A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis: Edition 2

Darren Sush · Adel C. Najdowski

Dec 2021 · Academic Press

About this ebook

Those working within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) encounter potential ethical dilemmas on a daily basis. While some challenges can be anticipated and appropriately addressed before they become unmanageable, oftentimes behavior analysts are confronted with unforeseen and novel situations that require immediate, yet careful attention. It is impossible to anticipate and plan for every eventuality. A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition, presents more than 120 real-world case scenarios commonly faced by individuals practicing ABA. The examples range in difficulty and severity to address the unique challenges and needs of those teaching, practicing, or learning ABA through ethics-focused coursework or preparing for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) certification exam. In addition to case scenarios, the workbook provides detailed questions to facilitate discussion and critical thinking, offers suggestions related to the navigation of ethically precarious situations, and includes recommendations of ethics codes to consider in relation to each presented scenario.

• Offers case scenarios addressing codes within the BACB®’s Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts
• Presents detailed question prompts to facilitate discussion and critical thinking
• Includes recommendations of ethics codes to consider and review in relation to each presented scenario
• Offers suggestions on the navigation of ethical challenges
• Discusses how to assess risk and devise ethically appropriate courses of action
• Provides the entirety of the BACB® ethics code for quick access and reference

About the author

Darren J. Sush, PsyD, BCBA-D, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a board certified behavior analyst (doctoral) with more than 15years of experience developing and providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities. Dr. Sush is Head of Autism and Psychology with Evernorth Behavioral Health, a Cigna corporation, and is the coauthor of A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is an adjunct faculty member in the ABA program at Pepperdine University, and an associate professor in the ABA and clinical psychology programs at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, teaching doctoral and master’s courses in ABA and psychology. He has presented at regional and national applied behavior analysis and autism-focused conferences, with media outlets and on podcasts. Within his practice, he specializes in providing therapy for parents of children with ASD and developmental disabilities and writes with Psychology Today online, focusing on resources and mental health for parents of children with ASD and developmental disabilities.

Adel C. Najdowski, PhD, BCBA-D (she/her/hers), is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program at Pepperdine University as well as Research Manager at Halo Behavioral Health. Dr. Najdowski has provided ABA-based services to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities since 1995. She has more than 45 publications, including her books Flexible and Focused: Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals With Autism and Attention Disorders and A Workbook of Ethical Case Scenarios in Applied Behavior Analysis. She currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and has previously served for Behavior Analysis in Practice and as Guest Editor for a special issue in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and previously served on the board of directors for the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA). She is also on the disciplinary review committee (DRC) for the BACB. Her current research interests include topics related to social justice teaching higher-order skills to children, teens, and adults diagnosed with ASD. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and on podcasts and web-based shows.