Neurodiversity: A Behavior Analyst’s Perspective

Nicolosi and colleagues wrote a position paper. They argue that behavior analysts must join the neurodiversity movement.

The authors say we should speak up for non-speaking autistic people who need lots of daily help. These clients often benefit from ABA, yet their voices are left out of the debate.

The paper does not report new data. Instead, it makes a moral point.

The field must add inclusive advocacy to our code of ethics. We should defend ABA while also listening to the very people who can’t tweet or testify.

Allen et al. (2024) give the how-to guide that matches this rally cry. They tell you to use identity-first language, check assent every day, and invite Autistic adults to your social-validity meetings.

Flowers et al. (2023) fill in another blank. They show exactly how to gain therapeutic assent from clients who use few or no words. Their step-by-step tool turns the target paper’s “include them” into doable session moves.

Oakley et al. (2025) push the idea even further. They ask us to let autistic youth co-design their own goals. Together, the four papers form a ladder: advocate for inclusion, secure assent, share power, then co-write the treatment plan.

You can start today. In your next team meeting, put a photo of each non-speaking client on the wall. Ask: “How do we know this person agrees to work?” Use the assent tips from Flowers et al. and the language tweaks from Allen et al. Small moves like these turn the big advocacy idea into real dignity in your room.