Tip #102- Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, data reflected in 2023 the utilization of AI tripled from the previous year (Adler, 2023). Statics also reflects currently the AI market is around $279 billion, an increase of $80 billion since 2023 with a compound annual growth rate of 37.3% from 2024-2030 (Grand View Research, Inc., n.d).
In 2024, if you're a BCBA that is not utilizing AI within 80% of your daily practices. My friend be mentally prepared to utilize AI more consistently in the future. Most agencies look at AI as a tool to increase productivity and effectiveness. Yet, there are still many concerns surrounding AI such as the risk of data dissimulation, ethical barriers, and hackers.
Whether you are providing direct impact (I.e., working directly with the RBTs, Direct support staff, and families) or more on an organizational level (I.e., State Director, Supervisor overseeing mutiple BCBAs).
Below are some things to consider as we gradually fade into utilizing AI in our daily practices.
-Ethics: Staying up to date with the BACB's ethics code on best practices utilizing ABA and AI. Currently, there are no specific ethical points identified in our ethics code. But the current ethics can be disseminated to AI practices (Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts).
-Research: Attend seminars within all job sectors to identify how AI tools can be utilized within your daily practice. It is recommended you gain clarity from leadership first before implementing any AI resources. Most organizations have bylaws and rules around the use of AI and how it can be applied
- Resources such as Grammarly, ChatGPT, Zoom features "AI Companion"
- Sign up to free Alpaca Assistant: www.alpacahealth.io
-Consent: Notify clients how you're utilizing AI as an assessment tool. It is highly recommended to make them aware during the initial intake process. Ensure the client is aware of how the tools will be used and the protection surrounding the company's data.
-Back-Up Plan: Identify different ways to still do your job effectively. This way if something happens to your AI systems you can continue services and minimize the lapse of service. Go old school by using paper and pen or identify systems within your daily practice such as, saving information to a USB drive or printing out hard copies.
Below are some resources addressing the use of AI within the workplace:
- Navigating the Ethical Terrain of Generative AI in Behavior Analysis: A Three-Part Series
- The Promises and Possibilities of Artificial Intelligence in the Delivery of Behavior Analytic Services
- The impact of artificial intelligence on human society and bioethics
- Starting the Conversation Around the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Applied Behavior Analysis
References:
Adler, M, (2023, August 15). HHS’s artificial intelligence use cases more than triple from previous year. FEDSCOOP. https://fedscoop.com/hhs-ai-use-cases-more-than-triple/
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