The concept of assent-based treatment has become one of the most discussed topics in contemporary applied behavior analysis, reflecting a growing recognition that client willingness to participate in intervention is not merely a nicety but a clinical and ethical imperative. Yet the conversation around assent often centers on what to do when a client withdraws assent, focusing on the moment of refusal rather than examining the conditions that make refusal more or less likely.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Stone Soup
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Join Free →In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the concept of assent-based treatment has emerged as a critical ethical consideration, particularly when working with clients who may not have the capacity to provide full informed consent. This talk will explore whether the challenges surrounding assent in ABA are truly about client willingness or if they reflect deeper issues related to clinician practices, specifically the inadvertent use of coercion and the lack of consistent behavior management protocols. We will examine how the failure to establish strong rapport and trust with clients before introducing high work demands can inadvertently lead to resistance and perceived non-assent. Additionally, the variability in behavior management approaches among Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) due to insufficient training on universal protocols can lead to inconsistent stimulus control, further complicating client appropriate behavior, compliance, and assent. Data will be presented that highlights the impact of effective rapport-building and the implementation of universal behavior management protocols on increasing the likelihood of client assent. The talk will argue that when clients are highly motivated, have strong relationships with their therapists, and experience consistent, well-managed behavioral expectations, assent is more likely to occur naturally and ethically. Learning Objectives: Identify the Role of Rapport and Trust in Assent-Based Treatment: Participants will learn about the critical role that rapport and trust play in obtaining client assent, including strategies for building and maintaining strong therapeutic relationships before introducing high work demands. Understand the Impact of Inconsistent Behavior Management Protocols: Participants will explore how variability in behavior management practices among RBTs can affect stimulus control and client compliance, and how implementing universal behavior management protocols can promote consistency and support client assent. Analyze Data on Rapport-Building and Universal Behavior Management: Participants will review data that supports the assertion that assent is more likely when clients are motivated and have strong relationships with their therapists, bolstered by consistent behavior management practices. This analysis will provide evidence-based strategies for increasing the likelihood of client assent in ABA treatment. This talk will provide ABA clinicians with a deeper understanding of the factors influencing client assent and offer practical, evidence-based strategies for enhancing therapeutic outcomes through rapport-building and consistent behavior management practices.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| COA | 1 | — |
| IBAO | 1 | Ethics |
| CPBAO | 1 | Ethics |
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.