Practical Ethics for the Effective Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description

This workshop is for behavior analysts working directly with, or supervising those who work with, individuals with autism. The workshop addresses important topics such as the principles and values that underlie the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s ® Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, and factors that affect ethical decision-making. In addition, the workshop addresses critical and under-discussed topics of: scope of competence; evidence-based practice in behavior analysis; how to collaborate with professionals within and outside one’s discipline; and how to design systems of ethical supervision and training that customized to unique treatment settings. Across many of the topics, the presenters also discuss errors students and professionals may make during analyses of ethical dilemmas and misapplications of ethical codes within their practice.

About the Speakers

David J. Cox, Ph.D., MSB, BCBA-D

David has been working clinically in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2006. He has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with diagnoses ranging from autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities​​ to substance use disorders and obesity. David is currently a research fellow in the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His current areas of focus are choice behavior, preference, behavioral economics, and the application of these areas to clinical intervention, clinical decision making, and ethical behavior.

Matthew T. Brodhead, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Matthew T. Brodhead is an assistant professor at Michigan State University and the research director of the Early Learning Institute. His research examines focused social skill interventions for children with autism. He also writes about conceptual issues relating to the ethical and professional behavior of practicing behavior analysts. He is on the editorial board of multiple journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. He is also the co-guest editor for the forthcoming special issue in Behavior Analysis in Practice on diversity and equity in the practice of behavior analysis.

Shawn P. Quigley, Ph.D, BCBA-D

Shawn Quigley is the Senior Director of Clinical Services and Professional Development at Melmark, PA. He earned his doctorate degree in Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University. He completed a post-doctoral psychology fellowship with the University of New Mexico Medical Group. The fellowship provided Dr. Quigley an opportunity to conduct diagnostic evaluations in an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinic, support families and individuals with ASD, and help build capacity for behavior analytic providers. Dr. Quigley has professional experiences in many capacities from direct care to administration across many different entities. He has had opportunities to manage a federally-funded research grant; help develop county-level mental health service systems for adults and children; help develop state regulatory guidelines for autism services; and direct the development of clinical and training practices. These experiences have provided a strong foundation for understanding service development, regulatory requirements, scope of competence issues, resource allocation, and service delivery. Dr. Quigley has supported the profession through service on editorial review boards; publishing research; being active with regional and national service groups; teaching at multiple universities; and volunteering as a subject matter expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).