Dignity and Respect: Why Therapeutic Assent Matters

Area of Science:

• Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis
• Neurodiversity and Ethical Research Practices

Background:

• Informed consent is standard for adults (18+); assent is required for minors or conserved adults.
• Behavior analysts frequently serve neurodiverse individuals with language deficits.
• Existing assent procedures may be inadequate for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the necessity of field-specific assent procedures in behavior-analytic research and therapy.
• To differentiate assent requirements based on the distinct goals of research versus therapy.
• To advocate for unique guidelines for therapeutic assent in behavior analysis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis of assent procedures in behavior analysis.
• Examination of ethical considerations for neurodiverse populations with communication challenges.
• Argumentation for distinct assent protocols in research and therapeutic contexts.

Main Results:

• Behavior-analytic research and therapy necessitate tailored assent procedures for clients with language deficits.
• The differing objectives of research and treatment require adaptable assent strategies.
• Therapeutic assent within behavior analysis demands specific guidelines distinct from research assent.

Conclusions:

• Standard assent procedures are insufficient for neurodiverse individuals with language deficits in behavior analysis.
• Field-specific assent protocols are crucial for ethical engagement in behavior-analytic research and treatment.
• Therapeutic assent requires a unique framework to accommodate the specific needs of behavior-analytic clients.