(REC) Old School Wisdom, New Age Solutions: The Dino’s Guide to Flexible Behavior Analysis

This panel of seasoned ‘dinos’ of behavior analysis tackles a pressing issue: practitioners often apply behavior analytic procedures by rote—guided by their training or swayed by the latest trends. Despite their ‘prehistoric’ tag, these veterans were at the forefront of adapting and evolving practices to meet modern needs. This panel focuses on practical applications and case studies, demonstrating how flexibility and deep clinical expertise can shift traditional methods into customized, effective solutions. Attendees will gain insights into avoiding the ‘copy and paste’ pitfalls commonly seen in practice, learning instead to apply a nuanced understanding that respects both evidence-based practices and individual client specifics.

Drawing from Slocum et al. (2014), our discussion underscores the practical necessity of evidence-based practice for crafting interventions that truly cater to the unique needs of our clients. Contreras, Hoffmann, and Slocum (2021) build upon this foundation, promoting ethical decision-making that goes beyond compliance to prioritize genuinely beneficial outcomes for clients. Additionally, Pritchett et al. (2022) encourage us to reconsider the dynamics between practitioners and clients, advocating for a shift towards collaborative, participatory research and practice. This approach is vital for keeping behavior analysis responsive and relevant amidst societal changes.

In this panel, we demonstrate the importance of blending the wisdom of past practices with the flexibility to adopt new innovations. We aim to show that flexibility and critical thinking are essential for practitioners committed to providing effective and ethical services.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify the 3 key elements of the evidence-based practice model in behavior analysis and understand their importance in enhancing client-specific interventions.
• Participants will be able to assess the potential pitfalls of applying behavior analytic procedures without adaptation and provide 2 benefits of integrating innovative behavior analytic approaches
• Participants will be able to provide at least 2 examples of how to use critical thinking to evaluate when and how to adapt behavior analytic practices

PRESENTERS:

Megan DeLeon Miller, BCBA-D

Global Behavior Analyst | Neurodiversity-Affirming Advocate | Author & Innovator | Resource Queen Expertise in Autism & Behavior Analysis: Over 20 years of experience in autism and behavior analysis, focusing on translating research into practical, individualized, and person-centered interventions. Published Author & Contributor: Author of 2 book chapters, several peer-reviewed articles, and a widely recognized expert in advancing compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming practices. Extensive Global Presentation Experience: Invited speaker at conferences across the globe, with over 116 conference presentations and a reputation for bringing innovative, research-informed perspectives to the field. Leader in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training: Global trainer and coach for behavior analysts, parents, and service providers, specializing in neurodiversity- affirming, person-centered approaches that promote autonomy and social communication. Founder of the Do Better Collective: Creator of an international community empowering behavior analysts and related service providers to deliver more compassionate and effective interventions, combining evidence-based practice with humanity.

Emily Kearney, BCBA

Emily (she/her) has worked in the field of ABA field 1999 using evidence-based practices with children and their families in homes, schools and the community. She received her master’s degree in special education from Sonoma State University in 2008, focusing on using ABA to increase prelinguistic communication among young children with atypical language development. Her current professional passions involve instructional design using a component/composite analysis to help learners get the most out of learning time with generative learning; designing teaching contexts based on client assent with a foundation of rapport; and teaching practitioners to make in-the-moment clinical adjustments and use shaping and the teaching context as the reinforcer. She is currently delving into Non-Linear Contingency Analysis. Emily enjoys working with the “newly minted BCBA” to support others in analyze behavior from a comprehensive lens and program accordingly.

Robert Schramm, BCBA

Robert’s commitment to special education was ignited by his close relationship with an uncle born with Down Syndrome. Today, with over 25 years under his belt, Robert stands as a beacon in the international dissemination of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), particularly in Europe where he has been instrumental in shaping its landscape. Beginning his journey in the public school systems of California, including a pioneering role as one of the state’s inaugural “Inclusion Specialists”, Robert has since expanded his influence far beyond the U.S. shores. With a master’s degree in special education from California State University and Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst, he has traversed the globe to gain and share expertise, attending workshops with leading figures like Dr. James Partington and Dr. Mark Sundberg. But it’s in Germany where Robert, alongside his wife and co-founder Nadine, has made indelible marks. At Knospe-ABA, they’ve established the nation’s premier ABA service, transforming the lives of countless families. Beyond hands-on interventions, Robert’s written works, including Motivation and Reinforcement and The 7 Steps to Earning Instructional Control, provide invaluable guidance for professionals in the ABA/VB domain. Adding to his credentials, Robert has held a professorship at Oldenburg University, co-authored a chapter in the pivotal university textbook “Autismus”, and been an advisor for Chicago’s Bancroft special education school. His voice, knowledge, and experience continue to echo in conference halls worldwide, making him a sought-after international speaker. In Knospe-Lerncenter and Knospe-ABA, Robert not only brings his rich expertise but an undying passion, ensuring the best methodologies for children and equipping the staff with state-of-the-art training.

Steve Ward, MA, BCBA

Steve Ward, MA, BCBA has been working in the field of Behavior Analysis since 1995, and is currently co-owner of Whole Child Consulting, LLC. Steve has been consulting to teams around the world, addressing everything from early communication and physical aggression to vocational opportunities and inclusion in college courses. Steve authored What You Need to Know about Motivation and Teaching Games: An In- depth Analysis, The Inventory of Good Learner Repertoires, and Teaching Good Learner Repertoires and co-authored Teaching Advanced Learner Repertoires, Another 21 Games: This time, it’s personal…, and 2,100+ Inexpensive Ideas for Play and Intrinsic Motivation. These publications reflect Steve’s passion not only for what students learn, but also for the manner in which they learn it. Steve specializes in teaching learner repertoires, including social repertoires, incorporating knowledge from a variety of perspectives and remaining at all times behavioral in his own perspective.