Assent. Consent. Compliance. Withdrawal. These words can evoke a lot of emotions from caregivers, clients, and BCBAs alike. They are used throughout the field of behavior analysis but what do they really mean? Come join us for a live discussion with a panel of neurodivergent BCBAs who have experienced the multiple facets of treatment as they discuss the definitions, applications, and implications of consent and withdrawal. Additional areas of concern include sexual abuse, individuals with limited functional communication skills, and cultural awareness.

Learning Objectives:

1. Select behaviors that can be considered giving consent or withdrawal of consent for a variety of clients and settings.

2. Discuss some of the cultural variables BCBAs may encounter when working with neurodivergent individuals.

3. Discuss the importance of teaching advocacy and bodily autonomy when working with vulnerable populations.

Take Aways- your bite-sized educational noms

- Consent can be more easily determined- the learner stays near, remains engaged in the activity, and may have a pleasant affect. Withdrawal of consent can be more subtle such as turning away from the instructor, pushing stimuli away, closing/covering eyes, tearing up materials.

- Withdrawal of consent should evoke the instructor to re-evaluate their teaching, reinforcement schedule, prompts, materials, etc. Assess the situation and the learner and do what’s best for the learner. It’s okay to take it slow.

- Part of our ethical code includes being culturally aware. Listening, asking questions, gathering information, remaining impartial and without judgement are important when developing relationships, rapport, and subsequent programs.

- Cultures may differ in a variety of ways from how we play with others, how we talk to each other, the language used, mealtimes, respect for elders/persons in authority. And it’s important to consider and respect these differences.

- The stats for sexual abuse for neurodivergent individuals are terrifying. At least 1 in 4 individuals have experienced sexual abuse. The stats are worse when looking at females with neurodivergence. Part of teaching consent and assent should include teaching bodily autonomy, safe and consensual methods for sex and alternatives, acceptance of self.

Worth 1.5 Learning, 1.5 Ethics

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