(REC) Rewriting the Script: Designing Programs that Empower Learners to Set Boundaries with Adults

This presentation focuses on developing programs that empower learners to set and maintain personal boundaries, particularly in interactions with adults. It addresses how subtle, harmful messages learners may internalize can negatively affect their self-worth, autonomy, and emotional regulation. By identifying and replacing these messages with affirming ones, the presentation offers practical strategies to encourage respect, self-advocacy, and emotional validation in behavioral therapy settings.

Key areas addressed include:

• Empowerment and Advocacy: Teaching learners to express needs for space, assistance, and accommodations as essential parts of self-advocacy and emotional well-being.

• Boundary Setting: Emphasizing that learners have the right to say “”no”” or show discomfort, and teaching adults to recognize and honor these cues.

• Emotional Validation: Promoting the importance of validating all emotions, showing learners that their feelings are understood and respected.

• Self-Worth and Independence: Encouraging learners to recognize they deserve respectful treatment and can distance themselves from negative situations.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to provide examples of subtle societal messages that can be harmful to autistic learners.
• Participants will be able to explain replacement messages that can be taught to autistic learners
• Participants will be able to identify values and explain procedures associated with replacement messages.
• Participants will be able to describe goals and programs that align with replacement messages.

PRESENTER: Mary Rose Winters

As a neurodivergent Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Mary Rose is dedicated to empowering learners to advocate for themselves, understand their emotions, and pursue their passions. With specialized training in neurodivergent-affirming care, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based interventions, she brings a compassionate, individualized approach to behavior analysis. Mary Rose’s expertise includes the Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Treatment approach, implementing Universal Protocols and guiding RBTs in the practice of assent based care. Currently based in Oklahoma City, she’s committed to guiding clients on their unique paths to growth and self-advocacy.