Abuse and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description

Abstract

Individuals with disabilities are at significantly greater risk for abuse than the general population. This presentation addresses the unique challenges of assessing, implementing prevention, and addressing abuse that involves individuals with ASD. In addition, societal variables such as power differentials often existing between the roles of individuals with ASD and their care providers or limited resources to address abuse in our communities will be discussed because they place individuals with ASD at greater risk. Strategies practitioners and parents can use for decreasing the likelihood abuse will occur will be identified. Resources for increasing knowledge about abuse and disabilities will be provided.

About the Speaker

Susan Wilczynski is the Plassman Family Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Before joining the faculty at Ball State University (BSU), she served as the executive director of the National Autism Center where she chaired the National Standards Project, the most comprehensive systematic review of autism literature completed to date. She currently serves as the Director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at BSU. She developed the first center-based treatment program in the state of Nebraska while on faculty at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and was the first female faculty member with a research lab in the psychology department at the University of Southern Mississippi. Wilczynski has edited multiple books and manuals on evidence-based practice and autism and has published scholarly works in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Modification, Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Psychology in the Schools, and Education and Treatment of Children. She is a licensed psychologist and a board-certified behavior analyst. Wilczynski won the 2011 Wing Institute Award for her contributions to evidence-based practice and autism and is currently the president of the special interest group on evidence-based practice of the Association of Behavior Analysis International.