Our Mission
The BARC’s mission is to use behavior analytic principles to help people reach their goals; whether it’s teaching a child to request attention instead of engaging in problem behavior, an adolescent to have a conversation with their peers, a clinician or parent to more effectively teach a new skill, or an undergraduate student to conduct research.
What We Do
The BARC uses behavior analytic principles to increase and maintain adaptive behavior, reduce problematic behavior, teach new skills, and facilitate the generalization of these skills to other contexts. Initially, we identify individualized goals with input from caregivers. Next, we conduct specialized assessments to inform treatment. Finally, following successful improvement of the targeted behavior, we conduct caregiver training and test for generalization and maintenance.
The BARC engages in various research projects that help us evaluate the effectiveness of our assessments and interventions. This ensures that the strategies we use are empirically validated best practices. In fact, we are involved in the identification of those practices through our lines of research on assessment and treatment of problem behavior, food refusal and selectivity, social skills, and skill deficits related to developmental disabilities. Additionally, we are able to provide high quality services for our clients because we are staffed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and PhD and masters-level experts in the field. Students at all levels are able to receive training and participate in supervised service-learning opportunities.
Who We Are
The BARC is led by Dr. Tim Vollmer, Ph.D., BCBA-D and the BARC clinical director, Kerri Peters, Ph.D., BCBA-D. Drs. Vollmer and Peters supervise post-doctoral associates, graduate students, and undergraduate students in Dr. Vollmer’s lab during their provision of behavior analytic services. The BARC provides services in our on-campus clinic, local clinics, homes, and schools.
BARC Collaborations
Florida Autism Center
The BARC is excited to be collaborating with the Florida Autism Center. BARC provides behavior analytic services for the FAC Gainesville site and peer review consultative services to all FAC locations. The University of Florida’s mission includes research, education, and service as stated objectives. Partnering with FAC has allowed BARC to better accomplish these goals. Through this partnership, BARC graduate and undergraduate students are able to participate in educational, patient care, and administrative matters. Additionally, FAC receives high-quality peer review services from experts in the field in order to ensure on-going best practice.
UF Health Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment
The BARC is excited to be collaborating with several faculty and affiliates of the University of Florida in the development of the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (UF Health CAN). BARC will soon begin to provide services related to food refusal and selectivity, social skills, and problem behavior. Contact us or continue to check our website and social media accounts for updates regarding the progress of UF Health CAN and the BARC’s role in its development.
About Applied Behavior Analysis
ABA is based on scientifically validated procedures and relies on direct observation, measurement, and analysis of behavior. It is currently the only treatment for autism with enough independent scientific research to be endorsed as effective by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Surgeon General. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a range of complex developmental disorders characterized by communication difficulties, social impairments, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. There is also a substantial research base indicating the effectiveness of ABA procedures for individuals with other intellectual and developmental disabilities; however, there is often limited funding available for individuals who could benefit.
More Information
For more information about the Behavior Analysis Research Clinic, please contact us. Additional information about Applied Behavior Analysis can be found on the following websites: