Dr. Stuart Vyse of Skeptical Inquirer on Behavior & Belief

08/07/24 • 60 min

Join us as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Stuart Vyse to discuss a range of compelling topics at the forefront of behavior analysis and autism research. In this episode, Dr. Vyse explores the history of the autism diagnosis and the evolving implications of the spectrum concept. We discuss the ongoing conflict between the autism self-advocacy and neurodiversity movements and the unique challenges faced by individuals on the severe end of the autism spectrum.

Dr. Vyse also addresses the controversial resurgence of facilitated communication and its various modern iterations, including the rapid prompting method, spelling to communicate, and the use of letter boards. We examine the spread of the identity-based neurodiversity movement to other conditions like schizophrenia and the push to introduce a diagnosis for severe autism. Tune in for a compelling conversation that navigates these critical issues, shedding light on the complex landscape of autism advocacy and behavior analysis.

Show Notes/Links:

Texts written by Dr. Vyse:

Believing in magic: The psychology of superstition-updated edition. Oxford University Press, USA. Link: https://bit.ly/3WUD35a

Going broke: Why Americans can't hold on to their money. Oxford University Press. Link:https://bit.ly/4dpONlw

Skeptical Inquirer Selected Works by Dr. Vyse on Behavior & Belief:

Link to articles: https://bit.ly/4dtjdnv

Texts Referenced in the Podcast:

Chasing the intact mind: How the severely autistic and intellectually disabled were excluded from the debates that affect them most. Oxford University Press. Link: https://rb.gy/jbdz2b

Controversial therapies for autism and intellectual disabilities (pp. 3-16). New York: Routledge. Link:https://rb.gy/1otnvj

Referenced Videos, Websites and Papers:

Frontline: Prisoners of Silence (1992) Video: https://rb.gy/aut6bf

Facilitatedcommunication.org was created to counter misleading information about Facilitated Communication and protect the autism community from harm. This forum offers resources, research articles, portrayals in the media, and activism opportunities against facilitated communication.

Mental Illness & the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Dr.Vyse: https://rb.gy/sp3buk

National Council on Severe Autism Website: https://www.ncsautism.org/

Profound Autism Alliance: https://www.profoundautism.org/

Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://asatonline.org/

Special Issue of Communication in Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://rb.gy/7t528z

Show Notes/Links:

Texts written by Dr. Vyse:

Believing in magic: The psychology of superstition-updated edition. Oxford University Press, USA. Link: https://bit.ly/3WUD35a

Going broke: Why Americans can't hold on to their money. Oxford University Press. Link:https://bit.ly/4dpONlw

Skeptical Inquirer Selected Works by Dr. Vyse on Behavior & Belief:

Link to articles: https://bit.ly/4dtjdnv

Texts Referenced in the Podcast:

Chasing the intact mind: How the severely autistic and intellectually disabled were excluded from the debates that affect them most. Oxford University Press. Link: https://rb.gy/jbdz2b

Controversial therapies for autism and intellectual disabilities (pp. 3-16). New York: Routledge. Link:https://rb.gy/1otnvj

Referenced Videos, Websites and Papers:

Frontline: Prisoners of Silence (1992) Video: https://rb.gy/aut6bf

Mental Illness & the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Dr.Vyse: https://rb.gy/sp3buk

National Council on Severe Autism Website: https://www.ncsautism.org/

Profound Autism Alliance: https://www.profoundautism.org/

Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://asatonline.org/

Special Issue of Communication in Association for Science in Autism Treatment: https://rb.gy/7t528z

Previous Episode

World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast with Dr. William Baum

We welcome Dr. William M. Baum to the World Behavior Analysis Day podcast! Dr. Baum has made significant contributions to the field of behavior analysis. He has authored numerous influential journal articles covering a wide array of topics, from laboratory research to philosophical explorations. Two of his most widely cited papers are (1) the empirical and theoretical analysis of choice behavior, which he authored with Rachlin (1969 and 1974). In addition, he has written general philosophical works on behaviorism, focusing on biology and evolution. A consistent contributor to ABAI conventions, he has published 64 quality papers and is an invited presenter for the 2024 Association for Behavior Analysis International.

In this insightful conversation, we explore the concepts of molar and molecular behavior, discuss some of his memories of B.F. Skinner, and dive into Dr. Baum's latest book, "Introduction to Behaviorism: An Evolutionary Perspective." We also touch upon how Eastern philosophies have influenced his perspective on behaviorism. Don't miss this enlightening episode with one of the leading figures in the field.

Show Notes/Links:

Dr. Baum’s Texts Referenced in the Podcast:

Understanding Behaviorism: Behavior, Culture, and Evolution 3rd Edition: https://rb.gy/yrgpwq Introduction to Behavior: An Evolutionary Perspective 1st Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Behavior-Evolutionary-William-Baum/dp/1394184611 Science and Philosophy of Behavior: Selected Papers 1st Edition, Kindle Edition: https://rb.gy/st1s35Selected Papers: From Molecular to Molar: A Paradigm Shift in Behavior Analysis:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1284889/pdf/12144313.pdf Behaviorism, Private Events, and the Molar View of Behavior:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3211378/

Rethinking Reinforcement: Allocation, Induction, and Contingency:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266735/

Radical Behaviorism and the Concept of Agency: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/William-Baum/publication/233815151_Radical_Behaviorism_and_the_Concept_of_Agency/links/09e4150bd58048e2a5000000/Radical-Behaviorism-and-the-Concept-of-Agency.pdf

ABAI 2024 Events for Dr. Baum:

Invited Paper Session#66: Induction Versus Reinforcement and the Molar View of Behavior: 5/25/24: 4PM- 4:50PM

Special Event: #209 A: The Development of Behavior Science: 5/26/24; 9AM-11:50 AM

Panel #355: Significance of Evolutionary Theory and Cultural Design: Advancing Science and Practice of Behavior Analysis: 5/26/24: 6PM- 6:50PM

Next Episode

World Behavior Analysis Day Podcast with Dr. Pat Friman

We're thrilled to welcome you to a special episode of the WBAD Podcast, where Paulie and Janet Enriquez sit down with one of the true luminaries in our field, Dr. Pat Friman. Dr. Friman's influence spans decades, from his role as Vice President of Behavioral Health at Boys Town to his tenure as a Clinical Professor at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. With over 200 scientific publications and a career that bridges academic, clinical, and applied settings, his contributions to behavioral pediatrics, behavioral medicine, and the broader field of behavior analysis are legendary.
This episode dives deep into the role of compassion in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), exploring how integrating a compassionate perspective reshapes behavioral health services. With topics ranging from empathy in practice to the transformative "Circumstances View" of behavior, Dr. Friman's insights challenge and inspire. Tune in for a conversation that promises not only to elevate your understanding but also to ignite a passion for more humane and effective practices in our field.