Standard assent procedures in clinical practice and research assume a level of communication ability that many individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities do not possess. Written assent forms require reading comprehension.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Verbal Beginnings
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Join Free →Seeking and obtaining assent from clients and research participants is an important component of behavior analytic practice and research. However, typical assent procedures primarily rely on spoken and written communication that may not be feasible for individuals with significant communication difficulties. Thus, practitioners serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities (DD) who have limited communication abilities may need to utilize alternative methods for seeking assent. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce assent and related concepts, discuss the importance of assent, and propose practical strategies for obtaining assent with clients who cannot assent through traditional means.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 2 | Ethics |
| COA | 2 | — |
Dr. Cody Morris is an Associate Professor, Graduate Programs Director of Behavior Analysis, and Chair of the Office of Research Integrity at Salve Regina University. The overarching goal of Cody’s research and clinical focus is improving the practice of behavior analysis. This involves several topics, including client involvement in therapeutic decisions, assessment and treatment strategies for challenging behavior, and organizational practices. Cody has published works in prominent behavior analytic journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management. He has served as a reviewer for multiple behavior analytic journals and a Guest Associate Editor for Perspectives on Behavior Science and Behavior Analysis in Practice. Currently, Cody currently serves as an Editorial Board Member for Behavior Analysis in Practice, the Director of the Executive Board for the Rhode Island Association for Behavior Analysis, and the Host of All Things Behavior.
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
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.