Emily Ice, BCBA, PHD Student
Step-in Autism Services of Alaska, LLC

I am a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). I have been assisting children and adults with developmental disabilities obtain maximal independence since 2001. I am experienced in organizational behavior management and have been operating a mid-sized practice since 2010 in the Fairbanks, AK area with a recent expansion to the Monument, CO area. I am continuously engaged with the national network of ABA experts and work diligently with members to optimize federal and state support for research and treatment of autism and related disorders. I am obtaining my doctorate of Psychology with a specialization in ABA and a doctoral dissertation focusing on behavioral sleep treatment.

How did you get interested in BSM?

As a Behavior Analyst, most of my clients experience sleep disturbances. As I began my pursuit for my PhD, I decided to examine the research in the area of behavioral sleep treatment. It was a beautiful revelation that a field existed with just that aim! Over the past three years, I have refined my topic to focus on the dissemination of behavioral sleep treatment within the behavior analytic community. The application of behaviorist technologies to treatment of sleep disturbances has been a rewarding experience.

What are your career goals?

Part of my career goal is to apply behavioral sleep treatment to improve the quality of lives for families experiencing the impacts of an autism diagnoses. Additionally, I believe Behavior Analysts are primed for assisting with dissemination of behavioral sleep technologies. As such, I would like to be an advocate for the field of BSM and encourage Behavior Analysts to seek the additional trainings and mentorship that this field has to offer.

Where would you like to see the field of BSM in 10 years?

The social significance of this field is great. I would love to see expansion of funding opportunities and licensure for increasing patient access to services. Additionally, I would like to see BSM incorporated into training for Behavior Analysts. Research indicates up to 80% of children with Autism experience sleep disturbances. Many of these children are under the care of a Behavior Analyst. Rather than see those children all end up on pharmaceuticals, I would like to see Behavior Analysts with specialty BSM training develop treatment protocols for the families.

What experiences have helped shape your training in BSM?

The experience of having a child who struggled with sleep disturbances for her first 6 years embedded empathy and understanding to those clients with whom I now consult. Additionally, my behavior analytic background has provided a strong foundation from which to grow the application to BSM.