The University of West Florida is in the process of developing a University Insitute in Applied Behavior Analysis. This Institute will serve as the flagship demonstration project within the UWF Consortium for Applied Behavior Analysis in the areas of diagnosis, intervention, education, and research.

Mission statement: To provide a model demonstration of Behavior Analytic principles in practice relevant to diagnosis, intervention, education, and research to benefit (a) Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disabilities across the lifespan, (b) Families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disabilities, (c) School and community based service providers, (d) University graduate and undergraduate students studying Special Education and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) curriculum, and (e) our regional and national community through the Consortium for Applied Behavior Analysis.

History:Applied Behavior Analysis is the only empirically supported intervention that demonstrates meaningful differences in the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Attaining Board Certification is the highest level of professional status in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and is required by insurance companies for services related to Autism.

Dr. Leasha M. Barry, Ph.D., BCBA created internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate programs offered at the University of West Florida providing curriculum, degree plans, and supervised experiences required for students to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. The University of West Florida is currently 1 of 10 universities worldwide that is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to offer all levels of curriculum and supervision required to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Assistant Behavior Analyst. Graduates of Dr. Barry’s program are guaranteed admission to take the national board exam, currently recognized in 26 countries. Other universities that offer these programs worldwide include Zinman College Wingate Institute, Israel; University of Waikato, New Zealand; Western Michigan University; University of North Texas; St. Cloud State University; Southern Illinois University; San Diego State University; Pennsylvania State University; Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Barry and her students provide services to the Gulf Coast community by creating community partnerships focusing on intervention, education, and research for the benefit of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or related disabilities through the UWF Consortium for Autism and Behavior Analysis. As a collection, these community associations and partnerships have impacted our community in significant ways. For instance, graduates of Dr. Barry’s program have served as lead behavior analysts for our local school districts (Baldwin County, Escambia County, & Santa Rosa County), as lead teachers for the Autism Society of the Panhandle’s ‘Kids for Camp,’ and have conducted research to demonstrate the benefits of the Multi-Sensory Complex at Escambia Westgate School.