Over the past few decades, Applied Behavior Analysis has become the predominant evidence-based intervention for treating Autism Spectrum Disorders. But despite the mountains of published research and application showing that it can and does have a socially valid impact on autism-related challenging behaviors, there is a growing backlash against ABA from Autistic self-advocates and the Neurodiversity movement as a whole which we all need to understand and address. Discover insights into the pros and cons of ABA by engaging in an examination of ABA through the lens of an Autistic BCBA’s professional and lived experiences. Learn why ABA (even “New ABA”) can be problematic, and explore some practical tips and guidelines on how to avoid the very real trauma and abuse that can result from even the most well-intended ABA when it is not conducted from an autonomy-affirming framework. Participants will leave with tools for creating and strengthening autism-informed practices, and with insights for effectively and ethically utilizing ABA interventions with neurodivergent individuals while improving the reputation and results of ABA with individuals on the Spectrum of all ages.
Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Room C1
I have read a ton of research on healthy sleep practices. I have a level 3 autistic child and through implementing these practices, he now sleeps about 10-12 hours each night without waking up. Helping a family get their child on a healthy sleep schedule is so important because lack of sleep will affect everyone. Once families can get their kids to sleep well, the parents can then have more time for self-care and improving their relationships. So in this session, we will discuss best practices for helping autistic children get a healthy amount of sleep.
When one member of a family struggles, everyone feels it. Drawing from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), this workshop will address ways to rebalance family life to recenter on bonding, fun, and overall healthy relationships. We will also cover how to establish clear family rules and expectations, and how to recover more quickly after difficult incidents. The goal is to have more enjoyable family time and spend less time managing problems.
Empowering Communication: Autism-Affirming Language In this session, participants will explore the evolving dynamics of disability identity and how we talk about it. We’ll delve into the distinctions between disability-affirming language and person-first language, examining their origins, purposes, and real-world implications. We will discuss language choices that respect individual preferences and diversity while fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Through real-life examples and interactive discussions, participants will gain practical tools to communicate in ways that honor the dignity and identity of the people they interact with.
Sensory is understood as a function of behavior by the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, but is sometimes misunderstood. Insights are shared about how to look at the function of sensory behavior. This session will talk about the sensory needs of children and how to help children get the things they need in socially appropriate ways.
MA BCBA LBA, Elevation Behavioral Science Services
Danielle Merritt MA BCBA LBA loves the work she does as the owner and director of Elevation Behavioral Science Services. Danielle is a Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (MA BCBA LBA) with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a master’s certification in Autism... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Room D6
Teaching through games. Helping the little humans become independent. Introducing games in a controlled environment. Creating a Happy Place. Playing games in ways the child does not realize they are learning... a Magical Place. Every child has motivators. Get ready to have fun and teach the children is so many ways that they WANT to "Learn". (About Children-Play)
Food plays a unique role in the lives of autistic individuals, often complicated by the presence of sensory sensitivities and limited palates. Navigating these obstacles can be difficult and oh so stressful for everyone involved in the meal process, so what gives? What’s going on and can it improve? Join as we discuss food, self-regulation, and maybe even some helpful ideas.
Josh (he/him) considered using AI to write this bio, as a robot writing about a robot seemed deliciously appropriate, but, unfortunately, he couldn't get past the CAPTCHA code. Having somehow made it into his 30s, he has a wide variety of experiences and interests which he draws upon... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:35am - 11:35am PDT
Room C6
Lack of communication is the number one reason for problem behavior. In this session we will discuss how to identify what a child's problem behavior is telling us about their need for communication and how to teach them to communicate the things they need. When children know that the are understood and that there communication is honored, much of their problem behavior goes away and growing blossoms.
