RECENT PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Mead Jasperse, S. C., Virues-Ortega, J., Kelly, M. P., Ward, S. N., Tarifa-Rodriguez, A. Manchago-Porras, M., Mera-Cantillo, C., & Navarro-Guzman, J. I. (2026). An experimental analysis of research assent in children. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15562646261461801

Mead Jaspers, S. C., Kelly, M. P., Oliver, M. L., Couldrey, E., and Al Hammadi, M. (2026). Chapter 9: Applied Behavior Analysis-Based Strategies for Transitioning to Inclusive Education Settings. In Halder, S., Wang, H., & Dillenburger, K. (Ed.). Applied Behavior Analysis-Based Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (pp. 157-177). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-2889-9

Chioccola, M. (2026). Effective, Evidence-Based Approaches to Working with Autistic Children (Panel Discussant). Panel presented at the 2026 International Neurodiversity Conference.

Oliver, M. L. (Nov. 2025). “Effective Inclusive Education Practices That Build Meaningful Access, Engagement, and Independence for Students of Determination.”  Workshop presented at 2^nd International Autism Conference, Shamah Autism Center. Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sweetman, G. (2025). Evaluation of a Behavioural Skills Training Package to Enhance Staff Safety When Managing Challenging Behaviour.  Paper presented at the ABAI 12 International Conference, Lisbon.

Inaraja Lopez, B. (2025). Efficacy of a Computer-Based Training to Teach Newly Hired Staff to Conduct Stimulus Preference Assessments. Paper presented at the ABAI 12^th International Conference, Lisbon.

Cook, M. (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Web-Based Program of Instruction. Paper presented at the ABAI 12 International Conference, Lisbon.

Hempkin, N. (2025). Investigating Relational Flexibility and the Role of Contextual Cues in a Second Language Learning for Autistic Children. Paper presented at the ABAI 12^th International Conference, Lisbon.

Tarifa Rodriguez, A. (2025). The End of ‘Right Answers’: How Skinner, Socrates, and AI Will Reimagine Education Worldwide. Panelist at the ABAI 12^th International Conference, Lisbon.

Tarifa Rodriguez, A. (2025). Adapting Educational Interventions to Address Individual Student Needs: A Data-Driven Approach to Enhancing Skill Acquisition. Panel chair at the ABAI 12^th International Conference, Lisbon.

Bakhsh, M. (Sept. 2025). “Play Perceptions and Practices of Emirati Parents of Autistic Children.” Poster presentation at 14^th Autism-Europe International Congress (AEC 2025). Dublin, Ireland.

Ward, S. and Tarifa Rodriguez, A. (May 2025). “An Experimental Model for the Analysis of Research Assent in Children.” Symposium at ABAI 51st Annual Convention Washington, D.C., USA.

Chioccola, M. (May 2025). Panel discussant at NYUAD 2025 Annual Inclusion Conference. NYUAD, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Tarifa Rodriguez, A. (Mar. 2025). “Experimental Analysis of the Effect of Scripts and Video Modeling Using Video Calls for a Girl with Autism to Learn to Initiate Conversations.” Poster presented at 8^th Annual Verbal Behavior Conference. Virtual presentation, Austin, TX. USA.

Ward, S. and Mead Jasperse, S. (Mar. 2025). “Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: Empowering ABA Practitioners to Drive Research and Innovation.” Virtual presentation at DisruptABA: Verbal Beginnings Conference.

Oliver, M. L. (Feb. 2025). “Effective Approaches for Inclusive Classroom Engagement for Students with Disabilities.” Presentation at Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Mead Jasperse, S. C., Ward, S. N., Kelly, M., Nguyen, V., Attia, S., and Virues Ortega, J. (Feb. 2025). “A Systematic Review of Reported Assent Methodology in Early Childhood Research.” A symposium presented at British Early Childhood Education Research Association, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Shaalan, S. and Salame, D. (Jan. 2025). “A Protocol for Diagnosing Childhood Apraxia of Speech in Children with Autism.” A presentation at the Emirates Rhinology & Otology Conference, Dubai, UAE.

