Candidate Statement

Judith E. Favell, Ph.D., BCBA

My career in applied behavior analysis, which began with graduation from the University of Kansas and now spans some 35 years, has maintained a consistent focus and theme throughout.  It has been devoted to the field of developmental disabilities and especially to individuals with extremely challenging behavior.  As a clinician and applied researcher working with problems such as self-injury and aggression, I have had the opportunity to participate first hand in both the power of good behavioral treatment, and in its evolution to the analytically-based, comprehensive and finesseful strategies it encompasses today.  Being a part of the process of changing lives by changing behavior has been the most significant, and satisfying, part of my professional life.  This mission has remained unabated across a variety of roles and service settings, chiefly in residential and community-based programs.

My focus on services and supports for people with extreme behavioral challenges in turn has led to my involvement in a variety of issues that impact those supports.  For example, organizing quality living environments, including methods of enriching the environment and promoting engagement, improving staff training and supervision, and imbedding therapeutic activities in the ongoing milieu, have been recurrent themes in my work.

Another crucial area of emphasis has been in policy, law and regulations governing behavioral services.  This theme has encompassed developing and promulgating Behavioral Guidelines, testifying to legislatures and courts on humane and effective treatment, and chairing national task forces on standards for behavioral practices.

All of these professional activities, from direct treatment with individuals experiencing behavior problems, to organizing services and improving living environments, to promoting rational policy and legislation regarding behavioral practices, have reinforced the need to protect and promote quality behavioral services.  To that end, it became clear years ago that our field needed a strategy to identify and support qualified behavioral practitioners.  I was committed to addressing this need from the beginning, hosting a conference of senior behavior analysts on the topic, and supporting the national adoption of the strategy of Certification ever since. 

This strategy has thrived because it is a functional means of realizing the goals set out for it:  It also serves as the foundation for further advancing the competent and ethical practice of behavior analysis while protecting against its improper and uninformed conduct.  Increasing the availability and participation in Certification is certainly core to its successful future.  Beyond that, continued shaping of the validity and reliability of the process is also of clear importance.  Crucial in the years ahead will be the inculcation of Certification into policy, law and regulation, insuring that it is recognized and indeed required in the provision of behavioral services.  These and other challenges lie ahead, offering new and expanding opportunities for Certification to fulfill its potential.

I have served in a variety of roles and offices throughout my career, among them, President of the Association of Behavior Analysis and President of the American Psychological Association’s Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.  I have recently reserved my involvement on Boards to those whose mission appears to directly and strategically effect the practice of behavior analysis, especially for people with extraordinary needs.  The Behavior Analyst Certification Board is just such a body, and I would be pleased to participate in its mission.

References

Favell, J. E. (2005) Sifting sound practice from snake oil. In J. W. Jacobson, R. M. Foxx, & J. A. Mulick (Eds.) Controversial therapies for developmental disabilities:  Fads, fashion, and science in professional practice.  Hillsdale, NJ:  Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Favell, J. E. & McGimsey, J. F. (1999)  Considerations in the design of effective treatment.  In N. Wieseler, & R. Hanson (Eds.)  Challenging behavior of persons with mental health disorders and severe developmental disabilities.  (pp. 261-274). Washington, D.C.:  AAMR

Favell, J. E. & McGimsey, J. F. (1997)  The management of disruptive behaviors in residential programs:  Environmental considerations.  In E. Schopler & M. E. Van Bourgondien (Eds.)  Residential approaches to autism.  New York:  Plenum.

Favell, J. E. & McGimsey, J. F. (1993)  Defining an acceptable treatment environment.  In R. Van Houten & S. Axelrod (Eds.)  Behavior analysis and treatment.  New York:  Plenum.