Social Determinants of Health and Applied Behavior Analysis: Leveraging the Connection to Make the World a Better Place
The intent of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is to improve the human condition. There is an increasing call for ABA to increase its sphere of influence and address issues of societal importance. Social determinants of health are frequently used as a context to impact health outcomes and address health disparities at a global, national, and local level. Influencers such as the World Health Organization and Healthy People 2030 organize their societal change efforts around social determinants of health. Behavior analysts are well suited to contribute to these large-scale change efforts, but we must understand the intersection between our work and social determinants of health. This session will introduce social determinants of health as they are commonly described and assessed in the public health literature and the influence behavior analysts can provide to addressing health disparities that are so prevalent in marginalized populations including individuals with disabilities.
Learning Objectives:
1. Recall categories of social determinants of health
2. Compare social determinants of health and the practice of applied behavior analysis and determine intersections
3. Discuss the application of social determinants of health to their current practice in behavior analysis
About the Presenter
Patricia Wright
Dr. Patricia Wright’s commitment to ensuring all individuals with autism have access to effective services and supports has guided her work over the past 30 years, from her earliest responsibilities as a special educator, to state and national-level program management. Specific examples of her advocacy include the management in the design of a statewide system of support for children with autism for the state of Hawaii, several years as the National Director of Autism Services for Easter Seals, her industry positions leveraging technology and her current role at NEXT for AUTISM developing innovative program options to increase the quality of life of those living with ASD.Dr. Patricia Wright’s commitment to ensuring all individuals with autism have access to effective services and supports has guided her work for more than 30 years, from her earliest responsibilities as a special educator, to state and national-level program management, her advocacy includes the management in the design of a statewide system of support for children with autism for the state of Hawaii, several years as the National Director of Autism Services for Easter Seals, her industry positions leveraging technology, and her current role at Proof Positive spreading the science and skills of happiness.
Patricia has held advisory roles for a number of professional associations and advocacy groups, including the Organization for Autism Research's Scientific Council, the Executive Committee for the Friends of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts and the Autism Society Panel of Professional Advisors. She has been asked to provide expert testimony at Congressional Hearings and is a frequent contributor in the media, raising awareness of effective intervention for those living with disabilities.
Patricia completed her PhD and Master of Public Health from the University of Hawaii. Her research focuses on the delivery of evidence-based interventions in community-based settings and healthcare access for people with disabilities.
Course information
- Title: Social Determinants of Health and ABA
- Presenter: Patricia Wright Ph.D.
- CEUs: 2 Learning
- Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Customer Rating: (191)
$39.00