Al-Sulaihim, N., Abdalla, F., Mahfoudhi, A., & Shaalan, S. (2024). Development of derivational morphology in Kuwaiti Arabic-speaking children. First Language, 0(0), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1177/01427237241261793

Alsaeed S., Shalaan, S. & Alsaber, A. (2024). Non-word repetition and vocabulary in Kuwaiti Arabic-speaking children with down syndrome and typically developing children. Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology, 10. https://doi.org/10.1080/14015439.2024.2371287

Abdalla, F., Mahfoudhi, A., Shaalan, S., Almarri, R., Aldousari, M., & Alseedeqi, H. (2024). Lexical development in Kuwaiti Arabic in typically developing children and late talkers. Journal of Communication Disorders, 110, 106432.

Hempkin, N., Sivaraman, M., & Barnes-Holmes, D. (2024) Deictic Relational Responding and Perspective-Taking in Autistic Individuals: A Scoping Review. Perspectives on Behavior Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-024-00397-2

Ward, S. (Nov. 2024). “A Systematic Review of Reported Assent Methodology in Early Childhood Research.” A poster presented at the Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research (PRIM&R) Conference, Seattle, WA. USA.

Shaalan, S. (Oct. 2024). “A Longitudinal Study of Vocabulary Development in Bilingually Exposed Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United Arab Emirates.” A presentation at First Belt and Road Conference for Speech, Language, and Hearing School of Communication Science and Disorders, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China.

Clark, K. (Oct. 2024). “Building Bridges: How to Identify Culturally Relevant Social Skills.” A presentation at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Al Ameri, N. (Oct. 2024). “Response Latency in Autism: Implications for Educational and Clinical Settings.” A presentation at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Oliver, M. L. (Oct. 2024). “Creating a Supportive Inclusive Learning Environment.” A presentation at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Al Marzooqi, M. (Oct. 2024). “Empowering Little Ones: Considerations for Designing a Comprehensive Toilet Training Package.” A presentation at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Tarifa Rodriguez, A. (Oct. 2024). “Experimental Analysis of the Effect of Scripts and Video Modeling Using Video Calls for a Girl with Autism to Learn to Initiate Conversations.” A presentation at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Jelic, M. (Oct. 2024). “Improving Institutional Annual Evaluation System: Are Your Standards Effective?” A presentation at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Tarifa Rodriguez, A. (Oct. 2024). ” Comparison of Assent Practices Across Educational, Psychological, and Medical Researchers.” A poster at the International Conference on Education, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Ward, S. (Sept. 2024). “Assent Practices in Clinical Work.” A panel discussion at APBA LEAD 24 Virtual Leadership Conference.

Hempkin, N. (2024). “Ethical Considerations Across Fields, Roles, and Organizations.” Symposium chair at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Hempkin, N., Barnes-Holmes & Sivaraman, M. (2024). “Three Contextual Cues and Their Impact on Naming in Children.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Inaraja Lopez, B. & Ward, S. (2024). “Evaluation of a Skills-Based Treatment, With Supported Application, to Reduce Problem Behavior.” Poster at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Ward, S., Mead Jasperse, S., Kelly, M. P., Virues Ortega, J., Attia, S. M., Nguyen, V. (2024). “A Review and Comparison of Assent Methodology in Early Childhood Research.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Mead Jasperse, S., Chioccola, M., Inaraja Lopez, B., & Ward, S. (2024). “A Component Analysis of the Effects of Behavioral Skills Training on Car Seat Installation.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Kelly, M. P., Mead Jasperse, S. & Ward, S. (2024). “Early Childhood Development Training and Research: Exploring Parents’ Perspectives in the United Arab Emirates.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Javier Virues Ortega, ECAE; Sarah Mead Jasperse, ECAE; Michelle Kelly, ECAE; Shannon Ward; Victoria Nguyen; Shaza Mohamed Attia (2024). “Assessing the Content Validity of a Survey on Prerequisites, Procedures, and Challenges in Seeking Child Assent for Research.” Poster at Association for Behavior Analysis International 50^TH Annual Convention, Philadelphia, PA. USA.

