Behavior analysis is capable of addressing a wide breadth of human and animal behavior. In fact, our science is one of the most ubiquitous sciences in terms of application. This flexibility and application also includes the complex nature of sexuality, an area of practice that many behavior analysts will intersect with in their time working in the field. In this talk, Dr. Shane T. Spiker will discuss the current research in behavior analysis related to sexuality as well as how to successfully and ethically navigate assessment, treatment, and collaboration in this research area.

Part 1 of this course will discuss some current research and definitions related to sexuality in behavior analysis. This will be a necessary foundation for the rest of this course.

Part 2 will discuss assessment considerations, including legal and culturally relevant factors to assessing sexually related behaviors.

Part 3 of this talk will primarily discuss interventions and how they might be used in a behavior analytic context. And finally,

Part 4 of this talk will focus on ethics in the context of sexuality in behavior analysis as well as provide resources to access.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Define and describe sexual behavior and sexuality in the context of behavior analytic work
2. Review current research related to sexual behavior in behavior analysis
3. Describe how assessments might be conducted with specific considerations
4. Identify a variety of treatments available from behavior analytic research
5. Discuss various ethical considerations related to assessment and treatment of sexuality in behavior analytic work

About the Presenter

Shane Spiker

Shane T. Spiker is a BCBA in Ormond Beach, Florida. Shane received his MS of Psychology in 2012 and his second MS in applied Psychology in 2016. In May 2019, he graduated with his PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration on instructional design. He has been providing services in the field of ABA since 2010, with the majority of his experience with autistic learners and other disabilities. Shane specializes working with teens and adults with dangerous problem behavior, sexual behavior, and medically complex individuals in the home and community based setting. Primarily, Shane serves as the Clinical Training and Safety Director at PBS, Corp. Shane previously served as the Vice President of the Sexual Behavior: Research and Practice SIG through ABAI. He has written and published several articles related to behavior analysis and practice. Additionally, he serves as a co-instructor at Florida Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and Regis College, where he teaches graduate level coursework. He enjoys reading and appreciates a really good cup of coffee.