Social inequities in healthcare are well-known, but curaJOY has been conducting groundbreaking research into how AI and machine learning can provide better access to behavioral health services for marginalized families around the globe.
Behavioral health challenges impact millions globally, yet access to care remains unequal. With only 4.7% of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) practicing outside North America, many marginalized communities face significant barriers to quality care. curaJOY is addressing this gap with groundbreaking research on using AI to automate Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)—a critical tool for understanding and improving behavior.
At the 23rd IEEE/WIC International Conference on Web Intelligence and Intelligent Agent Technology (WI-IAT 2024), curaJOY shared its latest findings during the AI for Social Good workshop. Their study, “Using LLMs to Analyze Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence Narrative Recordings in Behavioral Health Science,” highlights how AI can enhance access to evidence-based interventions worldwide.
Behavioral health not only influences personal well-being but also shapes regional economic stability and public health outcomes. Despite its importance, resources are often insufficient where they’re needed most.
The Cost of Disparities: Youth in marginalized communities bear the brunt of these inequities. While Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) are legally mandated for students suspended for 10 days or more, the reality is starkly different. Many schools lack the resources or expertise to conduct FBAs effectively, leaving students without critical interventions. This failure often pushes vulnerable youth closer to the school-to-prison pipeline, where behavioral challenges are punished rather than addressed.
“Behavioral health strongly influences a region’s economic outlook and public health, but resources are insufficient, often in communities with the highest needs,” says Caitlyn Wang, CEO of curaJOY. “Our team has been working on training AI to safely and accurately conduct key psychoeducational assessments. This has the dual advantage of helping clinicians provide better care and allowing families to access evidence-based interventions.”
curaJOY’s research focuses on automating FBAs, which are essential for understanding behaviors and planning effective interventions. Trials show their AI-driven methods achieve 82% accuracy in identifying antecedents and 72% in labeling consequences, significantly outperforming the 50% accuracy typically achieved in clinical environments.
By identifying the root causes of problematic behaviors, curaJOY’s work makes a meaningful dent in the school-to-prison pipeline. Automated FBAs provide schools with actionable insights to support students rather than resorting to punitive measures, creating a more equitable and supportive educational environment.
AI isn’t replacing humans—it’s a tool to amplify their capabilities. By automating time-consuming tasks like FBAs, curaJOY’s technology empowers providers to extend their reach and address critical care gaps.
“With this technology, we can equalize behavioral health expertise and access globally,” Wang explains. “It has the potential to bridge gaps in care and support those in need worldwide.”
curaJOY envisions a future where health and educational institutions worldwide can use AI-driven solutions to streamline psychoeducational assessments and focus on improving accessibility for marginalized communities.
curaJOY’s work is just the beginning. By addressing systemic barriers and identifying the root causes of behavioral challenges, they are creating real solutions for families and schools. Learn more about their research or find out how you can contribute by visiting https://curajoy.org.
