Artificial intelligence and machine learning are currently revolutionizing how we work and interact. However, catchy headlines often lead to misconceptions about what they can and cannot do. These misconceptions may partly explain why behavior analysts have been slow to adopt them despite their promising nature. This presentation aims to dispel common myths about artificial intelligence and machine learning while discussing potential applications to behavior analytic problems. First, the presenter will describe and define artificial intelligence and machine learning. Then, the talk will cover common myths about their application. Finally, recent applications in behavior analysis will be discussed with an emphasis on practice. Overall, the presentation should provide a balanced overview of what artificial intelligence and machine learning can potentially do (and not do) to support both practitioners and researchers in behavior analysis.

At the end of the presentation, the attendees should be able to:

- Describe differences between artificial intelligence and machine learning

- Explain at least one myth about artificial intelligence that relates to behavior analysis

Invited Presentation

Interactive web training to support caregivers of children with developmental disability

Caregivers of children with developmental disability may face multiple barriers to access support such as lengthy waiting lists, high cost of private services, geographic isolation, and limited availability. One solution to overcome these barriers is to offer self-guided interactive web trainings to support them in caring for their child. To examine this solution, our research team conducted a series of four studies measuring the effects of interactive web training on caregivers and their children with developmental disability. The second study indicated that an interactive web training increased parental prompting while decreasing stereotypy in children with autism. The last two studies involved randomized controlled trials revealing that the parent trainings led to collateral reductions in challenging behavior in children with autism and other developmental disability. Overall, the results suggest that interactive web training may serve as a tool to support parents of children with developmental disability in managing behavior.

At the end of the presentation, the attendees should be able to:

- Describe what is interactive web training

- Name at least one advantage and one drawback of using interactive web training in behavior analysis

Get to Know Marc Lanovaz

Marc J. Lanovaz, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a Professor at the École de psychoéducation of the Université de Montréal and Researcher at the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal in Canada. The work in his lab has been funded by several major granting agencies such as the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Québec’s Research Funds. His research program currently involves the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and technology to improve the delivery of behavior analytic services. Dr. Lanovaz has authored more than eighty publications on diverse topics such as clinical decision-making, parent training and challenging behavior in individuals with developmental disability.