The Ms. Jess Blog

Where are the Conferences for ABA?

Miss Jess,

 

What’s the deal with these Behavior Analysis conferences?  I hear about the interesting talks at them, but it’s always after the fact.  When are they?  Where are they?  I’m just a regular mom; can anyone go, or do you have to be one of those Behavior Analyst-type people?  Can you help a novice that wants to be in the loop?

 

Thanks,

Perplexed in Prescott, AZ

Dear Perplexed,  

Behavior Analysis conferences are put on throughout the country all year long.  They may be put on by local state organizations, such as the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) or the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA).  They offer a chance for parents, practitioners, researchers, and educators to come together and share their knowledge of ABA with each other.  Typically, there will be several talks going on for the listener to choose from, and topics can range from autism to business, to homeland security to animal behavior.  Some talks are more geared towards parents and teachers, others are more technical, and geared for researchers and practitioners.  Usually, you can tell from the description in the conference book which talks will be most beneficial for your own individual needs. 

There is also the annual Association for Behavior Analysis International conference.  This is our big, country-wide conference in which many behavior analysts from all areas of expertise get together to show their most recent work and findings.  In 2009, ABA will be held in Phoenix, AZ at the Phoenix Convention Center and Sheraton Phoenix Downtown on May 22-26, 2009.  You can find more information about it here:  ABA International 

With regards to all of the aforementioned conferences, parents are always welcome, and are encouraged to attend!  Behavior analysts love it when parents want to gain a deeper understanding of the field, and of the practices and methodologies used in the treatment of their family members.  If you are wanting to attend a conference, but are unsure of what to go and see, you can talk with your behavior analyst about the conference schedule, and he or she may be able to point you in the direction of some really great talks. 

Whether you attend the big conference in Arizona this coming year, or one of the smaller state-wide conferences, I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that you are able to get the information you are looking for. 

-Ms. Jess

Is ABA Only for Autism?

Yo Miss Jess,

 My best friend just started dating a new guy. She really likes him, but as a dutiful BFF I needed to check him out. He claims to be a “Behavior Analyst,” but when I complimented him on having the patience to work with children with Autism he said he doesn’t work with kids. WTF? Is this guy full of it? Should I tell my BFF to show this liar the door?

 Peace,

Skeptical in Stockton, CA

Dear Skeptical,

Fret not-the guy isn't lying!  While the majority of publicity centers around those who work with children with Autism, it is hardly the only application for applied behavior analysis (ABA).  Behavior analysts can work in any field and with any population you can think of.  Some common applications include:  business, animals, health care, gerontology, sports, schools, and the environment.   

With businesses, the principles of ABA can be applied to increase productivity, increase employee safety, decrease tardiness/call-offs, and increase up-selling.  ABA can be used at all business, from Fortune 500 corporations to local restaurants and bars. 

When applied with animals, ABA can help properly train both household pets as well as wild animals at zoos and rescue centers. Positive reinforcement (and other behavioral components) can do wonders for teaching Ben the Dog to sit, as well as training Simba the Lion to come to his crate when a medical test needs to be administered at a big cat rescue center.   ABA is often employed at animal shelters and humane societies, to help train abandoned pets so that they may have a better shot at being adopted. 

For geriatric clients, ABA can help combat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, increase engagement in physical activities at nursing homes, and help in the independent completion of activities of daily living-including toileting, dressing, and eating.   

This small list is just the tip of the iceberg, of course.  If there is a behavior involved, then ABA can be applied, and a difference can be made. 

-Ms. Jess

Yo Miss Jess,

 My best friend just started dating a new guy. She really likes him, but as a dutiful BFF I needed to check him out. He claims to be a “Behavior Analyst,” but when I complimented him on having the patience to work with children with Autism he said he doesn’t work with kids. WTF? Is this guy full of it? Should I tell my BFF to show this liar the door?

 Peace,

Skeptical in Stockton, CA

Dear Skeptical,

Fret not-the guy isn't lying!  While the majority of publicity centers around those who work with children with Autism, it is hardly the only application for applied behavior analysis (ABA).  Behavior analysts can work in any field and with any population you can think of.  Some common applications include:  business, animals, health care, gerontology, sports, schools, and the environment.   

With businesses, the principles of ABA can be applied to increase productivity, increase employee safety, decrease tardiness/call-offs, and increase up-selling.  ABA can be used at all business, from Fortune 500 corporations to local restaurants and bars. 

When applied with animals, ABA can help properly train both household pets as well as wild animals at zoos and rescue centers. Positive reinforcement (and other behavioral components) can do wonders for teaching Ben the Dog to sit, as well as training Simba the Lion to come to his crate when a medical test needs to be administered at a big cat rescue center.   ABA is often employed at animal shelters and humane societies, to help train abandoned pets so that they may have a better shot at being adopted. 

For geriatric clients, ABA can help combat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, increase engagement in physical activities at nursing homes, and help in the independent completion of activities of daily living-including toileting, dressing, and eating.   

This small list is just the tip of the iceberg, of course.  If there is a behavior involved, then ABA can be applied, and a difference can be made. 

-Ms. Jess

What's the Point?

What is the point of the Ms. Jess Blog?

The point of this blog is to help educate people about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and it's many applications and uses.  Ms. Jess encourages her readers to submit their questions regarding ABA at:  askmsjess@gmail.com   General questions concerning ABA (i.e. what is ABA?) and specific questions (i.e. does the MMR vaccine cause Autism?) are all welcome.  Ms. Jess will do her best to answer submitted questions on her blog each week. 

Who is Ms. Jess?

Who is Ms. Jess?

Ms. Jess is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She earned her B.S. at Western Michigan University in Psychology where she focused on Behavior Analysis. After completing her undergraduate work, she moved to Florida to attend Florida State University and earn her Master's degree in Psychology-emphasis on Behavior Analysis. She has 7 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients of all ages, including those on the autism spectrum, ADHD/ADD, mental retardation, and emotionally-behaviorally disturbed, as well as typically developing children and adults.