Daniel Openden, Ph.D., BCBA-D is president and CEO of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Openden is a board-certified behavior analyst-doctoral (BCBA-D) and is licensed as a behavior analyst in Arizona. He has expertise in developing training programs for teaching parents and professionals to implement Pivotal Response Treatment, a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment model for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Openden has worked extensively with families with children, adolescents and adults with ASD; provided consulting and training for school districts across the country; presented research at regional, state, national and international conventions; and served as associate editor for the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions from 2008 to 2013.

Dr. Openden also is an adjunct professor at Arizona State University and serves on the Autism Speaks Family Services Committee; Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research; ASU President’s Advisory Community Council; Feeding Matters Medical Professional Council; and the Arizona Autism Coalition Advisory Committee. He also is a founding member of the Council on Autism Service Providers, a networking organization that brings together residents, CEOs, executive directors, clinical directors and program directors to share high-level information and identify gaps facing service delivery organizations.

Dr. Openden graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s and Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in special education, disability and risk studies.