Changing the Behavior of Behavior Analysts and Other Professionals To Improve Outcomes in Autistic Adults

Original Air Date: August 13, 2024

Short Title:  Improving Outcomes in Autistic Adults

CEU offered: 1.5 BACB Learning CEU

Webinar Duration: 90 minutes

CE Instructors:

  • Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.
  • Shanna Bahry, Ph.D., BCBA-D


Abstract:

Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) noted that competently applied behavior analytic interventions should result in strong, socially important, and generalizable outcomes, which, in this case, should mean positive adult outcomes in ASD. Unfortunately, despite an emphasis on evidence-based 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 such continued poor outcomes, the potential of applied behavior analysis to support more positive adult outcomes has yet to be fully explored or realized.

This workshop will provide an overview of a set of recommended behavior changes for behavior analysts working with learners with ASD. Central to this is the better understanding and application of the process by which meaningful skills can be identified and targeted for acquisition.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify at least 3 relevant variables that impact the extent to which a defined instructional target is both meaningful and socially valid.


Instructor(s)

Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D.

Dr. Gerhardt is the Executive Director of the EPIC Programs in Paramus, NJ. Peter has over 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 has authored or edited a number of publications, including “The Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with ASD” (Springer, 2022), which he co-edited, and “Clinician’s Guide to Sexuality and Autism” (Academic Press, 2024). He has presented nationally and internationally on these and related topics. 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 currently serves as Affiliate Faculty in the Institute for Applied Behavioral Science at Endicott College. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey’s Graduate School of Education.

Shanna Bahry, Ph.D., BACB-D

Dr. Bahry is a board-certified, doctoral-level behavior analyst (BCBA-D), and licensed behavior analyst in Massachusetts (LABA) and Rhode Island (LBA). She has been working with individuals with autism spectrum and related disorders for over 15 years, across a wide range of ages, abilities, and severity of challenging behavior, in a variety of settings. Dr. Bahry received her PhD in applied behavior analysis from Endicott College, under the advisement of Dr. Peter Gerhardt. She has authored several publications and presented nationally and internationally within her focus areas of adaptive behavior programming leading to optimal outcomes in adulthood, including teaching practitioners the skills needed to target meaningful goals with effective and efficient teaching methodologies. Dr. Bahry currently serves as the Executive Director of Meaningful HOPE, an agency committed to helping practitioners and families best support individuals with disabilities in preparing for a meaningful life in adulthood. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the master’s and doctoral programs at Endicott College’s Institute for Applied Behavioral Sciences.