Episode 291 - (ETHICS) Discussing Ethical Scenarios w/ How To ABA

As one of our favorite holiday traditions, Matt Cicoria from the Behavioral Observations podcast, joins us for an annual review of what’s up in behavior analysis. And this year we’re shaking up the format to look at our own years in dissemination. We’ll discuss what topics were the most interesting (i.e., downloaded) to BCBAs and hypothesize as to what this might mean to the field. Don’t worry: In between sipping egg nog and looking at data, we also take the time to celebrate how old our shows (and therefore us hosts) are. Here’s to 2025!

We were so thrilled to be invited to Utica, NY to experiences Upstate Caring Partners 2024 conference: Contemporary and Compassionate Approaches to Support Individuals with IDD. Aside from sampling the local cuisine, hosting a live trivia event, and chairing a panel with some amazing folks (including previous guests Dr. Rajaraman and Dr. Weiss, we had a few minutes to break out the ol’ digital recorder and check in with folks at the poster session. Here are just a few of the great presentations from the floor that we think you’ll enjoy. Hope to see folks back upstate in 2026!

Though many of us likely use AI to auto-filI search results and find the name of songs, behavioral health has been steadily increasing the use of artificial intelligence in new and interesting ways for years. But is the tech outrunning our ability to ethically implement it? Dr. David Cox brings his deep knowledge of deep learning to the show this week to review what AI can offer, will offer, and what behavior analysts need to do to be prepared to accept or refuse its call. Though the part about AI doing all the scheduling does sound pretty great. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Cox, D.J. & Jennings, A.M. (2024). The promises and possibilities of artificial intelligence in the delivery of behavior analytic services. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 123-136. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00864-3 Jennings, A.M. & Cox, D.J. (2024). Starting the conversation around the ethical use of artificial intelligence in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 107-122. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00868-z If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at [email protected] for further assistance.

Man, the more episodes we do around how well-meaning authorities tend to fall back to maintaining the inequitable status quo, the more examples of it we find. This week, we look at many of the practices in schools that continue to perpetuate ableism and what behavior analysts can do to disrupt these trends. And, spoiler alert, half of these practices were actually implemented to INCREASE access to education for individuals with disabilities. It turns out just trying to be nice doesn’t actually fix much without a solid understanding of individual perspectives. So, y’know, listen to the episode and don’t be “that guy”. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Storey, K. (2007). Combating ableism in schools. Preventing School Failure, 52, 56-58. doi: 10.3200/PSFL.52.1.56-58 Bottema-Beutel, K., Kapp, S.K., Lester, J.N., Sasson, N.J., & Hand, B.N. (2021). Avoiding ableist language: Suggestions for autism researchers. Autism in Adulthood, 3, 18-29. doi: 10.1089/aut.2020.0014 Timberlake, M. (2020). Recognizing ableism in educational initiatives: Reading between the lines. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 2, 84-100. doi: 10.46303/repam.02.01.5 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at [email protected] for further assistance.

While we might be taking some time off for the holidays, you wouldn’t know it from our podcast schedule. This month we begin the countdown to episode 300 with an announcement of our big anniversary plans, some details of a new ABA Inside Track publication, and, of course, episodes on the cutting edge of behavior analysis. Specifically, we’re talking about ableism in the school system (and what behavior analysts can do to combat it) and how artificial intelligence may not be as scary as we thought (thanks to the soothing assurances of special guest, Dr. David Cox). Finally, we wrap up 2024 with a pair of bonus episodes: Our annual End-Of-Year extravaganza with podcasting friend, Matt Cicoria, from Behavioral Observations and our audio from Upstate Caring Partners awesome summer conference on compassionate care. See you in 2025! Articles for December 2024 Abelism in Schools Storey, K. (2007). Combating ableism in schools. Preventing School Failure, 52, 56-58. doi: 10.3200/PSFL.52.1.56-58 Bottema-Beutel, K., Kapp, S.K., Lester, J.N., Sasson, N.J., & Hand, B.N. (2021). Avoiding ableist language: Suggestions for autism researchers. Autism in Adulthood, 3, 18-29. doi: 10.1089/aut.2020.0014 Timberlake, M. (2020). Recognizing ableism in educational initiatives: Reading between the lines. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 2, 84-100. doi: 10.46303/repam.02.01.5 Artificial Intelligence and ABA w/ Dr. David Cox Cox, D.J. & Jennings, A.M. (2024). The promises and possibilities of artificial intelligence in the delivery of behavior analytic services. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 123-136. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00864-3 Jennings, A.M. & Cox, D.J. (2024). Starting the conversation around the ethical use of artificial intelligence in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 107-122. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00868-z

