The relationship between applied behavior analysis and the neurodiversity movement has reached a critical inflection point. Behavior analysts are confronting decades of practice conventions that, while rooted in behavioral principles, have often failed to account for the perspectives and preferences of Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals themselves.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via New York State Association for Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →Many within and beyond the field of behavior analysis are increasingly recognizing the need to reflect on the use and impact of ableist approaches within behavior analytic service delivery (Chazin et al., 2025; Graber & Graber, 2023; Johnson, 2025; Killgallon et al., 2025; Lestremau Allen et al., 2024; Mathur et al., 2024; Veneziano & Shea, 2022). As a result, behavior analysts are engaging in self-reflection and pursuing education to promote culturally responsive and affirming care to their Autistic and Neurodivergent clients and their families (Breaux et al., 2023; Chazin et al., 2021), although much of this essential work has yet to be reflected in both practice and in the scholarly literature. This panel brings together members with diverse backgrounds, including Neurodivergent individuals, parents of Autistic individuals, and allies, to discuss how neuro-affirming approaches can be employed across contexts. Panelists will discuss adaptations to commonly employed behavior analytic assessments and interventions, navigation of systemic barriers, and, critically, how Autistic clients can be centered within the services they receive. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, informed by the panelists' lived experience and the still-emerging research literature concerning affirming practices in ABA , to advance their ethical and affirming repertoires.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| COA | 1 | — |
Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen (she/her) is a Licensed Psychologist (NY, MD), Licensed Behavior Analyst (NY), Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral, and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Allen is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator in the SUNY Empire State University Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Science program and the Assistant Director of the SUNY Empire Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES), both of which prioritize compassionate, value-driven care, and client self-advocacy and autonomy. Dr. Allen is a former program director and continues on the Program Services team at the Ivymount School, a K-12 special education school in Maryland, where she served K-12 students with disabilities and their families. Dr. Allen has also supported Autistic, Neurodivergent, and disabled clients and their families and teams across home, clinic, and outpatient hospital settings. Dr. Allen is on the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis board, acting as the Chair of the Student Activities Committee, and is a Hub Team member with ECHO Autism: Education. Dr. Allen is committed to high quality service and support delivery for Autistic individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities and is passionate about training professionals to provide affirming and client-centered care.
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
252 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.