Mission/Objectives
The Autism SIG brings together individuals who specialize or have an interest in the application of behavior analysis to the education and treatment of those with autism across the lifespan. The Autism SIG has six primary purposes:
- To promote evidence-based practices in regard to treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To promote best practices as they relate to procedures/interventions based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis as it relates to individuals diagnosed with ASD.
- To help individuals diagnosed with ASD, families of individuals diagnosed with ASD, and consumers to identify components of evidence-based practices, quality behavioral intervention, and effective treatments.
- To help protect individuals diagnosed with ASD and their families from ineffective, non-evidence-based, and/or potentially harmful treatment(s).
- To serve as a scientific and professional reference and networking group for its members.
- To organize an annual meeting to provide a forum for discussion of the affairs of the SIG.
Description of Membership
Our diverse membership includes academicians, researchers, students, administrators, practitioners from a variety of disciplines, parents, and other consumers. We welcome new members who share our interest in applied behavior analysis and autism treatment.
Annual or Recurring Events
The Autism SIG publishes a variety of resources for practitioners, researchers, and consumers of applied behavior analysis services. The Autism SIG hosts a members’ meeting at the ABAI annual convention.
Newsletters/Publications
We do not publish a newsletter, but we disseminate the Association for Science in Autism Treatment newsletter to our membership. Additionally, we have started publishing videos on our Facebook page for members. Finally, we have submitted a singular commentary in response to an article about the relationship of applied behavior analysis to PTSD for individuals diagnosed with ASD.
Specifically of Interest to Behavior Analysts
The study and treatment of autism are rapidly growing fields, and applied behavior analysis is the treatment of choice for individuals with autism. The Autism SIG provides state-of-the-art information about research and clinical methods for working with individuals with ASD.
