The relationship between applied behavior analysis and the autism community stands at a critical juncture. ABA has become the most widely implemented evidence-based intervention for autism spectrum disorder, with decades of published research demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing a range of behavioral and developmental concerns.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Council of Autism Service Providers
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Join Free →Over the past few decades, Applied Behavior Analysis has become the predominant evidence-based intervention for treating Autism Spectrum Disorders. But despite the mountains of published research and application showing that it can and does have a socially valid impact on autism-related challenging behaviors, there is a growing backlash against ABA from Autistic self-advocates and the neurodiversity movement as a whole which autism service organizations need to understand and address. Behavior analysts have an obligation to practice within an ethical framework of informed consent, cultural responsiveness, and diversity—and with an active awareness of our own personal biases. Come expand your scope of practice and cultural competency by engaging in an examination of ABA through the lens of an Autistic BCBA's professional and lived experiences. Learn why ABA (even "New ABA") can be problematic for your neurodiverse clients, and explore some practical tips and guidelines on how to avoid the very real trauma and abuse that can result from even the most well-intended ABA when it is not conducted from an autonomy affirming framework. Participants will leave with tools for creating and strengthening autism-informed practices, and with insights for effectively and ethically utilizing ABA interventions with neurodivergent clientele while improving the reputation and results of ABA with individuals on the Spectrum.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| APA | 0 | — |
| COA | 1 | — |
Jared Stewart, M.Ed., BCBA, was named the 2011 Educator of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, the 2018 Presenter of the Year by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and the 2020 Hero for Autism by the Autism Resources of Utah County Council. As a Program Director for Provo Utah’s ScenicView Academy (www.svacademy.org)— a transitional school for neurodivergent adults targeting functional independence— he teaches his students to recognize and embrace the strengths of their diagnoses while they strive to maximize their potential for success. As an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, he helps run their annual Conference on Autism and assists with the Melisa Nellesen Center’s Passages Program as a life-skills instructor and curriculum developer. He is the former governor-appointed Chair of the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and currently serves on several local and national advisory boards for autism and related conditions. Jared has spent over two decades working with neurodivergent adolescents and adults as a teacher, life coach, and licensed behavior analyst, and has shared his views on the techniques and mindsets that lead to improved outcomes for these individuals with audiences in over 18 countries. His passion for the subject arises from personal experience: he has numerous family members on the Spectrum, and he was diagnosed with autism himself as an adult. In his rare free moments, Jared enjoys reading, hiking, writing, and spending time with his wife and three children. Throughout his career he has always adhered to to the belief that there is untapped greatness in everyone, regardless of their so-called “disabilities”.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 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.