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Araiba S. The Evolution of the Conceptually Systematic Dimension and Its Current Functions in Applied Behavior Analysis. Perspect Behav Sci 2024; 47:1-27. [PMID: 38660509 PMCID: PMC11035531 DOI: 10.1007/s40614-024-00396-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
What does it mean to be conceptually systematic in contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) research and practice? To answer this question, the present study conducted a historical analysis of ABA scholars' interpretations of the conceptually systematic dimension of ABA over the last 55 years. The present article found the current characteristics of the conceptually systematic dimension are indeed sufficient to suggest ABA's conceptual independence from the experimental analysis of behavior or any other subdisciplines of behavior analysis. Based on this finding, this article addresses the challenges in contemporary ABA field such as ABA's own basic and applied continuum, translational research, and its relationship with other disciplines' research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Araiba
- University of Hawaii, 1645 Ala Wai Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96815 USA
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Keenan M, Dillenburger K, Konrad MH, Debetencourt N, Vuksan R, Kourea L, Pancocha K, Kingsdorf S, Brandtberg HJ, Ozkan N, Abdelnour H, Da Costa-Meranda M, Schuldt S, Mellon R, Herman A, Tennyson A, Ayvazo S, Moderato P, Attard N, Schenk J, Budzinska A, Virues-Ortega J, Roll-Pettersson L, Strömberg D, Wirth S, Escané C, Glaus-Stuessi E, Moskalets A, Gallagher S. Professional Development of Behavior Analysts in Europe: A Snapshot for 21 Countries. Behav Anal Pract 2022; 16:1-21. [PMID: 36406141 PMCID: PMC9648995 DOI: 10.1007/s40617-022-00754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavior analysts are not recognized or regulated as a distinct profession in Europe. For the most part, European behavior analysts adhered to the standards set by the U.S.-based Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). However, the BACB certification has not been recognized officially in any European jurisdiction. The recent decision by the BACB to discontinue eligibility of non-U.S. residents to apply for the BCBA exam by the end of 2022 has brought the issue of professional regulation outside of the United States into sharp focus. This article offers a snapshot in time of professional recognition of behavior analysts in 21 European countries. It stems from the Erasmus+ funded EuroBA project and its Professional Advisory Group (PAG). The EuroBA project aims to develop common standards and competences for behavior analysts to facilitate national regulation and mutual recognition across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nursel Ozkan
- ONPAC, Organisation Nationale des Professions de l’Analyse du Comportement, La Gaude, France
| | - Helene Abdelnour
- ONPAC, Organisation Nationale des Professions de l’Analyse du Comportement, La Gaude, France
| | - Magali Da Costa-Meranda
- ONPAC, Organisation Nationale des Professions de l’Analyse du Comportement, La Gaude, France
| | | | - Robert Mellon
- Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athina, Greece
| | | | - Alan Tennyson
- Irish Association for Behaviour Analysis, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shiri Ayvazo
- Kinneret Academic College, David Yellin Academic College, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alla Moskalets
- Ukrainian Association of Behavior Analysts, Mariupol, Ukraine
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Kingsdorf S, Pančocha K, Troshanska J, Rasimi TR. Examining the perceptions of needs, services and abilities of Czech and North Macedonian caregivers of children with autism and trainers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 70:479-492. [PMID: 38699490 PMCID: PMC11062262 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2111970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Effective practices for supporting families with autistic children ensure a match between their needs and the expectations and competencies of the clinician. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) services are a common provision for serving autistic individuals. However, in regions where ABA is in its infancy, like the Czech Republic and North Macedonia, culturally relevant resources, regulations for practice, and standardized coursework are missing. In their absence, it is necessary to investigate the degree to which practitioners in the regions are meeting the behavioral needs of families. Assessing this match can set the stage for establishing more stable and effective services in the areas, as well as neighboring countries with similar historical foundations. Therefore, a survey was conducted to examine the perceptions of caregivers and trainers (those who self-identified as providing support to families with autistic children). A total of 233 caregivers and 204 trainers participated. Analysis of the survey responses verified the lack of behavioral knowledge on the part of the trainers, the apparent lack of access to ABA services for families in both regions, a potential misalignment between family needs and training targets, and the disparities between the two countries. The information evaluated here can be used to guide preservice training, dissemination efforts, and regulations surrounding behavioral practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri Kingsdorf
- Institute for Research in Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Pančocha
- Institute for Research in Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jasmina Troshanska
- Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tetovo, Tetovo, North Macedonia
| | - Teuta Ramadani Rasimi
- Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tetovo, Tetovo, North Macedonia
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Bördlein C, Richling SM, Seniuk H. Editorial: An Introduction to the Special Section on International Perspectives on Cultural and Social Issues. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2021; 30:276-279. [PMID: 38624992 PMCID: PMC8562934 DOI: 10.1007/s42822-021-00079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M. Richling
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University, 226 Thach Hall, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5214 USA
| | - Holly Seniuk
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Littleton, CO USA
