In behavior analysis, advocacy can take place in a number of forms. A behavior analyst may advocate for an individual client. For example, a behavior analyst in a school setting will often respond to requests from parents and assist by requesting change for the student. Often, behavior analysts must not only advocate for the individual client, but they must also recognize when issues affect the collective client. The collective client can be clients facing similar behavior issues, or they can be clients dealing collectively with legal or social issues stemming from their disabilities. It is important for professional behavior analysts to recognize issues of concern that go beyond the individual and which issues these groups may face.
For this Discussion, you will consider advocacy in behavior analysis and analyze best methods for advocating for change with issues facing the individual and collective client
To Prepare
- Review the readings and media from this week’s Learning Resources to gain an understanding of advocating for change in behavior analysis. Note: It will be critical for you to review all the media for this week to complete this Discussion.
- Review Walden’s social change goals in its mission and vision and consider how this might influence your future professional practice.
- Post a response to the following questions:
- How can you advocate for the best interest of your clients (i.e., evidence-based interventions, client’s welfare, necessary needed services, least restrictive alternatives), including both the individual needs of the client and the collective client and their families?
- Based on the Learning Resources and Walden’s mission and vision for positive social change, have your thoughts toward advocacy evolved? Why or why not?
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Resources
- Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2022). Ethics for behavior analysts (4th ed.). Routledge.
- Chapter 10, “Section 5: Responsibility in Public Statements” (pp. 247-272)
- Chapter 13. “Using a Declaration of Professional Practices and Procedures for Behavior Analysts (pp. 323-334)
- Fawcett, S. B., Bernstein, G. S., Czyzewski, M. J., Greene, B. F., Hannah, G. T., Iwata, B. A., . . . Winett, R.A. (1988). Behavior analysis and public policyLinks to an external site.. The Behavior Analyst, 11 (1), 11–25.
- Itkonen, T., & Ream, R. (2013). Autism advocacy: A network striving for equityLinks to an external site.. Peabody Journal of Education, 88 (1), 48–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/0161956X.2013.752631
- Kotin, Crabtree & Strong. (2013). Mistakes people make – Advocates Links to an external site.. http://www.kcslegal.com/publications/item/mistakes...
- Walden University. (n.d.). Social change Links to an external site.. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Note: The Walden University Social Change webpage contains information about Walden’s mission and vision for positive social change.