MA BCBA LBA, Elevation Behavioral Science Services
Danielle Merritt MA BCBA LBA loves the work she does as the owner and director of Elevation Behavioral Science Services. Danielle is a Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (MA BCBA LBA) with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a master’s certification in Autism... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:35am - 11:35am PDT
Room D6
It is completely understandable for parents and professionals to want to protect vulnerable individuals with disabilities such as autism. We see the obvious challenges and worry about their ability to safely navigate the world of adulthood. But that same urge to protect can sometimes go to extremes that actually end up disabling those individuals and robbing them of the opportunities and autonomy that could have led to greater resiliency, success, and quality of life. Join Jared Stewart, the Autistic BCBA, to gain valuable insight into how to achieve the critical balance between our responsibility to care and the universal human right to make personal choices.
Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:35am - 11:35am PDT
Room C1
Supplemental Aides and Services (SAS) are the “linchpin” of inclusion in general education. With limited guidance from the research literature, identifying appropriate accommodations can be difficult. Sometimes, decisions are based more on IEP team members’ personal experiences than the student’s individual needs in general education. In the session, we will discuss guiding questions IEP teams can use to determine supplemental aides and services. We will discuss a framework for considering a student’s need for SAS, (physical/accessibility, instructional, behavioral, social-communication, collaboration).
Scott graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Scott has worked for ScenicView since it opened, and has enjoyed seeing its growth, and seeing the students benefit from the services provided at ScenicView. He has many duties, including... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:35am - 11:35am PDT
Room C2
Compassionate care through understanding the whole child is the goal of quality Applied Behavior Analysis. This session will discuss the elements of trauma assumed ABA and the power that it has to support children. We will talk about aspects to consider when looking for this kind of provider and the difference it can make in the quality of care.
MA BCBA LBA, Elevation Behavioral Science Services
Danielle Merritt MA BCBA LBA loves the work she does as the owner and director of Elevation Behavioral Science Services. Danielle is a Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (MA BCBA LBA) with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a master’s certification in Autism... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Room D6
Acknowledge the challenges parents face in managing challenging behaviors at home. Emphasize the importance of positive behavior support and creating a structured and predictable environment. Reiterate the importance of patience, consistency, and seeking professional support.
Amy Bates has worked at The Family Support Center in several different capacities for 17 years, most recently as the Outreach Coordinator. She also worked for Utah Foster Care for over 10 years as an consultant and trainer. She is passionate about supporting children and helping families... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Room C6
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovation has developed a library of resources to support professional and caregiver’s efforts to improving the social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of young children birth to five. In this session the presenter will highlight practical tools for teaching emotional regulations, friendship skills, problem-solving, and behavior regulation. Resources are available in multiple languages and include family handouts that describe evidence-based practices. ChallengingBehavior.org Resources
An autism diagnosis can often cause strain on relationships with extended family members. Autism causes many families to totally change how they do life and those changes can be hard for extended family members to accept. In this session, we will talk about how to foster a good relationship with these extended family members who don't understand autism or who are not supportive. We will talk about communication, setting appropriate boundaries, and regulating our emotions around these people. We will discuss being intentional about how we want to react to unthoughtful comments from extended family members. I have a Master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development and I have a lot of personal experience in navigating these tricky relationships with my own family.
Research suggests that only 1 in 3 adults on the Autism Spectrum are employed. Most are part time, and most are under-employed given their skills and intelligence. And yet, research also suggests that employment improves all of the core symptomologies of Autism. In a world where employment is the single biggest aspect of identity and the single biggest measure of adult success, what are the key preparations, behaviors, and techniques that can empower individuals with ASD to get and keep a job?
Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT
Room C1
Play, Language, social skills, discrete trials, and creating routines to help improve behavior starting at home. Non Verbal to Verbal. Modeling. Stepping into their world. Do you want to be a SUPER PARENT?
