ABACLive Webinar with Dr. Michelle Sereno
Presented through the ABACLive Cambridge Center Series. Helping those who help others, one live webinar at a time.
CCBS Advisor Michelle Sereno, PhD, BCBA-D, presents “All the Shoves Before: Trauma-Informed Assessment in the Context of Familial Trauma“
Friday, June 12, 2026
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Eastern/NY)
Recordings available until 06/28/26
This event is FREE for the general public. Or available for a discounted price with:
This Program is Approved for the Following CE Credit Types:
- 0.2 IACET CEUs
- 2.0 BACB CEUs: Ethics
- 2.0 QABA CEUs: Trauma-Informed Care
- 2.0 IBAO CEUs: Ethics
- See more information in brochure for ACE Provider Statements.
Register on ABAC Website – FREE (NO CEs)
Register on ABAC Website to Earn Continuing Education
Abstract
Trauma responses can be understood as learned behaviors shaped by histories of overwhelming aversive experiences. Familial trauma, including intimate partner violence and child abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, is highly prevalent and represents a critical contextual variable influencing behavior across development. Nearly 63% of U.S. adults report at least one adverse childhood experience, with prevalence estimates reaching up to 84% among autistic individuals (Aslam et al., 2024; Reuben et al., 2021). Consequently, behavior analysts are likely to encounter trauma‑related variables across applied, experimental, and academic settings.
Effective application of trauma‑informed care (TIC) within behavior analysis requires a functional understanding of behavior that accounts for trauma‑related learning histories. Gaps in formal training and mentorship limit many behavior analysts’ ability to identify trauma‑related variables, increasing the risk of incomplete assessment and ineffective or potentially harmful intervention.
The goal of this event is to enhance behavior analysts’ understanding of trauma responses as learned behaviors selected over time in the context of overwhelming aversive interpersonal experiences. Learners will leave with an increased awareness of how trauma‑related variables may influence behavior, consistent with BACB ethical standards for client welfare, professional competence, supervision, and harm reduction. General guidelines will be suggested for practicing with cultural humility in the context of familial trauma. The presentation will close with suggestions for behavior analysts to contribute to a more trauma-informed world through research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and active allyship.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this event, participants should be able to:
- Discriminate characteristics of a culturally humble, trauma-informed functional assessment framework.
- Analyze responses to trauma-related stimuli in terms of respondent and operant conditioning processes.
- Identify functional-contextual variables potentially influencing contingencies of reinforcement/punishment in the context of familial trauma.
- Distinguish trauma-informed caregiver coaching behaviors in the context of familial trauma.
- Identify at least 3 ethical considerations related to scope of competence when practicing ABA in the context of familial trauma.
Presenter Bio
Michelle Sereno, Ph.D., BCBA-D earned her master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and her doctorate from the Chicago School. Doctor Sereno has greater than 20 years of applied experience partnering with clients across home, school, and community settings. She currently serves as Regional Senior Behavior Analyst for a community-based foster care agency. Doctor Sereno’s primary research area is problematic bias in relation to familial trauma. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including Trauma, Violence, & Abuse and Research on Social Work Practice. Doctor Sereno is passionate about applying ABA toward socially meaningful change for families experiencing trauma and abuse.
Presenter Meets July 2026 BACB CE Instructor Requirements: BCBA-D, a minimum of 3 years teaching, presenting, or mentoring on topic, and topic-related peer reviewed research
*This event is FREE for the general public. For those that want a certificate of completion for continuing education credits please purchase the discounted CEs. Register on ABAC Website – FREE (NO CEs)
This event is being offered at the discounted ABACLive Cambridge Center Series price for CEUs (Learning). Behavior Analysts may earn continuing education for viewing the live event or recording. Behavior Analysts: 2 CEUs (Learning) Register on ABAC Website to Earn Continuing Education
The ABACLive Cambridge Center Series of webinars are presented by Board of Directors, Trustees, Advisors, Senior Fellows of the prestigious Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.
The ABACLive Cambridge Center Series is the result of a collaboration between The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies (CCBS) and The Applied Behavior Analysis Center, Inc (ABAC) designed to make behavioral health education accessible to the global community of professionals working to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Register on ABAC Website – FREE (NO CEs)
Register on ABAC Website to Earn Continuing Education
Go to ABAC Website for ongoing continuing education opportunities.