AMHERST, N.Y. – Nationally recognized experts in applied behavior analysis will speak at a conference, “Celebrating 50 Years of Applied Behavior Analysis 1968-2018,” being hosted by Daemen College on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Wick Campus Center Social Room.

“This one-day conference will explore a number of areas within the field of applied behavior analysis, specifically bringing attention to its applications beyond individuals on the autism spectrum or with related disorders,” said Vanessa Patrone, assistant professor of applied behavior analysis, who is organizing the conference. “With the increasing demand for behavior analysists, we are providing a forum to explore applied behavior analysis and an opportunity to learn from some of the top experts.”

The conference will bring together scholars, professionals in the field of applied behavior analysis, and parents and families of individuals receiving services.

The keynote address will be presented at 3:30 p.m. by Dr. Bobby Newman, a renowned board certified behavior analyst and licensed psychologist. His talk will provide an overview on applied behavior analysis and its effectiveness as a behavioral intervention.

A prominent expert in applied behavior analysis, Newman is executive director of clinical services at Proud Moments, a behavioral health agency for children on the autism spectrum. He has authored several books on behavior therapy, philosophy of behaviorism, and autism spectrum disorders, and has published dozens of articles in professional journals and magazines.

He is also past president of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and the New York State Association of Behavior Analysis.

Other conference speakers will be Dr. Len Epstein, division chief of behavioral medicine at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, who will address the translation of basic behavioral science to applied settings; and Rich Gold, president and chief operating officer at M&T Bank, who will discuss performance management and applied behavior analysis in business.

A presentation on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and applied behavior analysis will be given by Dr. Dennis Patrone, chief scientist of the Ocean Systems and Engineering Group at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Also at the conference, a panel discussion by area experts will examine the “Future Directions of Applied Behavior Analysis.” 

The conference will also include a student poster session featuring student work from various colleges and universities in the Buffalo Niagara region.

In addition, a presentation will be given on Daemen’s master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and advanced certificate program. Daemen is one of only five institutions across the state to offer an applied behavior analysis program that is both New York State registered and holds the BACB Verified Course Sequence distinction, which applies to the college’s traditional on campus program.

The conference is $20 for the general public and $50 for professionals seeking behavior analyst certification board CEUs. Daemen faculty and staff may attend for free.

Registration and a schedule of events are available at www.daemen.edu/academics/areas-study/applied-behavior-analysis/celebrating-50-years-aba.

For more information, contact Vanessa Patrone at vpatrone@daemen.edu or 839-8233.