ABA approaches to curriculum and teaching [what and how to teach] for autism and related disabilities
Invited Workshop |
Description This workshop explores two widely used assessment and curriculum tools in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) and Essential for Living (EFL). While VB-MAPP represents a developmental and academic approach focused on language and cognitive skill progression, EFL provides a pragmatic, functional life-skills framework designed for children and adults with moderate-to-severe disabilities and limited communication. Both tools are grounded in the principles of ABA and Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior, but differ in their goals and application. The workshop will guide participants in determining when and how to use each tool, with consideration of the learner’s vocal profile, communication method, and learning needs. Attendees will learn how to identify appropriate instructional goals, such as whether to prioritize foundational academic skills or critical life skills like requesting, following directions, tolerating care routines, and completing daily living tasks. The workshop will also introduce tools such as the AMS Selection Tool to help choose appropriate communication systems for non-speaking individuals. Through real-world examples and case studies, participants will better understand the decision-making process for matching curriculum pathways to learner profiles. Educators, therapists, and families will leave with practical strategies to implement either or both tools, with an emphasis on maximizing each learner’s independence, safety, and quality of life. This workshop is ideal for professionals with some experience in autism support and ABA, as well as those new to EFL or VB-MAPP seeking clarity on their use and integration. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Date and Time 25 July 2025 8:30 - 3:30pm Duration 6 hours (with breaks and lunch) Professional Development 6 ABAA PDU/BACB CE Target Audience CBA, CBAU, BCBAs, BCaBAs, behaviour support practitioners, educators, parents |
Get to Know Dr. Patrick McGreevy Patrick McGreevy received B.S. and M.A. degrees in Psychology and Special Education, respectively, from the University of Iowa. He was a special education teacher for eight years, working with children and young adults with moderate-to-severe developmental disabilities. He received the Ph.D. degree in Education from Kansas University under the guidance of Ogden R. Lindsley. Dr. McGreevy served as an assistant research professor in the Institute for Community Studies and the Department of Special Education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and as an assistant professor in the Department of Special Education at Louisiana State University. He taught courses in applied behavior analysis, as well as, curriculum and instruction for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities. He is the author of Teaching and Learning in Plain English, an introduction to Precision Teaching, and the founder and first editor of the Journal of Precision Teaching and Standard Celeration Charting. He is a recipient of the Ogden R. Lindsley Lifetime Achievement Award of the Standard Celeration Society. He is also the author of nine journal articles and a book chapter on teaching B. F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. He is also the first author of Essential for Living, a functional, life skills curriculum, assessment, and professional practitioner’s handbook for children and adults with moderate-to-severe disabilities. From 2005-2014, Dr. McGreevy served as an assistant professor in the Behavior Analysis Program at the Florida Institute of Technology. He taught on-campus courses and seminars, and online lectures, with an emphasis on the application of principles and procedures from Applied Behavior Analysis. For the past 30 years, Dr. McGreevy has provided consultations for children and adults with developmental disabilities and hands-on training for their families. He has also provided consultation and training for school districts, residential programs, and hospitals in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Norway, Switzerland, Spain, UAE, and Brazil, specializing in the treatment of aggressive and self-injurious behavior in individuals with limited communication or language skills. Dr. McGreevy has also conducted workshops on teaching communication skills and language in the context of severe problem behavior, which are based on B. F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior.. |