October 18, 2020 from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM

Note: Registrations will be limited to 20 participants.

Presenters:

• Kelsey Ruppel, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Morning Session: The Balance Program, A Parent-Professional Collaborative Approach to Emerging Problem Behavior

Abstract

The mission of the Balance Program is to prevent the worsening of early problem behavior in young children with autism via a proactive, skill-building approach. The program consists of 10 customizable lessons, rooted in years of behavioral and early childhood research. Parents serve as the primary implementers with intermittent support from a professional, making the program a good option when access to behavior analytic services is limited—for example, in areas without qualified local professionals, during public health-related shutdowns, or when a child is on a waitlist for comprehensive services. This webinar provides a detailed examination of the program, including the rationale for and research supporting its components. Participants will receive manuals for parents and professionals with step-by-step instructions, data sheets, session logs, and tips. The webinar will also highlight electronic data collection and collaboration options via the new Balance Program app on the web platform Hi Rasmus.

Objectives

1. Participants will be able to describe the purpose of the Balance Program and the clients for whom it is designed.
2. Participants will be able to distinguish between short-term avoidance and prevention strategies and be able to describe the research support for individual and packaged components of the Balance program.
3. Participants will be able to describe the initial assessment process and the parent and child objectives in each of the Balance Program’s ten lessons.
4. Participants will be able to describe the general visit structure and major activities for each visit.

Afternoon Session: Developing Effective and Preferred Treatment for Interfering Stereotypy

Abstract

Persons diagnosed with Autism often engage in repetitive acts that appear to serve no function; these acts are collectively referred to as stereotypy due to the formal similarity of the acts and the periodicity with which they are emitted. Behavior analysts are often called upon to develop behavior plans addressing stereotypy.   In this presentation, the conditions under which stereotypy should and should not be treated and the critical aspects of humane and effective treatments will be emphasized.  Treatments that (a) capitalize on the reinforcing nature of stereotypy, (b) teach the appropriate times and places for stereotypy to occur, (c) yield language, social, leisure, and academic skills that may eventually eclipse interfering forms of stereotypy, and (d) are preferred by the person receiving the treatment will be described.  This information will be conveyed via interactive lecture and video models.

Objectives

1. The attendee should be able to describe the conditions under which behavior analysts should and should not treat stereotypy.
2. The attendee should be able to describe the common interventions that are not likely to result in long term resolution of stereotypy.
3. The attendee should be able to describe procedures for gaining stimulus control over stereotypy while simultaneously addressing language and social skill deficits.
4. The attendee should be able to describe the importance of the concept of contingency when attempting to design effective and preferred interventions for stereotypy.

Schedule:

7:45 am—Presenter set-up

8:30 am—Morning session begins

10:00 am—Break

10:15 am—Morning session resumes

11:45 am—Lunch on own

1:00 pm—Afternoon session begins

2:30 pm—Break

2:45 pm—Afternoon session resumes

4:15 pm—Afternoon session ends

When: Sunday, October 18, 8:30-4:15, doors open at 8:00

Cost: $150 (includes both sessions)

CEUs: Yields 7 (whole day)

Materials: Attendees will receive assessment and treatment workbooks for stereotypy and parent & professional manuals for Balance in electronic version.

Where: AC Hotel, 125 Front St, Worcester MA 01608; 774-420-7555

Special Room Rate for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: $109. Must book by October 8, 2020.

Click here to reserve a room at the discounted rate.

Parking: On surrounding streets or under hotel ($15/day)

Coffee and Meals: Coffee may be purchased in hotel lobby or across the street at Fuel Roasters. Lunch on own; closest restaurants are 101 Grill and Franklin Street Fare; many other restaurants within walking distance.

Covid19 Precautions: We will be following all Massachusetts guidelines with respect to number of attendees, size of venue, etc. Each attendee will have their own table, social distancing rules will be in place, masks are to be worn, and temperature check and sanitizer will be required upon entrance to venue. If you are experiencing any symptoms on the day of the event, please do not come.

Video Recording: Ryan O’Donnell will be recording this event for FTF’s use as an on-demand course. By attending this event, you are consenting to appear in the final edited cut of the video.

Click here to register