Behavior analysis is a science, with applications that extend beyond autism and individuals with intellectual disabilities. But how do we as behavior analysts begin to branch out? How do we create opportunities when, so few seem to exist? What are the steps we must take to extend our experience? Join me on a journey where we will explore how we can establish legitimate career opportunities with new populations and in new settings. Perhaps you have seen the litany of special interest groups that exist, but how do we move forward with these “interests”, so they become more than a hobby? In this presentation, we will discuss areas where behavior analysts have successfully branched out beyond traditional autism service delivery. We will take a look at the stories and lessons learned from over 20+ individuals who dared to do what few others have dared to do before them, so that others may be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Learning Objectives

1. List the 5 steps for behavior analysts to take when branching out beyond autism.

2. List at least 5 areas (e.g., public policy, sustainability, health and physical fitness, animal behavior, organizational behavior management, etc.) where behavior analysis have made an impact, outside of the provision of autism service delivery.

3. Name 2 ways behavior analysts can support their growth and development in areas outside of the provision of autism service delivery.

4. Name at least 5 behavior analysts who have successfully applied behavior analysis to areas outside of the provision of autism service delivery. 

About the Presenter

Amanda Kelly

Dr. Amanda N. Kelly is well-known, trusted, and respected throughout the global autism and behavior analytic communities. Over the course of her career, she has focused on showcasing effective applications of behavior analysis, most notably extending from autism to areas of public policy, ethics, and sustainable behavior change. Dr. Kelly’s commitment to increasing access to behavior analytic services and to elevating the quality of providers is evident through her advocacy for behavior analyst licensure legislation and perhaps most notably through her dissemination of free content on her Behaviorbabe website and social media platforms. Dr. Kelly has experience as a practitioner in multiple states (Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Florida) and is someone who shows admirable concern for the profession, as demonstrated by her active involvement in several state ABA chapters, her authorship of a forthcoming ethics textbook, and her leadership in The Council of Autism Service Providers, where she co-chairs the all-important “Promoting ABA” Special Interest Group. In honor of her steadfast and unwavering commitment to quality, Dr. Kelly has been recognized by several well respected organizations, including the University of Massachusetts Autism Insurance Resource Center, the Autism Law Summit, and BABAT, from whom she received the Jerry Shook Practitioner of the Year award.