sessions

In the evolution of the Professional Ethics and Compliance Code (BACB, 2014) to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (ECBA; BACB, 2020) it is noted that in addition to being responsible for obtaining informed consent before the provision of assessments, supports, or research participation, that they are also responsible for obtaining client assent when it is applicable to do so. Obtaining client assent is a specified skill set, and one which may not be currently in a behavior analyst’s repertoire if it was not a focus of their educational, training, supervision, or consultation experiences or their broader learning history in behavior analysis. This conference will equip behavior analysts and other helping professionals with the tools to conceptualize consent and assent as a set of fluid interlocking behavioral contingencies, to identify and measure client assent giving and withdrawing of assent in an ongoing manner, to graph assent data, to make data-based decisions utilizing assent data, to shape and expand assent giving and withdrawing repertoires with learners, to engage in generative and collaborative problem-solving, to equip themselves and staff to promote client assent, and to work toward understanding behavior change from the vantage point of love.

 

Friday March 3, 2023

9am-10am CST

Orienting Toward Humanity: Understanding Behavior Change from the Vantage Point of Love
Dr. Malika Pritchett

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Applied behavior analysis is increasingly described in various ways. The purpose of this talk is to
present one view of applied behavior analysis that encompasses the well-being of all humanity.
Applied behavior analytic research seeks to discover what environmental events set the
occasion for life improvement, and the process by which life improvement is attained. Applied
research is driven by a steadfast orientation toward the amelioration of the types of human
suffering often experienced by members of society who are marginalized. Socially meaningful
change and life improvement can only be accomplished through an examination of real-world
behaviors of concern occurring in natural settings. A recent analysis of dependent variables in
the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis indicates there is less reporting of social validity, less
discussion of life improvement/beneficence, and an increase in “proxy,” or arbitrary,
dependent variables. A discussion of colonial research practices in applied behavior analytic
research is critical in the assessment of human rights trends in applied behavior analytic
research. What follows is an opportunity for behavior scientists to envision and intentionally
design participatory-based research environments that amplify participant voices and extend
the benefits of applied behavior analytic research to the oneness of humanity.

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By the end of this session participants will be able to:

1. Define basic terms and concepts related to the applied dimension of the science of
behavior analysis
2. Discriminate between various types of dependent variables and their impact on
quality of life
3. Identify and describe the responsibilities of behavior analysts in protecting client
dignity, autonomy, and humanity

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Friday March 3, 2023

10:15am-12:15pm CST

Assent Measurement and Data Based Decision Making
Michael Fabrizio & Janani Vaidya

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Obtaining client assent is a specified skill set, as is identifying and honoring the withdrawal of client assent across time. This skill set inherently requires the ability to define and measure assent. In this session, participants will identify variable topographies and modalities for assent giving and assent withdrawing behaviors. The measurement of these behaviors at micro and meta levels will be discussed.

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By the end of this session participants will be able to:

1. Describe at least 3 rationales for measuring client assent giving and assent withdrawing during behavior analytic intervention.

2. List varying topographies of client behavior related to assent giving and assent withdrawing and rank order each of those topographies from less- to more-skilled in terms of the topographies’ likely social value and probability of reinforcement across contexts.

3. Given multiple examples of graphed behavioral data on clinical acceleration targets, clinical deceleration targets, client assent giving, and client assent withdrawing describe appropriate data-based decisions and associated programmatic changes given the samples of graphed data.

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Friday March 3, 2023

1:15pm-3:15pm CST

Designing Behavior Support for Assent from the Get Go
Kelly Ferris

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Assent giving and assent withdrawing can both be conceptualized as functional response classes (LCSRG, 2021) with a wide variety of behavior topographies. In this session shaping and expanding assent giving and assent withdrawal repertoires will be discussed, and critical aspects will be addressed. Honoring of assent giving and assent withdrawing behaviors is itself a skill set, and creating a an assent-based culture among staff is an essential component of assent-based practice. This session will also focus on staff behaviors which support clients' autonomy and assent repertoire strengthening.

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By the end of this session participants will be able to:

1. Describe an assessment strategy for identifying baseline assent giving and assent withdrawing behaviors. 

2. List two critical aspects of shaping assent giving behaviors. 

3. List two critical aspects of shaping assent withdrawal behaviors. 

4. Describe two essential staff behaviors supportive of creating an assent-based culture.

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Friday March 3, 2023

3:30pm-5:30pm CST

Where Do I Go From Here: Further Instructional Design for Assent-Based Practice
Brigid McCormick

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While they are critical components, honoring assent giving and assent withdrawal are not the only important components of assent-based practice. Many practitioners may question where to go from here, especially in instances of repeated assent withdrawal. This session will focus on generative, creative problem solving and on the creation of goals that are values-aligned for the client. Additionally, assent at multiple levels will be addressed, as will the protection of client and staff boundaries. Maximization of degrees of freedom (Goldiamond, 1965) will be discussed through the lens of instructional design.

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By the end of this session participants will be able to:

1. Describe three verbal behavior pinpoints staff may need to demonstrate when implementing assent-based programming.

2. List three problem solving strategies for repeated withdrawal responses.

3. Discriminate between a client values-aligned goal and an arbitrary goal.

4. Identify at least three non-negotiables to protect client and staff boundaries.

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Friday March 3, 2023

5:30pm-6:30pm CST

Assent Open Forum Panel
Conference Presenters

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During the end of conference panel, a brief discussion of the day's content will be presented, and some presenters will be available to answer questions on assent, assent withdrawal, and assent-based practice. Participants will be invited to consider questions they still have and an opportunity will be provided to address some of these questions. Participants will also be invited during this time to identify a self-selected goal in assent-based practice. References and resources will be provided where available.

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By the end of this session participants will be able to:
   1. Identify at least one personal area of growth in assent-based practice.

   2. List at least one resource for continuing education in assent.