Authentic Assent and Co-Creating Space to Minimize Masking | Ethics BCBA CEU Credits: 2

When considering assent, behavior analytic conversation has recently frequently pointed to topographical definitions of assent and assent withdrawal, which alone are insufficient to indicate function. While some topographies of assent withdrawal may be overt and highly observable and countable to others, some topographies of assent withdrawal may be subtle (Hayes & Fryling, 2009), potentially to the degree of being unobservable to most other viewers such that it may be considered a private or covert event (Skinner, 1945). This behavior may also covary with or be described as “masking” (Pearson & Rose, 2021; Miller, Rees, & Pearson, 2021). For those seeking BCBA CEUs on Assent, this is a valuable and timely topic. Notably, BCBA CEUs on Assent offer learning opportunities for practitioners interested in ethical and functional analysis. When considering co-creating space to minimize masking and increase the probability of accurately responding to assent withdrawal or lack of active assent, a non-linear approach may be valuable (Layng et al., 2021). In this context, it is important to emphasise the significance of Authentic Assent in ABA. Focusing on Authentic Assent in ABA helps practitioners recognise the deeper ethical implications of assent and its withdrawal. This presentation will consider behavioral shifts and environmental shifts practitioners can engage in to increase the probability of authenticity in responding for the learners they support.

This course goes beyond the current BCBA and BCaBA Task Lists by introducing behaviorally informed strategies to reduce masking—a phenomenon where learners may mask genuine assent—through environmental and behavioral adjustments designed to increase authentic responding. Indeed, BCBA CEUs on Assent provide insights into addressing masking and nuanced withdrawal in clinical practice. Masking and nuanced forms of assent withdrawal are not explicitly addressed in standard task list content, yet they pose significant ethical concerns. The course is behavior-analytic in nature, emphasizing functional approaches to identifying masking behaviors, understanding their implications, and aligning practice with the Ethics Code’s focus on autonomy and assent. The dedication to Authentic Assent in ABA reflects a commitment to transparency and consent in behavior analysis.

Publication Date: June 2025

This Ethics course provides 2 Ethics CEU credits for BACB, QABA, and IBAO. Additionally, participants will learn practical tools for strengthening Authentic Assent in ABA within professional practice. Furthermore, BCBA CEUs on Assent support ongoing ethical development for behaviour analysts.