The Importance of Assent in ABA: Compassionate Practices Every BCBA® Should Know

Have You Ever Felt Uneasy About How You Respond to a Learner’s Behavior?

A learner flops to the ground, pushes materials off the table, or turns away in frustration. How do you or your RBTs respond in these moments? Do you follow through no matter what, insisting on compliance?

Now think about how those responses make you feel at the end of the day. Are you confident they’re truly helping the learner? Or do you wonder if there’s a better, more compassionate way?

You’re not alone. Many BCBAs®, myself included, have faced this internal struggle. We’re taught to focus on measurable progress, but traditional methods can sometimes clash with our values of compassion and respect for autonomy.

The good news? The field of ABA is evolving, and with it comes the opportunity to embrace practices like assent-based interventions, which prioritize learner autonomy and dignity without compromising results.

This post explores:

• What assent means in ABA and why it’s critical.

• How respecting assent fosters better outcomes for both learners and practitioners.

• Practical steps for integrating assent into your practice.

What Is Assent in ABA?

In ABA, assent refers to a learner’s voluntary agreement to participate in therapy. Unlike consent, which is legally provided by caregivers or guardians, assent focuses on the learner’s active participation, communicated through words, gestures, or behavior.

Assent means listening to and respecting a learner’s voice—whether they say “yes” with a smile or “no” by turning away. By observing verbal and non-verbal cues, we can gauge their comfort and willingness to engage (Morris, Detrick, & Peterson, 2021).

When assent is withdrawn, it’s not a challenge to overcome—it’s a signal to pause, reflect, and adapt. Respecting these cues doesn’t mean abandoning goals; it means approaching them in a way that values the learner’s dignity and autonomy (Flowers & Dawes, 2023).

Why Assent Matters for Compassionate, Client-Centered ABA

1. Builds Trust and Rapport

When learners feel heard and respected, they’re more likely to trust their providers. This trust becomes the foundation for successful interventions.

2. Improves Learning Outcomes

Engaged learners make faster progress. When therapy is collaborative and meaningful, skill acquisition and generalization improve (Taylor, LeBlanc, & Nosik, 2019).

3. Aligns with Ethical Standards

The BACB® Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts emphasizes treating clients with dignity and respect. Honoring assent ensures your practice aligns with these ethical guidelines (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020).

4. Empowers Learners

Assent teaches learners that their voice matters. This empowerment fosters self-advocacy, a skill that extends far beyond therapy sessions (Abdel-Jalil et al., 2023).

Rethinking Traditional Practices

For decades, ABA relied heavily on compliance-based methods. While effective at reducing challenging behaviors, these approaches often overlooked the learner’s autonomy. Early pioneers in the field, like Lovaas, described autistic individuals in ways that dehumanized their experiences—a view now widely criticized (Hanley, 2021; Paige Layle, 2021).

The autistic community has since voiced concerns about coercion in ABA, calling for approaches that honor neurodiversity and prioritize learner autonomy. Assent-based practices are at the heart of this shift, blending compassion with evidence-based strategies to create interventions that are not only effective but also ethical and humane.

How BCBAs® Can Develop the Skills to Implement Assent in Their Practice

Implementing assent isn’t just about changing your mindset—it requires a set of skills that many BCBAs® weren’t taught during their initial training. To integrate assent-based practices effectively, you need to:

• Recognize Assent and Withdrawal Cues: Learn to interpret verbal and non-verbal signals, like eye contact, body language, or vocal refusals (Morris, Detrick, & Peterson, 2021).

• Adapt in Real-Time: Adjust your approach when a learner withdraws assent to regain their engagement without escalating the situation (Flowers & Dawes, 2023).

• Foster Self-Advocacy: Teach learners to communicate their needs, preferences, and boundaries (Abdel-Jalil et al., 2023).

• Balance Ethics with Science: Use evidence-based methods that respect autonomy while achieving meaningful outcomes.

CEU courses like Voice and Choice: Assent in Action in ABA Services provide the tools and training needed to develop these skills (Taylor, LeBlanc, & Nosik, 2019). Through real-world strategies and practical insights, this course helps BCBAs®:

• Implement assent-based practices in everyday sessions.

• Navigate ethical considerations with confidence.

• Build stronger, more collaborative relationships with their learners.

By committing to ongoing professional development, you can align your practice with both ethical standards and compassionate care.

Assent in Action: A Mini Case Study

Early in my career, I worked with a 4-year-old learner named Oliver. He was bright, curious, and strong-willed, but he often resisted transitions and simple tasks. I had been taught to follow through no matter what, with my BCBA-D® supervisor emphasizing, “Nothing happens until they comply.”

One day, as I was leaving a session, I casually asked Oliver to say goodbye. He refused, staring at me in silence. Following my training, I began prompting him repeatedly.

As the minutes stretched into an hour, Oliver’s frustration grew. He crawled under the table, trying to escape the demand. But I persisted. I crouched beside him, prompting again and again, convinced that giving in would reinforce his behavior.

Eventually, he complied. He said goodbye. But at what cost?

The experience damaged our rapport and taught Oliver nothing. I left that day questioning whether this was the kind of BCBA® I wanted to be.

Years later, I approach similar situations differently. If Oliver were my learner now, I wouldn’t insist on compliance. I would pause, reflect, and adapt my approach. I might offer a choice, like waving goodbye instead, or simply leave without forcing the interaction.

By honoring his cues, I’ve seen remarkable shifts in my practice. Learners like Oliver engage willingly, challenging behaviors decrease, and our sessions are far more productive. The lesson I learned that day was clear: Assent isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Practical Strategies for Prioritizing Assent in ABA

1. Observe and Interpret Cues

Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal signs of assent, like smiles, eye contact, or engagement. Recognize withdrawal cues, such as avoidance, agitation, or turning away (Morris, Detrick, & Peterson, 2021).

2. Honor Withdrawal

When a learner withdraws assent, pause the activity and reassess. Respect their autonomy by adjusting your approach (Flowers & Dawes, 2023).

3. Offer Choices

Empower learners with choices during sessions—whether it’s selecting tasks, reinforcers, or breaks.

4. Reinforce Communication

Teach learners to express their needs through functional communication training (FCT). Reinforce self-advocacy behaviors to build their confidence.

5. Adapt the Environment

Create a supportive environment by tailoring activities to the learner’s preferences, adjusting pacing, or incorporating movement breaks (Abdel-Jalil et al., 2023).

References

Abdel-Jalil, A., Linnehan, A. M., Yeich, R., Hetzel, K., Amey, J., & Klick, S. (2023). Can there be compassion without assent? A nonlinear constructional approach. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. https://www.bacb.com/ethics-information/ethics-codes/

Flowers, J., & Dawes, J. (2023). Dignity and respect: Why therapeutic assent matters. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16(4), 913-920.

Hanley, G. (2021, October 19). A perspective on today’s ABA from Dr. Hanley. Practical Functional Assessment.

Morris, C., Detrick, J. J., & Peterson, S. M. (2021). Participant assent in behavior analytic research: Considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Taylor, B. A., LeBlanc, L. A., & Nosik, M. R. (2019). Compassionate care in behavior analytic treatment: Can outcomes be enhanced by attending to relationships with caregivers? Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(3), 654-666.

Paige Layle. (2021, July 16). ABA therapy is abuse | an autistic’s thoughts on ABA | #StopTheShock [Video]. YouTube.