Though many of us likely think of ourselves as talendted clinicians, do we honestly consider our work with others to be considered art? Well, Richard Foxx did and so, apparently, do a lot of behavior analysts who think its high time we operationalize and train folks in the field on some of the skills that make creating a therapeutic alliance seem so effortless (at least, for some of us!). Thanks to our fabulous patrons, we’re digging into the topic of behavioral artistry. Are there really skills that separate the artist BCBAs from the jobbers? And if so, how does one become an artiste de behavior analysis? This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Patrons, don’t forget to get your code for a free CE for listening to this episode. Articles discussed this episode: Foxx, R.M. (1985). The Jack Tizzard Memorial lecture: Decreasing behaviours: Clinical, ethical, and environmental issues. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 10, 189-199. doi: 10.3109/13668258508998639 Callahan, K., Foxx, R.M., Swierczynski, A., Aerts, X., Mehta, S., McComb, M., Nicols, S.M., Segal, G., Donald, A., & Sharma, R. (2019). Behavioral artistry: Examining the relationship between the interpersonal skills and effective practice repertoires of applied behavior analysis practitioners. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 3557-3570. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04082-1 Bukszpan, A.R., Anderson, A., Moon, E., Kaplan, A., & Leaf, J.B. (2024). Training behavior technicians to become behavior artists through the teaching interaction procedure. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/bin.1963 Lugo, A.M., King, M.L, Lamphere, J.C., & McArdle, P.E. (2017). Developing procedures to improve therapist-child rapport in early-intervention. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 395-401. doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0165-5 Anonymous. Confessions of a Previous ABA Technician - Part 2: The Problem with Pairing. Therapist Neurodiversity Collective. https://therapistndc.org/the-problems-with-pairing/ If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at [email protected] for further assistance.

When Dr. Corey Stocco started his talk about teaching honesty by telling the audience a giant lie, we just knew we had to get him on the show. Finally, our wish comes true as Dr. Stocco tells us the truth, the whole truth, about how to improve honest behavior by decreasing lying. Whether cheating on homework or playing with someone else’s toys, we dig into the behavioral consequences that make lying fun. Promise! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Stocco, C.S., Moline, A.D., & Bowar, S. (2021). Further evaluation of contingencies on lying about homework completion. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 620-634. doi: 10.1002/bin.1787 Lehardy, R.K., Luczynski, K.C., Stocco, C.S., Fallon, M.J., & Rodriguez, N.M. (2023). Increasing young children’s honest reports and decreasing their transgressions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56, 98-116. doi: 10.1002/jaba.960 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at [email protected] for further assistance.

Phantom participants! Research wails! Graphs that go bump in the night! Turn the results down low. Now get ready for the discussion of your life. Here are chilling, thrilling articles that will make you shiver and shake — and make your friends quiver and quake! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Ackner, C. & Jacobs, K. (2024). Interobserver agreement among a ataff member and visitors at  a wolf sanctuary. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 926-931. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00950-5 Laske, M.M. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D. (2024). Um, so, like, do speech disfluencies matter? A parametric evaluation of filler sounds and words. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 574-583. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1093 Mondati, A. D., Reeve, S. A., Vladescu, J. C., DeBar, R. M., & Thomas, R. R. (2024). Remote teaching of AB graphs in Microsoft Excel. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00943-z If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at [email protected] for further assistance.

