Photos: Catalight Calls for Behavioral Psychologists at the APA Convention to Explore New Research

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Catalight attended the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention from Aug. 8-10 in Seattle to challenge long-held beliefs about autism treatment. At the convention, Catalight psychologists and clinicians addressed the growing body of research questioning the efficacy of high-hour applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for all and advocated for a more personalized approach to treatment for children with autism.

Catalight’s delegation, including Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., Vice President of Clinical Excellence Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Impact Brianna Fitchett, Director of Clinical Excellence Ian Cook and Research and Data Analyst Ben Pfingston, focused on emerging research that suggests lower hours of ABA therapy can be as effective, if not more so, as high-hour treatment.

Dr. Sneed, co-hosted a skill-building session with Alana McVey, Ph.D., psychologist at the Center for Behavioral Medicine in Wisconsin, on treating mental health concerns among autistic individuals. In addition, she and Dr. Samelson gave to presentations on “Rethinking ABA for Autistic People: Challenging Assumptions and Guiding Change.”