Leading with Compassion: A Discussion and Steps Forward for Behavior Analysts

Abstract

The provision of applied behavior analytic (ABA) services is a highly efficacious intervention approach most often used to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)/Autistics. Given the advancement of the field, more nuanced skill sets of behavior analysts, such as compassionate care skills, are emerging as the focus of intervention as measurable, observable, and essential. As the field progresses, the identification, refinement, and assessment of more nuanced skills become crucial to the success of our interventions. Leading with a compassionate approach that balances habilitation with client happiness, assent, and engagement is of the utmost importance. This paper discusses the current trend in existing compassionate care literature and how those evaluations may potentially be extended to direct interventionists and Registered Behavior Technicians. In this paper, we argue that a behavioral framework should be used to conceptualize, train, and evaluate the demonstration of these skills in front line ABA practitioners.