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Publications, Papers, Appearances, Presentations and Grant Awards

PUBLICATIONS and TOOLS

McNellis, C.A. & Harris, T.A. (2014).  Residential Treatment of Serious Behavioral Disturbance in ASD/ID.  Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 23 (1), 111-124.

Lehigh University ASERT and Devereux Pennsylvania (2010, December). Community Inclusion for Adults with Autism. A manual published through a grant from Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Autism Services.

Devereux Pennsylvania (2010, May). Autism Transition Wiki (autismhandbook.org). An internet-based support tool for families developed through a grant from Pennsylvania DOE.

Hansen, B., Harris, T.A., & Dickey, K.H. (2009). Family Handbook on Transition Services.  Published through a grant from Pennsylvania DOE.

PAPERS PRESENTED AT CONFERENCES

Harris, T.A., Musunuri, S., Albertson, C.M. & Nielsen, J. (2015, October). The use of individualized positive behavior support processes to treat serious behaviors in children and adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder. Workshop presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, San Antonio, TX.

Harris, T.A. & Allen, R. (August 2015).  The use of a three-tiered system to deliver evidence-based autism services.  National Autism Conference, State College PA.

Harris, T.A. & Allen, R. (April 2015).  The use of a PBIS Model to deliver autism services.  REACH Conference, Phoenix AZ.

Harris, T.A. & Allen, R. (April 2015).  Evidence-based practices in autism services.  REACH Conference, Phoenix AZ.

Harris, T.A. & Allen, R. (April 2015).  Effectively meeting the needs of adolescents and adults with an ASD.  REACH Conference, Phoenix AZ.

Albertson, C.M., Schoen, C.M., Cepeda, L., Shaw, C.M. & Smith, E.W. (2014, May). Assessing a Comparative Evaluation Procedure of Proloquo2Go versus PECS as Primary Modes of Communication in Non-Vocal Learners with Autism. Poster presented at the Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.

Friel, M.L. & Deuso, T.E. (2014, May). Decreasing the Frequency of Inappropriate Verbalizations Using a Stimulus Control Package and Differential Reinforcement. Poster presented at the Annual Convention of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.

Albertson, C.M., Schoen, C.M., Cepeda, L., Shaw, C.M. & Smith, E.W. (2014, March). Assessing a Comparative Evaluation Procedure of Proloquo2Go versus PECS as Primary Modes of Communication in Non-Vocal Learners with Autism. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Association for Behavior Analysis, Hershey, PA.

Harris, T.A. (2013, April).  Autism Spectrum Disorders: Current issues and Trends. Invited keynote presentation at the American Association of Children’s Residential Centers’ National Pre-Conference.  New York, NY

Albertson, C.M. & Hirst, J.M. (2012, October). Increasing implementation of behavior support plans through performance feedback and video self-evaluation. Paper presented at the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

Harris, T.A. & Albertson, C.M. (2012, October). Implementation of a professional development series in ABA and Autism across several programs in a large human services organization: Professional Education in Autism Clinical Services (PEACS). Poster presented at the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Amherst, MA.

Harris, T.A., & Trusler, L. (2012, September). Supporting adolescents and adults with autism. Invited plenary presentation at the Legacy of Care Conference, Framingham, MA.

Harris, T.A., & Trusler, L. (2012, September). Teaching community skills to individuals with autism. Presentation at the Legacy of Care Conference, Framingham, MA.

Harris, T.A. & Albertson, C.M. (2012, August). Implementation of a professional development series in ABA and Autism across several programs in a large human services organization: Professional Education in Autism Clinical Services (PEACS). Workshop presented at the National Autism Conference, University Park, PA.

Albertson, C.M. & Hirst, J.M. (2012, May). Increasing implementation of behavior support plans through performance feedback and video self-evaluation. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Seattle, WA.

Harris, T.A. & Albertson, C.M. (2012, May). Implementation of a professional development series in ABA and Autism across several programs in a large human services organization: Professional Education in Autism Clinical Services (PEACS). Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Seattle, WA.

Albertson, C.M. & Hirst, J.M. (2012, March). Increasing implementation of behavior support plans through performance feedback and video self-evaluation. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Association for Behavior Analysis, Hershey, PA.

Albertson, C.M. & Hirst, J.M. (2012, January). Increasing implementation of behavior support plans through performance feedback and video self-evaluation. Poster presented at the Annual Autism Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Philadelphia, PA.

Albertson, C.M., Frederick, L.M., & Louis, P.D. (2011, October). Treatment Integrity Methods for Residential and Educational Settings. Workshop presented at Autism New Jersey, Atlantic City, NJ. 

Amoroso, J.N., Plum, V., Jacques, J., & Albertson, C.M. (2011, March).  Increasing engagement through the use of antecedent exercise.  Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Association for Behavior Analysis, Hershey, PA. 

