Assent, the affirmative agreement to participate in treatment or specific therapeutic activities, has become one of the most important and actively discussed concepts in contemporary behavior analysis. For clinicians working in pediatric settings, where clients often cannot provide legal consent, the concept of assent represents a critical mechanism for honoring client autonomy and ensuring that therapeutic interactions are experienced as respectful and collaborative rather than coercive.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Gracent
Take This Course →Including ethics, supervision, and topics like this one. New live CEU every Wednesday.
Join Free →In pediatric therapy, the concept of assent is crucial for fostering a collaborative and respectful therapeutic environment. This Continuing Education Unit (CEU) titled "Applications of Assent for the Practicing Clinician" aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of assent withdrawal in their practice. Participants will first gain a comprehensive understanding of assent withdrawal, including its definition and ethical implications, emphasizing the importance of respecting a child's autonomy and decision-making capacity within therapeutic settings. The course will also review current research and literature that supports the implementation of assent-based services, illustrating the significant benefits of involving children in their own care decisions and the positive impact this involvement has on therapeutic outcomes. Finally, participants will develop practical strategies for effectively communicating with pediatric clients and their families regarding the process of assent withdrawal. By prioritizing the child's needs and preferences, clinicians will learn to maintain a supportive therapeutic environment that fosters trust and collaboration. This CEU is designed to enhance the clinician's ability to advocate for and implement best practices in pediatric therapy, ultimately leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1.5 | Ethics |
| ASHA | 0.15 | — |
| COA | 1.5 | — |
| PACE ASWB | 1.5 | — |
Dr. Paula Kenyon is a doctorate-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2001. She received a Psychology degree in 1995 from the Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC/SP), and continued her education leading to a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2000 from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, followed by a PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2012 from Western New England University, Springfield, MA. Dr. Kenyon studied under Professor Murray Sidman and Dr. William Dube, and her research interests include stimulus control and discrimination learning.She currently serves as guest reviewer for a variety of peer-reviewed publications including Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Revista Brasileira de Analise do Comportamento, Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior, European Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice and Psychological Records. Dr. Kenyon has published in peer reviewed journals with focus in Behavior Analysis (e.g., EJOBA and Psychological Records) as well as journal in other areas (e.g., Nature and Autism Research).With more than 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Kenyon has held numerous academic positions including professor at both the University of Massachusetts and Northeastern University (NEU) in Boston, where she taught Organizational Behavior Management and Research Designs & Methods courses. Dr. Kenyon is an Adjunct Professor at NEU and teaches four BACB-approved courses. Dr. Kenyon work experience covers working at non-profit and for-profit organizations and non-public schools. At Spectrum Center for Educational and Behavioral Development, Dr. Kenyon held the position of Educational Coordinator for four years and worked directly with Dr. Detrich and Dr. Blackleadge. She worked for over 10 years at The New England Center for Children (NECC) where she held various positions (e.g., Program Specialist at the Intensive Unit Program, Program Director of three residential programs). She was the assistant to the executive director at Melmark New England, and she served as the Chief Clinical Officer for Trumpet Behavioral Health. Dr. Kenyon was the Chief Clinical Officer for Kadiant from May of 2019 to Nov 2021. Dr. Kenyon is currently a consultant for Grupo Método and JANO Saúde, in Brazil, an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, and a clinical consultant for various organizations in the US.
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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.