Joint attention (JA) is a pivotal prelinguistic skill critical to developing language and social repertoires. This behavior is often absent or delayed in children with autism spectrum disorder, commonly resulting in problematic communicative consequences. Behavior-based interventions have been used to teach autistic children to initiate and…

Many students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need evidence-based intervention in school, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) offers an array of treatment options shown to improve outcomes. However, in Michigan, ABA has not been thoroughly integrated into public schools. The present dissertation assessed the mechanisms thought to…

Rising Autism diagnosis rates have prompted numerous awareness campaigns, treatment programs, social-emotional learning initiatives, research institutes, etc. Developing analogously, the Neurodiversity movement--an activist-led social justice movement focused on equity and justice for neurodivergent people--has presented compelling critiques of…

One of the most important outcomes in a child's education is the ability to read proficiently, which can improve future academic progress and occupational success. Due to the impairments in social and communication areas of development for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), literacy provides the possibility of improved communication…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and multifaceted, and individuals diagnosed with ASD benefit from an interprofessional approach to treatment (American Psychiatric Association , 2022; Cox, 2012; LaFrance, 2019). Unfortunately, however, many individuals who provide services to individuals with ASD report feeling ill-equipped to provide…

Given the nationwide increase in the diagnosis of autism, particularly in the pediatric population, there is obvious value in examining the effectiveness of intervention methods. This research sought to examine the effectiveness of a music-infused approach combined with Applied Behavioral Analysis methodology. The exploratory mixed method design…

Behavior analysts are expected to provide high quality services to autistic individuals/individuals with ASD. Quality behavior intervention requires the interventionist to demonstrate critical thinking skills, in-the-moment analysis, flexibility, and clinical judgment (J.B. Leaf et al., 2016a; J.B. Leaf et al., 2016d, Soluaga et al., 2008). Yet,…

Parent-teacher collaboration is crucial for optimizing outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder (SWAs). This qualitative study addressed perceptions among parents of elementary-aged SWAs regarding the lack of transfer of school-based behavioral skills to the home environment. Parental perceptions of the transfer of behavioral…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the evidence-based treatment for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that has the strongest evidence of positive effects on the ASD population. However, historically, ABA has developed a reputation of limited social validity, with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) often being cited…

Over recent years, the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has trended toward increased focus on improving the ethics and social validity of behavior analytic interventions. As part of this shift, ABA researchers and practitioners have begun to call long-held practices into question and seek alternative options. Despite their evidence base,…

In the last decade, the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has committed to working on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The work began with call-to-action papers, empirical work on cultural accommodations, and most recently, the certifying board has changed the professional standards for board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs). An…

Recent research suggests that one-fifth of United States households use non-English languages in the home setting. Ethically and effectively supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) clients (e.g., autistic individuals) presents a growing challenge to practitioners of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Though efforts to address the…

The number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rises each year, along with a demand for use of evidence-based intervention (EBI) in schools. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as an effective EBI for students with ASD, making it a skill that contributes to school psychologists' (SPs) effectiveness. This study reviewed…

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to sit on lengthy waitlists for applied behavior analytic (ABA) services, especially when living in rural areas. Early intervention is critical for desired outcomes for young children with ASD. Telehealth caregiver training in ABA skills is one avenue to begin intervention while…

Supervision is critical to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) because it improves the quality of services provided to the recipients of behavioral services which in turn increases client protection and helps to portray the field of ABA as one that is committed to socially significant behavior change (Britton & Cicoria, 2019; Brodhead…