Beyond Autism: Additional Applications of ABA
Patrick, C. Friman, Ph.D., ABPP
Skinner’s vision for behavior analysis was that it would become a mainstream science pertinent both the minor and major problems of everyday human life. Clearly his vision has not been realized. Behavioral analysis has produced extraordinary findings in its basic domain and made multiple major contributions in several applied domains—but the best known of these contributions have been in the tails of the normal distribution of human problems (e.g., developmental disabilities). General applicability of behavior analysis to human problems is still seen as very limited by those outside the field. If behavior analysis is to become a mainstream science it will simply have to address more mainstream problems. Potential examples are virtually limitless. Behavioral methods can be or have been used to address such problems as the tyranny of preschool tyrants, soiling and wetting--not just in children but also in the aged, other behavior problems in the elderly, sleep and sleeplessness, anxious behavior, depressed behavior, and even--male fertility. This presentation will cover a range of problems that have either benefited from or could benefit from behavior analysis and that are extensive both in terms of the frequency of their occurrence and their relevance to mainstream human life.
Dr. Patrick Friman is Director of Clinical Services at Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home (Boys Town) and a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. He also served as Director of Clinical Training and Associate Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada at Reno and formerly held faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania, John Hopkins, and University of Kansas Schools of Medicine. He is an internationally recognized expert in the application of behavior analytic methods to behavioral medicine. One of his specialties is behavioral pediatrics, particularly focused on the successful treatment of common but potentially serious childhood behavior disorders such as habits, sleep problems, oppositional behavior, and incontinence. He has published more than 170 articles, two books, and is widely recognized as an effective lecturer and disseminator of the values and applications of behavior analysis to lay as well as scientific audiences. He has served as a reviewer editorial board member for virtually every major behavioral journal and was the editor of The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis during the years 2005-2007.
The following publication authored by Dr. Patrick Friman will be available at the on-site bookstore located in the registration area. Dr. Friman will also be available for a book signing on April 17 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm in the conference registration area.
Good Night, Sweet Dreams, I Love You: Now Get into Bed and Go to Sleep!