Understanding Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis: Practical Applications

by Ann Beirne, Jacob A. Sadavoy

Overview

This book provides the foundation for a lifelong journey of ethical practice in service for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032041360
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/23/2021
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ann Beirne, MA, BCBA has worked as a clinician for over 20 years and has seen applications of applied behavior analysis across the lifespan and trained professionals on five continents to practice behavior analysis.

Jacob A. Sadavoy, MS, BCBA has passionately devoted over two decades in the application of the principles of applied behavior analysis in schools, centers, businesses, training institutions, and homes around the world.

Table of Contents

Part 1; Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts; 1.1 An Introduction to Studying Ethics; 1.2 Core Principles; 1.3 Ethical Decision Making; 1.4 Ethics Standards: Section 1: Responsibility as a Professional; 1.5 Ethics Standards: Section 2: Responsibility in Practice; 1.6 Ethics Standards: Section 3: Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders; 1.7 Ethics Standards: Section 4: Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees; 1.8 Ethics Standards: Section 5: Responsibility in Public Statements; 1.9 Ethics Standards: Section 6: Responsibility in Research; 1.10 Study Guide;

Part 2; Professional Behavior and the Behavior Analyst: Beyond the Code; 2.1 Professionalism; 2.2 The Behavior Analyst as Service Provider; 2.3 Behavior Analysts and the Team; 2.4 The Behavior Analyst as Advocate; 2.5 The Behavior Analyst as Employee; 2.6 The Behavior Analyst as Researcher;

Part 3: Voices from the Field; 3.1 A Reflection on Integrity; 3.2 Reflections on The BCBA® as a Researcher: An Interview with Yulema Cruz; 3.3 Ethics and Functional Analysis; 3.4 "One of the Good NT’s": An Interview with Dr Peter Gerhardt; 3.5 Ethics and Social Validity: Considering Neurodiversity in Intervention is Essential; 3.6 The New Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts: An Opportunity for Renewed Commitment to Promoting Functional Communication; 3.7 The "Good" Life: An Interview with Dr Todd May; 3.8 The Compassionate and Curious Behavior Analyst: Navigating Criticism of Behavior Analysis; 3.9 An Updated Ethics Code? Why Is That Necessary?; 3.10 Ethics in Supervision; 3.11 The Importance of Self-care: An Interview with Dr Shane Spiker; 3.12 The Pressing Need for Ethical, Effective Supervision; 3.13 Bringing Challenge to Coercion and the Status Quo; 3.14 Confidentiality in the Age of Social Media; 3.15 Reflections: Crisis Stabilization and Treatment: Confusing Short-term Behavior Reduction with Lasting Treatment Gains; 3.16 On Heroes and Villains: An Interview with Dr Philip Zimbardo; 3.17 Behavior Consultation in Schools; Appendices

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Michael S. Goldsby, PhD, CCRP (Family Psychiatry of The Woodlands)
Description: Ethical behavior for clinical professionals, such as behavior analysts, has its roots in the basic understanding and adherence to regulations adopted in the canons of the profession. This book examines essential sections of the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts, offering suggestions, considerations, and examples that help readers distinguish those situations in which behavior is either ethical, unethical, or simply uncomfortable. This book presents a thorough, in-depth discussion of the ethics code for behavior analysts, along with insightful explanations and real-world illustrations that help to bring the ethics code to life.
Purpose: The authors' stated purpose is to provide graduate students in psychology, sociology, and other mental health disciplines, as well as practicing clinicians, including therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals with a guide, or compass for their journey as ethical professionals. The book also could be used as required reading for the completion of ethics coursework.
Audience: The target audience is graduate students wishing to understand the importance of ethics in working with vulnerable patient populations as a fundamental requirement for a future in the mental health profession, and particularly future behavior analysts. Seasoned clinicians such as psychologists and counselors also would benefit from this reference guide to help maintain a high standard of professional behavior.
Features: This book thoroughly discusses one code at a time in a way that readers grasp not only the meaning, but also the practical application and ethical consideration of each one. The authors give explanations and offer considerations and examples from the field for each code. Featured in this book are contributions from two of the most respected and experienced board-certified behavior analysts who have a combined 40 years of clinical knowledge and understanding of the code. They have magnificently collaborated to write a one-of-a-kind guide. Starting with an introduction to the study of ethics and progressing through the meaning and nuance of each code, the authors explore the decision-making process that leads to ethical behavior, and thoughtfully discuss what it means to be unethical. This book was written as a helpful guide to enrich thoughtful discussion and bring awareness to what it means to behave ethically as a behavior analyst.
Assessment: The authors have written a timely and comprehensive reference guide for better understanding the professional and ethical compliance code for behavioral analysis. Graduate students and professionals alike will benefit from the interesting and thought-provoking examples from the field that are masterfully used throughout the book and go beyond a simple explanation of each code. This is a wonderful example of how skilled authors use their masterful gift of communicative expression to bring an otherwise perceived dry topic to life as an extremely interesting must-read book. A copy of this book should be in the hands of every graduate student, instructor, and professional in the field of behavior analysis. I highly recommend it not only as a reference guide for seasoned professionals who provide behavior-analytic services, but also as a study guide for graduate students seeking to pass the required Behavior Analyst Certification Board examination in pursuit of becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Doody's Review Service

"This timely book overruns with profound methods to manage the science we have dedicated our lives to. From the basic idea of admitting you might have a bias to learning how to seek out answers for the current elephants in the room - you will find realistic principles that can immediately be adopted into daily practice. A must read for all behavior analysts - new and old!" --R. Nicolle Carr, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

"The updated edition of Understanding Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis teaches a nuanced, thoughtful approach to professional decision-making in real-world situations. Ethical behavior is not easy nor straightforward. Yet, this book's fresh approach inspires courage when facing complex dilemmas at work. Such difficulties become, instead, opportunities to collaborate and act on shared values. Readable and engaging, with examples brought to life by diverse experts in behavior analysis, this humble and caring text is a unique contribution to a complex topic." -- Robyn M. Catagnus, EdD, BCBA-D, LBS

"This book synthesizes concepts and terms in the new BACB(R) Ethics Code with existing ones for a more comprehensive and up-to-date view of ethical considerations. The authors apply the concepts in a thoughtful manner to the various facets of practice that all behavior analysts should read and become familiar with. This is a well-written book that addresses client rights, dignity, right to be free from aversive interventions, and informed choice, as integral aspects of the consent process. The section on ethical decision-making is particularly compelling and will serve as a very useful resource for behavior analysts. This book will serve as a much-needed resource on ethical practices for behavior analysts for years to come." -- Michael Weinberg, PhD, LP, LABA, LBA, BCBA-D

From the Publisher