Advancing Applied Behavior Analysis: Research, Service, and Impact

Emily Exline, a researcher in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and a Student Fellow for the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD), is making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. As a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Psychology specializing in ABA, she is committed to advancing early intervention research, enhancing evidence-based practices, and dispelling the negative stigma associated with ABA.

Her journey in this career path began with her early experiences working with children with disabilities at her church at the age of 16. She later volunteered with the College Internship Program, which helped students with autism transition to college. Following her internship, she interned at an ABA clinic during college, which further solidified her passion for this field. Currently, Exline is a graduate research assistant with Dr. Jessica Akers, working on the Sibling SUCCESS Project. As a graduate research assistant, she trains practitioners to involve siblings in therapeutic interventions, which entails educating siblings on strategies that promote social interaction and play skills. For example, sibling sessions may include using visual cues to prompt siblings to help their autistic siblings take turns during gameplay or sharing toys.

Exline received her undergraduate degree at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and then pursued her master’s degree in educational psychology with a concentration in ABA at Baylor University. Exline will graduate in August 2024 with her Ph.D. in educational psychology, specializing in ABA. She recently defended her dissertation, which looked at giving children with autism the option to choose between receiving intervention or no intervention at all to help with their challenging behavior. The study found that all participants preferred to receive some form of intervention rather than none at all. Exline said, “My research focuses on making behavior interventions more socially acceptable for caregivers, teachers, and individuals receiving the intervention. I aim to create meaningful change for children and families coping with challenging behavior.” Exline stated, “I believe in the importance of my work, particularly in dispelling the negative stigma attached to ABA. By allowing participants to choose between intervention and no intervention, I strive to show that not only do clients benefit from it, but the clients also prefer it. Reducing challenging behavior creates pathways for skill development and access to various life opportunities.”

In 2023, Exline published her first-author experimental study, which was based on her master's thesis. The study examined whether coaching caregivers through video calls could help them use specific schedules at home. The goal was to see if this approach could help children learn how to communicate better and, thus, reduce challenging behavior. The intervention proved to be successful for all participants.

After graduation, Exline will begin a postdoctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, working with children with severe challenging behavior in the inpatient unit. Exline said, “She looks forward to continuing her research and contributing to supporting families seeking help for their children.” Exline reflected on an earlier experience where she worked with a three-year-old girl who was living with a foster family and engaged in severe challenging behavior due to deficits in communication. She helped her learn to communicate her wants and needs using picture cards, which resulted in more fruitful interactions with her family. Exline said, “My ultimate goal is to contribute to the well-being and success of individuals with challenging behavior. I am excited to continue this mission in my future endeavors.”

Through early intervention research and the implementation of evidence-based strategies, Exline strives to promote effective communication for individuals with disabilities. Though her focus is on teaching critical communication skills that result in a reduction of challenging behavior, the reach of her work extends well beyond the child. The outcomes positively enhance interactions across the family unit as well.  As she begins a postdoctoral fellowship, her ongoing research will continue to support individuals with disabilities and advance the field of ABA.