The Role of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis in Promoting PBS in Wales Jennifer L. Austin, PhD, BCBA-D University of South Wales
Goals of today s presentation To further demonstrate the common ground shared between behaviour analysis and PBS To describe the purposes of the UK-SBA, particularly with regard to supporting the growth of PBS To discuss the ways in which the UK-SBA may provide further support or benefit to PBS practitioners in Wales
How are behaviour analysis and PBS linked? Behaviour analysis provides the scientific basis for the technology used in positive behaviour support. PBS provides the multi-tiered delivery system for this technology within the context of a set of clearly defined values. It s not possible to do PBS without behaviour analysis!
BA and PBS share technology Functional assessment and analysis Differential reinforcement Functional communication training Antecedent-based intervention (i.e., prevention strategies) just to name a few!
BA and PBS share values Focus is on the individual (person-centred) Improvements in quality of life is a central goal (social validity) Acquisition of skills is paramount to intervention success Understanding function is key to reductions in challenging behavior Decisions are data-based See Baer, Wolf, & Risley (1968), Wolf (1978) and Van Houten et al. (1988), all published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.
BA and PBS share goals Behaviour intervention/support is about redesigning environments not about redesigning individuals. Plans define the changes in behaviour of those who will implement the plan not just those who will experience it.
At the end of the day... Those who identify with BA or PBS (or both!) are all in the same boat because we all are interested in using positive, proactive, and evidencebased strategies to build skills and increase quality of life for the individuals we support.
What is the UK-SBA? The UK-SBA is a membership organisation aimed at Promoting the ethical and effective application of the science of behaviour analysis to a range of populations, behaviours, and settings Providing benefit and protection to consumers of behaviour analytic services When we refer to behaviour analysis, we are naturally referring to PBS, as well.
Membership Categories Full membership initially required postgraduate training in behaviour analysis and/or a behaviour analysis credential (e.g., Board Certified Behaviour Analyst). However, the UK-SBA Board recently voted to expand our membership categories to be more inclusive of those with training and experience specific to PBS.
Membership Categories We now have two full member categories Accredited Full Member BCBA-D, BCBA, BCABA, CABAS accreditation or postgraduate degree from BACB-approved course Associate Full Member PBS BTEC, RBT, or qualified by a minimum of 3 years experience Both categories pay the same membership fee ( 25) and access the same benefits
Membership Categories Student membership is open to those who are currently enrolled on an undergraduate or postgraduate course in behaviour analysis Annual membership fee is 10 Affiliate membership is open to anyone who is simply interested in supporting the growth of behaviour analysis in the UK Annual membership fee is 10
Membership Benefits Reduced registration fees to UK-SBA events, including our twice yearly Speakers Series Dr Gregory Hanley (April 2014) Dispelling the Myths and Overcoming Implementation Obstacles Related to the Functional Assessment and Treatment of Problem Behavior Understanding and Addressing Stereotypy and Sleep Problems and of Children and Young Adults with Autism Dr Jim Partington (November 2014) Introduction to the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (The AFLS ): Administration, Analysis, and Program Development for Individuals of All Ages with a Diagnosis of Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (The ABLLS-R ) and WebABLLS Introductory Workshop
Membership Benefits Prof Rob Horner (May 2015) Improving the Lives of Individuals with Challenging Behaviour through Positive Behaviour Support Addressing Challenging Behavior and Improving Academic Attainment with School-wide Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports Dr Pat Friman (November 2015) Addressing Issues in Paediatrics Using Behaviour Analysis Integration of Behaviour Analysis with Primary Medical Care
Membership Benefits Access to ProQuest database Full text access to over 1350 psychology and education journals, including: Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions British Journal of Learning Disabilities Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities Education and Treatment of Children Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis Journal of Behavioral Education Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Membership Benefits Reduced registration fees to European Association for Behaviour Analysis (EABG) and Experimental Analysis of Behaviour Group (EABG) conferences Opportunity to join (or start!) a Special Interest Group (SIG) For information on the PBS SIG, contact Nick Barratt (Nick.Barratt@dimensions-uk.org) Eligibility to run for a post on the Board of Governors and to participate in elections
Current Membership 144 Full Members including 2 Sustaining and 3 Supporting Members 88 Student Members 54 Affiliate Members 286 Total Members
Supporting PBS in the UK Inclusive membership categories PBS Special Interest Group Events focussed specifically on PBS Review and endorsement of the PBS Competence Framework Support of the development of the PBS Academy Development of a voluntary register of practitioners
The take-away message The UK-SBA is committed to joining up and supporting researchers and practitioners across all behaviour analytic contexts. We will be stronger, and ultimately more effective, if we work as a unified group.
For more information: www.uk-sba.org Jennifer L. Austin (Past President) jenn.austin@southwales.ac.uk