Dickey, K.H., Albertson, C.M., Pisaneschi, L.A. & Harris, T. (2011, March). Assessing a staff training, feedback, and goal setting package on increasing opportunities to respond in young students with autism. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Association for Behavior Analysis, Hershey, PA. 

Harris, T.A. & Albertson, C.M. (2010, October). Supporting students with autism through community-based instruction. Workshop presented at Devereux/SPARC Transition Conference, Downingtown, PA.

Amoroso, J.N., Plum, V., Jacques, J., & Albertson, C.M. (2010, August).  Increasing engagement through the use of antecedent exercise.  Poster presented at the National Autism Conference, State College, PA. 

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L., Albertson, C.M. & Bonn, W. (2010, August). Supporting families through the transition years. Workshop presented at the National Autism Conference, State College, PA.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L. & Albertson, C.M. (2010, August). Supporting families through the transition years. Poster presented at the National Autism Conference, State College, PA.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L., Albertson, C.M. & Bonn, W. (2010, July). Supporting families through the transition years. Workshop presented at the Transition Services Conference, State College, PA.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L. & Albertson, C.M. (2010, July). Supporting families through the transition years. Poster presented at the Transition Services Conference, State College, PA.

Albertson, C.M., Hirst, J.M.. Pallotta, A.N. & Janyszek, L. (2010, May). Determining the most effective treatment for increasing active engagement and decreasing inappropriate work behavior for an individual with autism. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Dickey, K.H., Albertson, C.M., Pisaneschi, L.A. & Harris, T.A. (2010, May). Assessing a staff training, feedback, and goal setting package on increasing opportunities to respond in young students with autism. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Frey, A.J., Amoroso, J.N., Bennett, J., Royer, J., & Albertson, C.M. (2010, May). Decreasing disruptive behavior through the use of differential reinforcement of diminishing rates of behavior. Poster presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L., Albertson, C.M. & Bonn, W. (2010, April). Supporting families through the transition years. Workshop presented at the Penn Autism Network Conference, Horsham, PA.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L. & Albertson, C.M. (2010, April). Supporting families through the transition years. Poster presented at the Annual Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference, Hershey, PA.

Albertson, C.M. & Frederick, L.M. (2009, October). Collaborating with ancillary therapies to provide effective services. Workshop presented at Autism New Jersey, Atlantic City, NJ.

Frey, A.J. & Bennett, J. (2009, August). Decreasing anti-social behavior though the use of differential reinforcement of lower rates of behavior. Poster presented at the National Autism Conference, State College, PA.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L., Schweizer, J., & Koser, Ondrea (2009, July).  Effective Partnerships in Transition Programming for Students with Autism.  PA Community on Transition Conference, State College, PA.

Neifer, K., Harris, T.A., & Dickey, K.H. (2008, November).  Utilizing a Systematic Observation System to Monitor Progress of Students with Autism during Community-Based Vocational Training.  Poster presented at the Annual Conference for the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.

Harris, T. A. & Bates, B. (2008, March).  Increasing Meaningful Skill Instruction Through the Use of Service Learning.  Conference sponsored by the Bucks County Autism Support Coalition, Doylestown, PA.

Harris, T.A. (2007, November).  Supporting Adults with Autism.  Pennsylvania State Sub-Committee Hearing (sponsored by Rep. Barbara McIlvaine-Smith), West Chester, PA.

Harris, T.A. & Neifer, K. (2007, July). Implementing a Structured Community-Based Instruction program. PA Community on Transition Conference, State College, PA.

Tuzikow, J., & Harris, T.A. (2007, May). Teachers' Accuracy in Reporting Students' Challenging Behaviors. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Sydney, Australia.

Harris, T.A., & Evans, V. (2007, April). Effectively Educating Children with Autism in School Settings. Pennsylvania’s Coalition of Charter School Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Harris, T.A. (2007, April). Critical Components Related to Educating Adolescents with Autism.  Pennsylvania’s Children’s Interagency Training Conference, State College, PA.

Harris, T.A., Neifer, K., & Witherspoon, C. (2007, March). Supporting Students with Autism Through Community-Based Instruction. University of Pennsylvania’s Autism Network Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Harris, T.A. (2006 and 2007, March). Functional Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavioral Support.  Presented to Psychiatry Residents at CHOP, Philadelphia, PA.

Harris, T.A. (2006, October). Best Practices in Educating Individuals with Autism. Chester County Autism Alliance, Downingtown, PA.

Harris, T.A. & Neifer, K. (2006, March). What Parents Should Consider When Evaluating School Programs for their Child With Autism. West Chester (PA) Daily Local News.

Harris, T.A. (2005, November). Best Practices in Educating Individuals with Autism. Annual Conference for the Independent Educational Consultants Association. Philadelphia, PA.

