Subject Matter Expert: Dr. Kimberly B Marshall Ph.D., BCBA-D | Host: Maria Nicolaou, MSc BCBA 

Are you passionate about Applied Behavior Analysis and committed to staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices. Look no further than Special Learning, your premier destination for a vibrant and collaborative online ABA learning community in our monthly Journal Club.

In our March Journal Club presented by Dr. Kimberly B Marshall we will explore “Parents' emotional responses to behavior analysis terms: a comparative analysis”.

Overview:

This research highlights a critical yet often overlooked aspect of ABA—how parents of individuals with disabilities emotionally respond to technical behavior analysis terms. While precision in terminology is essential for professionals, some terms may evoke negative emotional responses from caregivers, potentially impacting their engagement and willingness to implement interventions. The study compares parents’ ratings of ABA terms to existing norms from the general public, revealing that many commonly used terms are perceived as less pleasant. These findings emphasize the need for more accessible language in ABA practice to strengthen client-therapist relationships and enhance collaboration.

By analyzing word-emotion ratings and discussing their implications, this session will provide behavior analysts with practical strategies for improving communication with caregivers, building trust, and ensuring more effective service delivery.

Who Should Attend:

• Professionals in the field of behavior analysis 
• Educators, therapists, and caregivers working with individuals on the autism spectrum
• Researchers and students interested in autism studies
• Advocates for diversity and inclusion

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the complexities of autism, behavior analysis, and the ongoing dialogue between professionals and the autistic community. Reserve your spot now for a thought-provoking and informative webinar.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify at least three behavior analysis terms that parents rated as having negative emotional connotations and describe their potential impact on parent engagement.
• Analyze the correlation between parents’ emotional ratings of ABA terms and general population norms, using data from the study to assess the consistency of emotional responses.
• Apply strategies for modifying technical language in caregiver communication by generating at least two alternative terms or explanations for commonly misunderstood ABA jargon.

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: The Behavior Analyst Certification Board  (“BACB”) does not sponsor, approve or endorse Special Learning, the materials, information, or sessions identified herein.

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