The relationship between applied behavior analysis and autism service delivery is under increasing scrutiny, both from within the field and from the public. Criticisms range from concerns about the historical use of aversive procedures to broader questions about whether ABA appropriately respects neurodiversity and individual autonomy.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Council of Autism Service Providers
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Join Free →As noted by the world's largest membership organization, "the relationship between ABA and autism service interventions is increasingly under scrutiny, both within the field and in the public eye" (ABAI, 2022). To determine how best to successfully navigate this current landscape, certified practitioners must first acknowledge our shared ethical obligation to provide "services that are explicitly based on the principles and procedures of behavior analysis" (BACB, 2020, p. 7). Doing so necessitates relying on all established domains of the science of behavior analysis; theory and philosophy, EAB, and the seven dimensions of ABA (Baer et al., 1968). One purpose of this panel is to revisit how each interrelated domain influences ABA as a professional practice. The primary purpose is to demonstrate how ensuring a mutual understanding for these defining features of behavior analytic science helps professional colleagues better navigate complex conversations about ABA. Panelists will engage in an interactive/unscripted discussion addressing a range of topics including but not limited to, a) addressing misconceptions about ABA, b) supporting practitioners to establish meaningful goals and procedures, b) the relative value of differing models of disability on the ABA case conceptualization process (medical, social, and behavioral), c) implications for upholding ethical requirements, and d) effective ways to discuss opposition to ABA.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| APA | 0 | — |
| COA | 1 | — |
Dr. Rachel Taylor (formerly Dr. Tarbox) has supported individuals diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders for more than 25 years. Dr. Taylor started her career working in several prestigious institutions including the New England Center for Children and the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is the former Co-Director of Research and Development for CARD and the Founder and Director of CARDs Specialized Outpatient Services. In 2008, Dr. Taylor was the founding ABA Department Chair at The Chicago School Los Angeles and has also held faculty positions at California State University Los Angeles and Channel Islands. She has published numerous peer reviewed articles and book chapters, is a previous member of the Executive Council for ABAI and served as the 2020 CalABA Conference Chair. Dr. Taylor also serves on the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), and the Board of Directors for the Council for Autism Services Providers (CASP). She is the owner and former CEO for the Center for Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA), and her primary focus is supporting practitioners to produce meaningful service outcomes across the lifespan.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 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.