Understanding Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis: Practical Applications

This book provides the foundation for a lifelong journey of ethical practice in service for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The second edition of Understanding Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis includes an explanation of each element in the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, along with considerations for ethical practice and examples from the field. Professional behavior for the behavior analyst is also addressed when fulfilling roles as teacher, employee, manager, colleague, advocate, or member of a multidisciplinary team. This new edition expands on the first chapter’s introduction of moral philosophy, adds a new chapter on ethical decision-making and core principles, and provides a study guide to assist those preparing for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board exams. Drawing upon Beirne and Sadavoy’s combined 40 years of clinical experience as well as the reflections of colleagues in the field, this is an indispensable guide to ethics for behavior analysis students.

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

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.

Review :
"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® 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