ABA Unfiltered: Are We Teaching Skills or Compliance?

Explore the ethical tensions between skill development and compliance. Earn 1.0 ethics CEUs in this interactive discussion.

Dec 1, 20267:00 PM ESTLive + Recording

About This Event

Behavior analysts are responsible for selecting socially significant treatment goals while respecting client dignity and preferences. Yet goals focused on compliance—following directions, tolerating demands, and reducing refusal—can create ethical tensions when compliance becomes the primary outcome. This facilitated ethics discussion examines the critical distinction between functional skill development and compliance-focused programming. Through evaluation of clinical scenarios and reference to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, participants will deepen their understanding of how assent, autonomy, and social validity inform treatment decisions that truly promote meaningful independence. Leave equipped to differentiate skill-acquisition goals from compliance-focused programming, evaluate complex clinical scenarios through an ethical lens, and propose modifications to instructional goals that better align with client preferences and ethical obligations.

Your Speaker

Danielle Virnelson

MS, BCBA, LBA

Danielle Virnelson is a leading voice in ethical practice within behavior analysis, with extensive experience in clinical supervision and the development of behavior change interventions. Her work emphasizes the importance of aligning clinical practice with ethical principles, particularly in examining the distinction between skill development and compliance-focused programming. Danielle is passionate about fostering a culture of ethical reflection within the field and ensuring that behavior-analytic practice centers on promoting genuine client autonomy and meaningful independence.

Event Details

Date

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Time

7:00 PM EST

Duration

50 minutes

Format

Live + Recording

Credit

1 Ethics CEU

Price

$10.00

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to differentiate skill-acquisition goals that promote meaningful independence from goals primarily emphasizing compliance.

Participants will be able to evaluate clinical scenarios involving assent, autonomy, and socially significant outcomes using relevant ethical principles.

Participants will be able to propose modifications to instructional goals that better align with client preferences, clinical necessity, and ethical obligations.

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$10.00 per person

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