Log in

Sunday, 28 July 2024

1:00 - 2:15 PM

Meeting Place 3

ABA Without the Box: Embracing Neurodiversity and Neuro-affirming Practice

Cindy Hsiang

University of Newcastle; Aspiration Education and Development Clinic

Abstract: Drawing on current research and the neurodiverse conceptualisation of autism, “ABA Without the Box” aims to follow ABAA Code of Ethical Practice, engaging with neurodivergent stakeholders to co-develop behaviour change protocols. Why is it important to provide neuro-affirming ABA practice? Opponents of ABA have criticised that harmful ableistic practices are common during ABA implementation. Although these are skewed claims, it provides an opportunity for ABA practitioners to reflect on our ethical practice and adopt more inclusive approaches. So, “In order to acknowledge autistic people’s right to hold views and make choices, what do we need to do to embrace neurodiversity?” “ABA Without the Box” attends to the necessary adaptations to shape neuro-affirming practice, including focus on autism-specific strengths and cost-benefit analyses when determining target skills. A focus on strengths helps practitioners determine the person’s skill sets, alongside means to teach and motivate. Cost-benefit analyses guide us to collaborate with the person to decide which skills to teach. For example, the autistic child may resist to learn imaginary play (cost), yet imaginary play may help the child gain social reinforcement (benefit). Perhaps practitioners could consider other means to gain social reinforcement, such as games with specific rules.

Target Audience: Practitioners who are working with or intent to work with autistic people

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to select neuro-affirming behaviour goals in collaboration with neurodivergent clients

BACB CE Instructor: Cindy Hsiang

Authentic Understandings of Autism as an Antecedent Strategy for Behaviour Analysts

Paige Humm

Inclusive Behaviour

Abstract: "Authentic Understandings of Autism as an Antecedent Strategy for Behaviour Analysts" explores the origins, concepts, and benefits of adopting a neuro-affirming perspective of Autism in behaviour analytic services. By incorporating the voices of the autistic community, lived experience and neurodivergent-led research this paper emphasizes the importance of understanding Autism from a strengths-based, affirming perspective, offering implications for more inclusive and effective practices in both research and applied settings. This theory-oriented paper contrasts the deficit-based, medical model perspective of Autism with a neuro-affirming paradigm that recognizes the importance of considering neurodiversity and the lived experiences of Autistic people. By embracing this perspective, behaviour analysts can develop more respectful and empowering behaviour analyses and services that honour the diverse ways in which Autistic individuals interact with the world around them. This shift in perspective acts as an antecedent intervention that fosters collaboration and mutual respect between behaviour analysts and the Autistic community, paving the way for more meaningful and sustainable outcomes in both research and practice.

Target Audience: Behaviour Analysts who want to learn from and respect the voices of Autistic people.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and describe common assumptions held by society about Autistic people and consider how this shapes clinical practice.
Recognise the Autistic brain as an independent neurotype that fosters its own unique strengths and characteristics, and the implications this has for future practice in relation to planning and programming.

BACB CE Instructor: Paige Humm

Values over Procedure: Integrating a Trauma-Informed Framework to support Neurodivergent Individuals

Karishma Khullar

EmpowerBx

Abstract: ABA interventions are supported to produce meaningful and socially significant behaviour change, improving the individual's quality of life and functioning. The procedures chosen have strong foundational principles and empirical backing, guided by fundamental assumptions. Ethical considerations have been integral to behaviour analysis, formalised with standardisation and professionalisation within the field. While these core principles formulate a robust system of practice, it is crucial to acknowledge the negative impact caused by its application and it's concerns raised by the Autistic and Neurodivergent communities. By incorporating Trauma-informed framework into practice and integrating values of Today's ABA in our service we can take a culturally responsive approach. The conceptualisation of these into an early intervention program with three participants is applied by a BCBA trained in traditional ABA. The values of safety, trust, rapport are prioritised while navigating challenges to the approach to achieve comprehensive treatment results. The program takes a proactive approach that supports choice, autonomy of Neurodivergent individual with a mission to avoid causing any harm. The results of the intervention show that by continuing to use evidence-based strategies and adding element of compassionate care, one can produce treatment results preferred by clinician, children, and caregivers.

Target Audience: ABA practitioners(BCBA,CBA,BA), Behaviour support Practioners,educators, policy makers, and mental health professionals, individuals interested in neurodiversity and trauma-informed care.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to explain at least 2 example of how the current literature on Trauma informed care interacts with current service delivery in applied behavior analysis.
Participants will be able to learn methods to integrate Trauma Informed framework to design a comprehensive skill building and behaviour management intervention program for neurodivergent individual.

BACB CE Instructor: Karishma Khullar