to 60 across settings including school, in home and clinic. She has worked as a regional coordinator overseeing 100 staff including Analysts and RBTs providing clinical oversight and ensuring quality provision of behavior analytic services. She is currently practicing as a graduate instructor teaching at University of West Florida and Capella University while working on her dissertation evaluating values and defusion exercises as an intervention for ideological bias in adults. Her research interests include ACT, prosocial process, verbal behavior, dissemination, politics, bias and relational frame theory.