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VirginiaABA Presents: Promoting Neurodiversity in ABA

Speakers: Katherine Rhoades, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA and Kathleen Dyer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, LABA

Speaker Info:

Katherine Rhoades, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA- Katherine is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She began her career as a Special Education teacher, providing academic and behavioral interventions while completing her post-graduate ABA certification at George Mason University. Katherine now works as a Program Supervisor with Compass Behavioral Solutions and is an adjunct professor and doctoral student at Endicott College. Her practice and research focus on neurodiversity-affirming approaches, emphasizing choice, client preferences, and assent.

Kathleen Dyer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, LABA -Dr. Kathleen Dyer, is an Associate Professor, and has served on the faculty of Institute of Applied Behavioral Studies at Endicott College for the past 11 years. Previous to this position, where she served as one of the founders and Clinical Director of the River Street Autism Program for 25 years. She is a Doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Speech Pathologist and Certified School Administrator. Her research and training techniques have been disseminated widely through national and international presentations, as well as through books, encyclopedias and articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Her research findings in treating core deficits in autism are documented as evidenced-based practices by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the National Standards Project. She has also served as a member of review boards for numerous behavioral journals, and serves as an Advisor of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.   Her research and professional interests include the development of effective procedures for improving communication and learning in persons with ASD, choice and preference, treatment of challenging behaviors, staff training and organizational systems change.

Description: This presentation reviews strategies for behavior analysts to effectively engage with and support neurodiverse individuals and communities. Drawing from Perspectives on Neurodiversity and Belonging: Reflections for Behavior Analysts, it broadens the understanding of neurodiversity and emphasizes inclusive practices within behavior analytic programming. Participants will learn approaches that foster belonging, respect individual strengths, and promote ethical, person-centered support.

Objectives:

1. Learners will be able to articulate the importance of embracing neurodiversity in behavior analytic practices, with a focus on ethical, person-centered approaches that support belonging and inclusivity.
2. Learners will identify key aspects of neurodiversity and strategies for engaging neurodiverse clients tailored to an individual’s unique strengths and communication styles.
3. Learners will assess the clinical utility of strategies designed to promote belonging and self-determination in neurodiverse clients, and review how these can be integrated into behavior analytic programming.