Backgrounder:
Florida Association for Behavior Analysis

What is Behavior Analysis?
Behavior Analysis is a science-based, cost effective approach for training teachers, parents and caregivers to prevent and solve serious behavior problems. The methods have been used successfully for everything from teaching basic self-help skills and language to persons with developmental disabilities, to helping foster parents lovingly raise emotionally-difficult children or even training dogs to be effective therapeutic companions. Behavior Analysis is especially useful helping children reach their full potential.

What it is not: Behavior Analysis does not resemble any of the traditional forms of psychotherapy and most behavior analysts do not consider themselves psychotherapists.

FAST FACT: Behavior Analysis is one of the few proven methods for effective early intervention with autistic children – 50 to 75 percent can be successfully "mainstreamed" into regular classrooms, as a result.

What you need to know about FABA:
The 26-year old Florida Association for Behavior Analysts is the largest statewide organization in the country committed to the promotion and support of Behavior Analysis.

The purpose of the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis is to promote the use of ethical, humane and effective application of behavior principles in all segments of society, including education, business, rehabilitation facilities and government.

Members of FABA come from a variety of backgrounds, including consulting firms, state government programs, private therapy practices and school administrators. The organization's purpose is to serve these individuals' continuing education needs and network professionals as the field continues to develop and expand.

FABA's annual conference, held each fall, is a popular forum for exchanging ideas and data-based research related to Behavior Analysis, Behavior Therapy, Performance Management and Behavior Management programming. The group also publishes a quarterly newsletter, The FABA Observer, to share information on new facilities and new effective programs for treatment in Florida. In an effort to encourage networking, FABA also publishes an annual directory of members, including their special areas of interest and expertise, as well as the presentation topics for each year’s conference.

FAST FACT: The late B.F.Skinner was FABA's Keynote Speaker at its first conference in 1980. Dr. Skinner, perhaps the most celebrated psychologist since Sigmund Freud, was the first recipient of the American Psychological Association’s lifetime achievement award.

FOR FURTHER READING:
Other noted experts in the field of Behavior Analysis have been previous presenters at FABA conferences. They include:

  • Fred Keller, a pioneer in experimental psychology
  • Jack Michael, "Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis"
  • Glenn Latham, "The Power of Positive Parenting"
  • Catherine Maurice, author of "Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family's Triumph Over Autism"
  • Todd Risley, child advocate and co-author of "Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experiences of Young American Children"
  • Corporate management guru Aubrey Daniels, "Bringing Out the Best in People", "Measure of a Leader", "Other People’s Habits"
  • E. Scott Geller, internationally recognized expert in behavior-based safety training and consulting, "The Psychology of Safety Handbook", and "Beyond Safety Accountability"