A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis

By Darren Sush and Adel C. Najdowski

Those working within the field of applied behavior analysis encounter potential ethical dilemmas on a daily basis. While some challenges can be anticipated and appropriately addressed before they become unmanageable, oftentimes behavior analysts are confronted with unforeseen and novel situations that require immediate, yet careful attention. It is impossible to anticipate and plan for every eventuality. A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis presents over 85 real-world case scenarios commonly faced by individuals practicing applied behavior analysis. The examples range in difficulty and severity to address the unique challenges and needs of those teaching, practicing, or learning applied behavior analysis through ethics-focused coursework or preparing for the BACB® certification exam. In addition to case scenarios, the book provides detailed questions to facilitate discussion and critical thinking and offers suggestions related to the navigation of ethically precarious situations.

• Offers case scenarios addressing codes within the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB®) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts
• Presents detailed question prompts to facilitate discussion and critical thinking
• Offers suggestions on the navigation of ethical challenges
• Discusses how to assess risk and devise ethically-appropriate courses of action
• Provides the entirety of the BACB® ethics code for quick access and reference

• Language: English
• Publisher: Academic Press
• Release date: Mar 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780128158944

Darren Sush

Darren J. Sush, PsyD, BCBA-D, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a board certified behavior analyst (doctoral) with more than 15years of experience developing and providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities. Dr. Sush is Head of Autism and Psychology with Evernorth Behavioral Health, a Cigna corporation, and is the coauthor of A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is an adjunct faculty member in the ABA program at Pepperdine University, and an associate professor in the ABA and clinical psychology programs at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, teaching doctoral and master’s courses in ABA and psychology. He has presented at regional and national applied behavior analysis and autism-focused conferences, with media outlets and on podcasts. Within his practice, he specializes in providing therapy for parents of children with ASD and developmental disabilities and writes with Psychology Today online, focusing on resources and mental health for parents of children with ASD and developmental disabilities.

Book preview

A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis

Darren J. Sush

Pepperdine University, Department of Psychology, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Adel C. Najdowski

Pepperdine University, Department of Psychology, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Table of Contents

Cover image

Title page

Copyright

About the Authors

Disclaimer

Section I: Background and Preparation for Analysis of Ethical Case Scenarios

Chapter 1. A Brief Introduction to Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract

The Road to the Code

A Modern Ethics Code

The Continued Study of Ethics

Analyzing Ethical Challenges

Preparing to Be an Ethical Practitioner

Chapter 2. Using This Workbook

Abstract

Chapter 3. Suggestions for Ethical Decision-Making

Abstract

Chapter 4. Examples of Completed Case Scenarios

Abstract

Know It All

Taking Testimonials

Section II: Ethical Case Scenarios

Chapter 5. 1.0—Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts

Abstract

Case 1: Request for Service

Case 2: Fighting Fads

Case 3: Break Up, Break Down

Case 4: Splitting Up Is Hard to Do

Case 5: Lack of Snack

Case 6: Unfriend Request

Case 7: Ethical Headache

Case 8: No Show, Oh No!

Case 9: Risky Referral

Case 10: Learn Something New

Case 11: Divided Attention

Case 12: Sharing is Caring

Case 13: Party Time

Case 14: Requested Removal

Case 15: More Than Friends

Case 16: Fixer Upper

Case 17: Legalize It

Case 18: The Only One for the Job

Case 19: Someone’s Gotta Do It

Case 20: I Know That Guy

Chapter 6. 2.0—Behavior Analysts’ Responsibility to Clients

Abstract

Case 21: Walking Billboard

Case 22: Something’s in the Air

Case 23: Look No Further

Case 24: Muffin Melodrama

Case 25: Word of Mouth

Case 26: Burying the Lead

Case 27: You Scratch My Back

Case 28: #Hashtag

Case 29: Holiday Spirit

Case 30: Responding to Reviews

Case 31: Need a Nap

Case 32: Stay the Course

Case 33: Billing Blunder

Case 34: Cut Off

Case 35: Coffee Talk

Case 36: Put Words in Your Mouth

Chapter 7. 3.0—Assessing Behavior

Abstract

Case 37: Rights to Results

Case 38: Preemptive Plan

Case 39: Running on Empty

Chapter 8. 4.0—Behavior Analysts and the Behavior-Change Program

Abstract

Case 40: All in the Family

Case 41: Should I Stay or Should I Go

Case 42: Sweet Tooth

Case 43: My Way or the Highway

Case 44: Community Integration

Case 45: Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V

Case 46: Punitive Measures

Case 47: Let’s Move!

Case 48: Supplies With Legs

Case 49: Sign on the Dotted Line

Case 50: Lost in Translation

Chapter 9. 5.0—Behavior Analysts as Supervisors

Abstract

BCBA Supervision

Clinical Supervision

Case 51: In Search of Supervision

Case 52: Spread Too Thin

Case 53: Fractured Focus

Chapter 10. 6.0—Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to the Profession of Behavior Analysis

Abstract

Case 54: Following the Crowd

Case 55: Getting the Word Out

Chapter 11. 7.0—Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

Abstract

Case 56: Academic Advocacy

Case 57: No I in Team

Case 58: Human Resources

Chapter 12. 8.0—Public Statements

Abstract

Case 59: Problems in Press

Case 60: Internet Troll

Case 61: Press Release

Case 62: Varied Expertise

Case 63: Public Persona

Case 64: Playground Pushiness

Case 65: Don’t Quote Me

Case 66: Hey, That’s Me!

