Neuro-Affirming ABA Essentials: Empowering Diverse Minds Through Behaviour Science

BACB Authorised Continuing Education (ACE) Provider

Gain 4 CE credit hours and an ASBA Certificate of Completion to enhance your professional credentials.

Academy of Systemic Behaviour Approach (ASBA) is an authorised continuing education (ACE) provider for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This designation confirms that ASBA's training and professional development programs meet the rigorous standards set by the BACB for quality, relevance, and ethical practice in the field of applied behaviour analysis (ABA).

CE Course Description

Founded on the neurodiverse paradigm of autism, this professional CE bridges the gap between current research and professional training in supporting autistic people. In adhering to the current Code, this CE attends to the necessary adaptations for neuro-affirming practice, including a focus on autism-specific strengths and cost-benefit analyses when conducting behaviour assessments and determining target skills. Furthermore, it fosters therapists’ in-depth understanding of autism and equips therapists working with neurodiverse individuals beyond the diagnosis.

Your Learning, Your Way

Take control of your education with our fully online, self-paced CE course. You'll gain access to a dynamic mix of learning materials—from videos and readings to interactive exercises—that you can work through on your own schedule. The course is designed to empower you with practical skills you can immediately apply to your clinical work.

Learning Objectives

Module 1: Foundations of Neurodiversity and the Neurodiversity Paradigm

Introduction to Neurodiversity

Historical context and evolution of the neurodiversity movement.
Key terms: neurotypical, neurodivergent, neurodevelopmental conditions (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia).
Challenging the medical model vs. embracing the social model of disability.

Critiques of Traditional ABA

Historical harms and ethical concerns raised by autistic and neurodivergent communities.
The concept of “masking” and its impact on well-being.
The “double empathy problem” and its implications for social interaction.

Module 2: Shifting Assessment and Goal Setting to Be Neuro-Affirming

Rethinking Assessment Practices

Moving beyond deficit-focused assessments.
Assessing preferences, strengths, and unique learning styles.
Incorporating neurodivergent perspectives and lived experiences in assessment.
The importance of functional behaviour assessment (FBA) in understanding communication and regulation.

Collaborative Goal Setting

Co-producing goals with neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Prioritising goals that enhance quality of life, autonomy, and well-being, rather than normalising behaviour.
Shifting away from goals that promote masking or suppress natural neurodivergent expressions (e.g., stimming).

Validating All Forms of Communication

Recognising and honouring diverse communication methods (e.g., AAC, gestures, body language, sensory communication).
Presuming competence in communication.

Module 3: Neuro-Affirming Antecedent Intervention

Respecting Sensory Needs

Creating sensory-friendly environments.
Incorporating sensory regulation strategies and supports (e.g., fidgets, movement breaks, quiet spaces).

Flexible and Person-Centred Teaching

Adapting teaching methods to individual learning styles and interests (e.g., monotropism).
Emphasising engagement and motivation.
Prioritising naturalistic teaching approaches.
Facilitating peer relationships and community inclusion based on shared interests.

Addressing Challenging Behaviours from a Neuro-Affirming Lens

Understanding challenging behaviours as communication or a response to unmet needs/environmental mismatches.
Focusing on proactive strategies, environmental modifications, and teaching functional alternatives.
Minimising restrictive practices.

Module 4: Ethical Decision-Making in Neuro-Affirming ABA

Ethical Imperatives

QABA Ethical Code of Conduct related to cultural responsiveness, consent, and client dignity.
The role of social validity in neuro-affirming practice – whose values are we upholding?
Addressing implicit biases and ableism in practice.

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

When traditional ABA goals conflict with neuro-affirming principles.
Balancing client needs with family values (when they differ).

Ongoing Self-Reflection and Professional Growth

Strategies for critical self-reflection and identifying personal biases.
Committing to continuous learning from neurodivergent voices and research.
Engaging in supervision and peer consultation that aligns with neuro-affirming principles.

Cindy Hsiang

Course Designer

Cindy has been working with children on the autism spectrum and their families since 2000. She has vast experience supervising and training allied health professionals (e.g., behaviour therapists, psychologists) in relevant field across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia-Pacific. Cindy is a BCBA and the principal registered psychologist at Aspiration Education and Development Clinic in Sydney, Australia. Cindy is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with like-minded professionals.

Neuro-Affirming ABA Essentials: Empowering Diverse Minds Through Behaviour Science Course

$99.00 AUD

CE Credit Hours: 4

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®) authorised CE provider
Freedom to start training anytime
Self-paced with the flexibility to complete the course within 6 months of purchase
International enrolments - Check course cost in USD here
Dedicated support team
Secure payment with Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay, Afterpay or Klarna

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