An Introduction to a Child's Rights Approach to Applied Behavior Analysis

The effective application of behavior analysis requires compassionate care that protects the rights of child clients while adhering to the core principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Although ethical practices for behavior analysis have been established, including the protection of clients' rights, there remains limited guidance on implementing these expectations in professional practice. Moreover, criticism of the field by autistic advocates, other professionals, and even those within the field often lacks meaningful recommendations for future practice. However, readily available frameworks can help improve the field by developing tools and practices that protect clients through practical assessment and compassionate care. This article introduces a new framework, The Behavior Intervention Checklist: A Child Rights Approach, based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to assist practitioners in defining and protecting the rights of the children they work with. The article focuses on the creation and implementation of The Behavior Intervention Checklist as a self-assessment tool for behavior analysts to evaluate initial intake procedures and develop and review behavior plans through a children's rights lens.