Southern Utah Autism Conference 2025: Full Schedule

9:30am PDT

Autism and ABA—Seeing Behavioral Science from the Neurodivergent Perspective

Saturday April 26, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am PDT

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.

Speakers

Jared Stewart

Program Director, Scenic View Academy

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

ABA Practices

Audience Families, Caregivers, Educators, Professional

11:40am PDT

Trauma-Informed ABA: Supporting Children's Well-being Through Compassionate Care

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm PDT

Room D6

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.

Speakers

Danielle Merritt

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

ABA Practices

Audience Families, Caregivers, Educators, Professional

Southern Utah Autism Conference 2025

From $0.00