DEVELOPING A LEGO THERAPY PROGRAM FOR SOCIAL, COMMUNICATION, and IMPULSE CONTROL SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN BOTH SCHOOLS AND HOMES
Lego Therapy is a research-based intervention for individuals on the Autism spectrum that is under utilized and can be implemented effectively in a home or school environment. This session will address how to create a Lego Therapy Program and support implementation in homes or schools; specifically how to do Lego Therapy; the specific social, emotional, impulse-control, and communication skills that Lego Therapy targets; the current data on Lego Therapy effectiveness; and how to incorporate it into Tier 2 School Intervention/SpEd programs and home environments. Participants will get a hands-on demonstration of a Lego Therapy session as well as the informational materials needed to get started on Lego Therapy in their home or school.
Brynn Bell is passionate about mental health therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is especially outspoken about the importance of early intervention and working with youth. She has worked in an ABA clinic setting providing both mental health and behavior analysis services... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room C5
This session will talk about the ways that autism has affected the experiences of my 2 children who are now young adults. This session will given an understanding of how they view communication with others, sensory needs and experiences that have been beneficial, and other insights.
MA BCBA LBA, Elevation Behavioral Science Services
Danielle Merritt MA BCBA LBA loves the work she does as the owner and director of Elevation Behavioral Science Services. Danielle is a Licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (MA BCBA LBA) with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a master’s certification in Autism... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room D6
Acknowledge the emotional and practical challenges faced by families of children with autism. Emphasize the importance of self-care and building resilience within the family system and offer coping strategies for parent.
Amy Bates has worked at The Family Support Center in several different capacities for 17 years, most recently as the Outreach Coordinator. She also worked for Utah Foster Care for over 10 years as an consultant and trainer. She is passionate about supporting children and helping families... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room C6
Identifying the Hidden Curriculum General education curriculum is made up of the ‘explicit curriculum’ (linked to core standards and essential elements), ‘hidden curriculum’ (unspoken, implicit, values, and social norms for student’s behaviors, attitudes, and expectations), and the ‘null curriculum ‘(the knowledge, skills, or topics that are intentionally or unintentionally omitted). For all students to access each part of the general education curriculum, it is important for the IEP team to consider each aspect. In this session, we will discuss using assessment practices that support the IEP team in understanding what needs the student has regarding the ‘hidden curriculum’, and ideas for planning intervention and specially designed instruction to support their acquisition of skills.
Underdeveloped skill in back-and-forth communication is a core diagnostic feature of autism. Teaching effective interpersonal communication goes a long way to reduce tantrums, frustration, and other concerns. Knowing that, how do we effectively teach interpersonal communication to children, youth, and young adults on the autism spectrum? This workshop will draw from social skills training (PEERS), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to do just that.
FLEXIBLE THINKING...WE ALL NEED IT, BUT HOW DO WE TEACH IT? Rigidity in some form or another impacts individuals on the Autism spectrum and can be pretty difficult to combat. This session will explore different methods, visuals, and language to teach flexible thinking. This session will increase caregivers' skills at fostering a better understanding in their loved one on the spectrum of equality versus equity, all or nothing thinking, size of reaction matching the size of problem, growth mindset, and CBT thinking errors related to rigidity.
Brynn Bell is passionate about mental health therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA) and is especially outspoken about the importance of early intervention and working with youth. She has worked in an ABA clinic setting providing both mental health and behavior analysis services... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room C5
In this session, we will talk about best practices for healthy marriages with a special emphasis on how to do this with special needs children. We will talk about focusing on what we can and can't control, allowing ourselves to grieve and feel emotion when it comes up, reframing negative thoughts and decreasing resentment towards our partners, and setting aside adequate time for the marriage. I have a Master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development and I used to teach healthy relationships classes for the USU Extension Office before my child was diagnosed with autism. So I knew a ton about how to have a healthy relationship, but keeping a marriage alive with a severely autistic child is hard! I have learned so much the last 7 years on how to keep the family and marriage functioning while dealing with really hard situations.
We will talk about the Spell to Communicate (S2C) method and the in and outs of what it is and why it works for so many nonspeaking and minimal speaking autistic kids.
