Annie Shao

My unwavering passion for behavior analysis was shaped by my upbringing in a medical household where I was exposed to hospitals and the behavior and expressions of patients. Growing up, I became increasingly fascinated with the intricacies of human behavior and the impact that environmental factors have on our actions. As a result of this fascination, I pursued psychology as a major in my undergraduate studies, where I gained a good understanding of both the historical and empirical foundations of psychology, as well as the science of well-being.

It was during my undergraduate studies that I first encountered children with autism and witnessed the unique challenges they face in their daily lives. As I conducted the mentoring research project, I saw the struggles of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These experiences, combined with discussions with my professors, sparked my interest in using behavior analysis to intervene and modify their behaviors while understanding the complex variables that contribute to their needs. I have come to understand that Applied Behavior Analysis offers evidence-based interventions that can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. A behavior analyst can identify the specific environmental factors that contribute to behavior by breaking complex behaviors down into smaller, measurable units, thereby creating interventions that are effective in modifying the behavior. As I delve deeper into the field of ABA, I am excited to learn more about the various intervention strategies and techniques that have been developed through rigorous research and testing.