In their seminal article, Baer, Wolf and Risley (1968), stated that behavior analytic intervention is expected to result in strong, socially important, and generalizable behavior change which, in this case, should mean more positive adult outcomes in ASD. Unfortunately, despite a nearly three decade-long emphasis on evidence-based, behavior analytic intervention in ASD, adult outcomes remain poor "for almost any outcome you choose." (Roux, et al, 2015, p. 8).  While there may be several reasons for continued poor outcomes (including the challenge of simply defining "good outcome"), the potential of behavior analytic intervention to develop more positive adult outcomes has yet to be fully realized.  Such outcomes, however, are well within the reach of our behavior analytic technology.  But to do that, the contingencies governing our behavior will, most likely, need to shift.  For example, we will need to shift from contingencies that reinforce the technical precision of our classroom-based interventions to contingencies the reinforce the somewhat less technical precision of community-based intervention (assuming the target has a fair degree of social validity).   This workshop will identify a number of areas, both internal and external to the field, where a "contingency shift" may be necessary if the power of behavior analytic intervention to significantly improve outcomes for adults with autism is to be more fully realized.  

 

Learner Objective

After viewing this workshop, individuals will be able to:

  1. Competently discuss a minimum of three (3) areas of practice where we, as behavior analysts, need to change our behavior if adult autistic outcomes are to improve.
  2. Identify a minimum of three parameters associated with having a preferred quality of life that ABA can readily target for change.
  3. Discuss the critical importance of social validity when identifying behavioral targets to either increase or decrease.

About the Presenter

Peter Gerhardt
Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the EPIC School in Paramus, NJ. Dr. Gerhardt has nearly 40 years of experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. He is the author or co-author on a number of articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. Dr. Gerhardt serves as Co-Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research and is on numerous professional advisory boards including the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. He received his doctorate from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey's Graduate School of Education.
Subhasis

Very nice presentation and enjoyed learning. What I felt was most importantly decribed by the presenter is doing the task independently and not focusing more on perfection. Thanks a lot for giving me this opportunity to attend.

Anonymous

Absolutely amazing.

Anonymous

I loved how simple yet beneficial ways to help teens with ASD navigate life!

Anonymous

This was an excellent presentation and so relatable!!!

Sharon B.

This topic is so under-discussed and so very necessary! It is so important to the lives of individuals with autism and related disabilities to explore their strengths and to find ways to accomodate their challenges so they can become flourishing adiults.

Anonymous

Great speaker! Practical topic!

Pavan

it is very heplful

Lubna H.

Dear Peter Gerhardt, Ed. D, Your presentation was an absolute treasure, offering insights and knowledge that surpass what can be found in books. It was a truly remarkable experience that reaffirmed and strengthened my existing beliefs. I also wanted to take a moment to offer a suggestion for future webinars. Given the immense value of your content, I believe adding English subtitles to your presentations would greatly enhance the overall experience. Subtitles can serve as a powerful tool to improve comprehension and accessibility for a wider audience. They would be especially beneficial for individuals who may struggle with auditory processing or those who are non-native English speakers. Once again, I am deeply grateful for your exceptional contribution to the field of ASD. Your expertise and passion shine through in every word, and I eagerly look forward to any future opportunities to learn from you.

Anonymous

There were so many gems in this presentation that I will be able to apply as a provider! Looking forward to more from Dr. Gerhardt!

Anonymous

This was a very comprehensive discussion about the genuine struggle of adults with ASD. It covered a variety of important topics to help students, teachers, and caregivers with real life situations.

Course information

  • Title: Changing BCBAs behavior to improve adult outcomes in ASD
  • Presenter: Peter Gerhardt Ed.D.
  • CEUs: 2 Learning
  • Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Customer Rating: (662)
$39.00

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