Practical Ethics for Effective Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Matthew T. Brodhead, Ph.D., BCBA-D is an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Michigan State University. Like many before him, his interests in behavior analysis and autism began at Croyden Avenue School in Kalamazoo, MI. Raised in Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States, he has an undying passion for spending time in the great outdoors. When he can’t get outside, he enjoys listening to and playing music, and in a previous life, he used to tour with a funk bank. You can learn more about his work by visiting his Web site, www.mattbrodhead.com. David J. Cox, Ph.D., M.S.B., BCBA-D currently works as the VP of Data Science at RethinkFirst and is faculty at the Institute for Applied Behavioral Science at Endicott College. Dr. Cox has earned a M.S. in Bioethics from Union Graduate College; a PhD in behavior analysis from the University of Florida; a post-doctoral fellowship at the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; and a post-doctoral fellowship at Insight! Data Science. Since 2014, Dr. Cox’s research and applied work has focused on how to effectively leverage technology, quantitative modeling, and artificial intelligence to ethically optimize behavioral health outcomes and clinical decision-making. Based on his individual and collaborative work, he has published 50+ peer-reviewed articles, three books, and 150+ presentations at scientific conferences. Shawn Quigley is the Chief Operating Office for Melmark. Dr. Quigley received his Master’s in Education at Idaho State University and then went on to Western Michigan University where he completed his Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis. Prior to joining the Melmark team, he completed a post-doctoral psychology fellowship with the University of New Mexico Medical Group. He stayed with University of New Mexico Medical Group as a manager of behavior services, working to increase access to behavior analytic providers, supporting advocacy groups, and developing state regulatory guidelines for service delivery. Dr. Quigley has worked as a direct support professional, behavior analyst, trainer, and administrator providing services in homes, schools, residential and community settings. These experiences provided a strong foundation for understanding service development, regulatory requirements, scope of competence issues, and resource allocation. Dr. Quigley actively supports the profession through practice, research, teaching, and service.

1. Introduction to ABA, Ethics and Core Ethical Principles 2. Contextual Factors that Influence Ethical Decision-Making 3. Creating Behavioral Systems to Support Ethical Behavior in Autism Treatment 4. Scope of Competence 5. Evidence-based Practice 6. Interdisciplinary Collaboration 7. Common Errors and Mistakes Made During Ethical Analyses and Application