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
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
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
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
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.