Case 67: Good Intentions

Case 68: Take My Advice

Chapter 13. 9.0—Behavior Analysts and Research

Abstract

Case 69: Mad Scientist

Case 70: Undue Influence

Case 71: Unfortunate News

Chapter 14. 10.0—Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to the BACB

Abstract

Case 72: Under the Influence

Case 73: Slippery Supervision

Case 74: Above Paygrade

Case 75: Training the Trainers

Case 76: Signed, Sealed

Chapter 15. Complex Scenarios Involving Multiple Codes

Abstract

Case 77: Social Media Mayday

Case 78: Wear Many Hats

Case 79: Promises, Promises

Case 80: Need for Concern?

Case 81: Decoration Dilemma

Case 82: Glitch

Case 83: It’s Just Business

Case 84: Top 10

Case 85: Gentle Nudge

Case 86: Behind Closed Doors

Behavior Analyst Certification Board®: Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts

Contents

Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts

1.0 Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts

2.0 Behavior Analysts’ Responsibility to Clients

3.0 Assessing Behavior

4.0 Behavior Analysts and the Behavior-Change Program

5.0 Behavior Analysts as Supervisors

6.0 Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to the Profession of Behavior Analysis

7.0 Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

8.0 Public Statements

9.0 Behavior Analysts and Research

10.0 Behavior Analysts’ Ethical Responsibility to the BACB

Glossary

References

Index

Copyright

Academic Press is an imprint of Elsevier

125 London Wall, London EC2Y 5AS, United Kingdom

525 B Street, Suite 1650, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

50 Hampshire Street, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, United Kingdom

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The content of this workbook is in no way affiliated with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All mentions of the BACB, Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®), Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral™ (BCBA-D™), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®), and Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®) are owned and claimed by the BACB. The Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (BACB, 2014) is the intellectual property of the BACB, and has been included with permission.

The opinions within this workbook, and responses provided within ethical case scenarios are not endorsed by the BACB, and are solely the viewpoints of the authors. Case scenarios have been developed and generated as a means for promoting discussion and deliberation related to the ethical practice of behavior analysis.

Statement of Approval

Inclusion of the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts:

©2017 the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission. The most current version of this document is available at www.BACB.com. Contact [e-mail] for permission to reprint this material.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publisher’s permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions.

This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Publisher (other than as may be noted herein).

Notices

Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress

ISBN: 978-0-12-815893-7

For Information on all Academic Press publications visit our website at https://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals

Publisher: Nikki Levy

Acquisition Editor: Emily Ekle

Editorial Project Manager: Barbara Makinster

Production Project Manager: Vijayaraj Purushothaman

Cover Designer: Matthew Limbert

Typeset by MPS Limited, Chennai, India

About the Authors

Darren J. Sush, PsyD, BCBA-D, is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral with a private practice specializing in providing therapy for parents of children with autism and special needs. He has over 15 years experience developing and participating in ABA-based services for children diagnosed with autism. Dr. Sush is an Adjunct Professor in the Behavioral Psychology program at Pepperdine University and an Associate Professor in the Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Psychology programs at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, teaching doctoral and master’s level courses in ethics in applied behavior analysis and psychology. He has presented at regional and national applied behavior analytic- and autism-focused conferences and writes for Psychology Today online, focusing on resources and mental health for parents of children with autism and special needs.

Adel C. Najdowski, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Behavioral Psychology program at Pepperdine University. Dr. Najdowski has provided ABA-based services to children with autism for over 20 years. She has over 40 publications including her book, Flexible and Focused! Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders. She currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and has previously served for Behavior Analysis in Practice and as a Guest Editor for a special issue in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her research interests include teaching higher-order skills to children with autism. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and on radio and web-based shows.

Disclaimer

The content of this workbook is in no way affiliated with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All mentions of the BACB, Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®), Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D™), Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®), and Registered Behavior Technician™ (RBT®) are owned and claimed by the BACB. The Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts (BACB, 2014) is the intellectual property of the BACB, and has been included with permission.

The opinions within this workbook, and responses provided within ethical case scenarios are not endorsed by the BACB, and are solely the viewpoints of the authors. Case scenarios have been developed and generated as a means for promoting discussion and deliberation related to the ethical practice of behavior analysis.

Section I

Background and Preparation for Analysis of Ethical Case Scenarios

Outline

Chapter 1 A Brief Introduction to Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

Chapter 2 Using This Workbook

Chapter 3 Suggestions for Ethical Decision-Making

Chapter 4 Examples of Completed Case Scenarios

Chapter 1

A Brief Introduction to Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract

The current version of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts went into effect on January 1, 2016. While the Code provides substantial guidance and direction, there remains a great deal of ambiguity and misunderstanding related to the ethical conduct of behavior analysts. The BACB has outlined specific and clear parameters, which an individual practicing behavior analysis should reference and follow. However, it is impossible for the BACB to have included all situations a behavior analyst may encounter when working within the field. As a result, practicing behavior analysts must integrate their familiarity with the explicit expectations described in the Code with their own interpretations and assessment of the particular clinical scenario. This chapter discusses how the modern-day code came to be and how behavior analysts should analyze ethical challenges in preparation for being an ethical practitioner.

Keywords

ABA; ABA ethics; applied behavior analysis; BCBA; behavior analyst; ethics; ethics case examples; ethics code for BCBAs; ethics examples; ethics scenarios

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a rapidly growing field focusing on the application of principles of learning to better understand and improve problematic or challenging behaviors of individuals, groups, and organizations in order to more appropriately and effectively achieve goals and develop more functional behavior patterns (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968; Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007).

Though the work of most behavior analysts