Assent-Based Intervention: Crafting the Map on the Journey

Original Air Date: January 31, 2024

CEU offered: 2.0 BACB Ethics CEU

Webinar Duration: 120 minutes

CE Instructors:

  • Tamara Kasper, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA


Abstract:

Increased emphasis on client assent in The Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts (2022) refocuses the importance of the use of motivation of the client to establish and maintain assent, promote self-advocacy, autonomy, and ensure careful and systematic introduction of teaching in natural settings and structured environments to ensure a pleasant and engaging learning experience. As we refine our evidence-based teaching procedures to proactively notice, measure, and systematically shape indicators of assent and assent withdrawal (Rajaraman, Gover, Cammilleri, Donnely & Hanley, 2022, Kasper 2022), honor withdrawal of assent and remove demands whenever feasible (Slaton, Hanley & Raftery, 2017; Breaux & Smith, 2023) and simultaneously analyze the variables that influence withdrawal of assent (Carbone et. al. 2010), we are tasked with new operational definitions, measurement systems, and staff training challenges. Learn from our experience crafting policies, standards, procedures, and trainings, including a step-wise implementation protocol as we work together to identify and measure key performance indicators of successful intervention. Successes and challenges in our ongoing quest to provide compassionate, person-centered care will be highlighted. 

Learning Objectives

  1. Attendees will identify the definition of assent according to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
  2. Attendees will identify indicating responses for likes and dislikes based on video.
  3. Attendees will identify potential methods for measuring assent and assent withdrawal.
  4. Attendees will identify three potential responses to assent withdrawal.


Instructor(s)

Tamara Kasper, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA

Tamara Kasper, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA is a dually certified behavior analyst and speech-language pathologist who dedicated her 33-year career to developing, implementing, and disseminating treatment methods to improve engagement, communication, and speech production in individuals with autism. Mentored by Dr. Vincent Carbone, she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2006. She partnered with Nancy Kaufman to create The K&K Sign/Select to Talk Materials and Strategies and is a past recipient of WISHA’s Clinical Achievement Award and nominee for the ASHA DiCarlo Award. She is a contributing author to the book, "Understanding Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis: Practical Applications." Described by attendees as “inspirational” and “empowering,” she is a frequently invited international lecturer, enthusiastically sharing research and intervention techniques that promote early non-vocal communication skills and social behavioral play chains, build functional verbal and vocal behavior, improve speech production skills, promote social communication skills and combine social skills training with physical training. Previous owner/director of The Center for Autism Treatment, Tamara provides consulting, training, and workshops through Kasper Enterprises and also serves as a Director of the Clinical Center of Excellence for Caravel Autism Health.