Oliver, M. L. (Apr. 2024). “Customizing Environments: Accommodations and Modification Strategies for ASD.” Workshop presented at Abu Dhabi University Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Al Suwaidi, A. (Apr. 2024). “A Day in the Life of a SPED Teacher.” Presentation at the ECAE 10^th Annual Autism Day. Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Kelly, M. P., Mead Jasperse, S. C., Ward, S. N., Nguyen, V., Attia, S., & Virués-Ortega, J. (2024). “Amplifying children’s voices in early childhood research: Parents’ perspectives on assent conference.” Poster presented at 17th Annual Conference of the Division of Behaviour Analysis of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.

Mead Jasperse, S. C., Kelly, M. P., Ward, S. N., Fernand J. K., Joslyn, P. R. & van Dijk, W. (2023) Consent and Assent Practices in Behavior Analytic Research. Behavior Analysis in Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00838-5

Mead Jasperse, S., Kelly, M. P., Ward, S. N., Fernand, J. K., Joselyn, P. R.., and Van Dijk, W. (2023). “Consent and Assent Practices in Behavior Analytic Research.” Poster presented at 2023 PRIM&R Conference, Washington D.C., USA.

Kelly, M. P., Mead Jasperse, S., Ward, S. N., Nguyen, V., Attia, S., Virues-Ortega, J., & Cairns, D. (2023). “Amplifying Children’s Voices in Early Childhood Research: Parents’ Perspectives on Assent.” Poster presented at 2023 PRIM&R Conference, Washington D.C., USA.

Bakhsh, M. & Egan, K. (2023). “COVID-19 and Distance Learning Impact on Communication Styles of Children with ASD and their Caregivers.” Poster presented at 2023 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Boston, USA.

Hempkin, N. (2023). “Non-Simultaneous Stimulus Presentations and Their Role in Derived Naming.” Symposium presented at the 16^th Annual PSI DBA Conference, Athlone, Ireland.

Heaney, S. (2023). “Delayed Reinforcement vs Immediate Reinforcement: Effects of Delayed Reinforcement on Skill Acquisition.” Symposium presented at the 16^th Annual PSI DBA Conference, Athlone, Ireland.

Mafoudhi, A. & Shaalan, S. (2022). Introduction to Special Issue: Speech-Language Therapy Services in the Arab World and the Diaspora. Arab Journal of Applied Linguistics, 7(01).

Murray, C. M., Baruni, R. R., Kelly, M. P., Sheridan, D. J., & Seaver, J. P (2022). Increasing novel toy play actions in children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities, International Journal of Play, DOI:10.1080/21594937.2022.2118206

Al Raygi, Maram (2022). “Perspectives of parents of individuals with ASD about vocational training and jobs in UAE.” Poster presented at the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions, Dubai, UAE.

Sweetman, G. H., Gallagher, S., Leslie, J. C., & Ward, S. (2022). Evaluation of an Enhanced Behavior Skills Training Package to Teach Staff Members Safety Intervention Skills. Gemma Sweetman, MRC-NECC Program Specialist, presented in symposium titled “Applications of Behavioral Skills Training Models with Caregivers”.

Wahdain, A.A., Al Hammadi, H., Bamari, A., & Mead Jasperse, S. C. (2022). Using behavioral skills training to teach caregivers to implement discrete trial training. Adel Wahdain, MRC-NECC Lead Therapist, presented in symposium titled “Applications of Behavioral Skills Training Models with Caregivers”.

Ward, S. (2022). Considerations When Selecting Functional Analysis Methods (Chair). Symposium presented at the 11^th International Conference of ABAI.

Ward, S. & Hanley, G. P. (2022). A review of the acceptability of functional analyses for problem behavior and their associated outcomes.  Dr. Shannon Ward, MRC-NECC Clinical Director, presented in symposium titled “Considerations When Selecting Functional Analysis Methods”.

Inaraja Lopez, B. (2022). Teaching to respond to stop across languages and settings using a matrix training strategy.  Poster presented at 11^th International Conference of ABAI.

Mead Jasperse, S. C., Fernand, J. K., Ward., S., & Joslyn, P. R. (2022). Ethical considerations regarding assent and consent in behavior analytic research.  Dr. Shannon Ward, panelist at 48^th Annual Convention of ABAI.

Bawazeer, A., Almarzouqui, M. M., & El Zein, F. (December 2021). Using task analysis and video modeling to teach a child cultural dressing skill to children with autism in UAE.  Poster presented at the XIV World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation & 7^th Abu Dhabi International Mental Health Conference 2021.

