In this episode, Charon and Laomedeia explore core ethical obligations from Unit 3, Chapter 7 of Ethics for Behavior Analysts (Bailey & Burch, 2020, 4th ed.). They discuss responsibilities around assessments, informed consent, medical necessity, and maintaining treatment integrity. With real-world context, they highlight the risks of skipping key steps like collaborating with medical professionals, rushing assessments, or failing to clearly communicate with clients and families. If you're looking to strengthen ethical decision-making in ABA, this is your byte-sized breakdown.

In this episode, Charon and Laomedeia dive into the complex responsibilities behavior analysts hold—not just to their clients, but to a wide circle of stakeholders including families, schools, and funding sources. They explore topics like informed consent, third-party contracts, service agreements, and what happens when treatment must be reduced or discontinued. Drawing from Chapter 8 of Bailey & Burch’s Ethics for Behavior Analysts (4th Ed.), the conversation unpacks ethical dilemmas BCBAs face daily—like pushback from funding sources, balancing client care with agency demands, and advocating for appropriate services. If you’ve ever wondered who the real client is, or what to do when service ends unexpectedly, this episode breaks it down with clarity and humor.

In this first half of Unit 3 (Chapter 6) from Ethics for Behavior Analysts by Bailey and Burch (4th Edition), we dive into Section 1 of the BACB Ethics Code: Responsibility as a Professional. Join us as we unpack the foundational elements that shape ethical behavior in ABA—truthfulness, accountability, maintaining competence, cultural responsiveness, and staying within your scope. From lab roots to modern challenges, this episode lays the groundwork for ethical practice in our field.

In Unit 2 of Ethics for Behavior Analysts (4th Ed. by Bailey & Burch), Charon and Laomedeia break down the four core ethical principles guiding behavior analysts: benefiting others, treating people with dignity, acting with integrity, and ensuring competence. Through vivid examples—from dual relationships to cultural responsiveness and stakeholder dynamics—they explore how these principles play out in real-world dilemmas and why ethical decision-making is anything but black and white.

In Unit 1 of Ethics for Behavior Analysts (4th Ed. by Bailey & Burch), Alex and Laomedeia dive into the infamous Sunland Miami scandal from the 1970s — a dark chapter that exposed serious ethical violations in behavior modification. They discuss how this tragedy led to the development of formal ethics codes and highlight recent updates focusing on cultural responsiveness, professional boundaries, and integrity. A frank look at why ethics are foundational to the field and how behavior analysis has grown from its troubled past.