Dr. Hanley will detail a contemporary and compassionate version of applied behavior analysis for consideration when working with persons with autism or those with intellectual disabilities who engage in severe problem behavior. The key aspects and values of a practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment process will be described.

The practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment process, prioritizing safety and social acceptability, has proven to be a highly effective and generally applicable approach to treating severe problem behavior. The process has been refined to prevent escalation of problem behavior while replacement repertoires are developed in the challenging contexts in which severe problem behavior is most likely to occur.