SEMINARS AND APPEARANCES

Albertson, C.M., Cepeda, L., Klick, S.A., Deuso, T.E., & Locuniak, M.N. (2014, June). Functional Analyses: An Overview of Functional Analysis and Assessment Procedures. Presented live and via web broadcast for the Devereux Pennsylvania Autism Resource Team, Downingtown, PA

Harris, T.A., & Lau, J. (2012, November). Issues Related to Adults With Autism. Autism One radio show hosted by Dr. David Holmes.

Harris, T.A., El-Attar, B.L., Albertson, C.M. & Burgess, C. (2010, April). Best Practices in Transition: Critical Components Related to Educating Adolescents with Autism. Webinar broadcast from PaTTAN, King of Prussia, PA.

Harris, T. A. (2010, April). Informing and Supporting Families during the Transition to Adulthood. Appearance on the television show: Philly Factor; Philadelphia, PA.

Amoroso, J.N. & Hirst, J.M. (2010, February). The Use of Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Guiding Educational Planning. Presented in Devereux Corporate Center, PA.

Harris, T. A. (2010, February). Issues Related to Serving Adults with Autism. Appearance on the television show: For the Health of It; Phoenixville, PA.

Harris, T.A. (2004, November). Siblings of Special Needs Children.  National Public Radio (WHYY, Philadelphia) Panel Discussion; Dr. Dan Gottlieb’s Voices in the Family.

TRAINING WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES

Delaware Family Education Seminars, January 2014 to May 2014.

Designed and implemented a four-part series for families that included identifying evidence-based practices; FBAs; positive behavior support planning; and best practices in transition services.

 DE State Autism Professional Development Program, August 2013 to June 2014.

Funded through a grant from DE DOE, conceptualized and implemented a structured professional development program for educational staff working with students with an ASD using workshops, modeling, coaching, and performance feedback systems.

Parent Education Program: Devereux CARES, 2012, 2013.

Training program for parents including eight workshops on ABA teaching strategies and eight in-home coaching and feedback sessions.

Parent Education Program: Devereux CARES, 2012.

Training program for parents including eight workshops on ABA teaching strategies and eight in-home coaching and feedback sessions.

Parent Education Program: Delaware Autism Program supported by Devereux CARES and DAP Clinicians, October 2011 to May 2012.

Training program for parents including eight workshops on ABA teaching strategies and eight in-home coaching and feedback sessions.

 Devereux/SPARC Transition Conference:  Pressing Issues; Promising Solutions, (2010, October). 

Along with SPARC, we conceptualized and implemented a one-day conference on issues related to the transition to adulthood for individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder.

Devereux CARES’ Summer Autism Conferences (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, August).

Developed and implemented three day conferences on autism, applied behavior analysis, and positive behavior support practices for educators working with students with an ASD in public and private school settings. 

Chester County Autism Training Project, Fall 2004 to Present. 

Developed and implemented a series of two-day workshops for all BSCs, MTs, and TSS working with individuals with autism in Chester County, PA.  To date, over 1200 staff have been trained.

GRANT FUNDING

Competitively Awarded Research and Training Grants 

Devereux PBIS Autism Model, 2010, Ronald Burd Fund.

Designed, implemented and evaluated an autism-specific PBIS model in a Devereux Center that served students with an ASD in educational and residential settings.  Amount: $52,000 for 18 months.

Devereux National Autism Summit, 2014, Ronald Burd Fund.

Designed a two-day national autism conference that included nationally known speakers, internal speakers, a family panel, and topic specific work groups.  Amount:  $18,000

Web-based Autism Training Series, 2013, DeLany Grant

Development and implementation of a web-based training series for professional staff on autism, applied behavior analysis, and positive behavior support.  Amount:  $56,000 for 18 months.

Promoting Excellence in Autism Clinical Services, 2010, Ronald Burd Fund.

Funded as a professional development program for clinicians and administrators to acquire and demonstrate clinical competencies when working with individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and their staff.  Amount:  $60,000 for 16 months.

Supporting Families Going Through the Transition Years, 2009, Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Funded as a demonstration project to develop and implement and assess practices that educate and support families through the transition years.  Amount: $43,000 for 9 months.

Working Together:  Partnerships Designed to Support Adolescents with Autism, 2008, Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

Funded as a demonstration project to illustrate how the Devereux CARES Adolescent and Young Adult program model can be implemented in public school settings.  Amount: $45,000 for 9 months.

Supporting Adults with an ASD, 2007, Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Autism Services

Funded to develop and disseminate information on a comprehensive program model for adults with an ASD.  Amount: $150,000 over 18 months.

Getting to Work: Supporting Adolescents with Autism, 2006, Pennsylvania Department of Education.  Funded to develop and disseminate information on a comprehensive transitional program model for students with an ASD.  Amount: $150,000 over 18 months.

Supporting Paraprofessional Staff Working with Students with Autism in Public Schools, 2005, Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

Provided training and feedback to paraprofessional staff working with students with an ASD.  Amount: $10,000