A Tactful Prompt: The Time is Right for Critical Behavioral Studies

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Autism Studies
• Neurodiversity Studies

Background:

• Contentious divide exists between autistic advocates and behavior analysts regarding Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
• Advocates perceive ABA as harmful and stigmatizing; some behavior analysts cite misunderstandings of the science.
• Recent shifts indicate a growing interest in dialogue and reform from both critical autism scholars and a new generation of behavior analysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the formalization of a new interdisciplinary field: Critical Behavioral Studies.
• To foster meaningful reform in behavior analysis through dialogue and critical self-reflection.
• To bridge the conceptual divide between autistic advocates and behavior analysts.

Main Methods:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration among critical autism, neurodiversity, and behavior analysis scholars.
• Initiating public conversations and acknowledging the need for pragmatic reform.
• Advocating for enhanced training and contextual understanding of practices in relation to the autistic community.

Main Results:

• Emergence of a new generation of behavior analysts, including autistic practitioners, open to addressing field problems.
• Growing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinarity and critical self-reflection for the evolution of behavior analysis.
• Potential for a new field, Critical Behavioral Studies, to facilitate progress and meaningful change.

Conclusions:

• Critical Behavioral Studies offers a framework for integrating social, cultural, and historical understanding into behavior analysis.
• This new field emphasizes extending training scope to better contextualize practice and promote self-examination.
• Formalizing this field presents an opportunity for significant, positive evolution within behavior analysis and autism research.