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| Defining Assent and the Risks-Benefits of Overriding Assent Withdrawal |
| Saturday, May 27, 2023 |
| 3:00 PM–3:50 PM |
| Convention Center 406/407 |
| Area: TBA; Domain: Translational |
| Chair: Kathleen I Dyer (Endicott College) |
| Discussant: Jessica J. Cauchi (none) |
| Abstract: Although guidance has been provided to ensure willingness to participate in programs/treatment, or assent, a clear definition to govern observation and data based decisions is needed. A concept analysis (c.f. abstract tact, Skinner, 1957) is utilized to functionally define the critical features of assent thereby providing practitioners and researchers common ground on which to build methodology. By providing a comprehensive definition, assent can be obtained in many instances via conducive program arrangements (e.g., conjugate reinforcement, shaping, and composite repertoires). Additionally, there are instances when assent may be withdrawn. In this scenario, clinicians either honor the withdrawal of assent, or override it. Considerations for why it would be appropriate to continue treatment without assent or following the withdrawal of assent will be reviewed. A preliminary decision model consisting of different contextual variables for consideration will be reviewed. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): Assent, Constructional, Ethics, Risk Benefit |
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| A Nonlinear Contingency Analysis of Assent |
| (Theory) |
| SHEILA ANN ANN KLICK (Endicott College), Anna Linnehan (Endicott College ), Awab Abdel-Jalil (Endicott College / Great Leaps Academy / Eastern Florida Autism Center), Kyle Hetzel (San Francisco Zoo ), Richele Yeich (Eastern Florida AUtism Center; Great Leaps Academy), Jonathan Amey (AIMS Instruction) |
| Abstract: Although guidance has been provided to ensure willingness to participate in programs/treatment, or assent, a clear definition to govern observation and data based decisions is needed. A concept analysis (c.f. abstract tact, Skinner, 1957) is utilized to functionally define the critical features of assent thereby providing practitioners and researchers common ground on which to build methodology. By providing a comprehensive definition, assent can be obtained in many instances via conducive program arrangements (e.g., conjugate reinforcement, shaping, and composite repertoires). Additionally, there are instances when assent may be withdrawn. In this scenario, clinicians either honor the withdrawal of assent, or override it. Considerations for why it would be appropriate to continue treatment without assent or following the withdrawal of assent will be reviewed. A preliminary decision model consisting of different contextual variables for consideration will be reviewed. |
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| A Risk Benefit Analysis of Assent |
| (Theory) |
| STEPHANIE BENDUSH (Endicott College), Justin B. Leaf (Endicott College; Autism Partnership Foundation), Jill Harper (Melmark New England) |
| Abstract: There is an ongoing effort for assent-based clinical practice in behavior analysis. Willing participation is an important component of Applied Behavior Analytic (ABA) therapy, but there exists scant guidance from the literature on how to achieve assent, levels of assent deemed appropriate for clients of different skill levels, nor how to proceed should a client withdraw assent. The withdrawal of assent in particular can be addressed through a Risk Benefit Analysis adapted from Bailey and Burch (2016). This model will provide clinicians with a starting point for overriding withdrawal of assent and determining when honoring withdrawal is appropriate. This clinical tool is intended to be used proactively, but can also provide guidance to clinicians needing to make in the moment decisions. |
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