Behavior Analyst Supervision Through a Neurodiversity-Affirming Lens: An Examination of Practitioner Knowledge and Future Directions

Abstract

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior, often used with children and adults. Neurodivergent people are often consumers of ABA through school, community, and clinical settings across the lifespan. To improve practice, and to provide equitable, human-centered, affirming clinical support, behavior analysts are expanding their knowledge of the neurodiversity movement, theory, and affirming practices. This capstone project focuses on practitioner knowledge of affirming methods and the application of such methods with neurodivergent people in the context of ABA services. This research aims to inform the development of a neurodiversity-affirming supervision training for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).