Few topics in contemporary behavior analysis generate as much ethical debate as the treatment of stereotypy. Liliana Dietsch-Vazquez's session enters this conversation at a critical moment, when the field is actively re-evaluating long-held assumptions about which behaviors warrant intervention, who should make that determination, and what constitutes an acceptable treatment outcome.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Florida Association of Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →The ethical landscape surrounding treatment of stereotypy is undergoing a critical re-evaluation, and applied behavior analysis is rightly included in this discussion. A clinician must prioritize an approach that respects diversity, carefully weighing the potential benefits of treatment against any potential harm to the individual. Drawing on expertise from diverse fields, this presentation proposes a person-centered decision-making framework for analysis and treatment of stereotypy. Case studies will showcase the value of a practical functional analysis to identify the combined triggers and maintaining consequences. The discussion delves into how these factors – interference with learning, individual unique profiles, and social validity – inform the decision of when treatment is warranted, staying within the clinician's scope of competence. Specifically, we guide the clinician in refining their use of scientific principles to better understand stereotypy.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| COA | 1 | — |
| FL MH/PSY | 1 | — |
Liliana Dietsch-Vazquez, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed Occupational Therapist, received a Master in Education with a specialization in Educational Psychology at Florida Atlantic University, completed her ABA coursework at Nova Southeastern University, and obtained her Occupational Therapy degree in Florida International University. Liliana is the founder of a 501c3 non-profit organization, Behavior Links, offering free and low-cost services, and of her private therapy practice, Integrative Methods. Presently, through her non-profit, she is working directly with a local organization in Guatemala in the formation of a school for children with disabilities. She is also a founding board member of the South Florida Applied Behavior Analysis chapter. Liliana was the 2022 recipient of the Charles Kimber Public Service Award for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis in the Community at the 42nd Annual FABA Conference. Liliana has presented in conferences on different topics throughout the years to include oral presentations on the stimulus control of phonetic reading, the ethical implications on treating interfering stereotypy, supervision of RBTs in schools and was invited to be part of an ethics panel for small practice owners. Her experience as an occupational therapist and behavior analysts expands across the lifespan from newborn to the elderly and diagnosis. Aside from behavior analysis, she is trained in neuromuscular techniques and neurosensory based treatment. She enjoys collaborating across disciplines and connecting neurology with behavior analysis.
Side-by-side comparison with a clinical decision framework
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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.