Center for Behavior Analysis, Research, & Services
Center for Behavior Analysis, Research, & Services
Center for Behavior Analysis, Research, & Services
The Center for Behavior Analysis, Research & Services at Rowan University promotes the science of applied behavior analysis through education, research, and services to individuals, families, and organizations at a local, regional, and national level. Currently, our service component of the mission is under development; however, the faculty may consult with individuals and agencies.
Selected as one of the top 35 ABA programs in the United States by Action Behavior Centers!
Coursework
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the courses shown on the link below toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.
What is ABA?
What is Applied Behavior Analysis?
Well what it is not is CSI or Criminal Minds where they give a picture that this is all about criminal profiling. In actuality Applied Behavior Analysis is an evidence-based method of examining and changing what people (and other living creatures) say and do. Behavior analysis is the experimental investigation of variables that influence the behavior of any living organism. Behavior analysts identify and decide to change a problem or area of functioning, prepare an environment to support constructive change, specify and refine goals and objectives, identify current reinforcers of behavior, collect useful data, and implement and monitor an intervention plan based on antecendents and consequences of behavior.
Please view a power point presentation created by the American Psychological Association's Division of Behavior Analysis
Why is the field called behavior analysis?
The term "behavior analysis" was coined by B. F. Skinner, generally considered the founder of behavior analysis. The term was meant to distinguish the field as one that focuses on behavior as a subject in its own right, rather than as an index or manifestation of something happening at some other level (in the mind, brain, psyche, etc.). Skinner believed that thinking and feeling were covert forms of behavior. "Thoughts and feelings do not explain behavior," he wrote, "they are more behavior to be explained." Skinner thought that the concept of mind belonged to the philosophers, and that science should focus on behavior. These ideas form the core of behavior analysis today.
If thoughts and feelings do not explain behavior, what does?
Behavior analysts make the assumption that all behavior is the product of two kinds of variables: biological and environmental.
Biological variables include anatomical structures (birds can fly, people can't), normal physiological processes (digestion, respiration, neurological changes resulting from experience), and anomalies in anatomy and physiology due to injury or disease. Genes influence behavior indirectly through their effects on anatomy and physiology.
Environmental variables include any changes in the environment (a rise in temperature, the availability of food, comments by other people, cultural customs). Behavior analysts are primarily interested in the role of environment in behavior change.
Why Behavior Analysis for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
ABA's effectiveness has been widely studied, here are a few excerpts from some key health organizations:
From National Institute of Mental Health, a section of the National Institute of Health:
"Among the many methods available for treatment and education of people with autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) has become widely accepted as an effective treatment."
From the U.S. Surgeon General:
Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General states,"Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior"
From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
"The effectiveness of ABA-based intervention in ASDs has been well documented through 5 decades of research by using single-subject methodology"... "Children who receive early intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make substantial, sustained gains in IQ, language, academic performance, and adaptive behavior as well as some measures of social behavior, and their outcomes have been significantly better than those of children in control groups."
In addition to using sound principles, the National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education says in their report "Educating Children with Autism" that "entry into intervention programs as soon as an autism spectrum diagnosis is seriously considered" is important.
Careers in ABA
Job Description of a Behavior Analyst
Behavior analysts function as individual clinicians or are employed in organizations in numerous fields. These include education, behavioral medicine, mental health, disability, and children's services, business, and institutions of higher learning. Behavior analysts often supervise associates or other personnel in the implementation of intervention services, or consult to other personnel. Behavior analysts possess a wide range of knowledge about human behavior, and demonstrate competence in helping people meet personal goals. Typically, behavior analysts define intervention so that the changes to be achieved are measurable; analyze personal, social, and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that are influencing behavior; recommend and develop the goals of behavior change; implement agreed-upon solutions; and monitor progress. National certification in applied behavior analysis exists to standardize qualifications of anyone practicing as a behavior analyst.
Information about Employment of BCaBAs and BCBA
The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) recently completed its survey of members concerning various aspects of professional employment, including salaried and self-employment income and benefits. There is interesting information in this report and we encourage you to read it closely. APBA Survey Results
Please go to the Job Opportunities to see a list of current, local openings in the field of ABA.Services
The Center for Behavior Analysis does not accept insurance and we do not guarantee that insurance will reimburse the client for these services.
The Center for Behavior Analysis offers the following services:
General Behavior Analytic Services
Behavior analytic services utilize the basic principles of behavior in order to promote socially significant changes in behavior. The Center for Behavior Analysis conducts initial assessments and observations in order to identify the causes of behavior, and these causes will then be used to create a comprehensive intervention tailored to the specific behaviors.
Behavioral Parent Training
Behavioral parent training has helped parents of children who have frequent temper tantrums, are not following directions well, talk back to adults and are overactive and impulsive. In addition, behavioral parent training has helped many parents who feel overwhelmed by their child's behavior, want to learn more about parenting to prevent problems, have limited experience with children and/or feel their child is out of control.
Language-Based Therapies for Children with Autism
Research suggests language-based therapies such as the Verbal Behavior Approach and Discrete Trial Training have been effective in treating individuals with developmental disabilities, in particular, Autism Spectrum Disorders. These therapies include individualized 1:1 programming derived from skill assessments. Therapies focus on teaching communication, receptive language, appropriate play skills, social skills, and self-help skills.
