Eitan Eldar, PhD, BCBA-D

איתן אלדר Eldar

ABA Studies

www.eitaneldar.com

Email Eitan Eldar, PhD, BCBA-D

Interview with Joe Dagen, PhD

“I use the science of behavior every day! The energy industry is very exciting, and now more than ever.”

Interview with Kent Johnson, PhD

“I tutored 40 kids when I was 9-12 years old. In college, I became passionate about…catering to children who could do better if we taught them better. Behavior analysis was the vehicle for me to make gains in education.”

Interview with Lori Ludwig, PhD

“I’ve worked in a variety of industries including automotive, human services, non-profit, print, retail, and oil and gas across a range of companies, from global Fortune 500s, creative start-ups, to local small businesses.”

Interview with Rob Holdsambeck, PhD, BCBA‑D

“Getting a child with Autism to communicate with signs, symbols or words when they previously used ‘meltdowns.’…I am happy that the company I created gives opportunities to these kids (and also lots of jobs to talented ABA professionals).”

Interview with Charles Catania, PhD

“We need to find more and better ways to educate the general public about our science.”

Interview with Francis Mechner, PhD

“If you want to make advances in your field, don’t stay in the safe and fashionable middle, go for the edges.”

Interview with Philip Hineline, PhD

“While Skinner was a very nice guy he was often demonized. Many people only accept behavior analysis after they see the practical applications.”

Interview with Andy Lattal, PhD

“I am most proud of the 43 doctoral students I have trained, and the numerous sabbatical visitors who have spent time working with me. These people are the future of our field…”

Interview with Ronnie Detrich

“Behavior analysts should work on speaking to a broader audience in ways that the audience is receptive to and finding ways to disseminate and tell our story more effectively.”

Interview with Ramona Houmanfar, PhD

“I’m proud of my students and their work, and how we developed a line of research related to communication/verbal behavior and RFT/rule governance in organizations. Developing your niche is hard to do and takes courage.”

Interview with Janet S. Twyman, PhD, BCBA, LBA

…my approach is the same: make sure the behavior is doable; ensure there’s motivation and environmental support; reduce or eliminate coercion; always look to the contingencies.

Interview with Dwight Harshbarger

“This stuff is powerful, I’m gonna keep doing it.”

In Memory of Beth Sulzer-Azaroff from Trustee Kent Johnson

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies...

In Memory and Honor of H.S. Pennypacker

Dear Friends of the Cambridge Center for...

Interview with Thomas Zane, PhD, BCBA-D

“Different jobs teach you different skills, and the more you expose yourself to situations, the more you will learn.”

Interview conducted by Sorah Stein

Dr. Eldar is head of the Applied Behavior Analysis program at the Kibbutzim College – Israel, and serves as the chairman of the Israeli Applied Behavior Analysis Association. Dr. Eldar published books and papers in the area of Teacher Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Developed the model – “Educating through the Physical”, integrating physical activity and games as a context for value education and behavioral rehabilitation. Dr. Eldar supervises programs in the area of inclusion of Autistic children into the education system, communication improvement, and value education at home and at school and dealing with challenging behaviors at these settings. He also developed a comprehensive clinical program for Wucailu – an organization for supporting children with ASD – based in Beijing, China. During the last 7 years, 3 centers have been established in Beijing – all provide services to families arriving from all over China.

How and /or why did you get into the field?

My career began in physical education – teacher education, when I realized that I could combine that with clinical work, so I pursued a PhD at The Ohio State University, where I met Siedentop, Cooper, Heron, and Heward, and ultimately connected physical education and applied behavior analysis. When I returned to Israel, I started the first academic program for teaching applied behavior analysis – at the Physical Education College at the Wingate Institute.

What do you think is your most important accomplishment?

Definitely playing a major role in bringing applied behavior analysis to Israel. When I started in 1989, there were only a few behavior analysts in the country. We began an instructional program in 1990 with three students. Now there are over a hundred students and more than 10 staff in that program, plus a few other programs in Israel. Additionally, writing the ABA textbook in Hebrew and helping to establish ABA centers in China are among the accomplishments with which I am very happy.

What is your favorite thing about behavior analysis?

I enjoy how much theory and practice are well bonded. Every thing in every day can be explained by theory; yet, we can still be romantic and do the unexpected.

What advice would you give to students just beginning their careers in applied behavior analysis?

Make sure you acquire a broad basis in Applied Behavior Analysis, including the philosophical, theoretical, and experimental foundations.

Do you have any “must read” books for students?

Make sure you read as many skinner’s books as possible.

Interview with Eitan Eldar, PhD, BCBA‑D