The intersection of deafness or hearing loss with autism spectrum disorder represents one of the most underserved and clinically complex populations in behavior analysis. Approximately 1 in 59 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) also receive an ASD diagnosis, yet the field of ABA has developed its assessment tools, treatment protocols, and training infrastructure almost exclusively for hearing populations.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Women in Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →1 in 59 Deaf and/or Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) individuals are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Shield & Meier, 2012); however, the road to diagnostic testing to establish an ASD diagnosis, followed by accessing appropriate services, therapies, and interventions within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) are substantial barriers existing for this population. Join Stephanie Dille-Huggins, MA, BCBA®, who has been pioneering providing ABA-based services in the state of Indiana to this population over the last decade, in her call to action as she guides participants through how accessible, ethical, and inclusionary services can be provided to this population. In addition, participants will be provided insights into cultural considerations when working with the Deaf community, as well as effective treatment approaches through ABA-based applications and principles that can be implemented. Furthermore, language deprivation syndrome and its impact on D/HH + ASD individuals when denied access to appropriate services and treatment within our field will be addressed, while helping participants explore their own ethical limitations in providing consultation, services, and treatment. Lastly, participants will be guided through steps that can be taken to increase their scope of competence, provide effective treatment, and further grow in their cultural responsiveness to this population.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
Stephanie Dille-Huggins, a BCBA® and CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult) residing in Indianapolis, Indiana has dedicated her professional career to providing culturally responsive, accessible, and inclusive ABA-based services to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (D/HH + ASD) and their families. Over the span of a decade, Stephanie and her team successfully established one of the nation’s first ABA-based therapy programs for D/HH + ASD individuals incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) and other communication modalities to improve accessibility in communication and treatment outcomes. In addition, Stephanie pursued incorporating commercially available assessments such as Verbal Behavior and Milestones Assessment and Placement Program® (VB-MAPP®) and the Assessment of Functional Living Skills® (AFLS®) through making goals aligned from these assessments culturally responsive and accessible for her patients, further aiding in improving their overall quality of life. During this chapter, Stephanie served at Cornerstone Autism Center as a Clinical Coordinator, first Sign Language Coordinator, then eventually as their first Director of Clinical Education. At the end of 2023, Stephanie accepted the role of Director of Clinical Integration for UNIFI Autism Care where she is working to support the integration of ABA-based treatment into hospital systems and further work to improve accessibility to treatment for D/HH + ASD individuals and their families. Stephanie is also the founder of a non-profit organization, Connecting the Spectrum, which is a group of dedicated professionals from the field of ABA and other disciplines that are dedicated to integrating ABA-based services in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community for individuals and families in need. In addition, Stephanie has served as an instructor for Marian University in Indianapolis, as well as The Chicago School (online campus). Stephanie remains passionate about continuing to spread awareness surrounding accessibility for this population as she navigates addressing barriers for her own Deaf and autistic family members. Stephanie is eternally grateful for the support she continues to receive from her loving husband, Al, and son, Avery, as well as her peers and mentors within her professional support system.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.