Parent Support
We are looking for participants for a current research study on parents of children with autism. Please read this flyer to learn more about the study.
Location/Directions
Robinson Hall
201 Mullica Hill Rd
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Phone | 856-256-4846
Directions to the Glassboro Campus
Rowan University is located in the southern New Jersey town of Glassboro, 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The campus is easily reached from the N.J. Turnpike, the Atlantic City Expressway or any of the Delaware River Bridges.
From the North (Northern New Jersey, New York, etc.)
Take the NJ Turnpike South to Exit 4 (73 North). In approximately 1 mile, take I-295 South. Follow I-295 to Route 42 South (Atlantic City). Exit Route 42 South onto Route 55 South. Follow Rte. 55 South to exit 50A (Glassboro-Mullica Hill). Take Route 322 East (2 miles) to the campus. After crossing a set of railroad tracks and proceeding through two stoplights, turn right towards our Welcome Gate. A staff member will direct you to our visitor parking nearby. Please follow the path in the link below from our Visitor's Parking to Robinson Hall. Upon entering Robinson Hall, proceed to 117 - Center for Behavior Analysis.
From Philadelphia
Take the Walt Whitman or Benjamin Franklin Bridge to I�676 South toward Atlantic City. Shortly after I676 becomes Route 42 South, exit right onto Route 55 South. Take Rte. 55 South to exit 50A (Glassboro Mullica Hill). Follow Route 322 East (2 miles) to the campus. After crossing a set of railroad tracks and proceeding through two stoplights, turn right towards our Welcome Gate. A staff member will direct you to our visitor parking nearby. Please follow the path in the link below from our Visitor's Parking to Robinson Hall. Upon entering Robinson Hall, proceed to 117 - Center for Behavior Analysis.
From the West
Take I95 to the Commodore Barry Bridge. Follow Route 322 East (15 miles) to the campus. After crossing a set of railroad tracks and proceeding through two stoplights, turn right towards our Welcome Gate. A staff member will direct you to our visitor parking nearby. Please follow the path in the link below from our Visitor's Parking to Robinson Hall. Upon entering Robinson Hall, proceed to 117 - Center for Behavior Analysis.
From Central New Jersey
Take Route 70 West to I295 South. Follow I295 to Route 42 South (Atlantic City). Exit Route 42 South onto Route 55 South. Follow Route 55 South to exit 50A (Glassboro Mullica Hill). Follow Route 322 East (2 miles) to the campus. After crossing a set of railroad tracks and proceeding through two stoplights, turn right towards our Welcome Gate. A staff member will direct you to our visitor parking nearby. Please follow the path in the link below from our Visitor's Parking to Robinson Hall. Upon entering Robinson Hall, proceed to 117 - Center for Behavior Analysis.
From the South (Maryland, Delaware, etc.)
Take I95 North to the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Take the N.J. Turnpike North to Exit 2 and take Route 322 East. Stay on Rt. 322 for approximately 14 miles. After crossing a set of railroad tracks and proceeding through two stoplights, turn right towards our Welcome Gate. A staff member will direct you to our visitor parking nearby. Please follow the path in the link below from our Visitor's Parking to Robinson Hall. Upon entering Robinson Hall, proceed to 117 - Center for Behavior Analysis.
For parking contact or assistance, call the office at 856-256-4846.
Walking Path From Visitor Parking to Robinson Hall
Resources in Applied Behavior Analysis
Professional Organizations in ABA
Association for Behavior Analysis International
New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis
Association for the Advancement of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies
Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support
Maryland Association for Behavior Analysis
Professional Organizations in Autism
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
Books and Other Resources
Behavior Development Solutions
Other resources in the field of behavior analysis are:
BehaviorAnalysis.com (Searchable Database of Behavior Analysis and Related Events)
Behavior Imaging Solutions
Behavior Analysis in Practice
Administration
MaryLouise E. Kerwin, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Director of the Center for Behavior Analysis and Full Professor of Psychology. Dr. Kerwin is the former Co-Director of the Center for Pediatric Feeding and Dysphagia at Children's Seashore House/The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Kerwin is a nationally recognized expert in the assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding problems. Dr. Kerwin has also trained at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine/The Kennedy Krieger Institute and has over 25 years implementing behavioral parent training.
Michelle Soreth, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department, Associate Director of the Center for Behavior Analysis, and current Coordinator of the Undergraduate Specialization in Behavioral Services for Children and their Families for psychology majors. Dr. Soreth completed her Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Rollins College and her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology with a Specialization in Behavior Analysis at Temple University under the mentorship of Dr. Philip Hineline. Her basic research primarily takes place in her Pigeon Learning Lab, where she and her students examine basic behavior-environment relations including choice behavior, "risk-taking," and preference for situations with delayed or probabilistic outcomes. Outside of the basic laboratory, Dr. Soreth is involved with several local schools where she designs, oversees, and studies behavioral supports for children and adolescents diagnosed with emotional/behavioral disorders and developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorders.
Christina Simmons, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Contact
For more information, please call 856-256-4846.
