Ethics Dialogue: Spelling to Communicate – Reply by Thomas Zane
Your ethical duty is to refuse spelling-to-communicate because it lacks evidence.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Zane wrote a short position paper. He told BCBAs to stop using spelling-to-communicate.
He said the method has no science behind it. He reminded readers that our Code says we must use only proven tools.
What they found
The paper does not give new data. It gives a clear rule: if a practice lacks proof, you must say no.
Even when parents beg you. Even when the school team already bought the letter board.
How this fits with other research
Johnson (2022) made the same kind of call. That paper told us to drop Rekers & Lovaas (1974) from our teaching lists. Both papers say the same thing: outdated or unproven work must go.
Hantula (2022) sounds like it clashes. That paper claims the BACB Code is useless for OBM. Zane, however, uses the Code as the very reason to reject spelling-to-communicate. The gap is about setting, not truth. Zane speaks to direct ABA service, while Hantula talks about big workplace systems.
Hickey et al. (2021) also warns about harm. It tells autism-screening researchers to count possible harm, not just benefit. Zane applies the same worry to therapy: if we cannot show gain, the risk alone is reason to stop.
Why it matters
You may face a team that wants spelling-to-communicate next week. This paper gives you firm ground to refuse. You can cite the BACB Code and this position statement. Saying no protects the client and keeps your license safe.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Quigley and colleagues (2024, Behavior Analysis in Practice, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01001-4) described a treatment recommendation scenario within a multidisciplinary team setting for an adult with a developmental disability. The authors presented the information in a standard format to share how the involved parties identified, evaluated, and responded to the recommendation based upon their understanding of ethical decision-making. The core ethical principles mandated by behavioral ethics were described precisely, with the required recommendation crystal clear and unwavering. The recipient of such advise would know exactly what to think and how to react to such a treatment recommendation should they be in a similar situation in their respective clinical setting.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2025 · doi:10.1007/s40617-024-01023-y