Behavior Development Special Interest Group

The DEV SIG is represented in the ABAI annual convention program in the area of Human Development (DEV) and boasts perhaps the widest variety of research of any area. The SIG represents the long history of innovations in behavior analysis and identification of conceptual underpinnings, including the intercept between language and development, from infancy to adulthood.  A recent focus has been research in verbal behavior that has indicated sources for the development of behavioral cusps and derived relations. Examples of research in the DEV area include the identification of critical verbal behavior developmental cusps and establishing them when they are missing (e.g., observing responses such as eye contact, social referencing, joint attention); establishing academic skills such as reading; assisting individuals at all stages of life learn self-help and leisure skills; stage theories of development; and much more. The DEV SIG’s membership includes faculty, students, and practitioners, many of whom are also members of other SIGs (e.g., Autism, Verbal Behavior) and are interested in the DEV SIG’s mission, conference program, and discussions.  Our SIG has 80 current members.  We have a large international presence, with countries including Norway, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Spain, China, UK, Bosnia, Canada, and France represented.  One primary focus of the upcoming year will be growing our membership.  Students from programs affiliated with the SIG and others whose interests align with our mission will be encouraged to join.  We are open to a variety of ideas and research interests and we welcome new members!