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| Neurodiversity-Informed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Ethics Through the Neurodiversity Paradigm |
| Sunday, May 28, 2023 |
| 9:00 AM–9:50 AM |
| Convention Center Four Seasons Ballroom 2/3 |
| Area: SCI; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Linda J. Parrott Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| CE Instructor: Cas Breaux, M.S. |
| Presenting Author: CAS BREAUX (Cassi Breaux Consulting, LLC) |
| Abstract: The neurodiversity paradigm is a philosophy that all neurological development is equal and acceptable. The neurodiversity paradigm views neurological variation as expected, similar to the variations we expect in other in other characteristics. According to the neurodiversity paradigm, neurological variation should not be viewed as problematic. Essentially, a “normal” brain does not exist and expecting all people to have similar neurocognitive functioning leads to social dynamics that are oppressive to neurodivergent individuals. Practitioners can use the neurodiversity paradigm to guide and reframe their ethical practices. This reframing process will be offered in four parts. First, this presentation will define and offer appropriate use of terminology related to the neurodiversity paradigm and the neurodiversity movement. Next, this presentation will reframe the ethics of target behavior selection through the social model of disability. Then this presentation will explore how individuals and organizations within the neurodiversity movement view the practice of applied behavior analysis. Last, suggestions for ABA practitioners and organizations that seek to be more neurodiversity-informed will be offered. |
| Instruction Level: Basic |
| Target Audience: BCBAs |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) Identify and define terminology related to the neurodiversity paradigm; (2) Identify three benefits of the social model of disability; (3) Create a list of five ways that the neurodiversity paradigm can be applied in ABA practices. |
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| CAS BREAUX (Cassi Breaux Consulting, LLC) |
 Cas Breaux has been adjunct faculty in the Center for Behavior Analysis at the University of West Florida since 2013 and the manager of educational content for CentralReach since 2018. Prior to CentralReach, Cas was a special education teacher, school administrator, and behavior specialist for the New York City Department of Education. Cas has also been a private practice owner, supervisor, behavior support tech, and several other roles within the behavior field for more than 15 years. As the primary content developer of ABA Knowledge Builder and long-time BCBA supervisor, Cas has extensive experience in content knowledge, skill development, and ethical practices within the BCBA task list (5th ed.). Cas has created more than 150 hours of asynchronous teaching content related to the BCBA task list (5th ed.), LGBTQIA+-inclusive ABA, assent-based ABA, and neurodiversity-informed ABA. As a trans and neurodivergent practitioner, Cas is deeply committed to helping practitioners develop inclusive and neurodiversity-informed practices. |
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