While nothing lasts forever, like a cold November podcast about behavior analysis, we give thanks for the fun topics that we can all enjoy before winter rolls in. First, spooky season continues with the creepiest grab bag episode ever! Then we’re joined by Dr. Corey Stocco who’ll be telling some truths about lying behavior. Finally, break out the smocks and easels because we wrap up the fall with a listener’s choice episode about behavioral artistry. So, join us by the fire with your leftover Halloween candy as we podcast into the night (or morning or whenever you want to listen). Articles for November 2024 Scary Grab Bags to Tell in the Dark Ackner, C. & Jacobs, K. (2024). Interobserver agreement among a ataff member and visitors at  a wolf sanctuary. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 926-931. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00950-5 Laske, M.M. & DiGennaro Reed, F.D. (2024). Um, so, like, do speech disfluencies matter? A parametric evaluation of filler sounds and words. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 574-583. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1093 Mondati, A. D., Reeve, S. A., Vladescu, J. C., DeBar, R. M., & Thomas, R. R. (2024). Remote teaching of AB graphs in Microsoft Excel. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00943-z   How to Stop Lying w/ Dr. Corey Stocco Stocco, C.S., Moline, A.D., & Bowar, S. (2021). Further evaluation of contingencies on lying about homework completion. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 620-634. doi: 10.1002/bin.1787 Lehardy, R.K., Luczynski, K.C., Stocco, C.S., Fallon, M.J., & Rodriguez, N.M. (2023). Increasing young children’s honest reports and decreasing their transgressions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56, 98-116. doi: 10.1002/jaba.960   Behavioral Artistry (Fall 2024 Listener Choice) Foxx, R.M. (1985). The Jack Tizzard Memorial lecture: Decreasing behaviours: Clinical, ethical, and environmental issues. Australia and New Zealand Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 10, 189-199. doi: 10.3109/13668258508998639 Callahan, K., Foxx, R.M., Swierczynski, A., Aerts, X., Mehta, S., McComb, M., Nicols, S.M., Segal, G., Donald, A., & Sharma, R. (2019). Behavioral artistry: Examining the relationship between the interpersonal skills and effective practice repertoires of applied behavior analysis practitioners. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 3557-3570. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04082-1 Bukszpan, A.R., Anderson, A., Moon, E., Kaplan, A., & Leaf, J.B. (2024). Training behavior technicians to become behavior artists through the teaching interaction procedure. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/bin.1963 Lugo, A.M., King, M.L, Lamphere, J.C., & McArdle, P.E. (2017). Developing procedures to improve therapist-child rapport in early-intervention. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 395-401. doi: 10.1007/s40617-016-0165-5 Anonymous. Confessions of a Previous ABA Technician - Part 2: The Problem with Pairing. Therapist Neurodiversity Collective. https://therapistndc.org/the-problems-with-pairing/

It sure does seem like no matter how much we learn about ethics, there are always new ethical problems cropping up with complex solutions. At times like these, it’s great to have resources to fall back on and, with the help of Shayna Gaunt and Shira Karpel from How to ABA, there aren’t many conundrums that can get past us. This week, we discuss ethical systems, the best BCBAs, and possible solutions to real-life ethical problems from listeners. Because it’s always good to have ethics friends! This episode is available for 1.0 ETHICS CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Britton, L.N., Crye, A.A., & Haymes, L.K. (2021). Cultivating the ethical repertoires of behavior analysts: Prevention of common violations. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14, 534-548. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00540-w Glodowski, K.R., Hockenberry, N.L., Anthony, D., & Hinckley, C. (2024). Disseminating ethical applied behavior analysis within a human-service organization: A tutorial. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00966-6 Zayac, R.M., Van Stratton, J.E., Ratkos, T., Williams, M., Geiger, A., & Paulk, Amber. (2021). A preliminary assessment of the qualities and behaviors of exemplary practitioners: Perspectives from U.S.-based behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14, 342-351. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00522-y If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at [email protected] for further assistance.