Association for Behavior Analysis International

Severe Problem Behavior is a continuing focus of applied behavior analysis research and practice. It results in poor quality of life, limitations in interactions with the environment and learning, restrictive behavior management practices and increased service costs. Concern for severe problem behavior is reflected in the continuing evolution of research, practice and applied behavior analysis technology and efforts to translate research into practice. This symposium illustrates three facets of these efforts. The first includes developing more efficient and brief yet accurate methods of conducting functional analyses that result in reductions in client behavior and increases in client communication and self-management skills. The second is translational work to provide high quality applied behavior analysis services for severe problem behavior such as aggression in routine community settings for adults with developmental disabilities. The third is training caregivers quickly, efficiently and effectively to produce desired client outcomes. This Panel will present on these three inter-related topics. Caregiver training

Audience members should have a basic knowledge and prerequisite skills of applied behavior analysis typified by at least a Masters degree in applied behavior analysis.

Supervision is an essential component of becoming an ethical and successful behavior analyst. However, not every practitioner has the opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable and effective supervisor. For the field to move forward in a positive way, all behavior analysts should receive supervision that focuses on ethical, evidence-based practices that are mutually beneficial and productive. By modeling excellent supervision, we can ensure that meaningful supervision is ongoing. In this panel discussion, participants will learn key components of effective supervision from three highly experienced supervisors of RBTs and aspiring behavior analysts. Panelists will share their own supervision journeys and why, for them, supervision is important and rewarding. They will provide strategies for promoting a positive and productive supervisory experience and suggest tools and resources to support the supervisory experience. The panel will also offer recommendations for how to handle challenging supervision situations and answer questions from the audience. By the end of this panel discussion, participants will have a better understanding of how to provide high quality supervision that supports the growth and success of their supervisees.

Intermediate - BCBAs who are supervising RBTs or aspiring behavior analysts or who are considering supervising others

The field of behavior analysis is poised for significant growth and innovation, driven by the demand for skilled practitioners to address diverse societal needs. As the field of behavior analysis continues to evolve, the cultivation of the next generation of behavior analysts becomes an important area of focus. This panel presentation will explore the strategies and initiatives essential for developing the next generation of behavior analysts in a global world. The panelists will highlight the integration of collaboration, technology, mentoring, professional development, service to the field and ethical practice to prepare behavior analysts to become the leaders in our field. Research and evidence-based practices must be at the core of training programs, with an emphasis on staying up to date with literature, scientific advancements, and new methodologies. Through these efforts, the panelists aim to inspire educators and practitioners to collaborate in shaping a vibrant and resilient community of behavior analysts ready to lead the field into the future.

Those attending will either have experience as a supervisor, BCBA Supervisors and Managers, Clinical Directors, Program Coordinators, Those who oversee the work of newly certified practitioners or supervise trainees. These individuals will benefit from strategies to elevate their supervisory practices beyond clinical skill-building, focusing on leadership and ethical clinical decision-making. Experienced BCBAs Interested in Mentorship: Seasoned practitioners looking to contribute to the next generation of ABA professionals will benefit from learning effective mentorship techniques that emphasize professional growth.

High-quality behavior analytic services rely on consistent, evidence-based practices to improve client outcomes and quality of life. This symposium highlights findings from two studies demonstrating the impact of systematic performance improvement strategies. The first study used the Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services (PDC-HS) to implement a non-indicated intervention—written and verbal performance feedback—to improve the documentation of session notes by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs®) in an autism clinic. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design showed that the intervention significantly increased the completeness and objectivity of session notes. The second study focused on a quality control and auditing process developed by a service provider in Brazil. Independent audits assessed clinical supervisors’ compliance with documentation standards and technicians’ fidelity in implementing behavior programs. Results revealed improvements in procedural fidelity, documentation quality, and supervisor performance. Together, these studies illustrate the effectiveness of structured performance feedback and systematic auditing processes in enhancing service delivery. Practical applications and strategies for maintaining long-term service excellence will be discussed.

Audience will need to be aware of basic supervisory practices (e.g., feedback, monitoring, reinforcement). Audience will have to have some familiarity with typical ABA service delivery goals andarrangments.

High-quality behavior analytic services ensure evidence-based and person-centered interventions for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The consistent delivery of behavioral services is crucial for meaningful progress in clients' intervention outcomes and quality of life. Ensuring excellence involves monitoring all aspects of the client experience, tracking progress, and guaranteeing service integrity. Large agencies serving multiple clients may implement structured quality control strategies to maintain high standards. To achieve these outcomes, a systematic quality control and auditing process was developed by a service provider in a metropolitan city in Brazil. The first phase of this process focused on the performance of clinical supervisors and technicians. Periodic independent audits with direct measurements, were conducted to assess supervisors’ compliance with technical documentation and technicians’ fidelity with the implementation of behavior programs. This presentation will explore the effects of quality audits on service delivery, emphasizing the importance of systematic and comprehensive technical documentations, supervisor performance enhancement, and procedural fidelity improvements. Additionally, areas identified for further development and preventive strategies for maintaining long-term service excellence will be addressed.

The Performance Diagnostic Checklist-Human Services (PDC-HS) is an empirically supported assessment that has been used in diverse human service settings to determine an effective intervention to improve employee performance. In this study, we used the PDC-HS assessment to determine an indicated and non-indicated intervention to improve the completeness and objectivity of session note documentation completed by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs®) in an applied autism clinical setting. Using a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants, the participating RBTs® all showed an increase in the percentage of required components of complete and objective session notes during implementation of the non-indicated intervention of performance feedback (written and verbal). The results suggest that the PDC-HS non-indicated intervention might also be effective in improving RBT® performance in completing session note documentation. Further research should be conducted to evaluate the impact of the indicated versus non-indicated intervention on improving employee performance potentially taking into consideration the specific skill being assessed.

The profession and certification in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is unique in two significant aspects. First, it allows for a pre-certification candidate to complete all their supervision remotely, or with the help of an off-site supervisor. Second, models have been primarily western-based, specifically the United States, where online programs provided by universities make it accessible for international candidates to complete formal pedagogy of this science. While global access to training is a boon for resource-constrained countries, it also poses several challenges and unique problems that can affect the overall quality, and effectiveness of supervision as well as professional development of behavior analysts. This panel will focus on a robust and data-based discussion of relevant topics, including a comparison of experiences of off-site and on site- supervision of individuals residing in non-U.S. countries, including the role of the BACB and QABA, addressing cultural differences, incorporation of ethical and regulatory standards across global boundaries, evaluation of the role of technology for providing ongoing professional development, advocacy and navigating academic and professional landscapes to promote high standards of supervision in behavior analysis in these countries. The panel experts will share some directions and recommendations for those looking to provide and also seek international supervision.

The target audience for this panel will be supervisors providing remote supervision to candidates or current certificants within ABA. This will be an intermediate to advance level panel.