International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO)的动态

This is a great breakdown that is so relevant and helpful in today’s ABA world.

This graphic gives way to the struggle of the model when implementing this into assent-based Natural Environment Teaching (NET) centers like ours. There is a reason why we use our DRI and DRA based prompts and self-calming strategies right away no matter the age once starting in our program. It's because our centers take a barriers first treatment approach as every learner who enrolls with us is in our center due to their barriers. Reinforcement interruption allows us to interject trials during sessions without having to contrive reinforcement constantly. Our learners roam free with their technicians to explore and engage, but are taught boundaries and demands are held firm. The next targets are yes and no. Those open a whole world for our learners. You can still be assent-based using reinforcement schedule density and positive behavior expectations. Yes and No also gives a lot of advocacy and can begin a negotiation with certain learners too. Moving toward assent-based practices has done wonders for our learners.

Clarity in our approaches is essential for ethical practice and effective outcomes. One crucial distinction that deserves everyone's attention is between permissive and assent-based ABA therapy. I often hear RBTs or trainees view assent as "just letting them get away with everything" or as "letting them do whatever they want." NO! Assent is so much deeper and so often misunderstood. Why is this differentiation so vital to our field? ?? Empowerment and Respect: Assent-based therapy prioritizes the autonomy and voice of the individual. All of our clients, even those with limited verbal skills, have the right to express their preferences and feelings. This empowerment fosters respect and builds trust in the therapeutic relationship. ?? Ethical Considerations: Assent-based approaches align with ethical guidelines that promote client dignity and informed consent. ?? Improved Engagement: Assent-based practices allow for the client to be involved in the decision-making process, which results in a higher likelihood of them actively engaging in their therapy. The increased engagement can lead to better outcomes as clients feel more in control and invested in their progress. ?? Tailored Interventions: Assent-based approaches allow practitioners to tailor interventions based on the individual's preferences, interests, and comfort levels. This person-centered approach makes therapy more motivating and relevant for the client - enhancing the effectiveness of services. ?? Building Lifelong Skills: By incorporating assent into our practices, we're helping clients develop critical skills in self-advocacy and decision-making. These skills are invaluable as they navigate their environments and interactions beyond therapy. It is our responsibility to continually reflect on our practices and ensure we're prioritizing the needs and rights of those we serve. Emphasizing the distinction between permissive and assent-based approaches upholds the integrity our field should be striving for. If you're not already use assent-based strategies in your practices, I challenge you to ask yourself why. How can I support you to incorporate assent-based practices into your therapy services? Let's commit to fostering an environment where EVERY voice is heard and respected. ?? #ABAtherapy #ethicsinABA #clientempowerment #assentbasedapproach #knowbetterdobetter #behavioranalysis #learnandgrow

As assent based practices are becoming more and more popular, we see misguided attempts to implement these practices. A common over-correction I see is what I'm calling "permissive ABA", just like permissive parenting, permissive ABA can lead to accidentally reinforcing challenging behaviors, difficulties in structured environments, and limited skill progression. Sometimes we have to teach goals that are not fun or interesting, but are still important. We also need learners to respect other's boundaries and requests. We can be both assent-based and effective.

These points are so crucial right now. I view Assent based ABA as a "long term" shaping procedure. Be their guide. Build trust; teach effective and appropriate skills that will help the learners be more independent in advocation and setting their own boundaries; and build on these skills to help their understanding of the world around them, by teaching appropriate alternatives and coping skills over time. I've seen the word 'assent' get taken out of context and it lead to Permissive ABA. I've seen the repercussions that stem from that view. Yes, we want the learners to maintain aspects of control - they know what's going on internally way more than we do. What's critical for us as 'guides' is being able to notice those needs, validate how they're feeling, walk through it with them, and model for them the way other skills could be more effective than what they're already doing and the benefits that come with that. Doing something new or different is in itself uncomfortable for anyone; and it may backfire. Mistakes are okay too. But the rewards could be so worthwhile. Take the baby steps. Build upon it. Shape it. Make it your own. ?

Assent-based practices mean everything to me in this field. Setting the age-appropriate boundaries with our learners while respecting their autonomy and comfort is not only well within our reach, but it's simply the right thing to do. I am so thankful that this is becoming the norm in this field! LONG GONE are the days of extended power struggles and setting behavioral expectations for our learners, that even typically developing children wouldn't be expected to achieve. Like the original post implies, this method doesn't mean allowing learners to engage in dangerous activities, violate boundaries, or skip-out on learning / hygiene practices (some of the biggest criticisms of assent-based therapy). It means age-appropriate boundaries and autonomy, which, in the long run, ends up putting our learners in a better position when transitioning out of services anyway.

This ?? Sometimes we have to teach goals that are not fun to learners, but are life skills and they have to learn it to be functional and independent. I have heard people say 'ohhhh but he doesn't like to do this. It's not fun for him'. I have always maintained while we want to do all fun things with our learners, some life skills are not fun to teach no matter how we look at it. However, we have to teach these skills nonetheless ??. It's what will benefit them in the long run. #appliedbehaviouranalysis #behaviourchangeprocess #thelifeofabehaviourist #behaviourmanagement #behaviourpractitioner #behaviouranalysis #behaviourwoman #behavioranalyst #abapractitioner #abainnigeria #bibliophile #wellness #aba101 #writer #bard .........

Assent is not only incredibly important, but is also part of our ethics code! We MUST be assessing for assent and tailoring our programs and interventions to ensure we have assent consistently throughout treatment. The items on the left aren't always a hard no- it's just that with those alone, you run the risk of reinforcing harmful behaviors to the client in the long run. Assent based ABA should be prioritizing the continual assessment of assent, individualization/flexibility of programming, and promotion of self advocacy and support.

Play-based ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy incorporates play activities to engage children in learning and skill development. This approach uses the natural context of play to teach communication, social, and cognitive skills. By integrating therapeutic goals into enjoyable and motivating play scenarios, children are more likely to participate and make meaningful progress. Therapists carefully design play activities to target specific behaviors and skills, ensuring that learning is both effective and enjoyable. This method not only promotes a positive learning experience but also helps children generalize skills across different environments and interactions.

A Behavior Plan (or Behavior Intervention Plan) is a personalized roadmap designed to help children replace challenging behaviors with positive ones. Here’s what it usually includes: Target Behaviors Understanding Behavior Functions Teaching Replacement Behaviors Proactive & Reactive Strategies Positive Reinforcement Data Collection & Monitoring This is a collaborative effort involving therapists, parents, and sometimes teachers, aiming to create a structured approach to managing and improving behavior in children receiving ABA therapy. Every plan is unique, just like your child! Together, we can create a supportive path for positive change!