The Impact of Assent & Compassionate Care in ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has long been recognized as an effective treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, ethical considerations in its application are continuously evolving, with increasing emphasis placed on assent and compassionate care. The goal of assent-based ABA therapy is a person-centered approach to assessment, intervention, and decision-making throughout the client's time in ABA. Assent and compassion are critical in the delivery of ethical and effective ABA therapy.

What is assent in ABA Therapy?

Assent refers to the voluntary agreement or compliance of an individual who may not have the capacity to give full consent, often due to developmental or cognitive limitations. In the context of ABA therapy, assent is crucial as it respects the autonomy and dignity of the client, even if they may not fully understand the treatment process or its objectives.

It is essential for BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) and Behavior Technicians to provide assent by:

1. Establishing trust and rapport: Building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and mutual respect is fundamental to obtaining assent from the client. This involves taking the time to understand their preferences, interests, and communication style. This is done through continuous pairing with the client and ongoing monitoring of changes in interests and preferences as well as their learning style.
2. Using age-appropriate language and visuals: Behavior Technicians and BCBAs should communicate in a manner that is accessible and understandable to the client, considering their developmental level and communication abilities. The use of visual supports and simplified language can aid in facilitating assent based therapy.‍
3. Offering choices and alternatives: Providing the client with options and alternatives empowers them to participate in decision-making, which promotes a sense of control and ownership over their treatment journey

Utilizing compassionate care in ABA Therapy

Compassionate care entails demonstrating empathy, understanding, and sensitivity towards the child's emotions, experiences, and individual needs. In ABA therapy, fostering a culture of compassionate care is essential for promoting positive outcomes and ensuring the well-being of clients and their families.

Strategies for incorporating compassionate care into ABA therapy include:

1. Practicing active listening: Staff should actively listen to you and your child, validating their experiences and concerns. This not only builds trust but also builds a collaborative approach to treatment planning and therapy delivery.
2. Acknowledging emotions: Recognizing and acknowledging the client's emotions, whether positive or negative, validates their experiences and fosters a supportive therapeutic environment. Staff members can use emotion coaching techniques to help clients identify and regulate their emotions effectively.
3. Flexibility and adaptability: Recognizing that each client is unique, and each treatment plan is individualized. Staff should be flexible and adaptable in their approach, tailoring interventions to meet the individual needs and preferences of your child and your family. Behavior Analysts can modify goals, programs, and targets throughout the treatment duration to best suit their clients and their needs.

Incorporating assent and compassionate care principles into ABA therapy is essential for promoting ethical practice and ensuring positive outcomes for individuals with autism. By prioritizing assent, BCBAs and Behavior Technicians respect the autonomy and dignity of their clients, while embracing compassionate care ensures that the therapeutic process is grounded in empathy, understanding, and support. Through a collaborative and person-centered approach, ABA practitioners can create a nurturing environment where clients feel empowered, valued, and respected.

At Powerback Pediatrics we ensure all staff are trained on assent and compassionate care.  We ensure each treatment plan and goal is individualized to the needs of the client and modify the plans as needed to support continual growth and skill acquisition. 

Discover the possibilites of compassionate ABA therapy at Powerback Pediatrics. To schedule an evaluation for your child, connect with our dedicated success team here.