What Constitutes a Behavioral Approach to Autism Treatment?
Mark Sundberg
It is clear that the principles and procedures that constitute behavior analysis can have a significant impact on individuals with autism. However, with the recent passage of several insurance bills, many are now claiming to provide behaviorally based services. In addition, schools attempting to implement behavioral programs have few guidelines as to what actually constitutes a behavioral program. We as professional behavior analysts need to define our practice in a way that provides clearer guidance and criteria for those claiming or attempting to provide behavioral services. This presentation provides some suggestions regarding what constitutes a behavioral approach to autism treatment.
Presented at the 2015 Michigan Autism Conference
Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D received his doctorate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University (1980), under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. He is the author of the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), and co-author of the original ABLLS and the book Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities. He has published over 50 professional papers and 4 book chapters. He is the founder and past editor of the journal The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, a twice pastpresident of The Northern California Association for Behavior Analysis, a past-chair of the Publication Board of ABAI, and has served on the Board of Directors of the B. F. Skinner Foundation. Dr. Sundberg has given hundreds of conference presentations and workshops nationally and internationally, and taught 80 college and university courses on behavior analysis, verbal behavior, sign language, and child development. He is a licensed psychologist with over 40 years of clinical experience who consults for public and private schools that serve children with autism. His awards include the 2001 “Distinguished Psychology Department Alumnus Award” from Western Michigan University, and the 2013 “Jack Michael Outstanding Contributions in Verbal Behavior Award” from ABAI’s Verbal Behavior Special Interest Group.
