Toward Socially Meaningful Case Conceptualization: The Risk-Driven Approach

Rachel S Taylor; Richard A Colombo; Michele Wallace; Benjamin Heimann; Ashton Benedickt; Allyson Moore

doi:10.1007/s40617-023-00812-1

Toward Socially Meaningful Case Conceptualization: The Risk-Driven Approach

Behav Anal Pract. 2023 May 24;16(4):1022-1033. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00812-1. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Rachel S Taylor¹, Richard A Colombo¹, Michele Wallace¹, Benjamin Heimann¹, Ashton Benedickt¹, Allyson Moore¹

Affiliation

¹ Center for Applied Behavior Analysis, 11150 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA.

Abstract

The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Ethics Code states that "behavior analysts should put compliance with the law and clients' interests first by actively working to maximize desired outcomes and minimize risk" (emphasis added; BACB, 2020, p. 5). In turn, board certified practitioners must approach the case conceptualization process in applied behavior analysis (ABA) with respect to minimizing risks to an improved quality of life (QoL). As such, ABA services must be based on an understanding of risk-risk to ensuring desired outcomes. The purpose of the current article is two-fold (1) revisit social validity and propose features of socially meaningful case conceptualization, and (2) introduce a corresponding structured risk-driven approach to ABA service delivery. A primary aim is to equip all stakeholders with readily accessible practice-related supports-ensuring clients' rights to effective services towards an improved QoL.

Keywords: Applied behavior analysis; Case conceptualization; Ethics; Outcomes; Risk; Social validity.

Publication types

Review