(REC) Ethical Considerations in Expanding ABA Practice Methodologies

As ABA services grow to meet the demands of diverse client profiles, including those facing waitlists, educational challenges, and dual diagnoses, it’s crucial for behavior analysts to ensure their approaches remain ethical, timely, and effective.

This presentation, led by experts from Come Together Behavioral Learning, explores innovative methodologies like the Balance Program for early intervention, Academic Support with Direct Instruction, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each segment aligns with BCBA ethical standards to offer attendees actionable strategies to support underserved populations, maintain client engagement, and ensure equitable access to services. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to ethically navigate ABA’s expanding applications and will leave equipped to incorporate these ethical standards into their own practices. This presentation is ideal for behavior analysts, educators, and professionals looking to enhance their skill sets in ethically-driven, client-centered ABA interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to Identify and address ethical challenges in providing ABA services to clients on waitlists, including maintaining client engagement and avoiding deterioration in behavior.
• Understand the ethical importance of timely service delivery in ABA, particularly through caregiver coaching and early intervention programs like the Balance Program.
• Recognize the role of behavior analysts in advocating for and implementing Direct Instruction to support educational needs and close learning gaps for clients with disabilities.
• Examine ethical responsibilities when working with clients with atypical profiles, including collaborating with mental health professionals and maintaining competence.
• Apply principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ethically to support clients with dual diagnoses, focusing on building psychological flexibility and aligning interventions with clients’ values.

PRESENTERS:

Nicole Parks

Nicole has been a dedicated behavior analyst for over two decades, working with clients across the lifespan. With a background spanning early intervention, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, organizational behavior management (OBM), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), she brings a diverse range of expertise to her role as the Director of Clinical ABA and Residency Program at Come Together Behavioral Learning.
In her current role, Nicole specializes in Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), applying these evidence-based practices to support clients with multiple diagnoses and their families. She also leads the residency program, mentoring aspiring BCBAs and providing them with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers. Nicole’s commitment to expanding ABA beyond autism and developmental disabilities fuels her advocacy for the field’s growth into new arenas.

In 2020, Nicole founded Rooted Consultation, combining her expertise in OBM and ACT to help businesses integrate ethical and sustainable practices. Rooted Consultation also serves as a platform for Nicole to advance the science of behavior analysis beyond its traditional applications. Through this work, she has been able to support businesses in improving employee satisfaction and retention, while also expanding the reach of ABA into new industries and settings.

When Nicole isn’t advancing the field of behavior analysis, she enjoys road trips, movies, and spending time with her husband, kids, and pets. A self-proclaimed coffee fanatic, she loves exploring local coffee shops wherever she travels. Fall is her favorite season, and she’s a big fan of horror movies, with the original Halloween and the Scream franchise topping her list. 

Cierra Tranum, MS, BCBA, LBA

Cierra is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Come Together Behavioral Learning. Since becoming a BCBA in 2018, she has been passionate about working with children with disabilities, a journey that began in 2016. Cierra’s two main areas of expertise are early intervention and training others to implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) independently. She is dedicated to providing exceptional services to families, no matter their location or current waitlist status, through telehealth and caregiver training.

Cierra believes strongly in the power of parent involvement, recognizing that supporting families is key to helping children overcome challenges and acquire new skills. She loves playing an important role in her clients’ lives, aiming to reduce stress for families and enhance their overall quality of life.

A bit of a self-proclaimed “nerd,” Cierra also enjoys studying with aspiring BCBAs and sharing her knowledge. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, visiting state parks, and exploring new restaurants. As a proud mother, Cierra cherishes the time she spends with her “mini-me,” and considers motherhood her greatest joy.

Dawn Davis, PhD, BCBA

Dr. Davis brings 30 years of educational and behavioral experience in both clinical and applied environments. She began her career as a special education teacher in Cobb County Schools, working with students diagnosed with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (MID-MoID) and severe emotional behavioral disorders (SEBD). It was there that she discovered her passion for helping students with communication and emotional/behavioral regulation, recognizing that many severe problem behaviors functioned as communication skills developed over time.

Dr. Davis earned her doctorate in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Direct Instruction (DI) teaching methodology from Georgia State University. She gained clinical experience at the Marcus Autism Center and worked in special needs classrooms across several Georgia counties. Her research focuses on Functional Communication Training (FCT), phonetic reading skills for students with moderate intellectual disabilities, and innovative methods for demonstrating instructional effectiveness.

As the founder and CEO of New Day Learning and Behavior Strategies and New Day Applied Behavioral Learning, Dr. Davis provides academic and behavior support to students in virtual schools and offers ABA services, social skills training, and parent coaching in Cumming, GA. She is also developing a preschool program to promote individualized learning and smooth transitions through schooling options.

Dr. Davis is proud of her two children, Chris and Nasta, who were adopted from Russia, and enjoys spending time with her dogs, Murphy and Koda.