21 HUMANITY OF ABA
ABA as a Humane Approach
Abstract
The commitment to excellence, transparency, individualization, and accountability that is integral to behavior analysis may be easily overlooked by our clients and colleagues, and sometimes ourselves. Embracing these attributes gives us much to be proud of; however, this short essaychapter serves as a reminder that we are all works in progress. In this essaychapter, we will describe several aspects of our work that highlights the humanity and heart of ABA. Finally, for our work to be effective and enduring, we must hone not only our technical skills but also good interpersonal skills, including the promotion of open communication and relationship building.
Keywords
humane approach
evidence based
socially significant
social validity
evidence-based treatments
About
David Celiberti
Ph.D., BCBA-D
Kirsten Wirth
Ph.D., BCBA-D
Dr. Wirth is a licensed psychologist and board certified behavior analyst-doctoral, and has a PhD in Psychology – Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) from the University of Manitoba. She is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Manitoba (http://www.umanitoba.ca/psychology). She is also the author of “How to get your child to go to sleep and stay asleep: A practical guide for parents to sleep train young children,” and the mother of two young children. Dr. Wirth is the founder and a Past President of the Manitoba Association for Behaviour Analysis (www.maba.ca). She is the Co-Coordinator of the Clinical Corner for the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (www.asatonline.org). Previously Dr. Wirth worked at St.Amant in a variety of departments as a researcher, behaviour analyst, and clinical manager of the autism programs. She has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, with or without developmental disabilities and autism using, teaching, and training others to use ABA. Dr. Wirth has also been an invited speaker and presenter at local and international conferences.
Kate McKenna
MEd, MSEd, BCBA, LB