cATChing ACT at the Annual

Lots of behavior analysts are interested in ACT these days. The upcoming annual convention is the perfect opportunity to learn about the RESEARCH on the effects of components of ACT on behavior. We need more studies on ACT using solid, single-subject methodology and objective and reliable measures of behavior change. That’s what I’ll be looking for at the convention. Hope to see you on Tuesday for the one-day ACT seminar organized by Dr. Jonathan Tarbox. I myself am highly anticipating both Steve Hayes’ and Tony Biglan’s presentations at that one day event.

HUGE thanks once again to Natalia Baires for putting together the below list of cATCing ACT at the Annual. and for her opening remarks. See you soon!

With just hours left until the Association for Behavior Analysis International‘s 44th Annual Convention kicks off in sunny San Diego, CA with its highly anticipated workshops, behavior analytic enthusiasts are buzzing! From making last minute adjustments to presentations and catching flights on time to remembering to pack the sunscreen, attendees from around the world are making their way to come together this Memorial Day weekend to get the latest on research in behavior analysis. Given all the diverse areas included at this year’s convention, such as behavior analysis and climate change and romantic love, altruism, and the self from a behavior analytic perspective, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is no stranger to the group. Interested in catching everything ACT at this weekend’s convention? Look no further than the list below to promote your psychological flexibility, which includes yoga, symposia, panels, a poster, and the long awaited ACT seminar!

Saturday, May 26th, 2018

#12 Special Event
Yoga: Revive and Refresh–Sponsored by the HSF SIG
7:00 AM-7:50 AM
Marriott Marquis, Del Mar
Chair: Amanda C. Nicolson (Swan Consulting Inc.)

Invited Paper Session #18
Skinner’s Operationalism, Selectionism, Loving Infinitely, and Building the Deepest Connection With Others in ABA Practice and ACT
10:00 AM–10:50 AM
Marriott Marquis, Grand Ballroom 7-9
Chairs: Amy Murrell (University of North Texas)
Thomas G. Szabo (Florida Institute of Technology)

Symposium #59
Assisted Observation: Using Technology to Better Measure Effective Responding to Aversive or Delayed Consequences
12:00 PM–12:50 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, America’s Cup A-D
Chair: Melissa Morgan Miller (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

Symposium #112
Enhancing the Employability of Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
4:00 PM–4:50 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Ballroom G
Chair: Jason Travers (University of Kansas)

Symposium #115
Understanding Resilience and PTSD Through Behavior Analysis
4:00 PM–4:50 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, America’s Cup A-D
Chair: Nicole C. Groskreutz (University of Saint Joseph)

Symposium #130
Persisting and Thriving: Recent Research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis
5:00 PM–5:50 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, America’s Cup A-D
Chair: Megan St. Clair (Halo Behavioral Health)

Symposium #138
Applications of Contextual Behavioral Approaches to Alter the Avoidance-Occasioning Function of Child Problem Behavior
5:00 PM–5:50 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Harbor Ballroom G
Chair: Louis P. Hagopian (Kennedy Krieger Institute; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine)
Discussant: Evelyn R. Gould (FirstSteps for Kids, Inc.)


Sunday, May 27th, 2018

Panel #182
The Meaning of Mattering: Values in Applied and Clinical Behavior Analysis
8:00 AM–8:50 AM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Coronado Ballroom AB
Chairs: Daryl Rachal (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)
Evelyn R. Gould (FirstSteps for Kids, Inc.)
Joshua Pritchard (Southern Illinois University)
Ehren J. Werntz (Arizona Autism United)

Invited Paper Session #286
OBM and ACT: A Synergistic Powerhouse for Health and Wellbeing
3:00 PM–3:50 PM
Marriott Marquis, Marina Ballroom G
Chairs: Todd A. Ward (bSci21 Media, LLC)
Julie M. Slowiak (University of Minnesota Duluth)

Monday, May 28th, 2018

#387A Special Event
Yoga: Revive and Refresh–Sponsored by the HSF SIG
7:00 AM–7:50 AM
Marriott Marquis, Del Mar
Chair: Karolina Gburczyk (HSF SIG)

Symposium #390
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis: Investigations of Experiential Avoidance in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
8:00 AM–8:50 AM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Grand Hall D
Chair: Elizabeth Meshes (The Chicago School for Professional Psychology, Los Angeles; CARD)

Poster Session #484
Poster 82. Club ’57: Applied Behavior Analysis and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder
1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Marriott Marquis, Pacific Ballroom
Chair: Tiffany Kodak (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee)

Symposium #533
Emerging Research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Behavior Analysts
5:00 PM–5:50 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Ballroom C
Chair: Alyssa N. Wilson (Saint Louis University)
Discussant: Adam DeLine Hahs (Arizona State University)

Tuesday, May 29th, 2018

Special Event #1
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Applied Behavior Analysis Seminar
8:50 AM-5:00 PM
Manchester Grand Hyatt, Harbor Ballroom ABC
Chair: Jonathan J. Tarbox (University of Southern California; FirstSteps for Kids)