Invited Speaker: Stop Preaching to the Choir: ABA's Call to Expand Its Reach & Create a Profound Global Influence matters because it changes what a BCBA notices when decisions have to hold up in language assessment, teaching sessions, caregiver coaching, and natural communication routines. In Invited Speaker: Stop Preaching to the Choir: ABA's Call to Expand Its Reach & Create a Profound Global Influence, for this course, the practical stakes show up in clearer case conceptualization, better instructional targets, and stronger generalization, not in abstract discussion alone.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Women in Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has grown exponentially, with over 54,000 certified practitioners worldwide. This growth necessitates a critical question: Is ABA expanding its reach into various facets of the human experience, as initially envisioned by B.F. Skinner? While it fulfilling to disseminate ABA's incredible potential to those who understand it well using traditional methods like publishing our work in behavior analysis journals, it soon becomes an echoing chamber. There's a pressing need to step down from the podium and share our science with those we have not traditionally served. This presentation delves into the work of Heward, W.L Critchfield, T. S., Reed, D.D., Detrich, R., and Kimball J.W., (2022) ABA from A to Z: Behavior Science Applied to 350 Domains of Socially Significant Behavior. This article's concept of social significance, coupled with the earlier work of Cooper, Heron, & Heward, (2007) Applied behavior analysis, (pp. 704) in the area of Social validity, emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse cultural variables and values. Different communities have unique views on what constitutes social significance, and disregarding or overlooking these variables can hinder the delivery of effective treatments. The focus of ABA has often leaned towards developmental disorders, sometimes at the expense of broader societal concerns. In this session, we will present an extensive compilation of socially significant behavior domains that promote well-being and survival by targeting behaviors that create threats. The central question will be, Are we addressing the right issues, and are we engaging the right people? In certain communities, survival is the paramount goal, making the definition of social significance relative. For instance, while nearly 73% of ABA practitioners work with the autistic community, other underrepresented groups may have distinct priorities, such as addressing microaggressions or promoting healthy eating in urban food deserts. It's time to broaden our approach and truly become applied behavior analysts by addressing what is socially valid or acceptable through our practices and interventions to make a global impact. The message is clear: It's time for practitioners to pick up the baton, replicate studies, and share in the lived experiences of applying this science in unconventional ways. Let's stop preaching to the choir and reach out to the uninitiated, for ABA has the potential to touch every corner of the human experience.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | General |
| COA | 1 | — |
Dominique Shorter- Taylor is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), CEO of Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting and Co-Founder of Beyond ABA, LLC. Dom is most known for her Youtube channel Dom the BCBA Mom, where she creates vivacious content sharing her unique intersectionality as a BCBA and Autism Mom. Dominique received her certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She received a master's degree in clinical psychology from National Louis University in Chicago, and proudly traces her educational roots to South Carolina State University, an esteemed Historically Black College and University (HBCU). She also works directly with ABA graduate students as a mentor and approved supervisor. Dominique has been working with individuals with neurological differences, including Autism, for over 14 years. Dom has not only cultivated a profound understanding of Behavior Analysis but has also navigated the complex systems firsthand as a devoted Autism mom. It is through this unique intersectionality that Dominique has identified and championed the critical need for accessible services, especially in underrepresented and underserved communities within the ABA landscape. As a mentor and approved supervisor, Dominique shares her wealth of knowledge with ABA graduate students, guiding them toward excellence in their own professional journeys. Her passion for fostering inclusivity and diversity within the field has led her to collaborate with fellow professionals, advocating for the dissemination of ABA principles through innovative and unconventional means. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dom has graced prestigious platforms such as the California Association For Behavior Analysis (CalABA) Conference, invited speaker at Women In Behavior Analysis (WIBA) Conference, and invited speakers Black Applied Behavior Analyst (BABA) Conference. Her engaging presentations on topics ranging from DEI and Cultural Humility to Leadership and Dissemination have captivated audiences and sparked meaningful discourse. Beyond the conference circuit, Dom's advocacy knows no bounds. She has been a featured speaker at the Autism Expo, The Answer Inc. events, UICF Bible College, and Proviso Township Minister’s Alliance. Her insights have been shared on prominent media outlets including the AC Green Show, The Talk of Chicago, Gospel Radio, and CAN TV, amplifying the transformative potential of Applied Behavior Analysis within the broader community. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dom finds joy in cherishing moments with her husband and four children. An active member of organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and PTMAN, she dedicates her time to community service and spiritual enrichment. As a leader of the media team at her local church, Dom channels her creativity into uplifting and inspiring others. In her pursuit of a balanced life, Dom embraces leisure activities such as crafting captivating content for her beloved YouTube channel, Through her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication, Dom continues to redefine the boundaries of behavior analysis, infusing professionalism with a touch of warmth and fun. Contact Info: Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting, LLC & Dom the BCBA Mom Youtube Channel dshorter@stbc-llc.com www.stbc-llc.com
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.