Neuroscience Meets ABA: A Radical Reevaluation of Behavioral Functions is the kind of topic that looks straightforward until it collides with the speed, ambiguity, and competing demands of case conceptualization, intervention design, staff training, and literature-informed problem solving. In A Radical Reevaluation of Behavioral Functions, for this course, the practical stakes show up in stronger conceptual consistency and better translational decision making, not in abstract discussion alone.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Verbal Beginnings
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Join Free →In this presentation, Dr. Megan DeLeon (Miller) provides an overview of the intersections of behavioral neuroscience and applied behavior analysis, specifically focusing on the often-overlooked role of stress in what is traditionally termed as "challenging behavior." Traditional ABA frameworks categorize challenging behaviors predominantly by their functions—escape, attention, access, or automatic. Recent advancements in behavior analytic research, however, suggest a more nuanced approach, acknowledging that behaviors may arise from synthesized functions that integrate multiple environmental factors (e. g., Hanley et al., 2014; Rajamaran et al., 2022). This session explores how theories and research from notable neuroscientists: Delahooke, Shanker, Porges, and Perry not only align with, but also enhance our understanding of behavior analysis by emphasizing the critical impact of stress. Embracing a comprehensive, biologically-informed framework allows behavior analysts to more fully adhere to the radical behaviorist tenet of considering all factors influencing behavior, including biological and physiological influences that precede and precipitate observed behaviors. Attendees will gain insights into the biological underpinnings of stress responses and discuss how these findings can transform our behavior analytic practices. By incorporating these perspectives, behavior analysts can develop more effective, empathetic approaches to intervention, moving beyond simplistic functional categorizations to embrace a comprehensive, biologically-informed framework.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | General |
| COA | 1 | — |
Global Behavior Analyst | Neurodiversity-Affirming Advocate | Author & Innovator | Resource QueenExpertise in Autism & Behavior Analysis: Over 20 years of experience in autism and behavior analysis, focusing on translating research into practical, individualized, and person-centered interventions.Published Author & Contributor: Author of 2 book chapters, several peer-reviewed articles, and a widely recognized expert in advancing compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming practices.Extensive Global Presentation Experience: Invited speaker at conferences across the globe, with over 116 conference presentations and a reputation for bringing innovative, research-informed perspectives to the field.Leader in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Training: Global trainer and coach for behavior analysts, parents, and service providers, specializing in neurodiversity-affirming, person-centered approaches that promote autonomy and social communication.Founder of the Do Better Collective: Creator of an international community empowering behavior analysts and related service providers to deliver more compassionate and effective interventions, combining evidence-based practice with humanity.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 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.