The Missing Connection in Collaboration

The need for collaboration in autism spectrum disorder service delivery is well documented. There are calls to increase efficacy and effectiveness of collaboration amongst behavior analysis and other fields. There is a lack of research on collaboration between behavior analysts and psychologists, social workers, and school psychologists, especially once individuals reach adulthood. As behavior analysts continue to move toward the goal of neurodiversity affirming care, many of these skills could be learned from mental health professionals. Mental health professionals would also benefit from the level of expertise in autism specific care most behavior analysts focus on.

In this presentation, we compare education and training in autism service delivery and collaboration across four fields. This comparison will analyze differences in methodology, approach and treatment. The related strengths and weaknesses of training in each field, and where we can fill in each other’s gaps to better serve the whole person will be highlighted. We will review data from several studies to increase collaboration and suggested avenues.

Learning Objectives
- Training and role of clinicians who work directly with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in therapies (e.g. psychotherapy, group therapy, parent training, family therapy, counseling, and advocating).
- Different lenses and approaches for mental health professionals when working with individuals and their families.
- Research on collaboration between behavior analysts and clinicians, and methods to fill gaps in one another’s autism service delivery.