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
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