7b September 18, 2026: Decoding Behavior in Children and Youth

7b September 18, 2026: Decoding Behavior in Children and Youth

Date: September 18, 2026 

Time: 1-4 PM  

Modality: Live In-Person

Location: Il Monastero, 3050 Olive St., Saint Louis, 63103

Presenter: Heather Lewis, M.S.W., Ed.S., BCBA 

This is a virtual course, and will take place over Zoom. 

A link to this virtual course will be sent one week prior to the event. 

$45.00 SLU Alumni and pre-registered SLU practicum instructors 

$65.00 All others 

Title: Decoding Behavior in Children and Youth: Functional Assessment and Case Conceptualization in Social Work Practice 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify and describe the four primary functions of behavior and apply direct and indirect assessment strategies to determine behavioral function in children and youth. 
  1. Analyze contextual and developmental factors beyond behavioral function, including trauma, emotional regulation, and environmental influences, that impact intervention success. 
  1. Define emotional flexibility and evaluate how it influences behavior through a behaviorally based lens, including how it can be strengthened or weakened in young clients. 
  1. Apply a comprehensive case conceptualization model that links functional behavior assessment to coordinated, individualized, and system-sensitive treatment planning for children and youth that can be used by school social workers and those working with children and youth. 


Course Description:
Effective social work practice with children and youth requires a deep understanding of why behaviors occur and how to respond in ways that promote meaningful change. This CE course provides a comprehensive overview of behavior function, assessment strategies, and emotionally responsive intervention planning. Social workers will explore the four primary functions of behavior and learn how to assess them using both direct and indirect methods. Going beyond functional analysis, the course highlights the critical role of contextual variables, such as trauma history, environmental stressors, emotional regulation, shaping behavior, and influencing treatment outcomes. Participants will engage with a behaviorally informed model of emotional flexibility to understand how emotional responses can be strengthened or weakened over time and how this affects observable behavior in children and adolescents. Using a structured case conceptualization model, attendees will integrate assessment data into holistic and coordinated treatment plans. This model supports consistent, individualized, and system-oriented practice that avoids fragmented interventions and enhances collaboration across caregivers, educators, and multidisciplinary teams. 


Bio:
Heather Lewis, M.S.W., Ed.S., BCBA, serves a dual role as the Assistant Director of Field Education for students pursuing their MSW or MS ABA degrees as well as clinical faculty in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at Saint Louis University. Heather is a Social Worker and Licensed Behavior Analyst, consulting in school, home, and clinic-based settings for over 20 years.       

Price:

$65.00