Egan, K. & Shaalan, S. (October 2021). An interdisciplinary approach to managing challenging behavior in children on the autistic spectrum.  Panel discussion hosted by Emirates Autism Society.

Khater, M. (2021). Chapter 7. The relationship between word and nonword repetition and receptive and expressive vocabulary skills in Gulf Arabic speaking children. In Ntelitheos, D. & Tsz-Cheung Leung, T. (Ed.). Experimental Arabic Linguistics (pp. 178-208). Amsterdam, Netherlands: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

Shaalan, S., Egan, K., Gould, D.D., & Olsen, P. (2021). Chapter 8. An exploratory longitudinal study of vocabulary development in bilingually exposed children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United Arab Emirates. In Ntelitheos, D. & Tsz-Cheung Leung, T. (Ed.). Experimental Arabic Linguistics (pp. 210-245). Amsterdam, Netherlands: John Benjamins Publishing Company.

Atallah, A., Sheridan, D. S., Esterhuyse, F., & Ward, S. (June 2021). Practical functional assessment and differentiating the omnibus mand to specific mands to treat problem behavior in a child with autism. Paper presented at 1^st Annual NECC ABA.

Zimmermann, L., Lugo, A. M., Campos, C., & Lajara, N. (June 2021). Teaching parents to implement pre-session pairing via telehealth. Paper presented at 1^st Annual NECC ABA.

Inaraja Lopez, B. & Verriden, A. (June 2021). Teaching to respond to stop across languages and settings using a Matrix Training strategy. Paper presented at 1^st Annual NECC ABA.

Atallah, A., Sheridan, D. S., Esterhuyse, F., & Ward, S. (May 2021). Practical functional assessment and differentiating the omnibus mand to specific mands to treat problem behavior in a child with autism. Poster presented at 47^th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Zimmermann, L., Lugo, A. M., Campos, C., & Lajara, N. (May 2021). Teaching parents to implement pre-session pairing via telehealth. Paper presented at 47^th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Alzenji, M., Rooi, L., & Khater, M. (May 2021). SLP practices and perspectives on serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in UAE Part 1: Barriers, assessments, intervention, and service delivery.  Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

Alzenji, M., Rooi, L., & Khater, M. (May 2021). SLP practices and perspectives on serving culturally and linguistically diverse children in UAE Part 2: Survey of UAE SLPs.  Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

Bakhsh, M. (May 2021). Language practices in the UAE: Perspectives of Arab mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

Van Der Walt, G. & Bradley, J. (May 2021). Clinical decision-making in diverse settings. Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

Venter, D. (May 2021). Transitioning to technology in the educational setting. Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

Sidman, K., Bellone, B., Genyk, N., Jainodien, A., & Egan, K. (May 2021). OT, SLP, and PT services during COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and opportunities. Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

O’Connor, M. & Gregoire, L. (May 2021). Sensory processing. Paper presented at 2^nd Annual MRC-NECC OT & Speech Symposium.

Khater, M. (April 2021). “Using a Behavioral Treatment Program: The Lidcombe Program, to Reduce Stuttering in Children with Autism”. Webinar presented by Emirates Speech Language Pathology Society.

Bailey, L. (April 2021). Effective Supervision for Autism Services: A Panel Discussion. Panel presented at 7^th Annual Autism Day of the Emirates College for Advanced Education, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Shaalan, Saleh (April 2021). Levels of Evidence in Communication Treatments in Autistic Individuals. Panel discussion at the Abu Dhabi University Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium.

Bakhsh, Manar (April 2021). Teach Khalas or All Done! Bilingualism in Autism. Paper presented at the Abu Dhabi University Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium.

Bakhsh, M. (2020). Language practices in the UAE: Perspectives of Arab mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Arab Journal of Applied Linguistics, 5, 55-83.

Ward, S. N., Hanley, G. P., Warner, C. A., & Gage, E. E. (2020). Does teaching an omnibus mand preclude the development of specifying mands? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysts, 54, 248-269. doi: 10.1002/jaba.784

Shaalan, S. (2020). Nonword repetition skills in Gulf Arabic speaking children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD). Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_JSLHR-20-00040

Al Zouabi, A., Ward, S., Colon, M., & Slavik, K.  (May 2020). Shaping complex functional communication responses and teaching toleration skills to delays in reinforcement to reduce problem behavior maintained by a synthesized contingency. Poster presented at 46th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Washington D.C.

