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Sunday, 27 July 2025

9:00 - 10:15 aM

Hindley 3

Provision of Family-centred Supports for Diverse Families: How Impact Statements Guide Practitioner Support

Karen McKinnon

Autism Partnership

Abstract: Family participation is a foundational component of early intervention, requiring practitioners to demonstrate expertise in family-centred supports. Australian guidelines emphasise family-centered, culturally sensitive approaches that enhance family capacity (Early Childhood Intervention Australia, 2026; Trembath et al., 2022). However, providing effective support can be complex due to the diversity of backgrounds and presentations of different families engaged in early intervention (Mead et al., 2024; Smith et al., 2023, 2024,). Traditional parent training models focusing on 'parental adherence' or fidelity may not suit vulnerable or disengaged families. The behavioural repertoire documented within the compassionate care literature offers an effective and collaborative approach behaviour analysts can adopt for culturally sensitive engagement with families (Rohrer et al., 2021; Taylor et al., 2018).

This presentation explores how using impact statements, alongside a compassionate care framework, can guide practitioners working with families to build caregiver capacity and practical engagement. Impact statements offer a novelty strategy for enhancing clinical practice. Case studies will illustrate how clinicians' use of impact statements have increased family involvement and improved caregiver quality of life. This approach provides clinicians with a clear direction for supporting family engagement in early intervention.

Target Audience: Professionals working with families in early intervention services

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

explain why the behaviour analytic framework of compassionate care is a necessary foundation of family supports for culturally and linguistically diverse families; and,
identify and describe how the use of impact statements can be applied in practice to build family capacity and practical skills in supporting their children

BACB CE Instructor: Karen McKinnon

Mates, Dates and Diversity: A Behaviour-Analytic Approach to Inclusive Social Opportunities

Sarah McCluskey

Billy Cart Behaviour

Abstract: The Mates, Dates and Diversity (MDD) program aims to foster social and romantic connections for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent identities, addressing barriers to meaningful relationships. Targeting individuals in community settings, MDD applies principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Social Role Valorization (SRV) to create inclusive social opportunities. The program uses evidence-based strategies like functional communication training (FCT), stimulus control, and differential reinforcement to encourage social engagement. Environmental modifications, including accessible venues and sensory supports, further enhance participation. Attendees express interest in future relationships through post-event preference assessments, ensuring continued connection.

Since its inception, MDD has facilitated over 200 post-event connections and six romantic relationships, with 95% of attendees expressing interest in returning. Key lessons learned include the importance of individualized supports and environmental adjustments to increase participation and promote authentic social interactions. The program demonstrates the power of structured behavioural interventions in promoting autonomy, choice, and meaningful relationships for individuals with disabilities. Moving forward, MDD will refine its behavioural strategies and expand access to diverse communities, making inclusive social opportunities more widely available.

Target Audience: Behaviour Support Practitioners and Service Providers

Learning Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation delegates will be able to:

describe how Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Social Role Valorization (SRV) principles can be applied to create structured yet naturalistic social opportunities for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent identities.
At the conclusion of this presentation, delegates will be able to identify key evidence-based behavioural strategies, such as functional communication training (FCT) and differential reinforcement, that facilitate meaningful social engagement and relationship-building in community settings.

BACB CE Instructor: Sarah McCluskey