Ann Beirne, M.A. BCBA

Bio:

Ann Beirne, M.A. BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over two decades of experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Ms. Beirne is passionate about the importance of professional development for students of behavior analysis, as well as emerging and seasoned behavior analysts. She has professionals on five continents and consults with centers serving individuals with autism all over the world as the Director of Professional Development at the Global Autism Project, a not-for-profit service organization with which she has had an association for over a decade.

Ms. Beirne is co-author of the textbook Understanding Ethics in Behavior Analysis: Practical Applications 2nd Edition available from Routledge Publishing in 2021.

Ms. Beirne's areas of interest include ethics, staff and parent training, telehealth, and dissemination of behavior analysis methodologies. Ms. Beirne obtained her B.A. from Binghamton University and her M.A. from Columbia University Teachers College specializing in early childhood special education. She was a premier recipient of the Elijah Foundation Scholarship. She is currently in the special education doctoral program at the Fischler College of Education at Nova Southeastern University. She also has a background in musical theater and opera and was leader of song at St. Augustine's RC Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She lives in New York City with her husband and three children.

Abstract:

Chapter 7: BULLYING
Queen Bees, Wannabees, Bee-havior Analysts: Looking at Bullying through a Behavioral Lens

Workplace bullying is an issue that many employees face, including those in the field of behavior analysis. The impact of bullying behavior can be detrimental to the health and well-being of employees as well as their productivity and can cost businesses tens of millions in lost work hours. In the following chapter, we explore the concepts of personal morality and professional ethics, as well as a definition of what constitutes “bullying.” The social contingencies that may affect the frequency of bullying and create safer environments for employees are examined. Readers are also encouraged to take stock of their own biases and behavior, both in terms of avoiding bullying and addressing it.