About the Annual ABAI Convention

Given that some of you may be attending the convention for the first time we want to provide you with specific information about the more important events for parents. The annual convention sponsors a variety of sessions, which are explained on the following page. This convention provides opportunities to learn more about applied behavior analysis and to network with parents and professionals. Although geared towards professionals in the field of behavior analysis (and not limited to Autism), parents have found this convention to be very helpful and informative.

The ABAI Convention program book lists all presentations and full descriptions of events. Individuals who pre-register will receive this program book in the mail from the Kalamazoo, Michigan, office of ABAI. We recognize that the program book can be overwhelming; therefore, the PPP SIG compiles a list of presentations and events that may be relevant to parents of children with Autism and related disorders.  You will find that ABAI Convention program book contains a large number of interesting presentations scheduled at the conference that are related to Autism.  Please note that there are literally hundreds of other presentations in areas outside of Autism (such as education, mental retardation, child development, inclusion) that may have direct relevance to you and therefore should be considered.

For more information about the annual convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, please visit their website at www.abainternational.org.  Here you will find information about registration, travel, and hotel accommodations.

Description of Convention Events at Annual ABAI Convention

The ABAI Convention is made up of several different types of events:

• Parents Sharing the Conference Experience is a wonderful informal gathering facilitated by a group leader that provides parents attending for the first time and seasoned parents an opportunity to meet, share experiences and network. We strongly encourage you to attend this session. It is typically in the early evening midway through the conference.
   

• Parent Professional Partnership (PPP) Special Interest Group and Autism Special Interest Group Business Meetings are brief meetings for those who share a specific interest.  We strongly encourage you to attend the PPP SIG and the Autism SIG meetings. The PPP SIG typically meets on Sunday morning and the Autism SIG typically meets on Saturday evening. You may be interested in attending other special interest group meetings as well (e.g., Verbal Behavior SIG, Positive Behavior Support SIG).
   

• Poster sessions showcase several dozen research-based projects. The posters include a written narrative describing the purpose, procedures, and findings of the research. Posters often display innovative approaches to the daily challenges many parents face on their autism journey.  There are typically over 100 posters presented at once in a large room and they are generally organized by area of focus.  Authors of the posters stand alongside their respective research and field questions by individuals (like parents or other professionals) who walk around the room and read through the displayed posters.  Poster sessions enable you to meet both leaders in the field and individuals heavily involved in practice and to dialogue with them; however the poster sessions can be a bit crowded.  With so many posters you may find it helpful to review the topics in the program ahead of time and make note of those you wish to see.
   

• Paper Presentations are formal talks by one or more presenters on specific topics.  Presentations are usually 20 minutes in duration and three different papers can be presented during one session. Topics are not always related. Plan your schedule around the topics that are of most interest to you.  Attendees are free to enter or exit sessions while being respectful of ongoing presentations. There is typically time at the end for questions from the audience.
   

• Panel Discussions are structured or semi-structured dialogue around a particular theme or issue such as transition planning for young adults or criteria for including students with Autism in regular education classrooms.  Panels are moderated by a discussant. Often, there may be conflicting opinions expressed and/or lively dialogue reflecting different perspectives.  There may or may not be time for questions from the audience.  Panel discussions are usually 50 or 80 minutes in duration based in part, on the number of panelists.
   

• Symposia are a series of 3-5 short paper presentations that revolve around a particular theme (see some sample topics below). Each paper is presented one at a time. At the end of the symposia, a discussant highlights the key themes and may provide a critique of each paper.  Unlike Panel Discussions there is no discussion between speakers.
   

• Pre-conference workshops are more intensive presentations on a particular topic and range from 3 to 6 hours in duration. This is perhaps the most comprehensive of the various conference events and you will likely be provided with a handout that corresponds to the presentation.  Please be aware that an additional fee is charged for workshops.  These are the only conference events not included in the overall registration fee.
   

• ABAI Expo is a social gathering featuring presentations of graduate training programs, internship and employment opportunities, affiliated ABAI chapters, ABAI boards and committees, and behavioral associations from around the world.  Officers from the Autism SIG and the Parent-Professional Partnership SIG are typically on hand to answer questions.
   

• ABAI Book Store is open throughout the conference with hundreds of books available for immediate purchase many of which would be of interest to parents.  Conference attendees can skim through the books prior to purchase. 

Some common presentation topics that may be of interest to parents include:

            Teaching language and communication skills

            Teaching play and social skills to the developmentally disabled

            Promoting generalization of skills

            Toilet training

            Addressing challenging behaviors

            Applying behavioral models in public school settings

            Parent training

            Transition planning

            Increasing independence in home and community settings

With so many events you will find it very helpful to review the ABAI Convention Program book carefully either in the paper version or online at www.abainternational.org.  Either way you can target sessions and events that are of greatest interest to you.  

Please visit www.abainternational.org for more specific information about the 34th annual ABAI conference scheduled May 22-26, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

We hope you find this information helpful. If you have ideas to improve next year's conference for parents, please share them with us by sending an email to Marianne Clancy at marianne@autism-aims.com. 

Thank You.

April 29, 2009