William L. Heward, Ed.D., BCBA-D, is Professor Emeritus in the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University. He has taught at universities in Brazil, Japan, Portugal, and Singapore and lectured and given workshops in 22 other countries. A Past President and Fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Bill’s publications include co-authoring the books, Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd ed., Pearson, 2020) and Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education (12th ed., Pearson, 2022). Awards recognizing Dr. Heward’s contributions to education and behavior analysis include the Fred S. Keller Behavioral Education Award from the American Psychological Association’s Division 25, the Ellen P. Reese Award for Communication of Behavioral Concepts from the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies, and the Distinguished Psychology Department Alumnus Award from Western Michigan University.
Presentation at the ABA International Conference 2022.
Contracting: A Positive Way to Improve Family Dynamics and Learn New Skills
This presentation will be held in English.
Abstract:
First developed in the 1970s, contingency contracting is a behavior change strategy that identifies a task to be completed and a reward to follow successful accomplishment of the task. Numerous research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of contracting to improve behavior and teach new skills to children, with and without disabilities, in home, school, and community settings. Using children’s stories, examples of contracts used by families to help children with and without disabilities fulfill household responsibilities, learn new skills, get ready for school in the morning, and make friends at school will be presented. Attendees will receive materials for developing, implementing, and evaluating contracts that were field-tested by more than 300 families.