Self Concept and Autism
with Dr. Shelby Dorsey
Behavior Bites Podcast - Ep17June 28, 2023Do you ever wonder how people perceive you? Do you wish you could create an anonymous survey to see what people really think about you? Today’s guest did just that!
During today’s meal — Dr. Shelby Dorsey and I discuss her self-concept project, learning from failures, and the start of AI in behavior analysis.
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Amuse-Bouche
What was the favorite thing you ate or drank today?
Appetizers
How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
What’s the story behind your self-concept study?
Palate Cleanser
Do you tend to eat the same meals, or would you rather have different meals every day?
Entree
When was a time you failed and what did you learn from that experience?
What’s something people misunderstand about you or are generally surprised to find out?
Dessert
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
Nightcap
Tell us about your conference presentation about ChatGPT
Excerpts from the Episode
(*Paraphrased highlights)-
I can't describe myself. I don't know what I'm like when I leave a social situation. I usually ask my husband to describe what I seemed like, or what did they think of me? I've never been able to gather people's first impressions of me, and I don't really think of other people's opinions— which is a really nice way that my brain works, so I don't have those kind of intrusive thoughts.
I created a research survey that basically asked, on whatever level you know me, to describe me— questions like, would you consider Shelby friendly? A couple of people said I wasn't friendly, and I thought, I wish I knew where I knew them from, because I can definitely see how you wouldn't think that I'm friendly if you meet me somewhere where I'm not really paying attention, or I'm overwhelmed, or I'm moving fast.
Overall, the results of the survey have been amazing. Maybe I can figure out some key pieces of why self-concept seems to be particularly difficult for people with autism. We historically find it difficult to just engage with self-concept, and know how the social world perceives us and receives us.
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People are generally surprised at how I interact socially in real life. Most people see me on the internet— my Instagram is me in all aspects of my life. It's as if you are seeing the real story or the behind-the-scenes.
In real life, I operate social situations like many other autistic people— I am masked and observing the surroundings to see what is expected of me. As a result, I’m pretty stiff in public.
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I wrote a horrible IEP behavior reduction plan in 2014 as a special education teacher. I don’t remember what I wrote, but I know it was not within my competency at the time. I have a fear that someday I will publish something big and someone will go dig out that IEP and be like— SHE’S A QUACK! So I always acknowledge it’s out there— I guess as a form of acceptance and defusion.
If I could go back in time, there are a million other ways I would have handled the situation. I knew it was a failure when I turned it in. I just didn't know what to do at the time.
Reflecting on those failures has really helped me, because every time I turn in a treatment plan I always think— this is a person's medical record, these are children's lives that I'm I'm holding in my paperwork, and I don't know that everyone takes that as seriously as they should.
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Me and my husband are super tech nerds and the minute ChatGPT was open to the public, we immediately got on and spent an ungodly amount of time on it.
I thought about how it could help me as a human, so I started using it as a tool; as a communication device. Like, this is what I want to say, but I want to say it in 300 words with two learning objectives. Writing that, otherwise, was really a hard part for me. So I wrote an entire presentation on ChatGPT using ChatGPT, submitted it, and got accepted to present at WIBA.
This is revolutionary for people like me, because I have the knowledge in my head, but I don't have some of the skills that it requires to process it.
I'm really excited and I think that AI is scary. I think AI is dangerous, and I think AI is all the things that the internet is. I love the internet and I love AI. My goal with my first presentation and my dissemination efforts is to get in front of the scary stuff, and shine a light on a tool that, as an autistic person, has been life changing. The time-saving and analytic abilities of AI will revolutionize the field of behavior analysis, and I can’t wait to share my experience and insight with everyone.
ABOUT Shelby
Shelby Dorsey, PhD, BCBA, LBA (her)
(Bio written by ChatGPT)
Shelby Dorsey, PhD, BCBA, LBA is a 33-year-old biological female who currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services at Waypoint Behavioral Health Solutions. Alongside her role, she is the owner of theSD.store, an online apparel shop that aims to reinforce the dissemination of behavioral science. Through this platform, Shelby strives to raise awareness and promote understanding of the importance of behavioral science in our daily lives.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Shelby is actively engaged as a Consultant and Mentor through SD Consulting, where she shares her expertise and provides guidance to individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their understanding of behavioral science and improve their practices. She is also involved in real estate investment and property management through SD Properties.
Personally, Shelby is happily married to her husband, Jalen, and she is a proud parent to her two incredible children, Tatum (15) and Violet (3). As a late-diagnosed autistic individual who also copes with chronic illness and ADHD, she is passionate about advocating for neurodiversity and providing support to others facing similar circumstances. Her goal is to make a positive impact through education, empathy, and fostering a more inclusive society.
Connect with Shelby
* Follow Shelby on Instagram — @drshelbydorsey* Follow her on Facebook — Shelby Dorsey* Shop her amazing designs! — thesd.store
* Take her Survey — Self Concept & Autism ( A survey about Shelby)* Check out her CEU Event, July 21, 2023 — "The Future of Behavior Analysis: Using ChatGPT to Revolutionize Intervention and Support"
Visit my Podcast page to learn more about Behavior Bites!
