Discussion: Applied Behavior Analysis

Discussion: Applied Behavior Analysis

You’ve made a significant commitment to advance your formal education in the field of applied behavior analysis. Presumably, your motivation stems from a genuine interest in studying behaviors and their intricate relationship with the environment. Your aspiration to learn and apply behavioral techniques to facilitate positive behavioral changes in individuals is commendable. While applied behavior analysts work across various age groups, the demand for their expertise is particularly pronounced in working with children diagnosed with autism.

NURS 6002 / 3 Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network Example

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been on the rise, affecting 1 in 54 children, representing a threefold increase in prevalence since 2000. Your commitment to mastering specialized behavior analysis assessment and intervention strategies will play a pivotal role in helping autistic children and individuals with developmental challenges acquire new skills and effectively address behavioral obstacles.

In this Discussion, we will delve into your decision to pursue a course of study leading to your eventual certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years — autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 sites, United States, 2016. Surveillance Summaries, 69(4), 1–12. [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/ss/ss6904a1.htm](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/ss/ss6904a1.htm)

To Prepare

Reflect on the factors that motivated your decision to pursue a course of study leading to BCBA certification.
Consider the professional objectives you aim to achieve once you’ve earned your BCBA credential.

By Day 4 of Week 4

Post a reflective response addressing the following:

What influenced your decision to study behavior analysis?
What prior experience do you possess in the field of behavior analysis?
What kind of work do you envision undertaking once you obtain your BCBA, and how do you anticipate it will contribute to your aspiration for positive social change?

Read and engage with your peers’ contributions.

Note: To participate in this discussion, you must complete your initial post before gaining access to your colleagues’ responses. To begin, click on the “To Participate in this Discussion” link, then select “Create Thread” to compose your initial post. Keep in mind that after clicking “Submit,” you won’t be able to edit or delete your post, and anonymity is not an option. Please review your post carefully before clicking “Submit.”

By Day 6 of Week 4

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by providing insights and feedback on their professional goals post-BCBA certification.

Ensure that your contributions are substantiated with specific references to behavior-analytic theory and research. In addition to the provided Learning Resources, make use of the Walden Library and internet resources to locate peer-reviewed articles to reinforce your contributions. Properly format your responses in APA style and include appropriate citations, including those found in the Learning Resources.

Return to this Discussion within a few days to review the responses to your initial post, noting any valuable lessons or perspectives you’ve gained from your colleagues’ feedback.