This presentation was filmed at the 2016 CCBS Autism Conference in Buellton, California
About the presentation:
This presentation was filmed at the 2016 CCBS Autism Conference in Buellton, California. The growing need for behavior analytic services around the world has resulted in the training of many applied behavior analysts in recent years. This is a good thing, as many of the most effective practices to improve socially important behavior are behavior analytic in nature. At the same time, behavior analytic practices are not simply practices; they come from a comprehensive science of behavior, including both experimental and theoretical foundations. Indeed, this is what distinguishes behavior analytic practices from other helping professions. This presentation describes a number of applied situations that highlight the importance of practitioners developing competency in the broad discipline of behavior analysis, especially its core theoretical assumptions. Ultimately, it is argued that training in the practice of ABA alone, in the absence of its theoretical and experimental foundations, may compromise the practice of ABA and impact the lives of the clients we serve.
About the presenter:
Dr. Mitch Fryling received his B.S. and M.A. in Psychology (Behavior Analysis) from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and his Ph.D. in Psychology (Behavior Analysis) from the University of Nevada, Reno. His primary scholarly interests are in the area of behavioral theory and philosophy, especially interbehaviorism and interbehavioral psychology. In addition to this, Dr. Fryling conducts applied research with his graduate students, most often with children with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities (e.g., food selectivity, non-compliance). Dr. Fryling has published his work in a variety of journals, and serves on the editorial board, as an ad-hoc reviewer, and associate editor for several behavioral journals. Dr. Fryling is currently an Assistant Professor in the Counseling graduate programs at California State University, Los Angeles, where he teaches a variety of courses on behavior analysis.