Ismail, R., Campos, C., Leon, Y., & Gilhuly, M. (May 2020). A systematic replication on the effects of neutral, enthusiastic, and no praise on skill acquisition.  Paper presented at 46th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Washington D.C.

Sheridan, D., Ward, S., & Rousseau, K. (May 2020).  Practical functional assessment and skill-based treatment process for an 8-year-old student with autism.  Poster presented at 46th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Washington D.C.

Olsen, P. M. & Kelly, M. P. (2020). Chapter 8. Applied Behavior Analysis with Arab-Muslim populations: The importance of cultural awareness. In B. M. Conners & S. T. Capell (Ed.). Multiculturalism and Diversity in Applied Behavior Analysis: Bridging Theory and Application (pp. 140-163). Oxfordshire, United Kingdom: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.

Bailey, L. (2019). ABA services in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Poster presented at the 2019 Malaysia ABA Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Shaalan, S., (2019). Evidence based practices in the treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. “The Belt and Road” National Language Rehabilitation Summit Forum and the 3rd Child Language Rehabilitation Forum. Beijing, China.

Moulton, C. (2019). The Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia®: A customizable web-based curriculum for learners with autism spectrum disorder. Paper presented at 3rd International Conference on Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Al Boun, H., Ward, S., Sheridan, D. J., & Rousseau, K. (2019). Shaping functional communication complexity. 10th International Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Stockholm, Sweden.

Baruni, R. R., Sheridan, D. J., Murray, C. M., Kelly, M. P., & Seaver, J. P. (2019). Increasing and generalizing variability in toy play actions of children with autism spectrum disorder using lag schedules of reinforcement. In Ramirez-Cristoforo, A. (Chair). Bringing the Lag Out of the Lab: Applied Lag Schedule Research. Symposium at the 45th Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Verriden, A. (2019). Reinforcement Considerations: Evaluating Effects, Preference Over Time, and Teaching New Mands (Chair). Symposium presented at the 13th Annual Psychological Society of Ireland Division of Behavior Analysis Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Davey, J., Esterhuyse, F., McMahon, E., Gould, D. D., & Szabo, T. (2019). Determining the predictive validity of the pictorial paired stimulus preference assessment for identifying social attention as reinforcers for young children with ASD. In Verriden, A. (Chair) Reinforcement Considerations: Evaluating Effects, Preference Over Time, and Teaching New Mands Symposium presented at the 13th Annual PSI DBA Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Elcan, A. & Verriden, A. (2019). Preference for stability across assessment methods and stimulus arrays. In Verriden, A. (Chair) Reinforcement Considerations: Evaluating Effects, Preference Over Time, and Teaching New Mands Symposium presented at the 13th Annual PSI DBA Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Ward, S., Hanley, G. P., Sheridan, D. J., & Rousseau, K. (2019). A method for teaching specifying mands when problem behavior is maintained by a synthesized contingency. In Verriden, A. (Chair) Reinforcement Considerations: Evaluating Effects, Preference Over Time, and Teaching New Mands Symposium presented at the 13th Annual PSI DBA Conference, Dublin, Ireland.

Shaalan, S., Egan, K., Gould, D. D., and Olsen, P. M. (2018, November). Bilingual communication intervention in children with autism spectrum disorders in United Arab Emirates: Preliminary findings of a longitudinal study. Poster session presented at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association convention, Boston, MA.

Olsen, P. M., Bailey, L. S., & Gould, D. D. (2018) Using video modelling to teach culture-specific dressing skills. European Journal of Behavior Analysis, DOI: 10.1080/15021149.2018.1541205

Verriden, A. L. & Roscoe, E. M. (2018). An evaluation of a punisher assessment for decreasing automatically reinforced problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, DOI: 10.1002/jaba.509

Kashef, R. & Heaney S. M. (2018). Increasing compliance with liquid medication administration. Poster presented at the 9th Conference of the European Association for Behavior Analysis in Würzburg, Germany.