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Salomone E, Settanni M, McConachie H, Suma K, Ferrara F, Foletti G, Salandin A, Servili C, Adamson LB. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the WHO Caregiver Skills Training in Public Health Services in Italy. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:4286-4300. [PMID: 34677755 PMCID: PMC9508213 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with ASD (N = 86; mean age 44.8 months; 67 boys) were randomized to either WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) delivered in public health settings in Italy or enhanced treatment-as-usual. Primary blinded outcomes were 3-months post-intervention change scores of autism severity and engagement during caregiver-child interaction. CST was highly acceptable to caregivers and feasibly delivered by trained local clinicians. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a large and significant effect on parent skills supporting joint engagement and a smaller significant effect on flow of interaction. Expected changes in child autism severity and joint engagement did not meet statistical significance. Analysis of secondary outcomes showed a significant effect on parenting stress, self-efficacy, and child gestures. Strategies to improve the effectiveness of CST are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Salomone
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Helen McConachie
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katharine Suma
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Giulia Foletti
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lauren B Adamson
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Geogia, USA
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Arntzen E, Pellón R. A View on the Development and Current Situation of Behavior Analysis in Europe. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2021; 30:346-360. [PMID: 38624799 PMCID: PMC8390114 DOI: 10.1007/s42822-021-00068-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present article discusses essential historical trends in behavior analysis in Europe, in terms of both organizations and conferences. Of particular interest is the series of the European Meetings on the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour held in different European cities between 1983 and 2000, just when the European Association for Behaviour Analysis (EABA) and the European Journal of Behavior Analysis (EJOBA) both started. This article not only extends the information on EABA and EJOBA from a previous publication (Arntzen et al., 2009) but also discusses other European behavior-analytic outlets and different ways in which behavior analysis is taught in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Arntzen
- Department of Behavior Science, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ricardo Pellón
- Departamento de Psicología Básica I, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
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Salomone E, Ferrante C, Salandin A, Ferrara F, Torchio E, Foletti G, Ghersi S, Pacione L, Servili C. Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training implemented in the Italian National Health System. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:859-874. [PMID: 34362266 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211035228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Across the globe, children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, have limited access to care through public services. To improve access to care the World Health Organization developed a novel, open-access programme: the Caregiver Skills Training programme. The Caregiver Skills Training consists of nine group sessions and three individual home visits, focused on training the caregiver on how to use everyday play and home routines as opportunities for learning and development. We implemented Caregiver Skills Training in public child neuropsychiatry services in Italy and examined with questionnaires and focus groups how feasible it was to deliver the programme in public health settings and how acceptable and relevant it was for caregiver users. We found that the Caregiver Skills Training was largely considered acceptable and relevant for families and feasible to deliver. We discuss potential solutions to address the specific implementation challenges that were identified, such as strategies to improve training of interventionists and overcome barriers to caregiver participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Salomone
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.,World Health Organization, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Pacione
- World Health Organization, Switzerland.,University of Toronto, Canada
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Being the Change That You Want to See: Using Behavior-Analytic Strategies in Preservice Teacher Training to Support Inclusive Learning in the Czech Republic. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42822-021-00048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kingsdorf S, Pančocha K. Looking at Europe's recent behavioral telehealth practices for children and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disabilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 69:147-162. [PMID: 37025332 PMCID: PMC10071975 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1925403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a widespread lack of behavioral professionals available to support children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities. As a result of limited availability, services that can be provided from a distance have developed. Telehealth is a modality that can increase access to services, lessen financial constraints, and support assessments of generalization. Using either synchronous or asynchronous components it can foster evaluation and coaching. Guidelines for usage have surfaced in North America and been integrated into the continent's existing model of behavioral care. However, in Europe where all modalities of behavioral services are fighting to receive funding, frameworks are scarce. Understanding more about telehealth in behavioral care, its various applications throughout Europe, and the local context into which it can be applicable may promote system growth. To support this cause, a scoping review of recent behavioral telehealth practices for children and families impacted by neurodevelopmental disabilities in Europe was undertaken; looking specifically to assess types of studies, their targets and outcomes, telehealth modality components, barriers, and directions for future work. Although few studies surfaced, valuable conclusions can be drawn about the model's empirical validation, creating a groundwork for sustainability, and the need for developing policy and standardized application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri Kingsdorf
- Institute for Research in Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Pančocha
- Institute for Research in Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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