Toward Trauma-Informed Applications of Behavioral Analysis Ethics

This presentation is aimed at acknowledging and addressing trauma while fostering effective participation in assessments and interventions common to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Starting with a definition and the discussion of the prevalence of trauma, the audience will be guided to consider ways to modify their practices related to assessment and program development. An analysis of common practices will be presented coupled with an understanding on how ABA is well-positioned to lead a caring and kind treatment approach that takes into consideration the history of trauma.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to define trauma and describe it’s prevalence. Participants will be able to describe at least three reasons why ABA community has given less attention to trauma than other disciplines Participants will be able to describe why behavior analysts are well-positioned to include TIC into their practices

Bio:
Paula Kenyon has been a doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2001. She currently serves as guest reviewer for a variety of peer-reviewed Journals (JABA, JEAB, EJOBA, BAP and Psychological Records). Dr. Kenyon’s publications can be found in peer reviewed journals with a focus in Behavior Analysis (e.g., EJOBA, JABA and Psychological Records) as well as journals in other areas (e.g., Nature and Autism Research). Her research interests include stimulus control, discrimination learning, sleep, naturalistic teaching, clinical quality and outcomes, and clinical operations. Dr. Kenyon is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Northeastern University. With more than 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Kenyon has held various positions in the field of ABA, including Program Coordinator at Spectrum Center, Program Specialist for the Staff Intensive Unit and Director of Residential Programs at The New England Center for Children (NECC), Assistant to the CEO at Melmark, and Chief Clinical Officer at Trumpet Behavioral Health and Kadiant.