About the Autism SIG

Many individuals who are interested in the PPP SIG may also have an interest in the behavior analytic treatment of Autism. Given that shared interest, we want to provide you with some information about the Autism SIG. The Autism SIG has over 500 members and represents the largest Special Interest Group within the Association for Behavior Analysis International. The Autism SIG brings together those individuals who specialize in or have an interest in the application of behavior analysis to the education and treatment of Autism across the lifespan. The Autism SIG has three primary purposes: 1) to promote the exchange of scientific information in the area of Autism treatment; 2) to advocate for and promote high standards in the application of behavior analytic treatments; and 3) to partner with the Parent Professional Partnership SIG to support consumers of applied behavior analytic services. As you can see, the Autism SIG and PPP SIG have many overlapping goals.

Autism SIG activities include the annual business meeting at the annual convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis ( typically attended by 100+ individuals), participation in the Exposition at the convention, a quarterly newsletter, and a student research award. The Parent-Professional Partnership SIG does not yet have a newsletter of its own; however, the Autism Special Interest Group Newsletter is published electronically on a quarterly basis. Features of the newsletter include interviews, conference previews or reviews, program descriptions, clinical intervention descriptions, research synopses, book reviews, abstracts of recently published research, and job announcements. Each Autism SIG newsletter contains a special section with articles devoted to a different theme. The themes for the newsletters in the coming year will be Inclusion and Community Integration (Spring, 2008); International Efforts (Summer, 2008); Adults with Autism (Fall, 2008); What behavior analysts need to know about alternative interventions for autism (Winter 2009); Language and Communication (Spring 2009); Staff Training (Summer 2009); and Healthy lifestyles and Safety (Fall 2009).

For more information about the Autism SIG newsletter or the SIG in general, please visit the website: www.autismsig.org

February 12, 2008