AGM and Conference Information
Non-Member Price: $149.00 - Includes attendance to the AGM, Member Social with appetizers, Conference, CEUs, and lunch on Friday, November 10th, 2023. Registration form at the bottom of this page. Registration isn't complete until the registration fee is paid.

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November 9th, 2023 - AGM and Member Social
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM -- Annual General Meeting
The executive and team chairs will be updating members on the performance of APABA since last year's AGM.
7:00 PM - 10:30 PM -- Member Social
Appetizers (free of charge) will be provided and a cash bar will be available for members to connect, network, chat, and have a fun time.

November 10th, 2023 - APABA Conference (up to 5.5 CEUs)
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM -- Check-in, Welcome, and Introduction

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM -- Essentials for Living: Why it Matters and How to Use It

Presenter: Dr. Patrick McGreevy, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Abstract: Dr. McGreevy will provide an interactive workshop, including a rationale for using Essential for Living with children and adults with limited skill repertoires. He will also describe how to begin using it to teach functional, life skills. He will respond to any and all questions.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM -- Lunch (Provided) and Poster Session

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM -- Panel Discussion -- Compassionate ABA Across the Lifespan

Panel Moderator: Michael Palmer, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Panellists: Amanda Saulnier, BCBA (NB), Sarah McCarthy, BCBA (NL), Rachel Platt, BCBA (NS), Daniel Blanchfield, BCBA (PEI)

Abstract: The field of ABA is being pushed to improve and be more compassionate. Join us in this panel discussion to explore how this is being done across each of the Atlantic Provinces. We'll cover topics such as shifting from "non-compliance" to self-determination, assent and assent withdrawal, using procedures that are socially valid, and how practitioners can advocate for these changes. We'll leave time for attendees to ask questions, but encourage you to submit questions beforehand using the registration form below.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM -- Functional Analysis and Preference Assessment Changes with Psychotropic Medication Adjustments

Presenters: Alison Cox, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Monica Peters, BCBA, M.ADS, and Andreas Dimopoulos
Abstract: Psychopharmacological and behavioral interventions are common strategies to address challenging behavior among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Sheehan et al., 2015). Given the relatively limited evidence-base, at times psychopharmacological interventions as a treatment for challenging behaviour may be considered controversial (Lunsky et al., 2018; Sheehan et al., 2015). Regardless, a significant proportion of this clinical population are being prescribed at least one psychotropic medication. Thus, behaviour analysts will likely find themselves supporting individuals who are concurrently taking psychotropic medications for the purpose of challenging behaviour treatment.

Unfortunately, applied behavioral pharmacology research remains scarce. Thus, there are substantial knowledge gaps around medication-behaviour interactions in the applied context. This talk will describe current research trends in applied behavioural pharmacology, as well as highlight the utility of systematically monitoring the behavioral effects of psychotropic medication adjustments, including shifts in reinforcer preference and in rate and function of challenging behaviour. This will be done by showcasing the preliminary outcomes of a study wherein the research team followed participants across successive medication changes, systematically conducting functional analysis (and other assessments). We will end the talk by discussing the clinical implications and future research in relation to study outcomes.

4:00 PM - 4:15 PM -- Closing Remarks

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Hotel Information
Hotel Reservations:
Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton - 20 rooms have been blocked for attendees at $164/night. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location Information
AGM and Social:
Hilton Garden Inn Fredericton - Juniper Room



Conference:
Wu Conference Centre, Fredericton, NB - Chancellors Room

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