Although 1 in 59 Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing individuals are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), access to appropriate services, therapies, and interventions, especially within the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a substantial barrier. This presentation will educate participants on ethical considerations from the field of ABA that should be taken into consideration when working with this population. The work of Stephanie Dille-Huggins, BCBA and Director of Clinical Education for Cornerstone Autism Center will be highlighted regarding their creation of an ABA program designed for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and non-vocal children. Since establishing their program in 2013, Cornerstone has been able to provide accessible, ethical, and inclusionary services to six individuals from the Deaf community diagnosed with ASD and their families. In addition, participants will be guided through insights and understanding regarding Deaf and autism, how accessibility can be achieved in providing services to this population, and cultural considerations when working with the Deaf community. Lastly, participants will be able to identify effective treatment approaches through ABA-based applications and principles, identify continued barriers in accessibility, as well as identify their own ethical limitations in providing consultation, services, and treatment.
Learning outcomes:
- participants will be able to identify at least three Deaf culture constructs that can be taught through ABA applications and principles for Deaf autistic individuals in order to address cultural needs (Ethical Code 1.07- Cultural responsiveness and diversity)
- participants will be able to identify at least three barriers existing in the field of ABA in serving the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community (Ethical Code 1.07 -Cultural responsiveness and diversity and 1.05- Practicing within scope of competence)
- participants will be able to identify at least two benefits and two limitations in using the VB-MAPP and/or other standardized assessments with Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing individuals with ASD
Credits: Act 48, EITA/Infant-Toddler, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, BACB, Ethics, PSYCH
Per The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), all presentation content, including videos and text, are the property of the presenter or agencies that employ the presenter. No copies may be made of the presentation or any of its parts without the express written permission of the presenter or agencies that employ the presenter.
