Pushing past distractions to move toward assent-based practice and science: a response to Newcomb and Wine

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A brief response to assent in applied behaviour analysis and positive behaviour support: ethical considerations and practical recommendations

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Notes on contributors

Cassi Breaux

Cassi (Cas) Breaux, M.A., M.S., BCBA, LBA (pronouns they/them) is a content creator and the manager of educational content development for CRInstitute at CentralReach. They have been in the field of behaviour for more than 15 years, most notably as a special education teacher and behaviour specialist for NYC public schools, a tech and BCBA in private clinics, and a private practice owner. They have been adjunct faculty for Association for Behavior Analysis International approved Verified Course Sequence courses for more than 9 years. They have created more than six hours of assent and dignity continuing education courses for CRInstitute, as well as over 100 hours of content on the BCBA Task List (5th ed.). Their goal is to help the field of applied behaviour analysis become assent-based and person-centered, through a lens of anti-ableism.

Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA is a behaviour analyst who specializes in instructional design and measurement. She began her career in the field of behaviour analysis in 2002. She has experience implementing and designing intervention programs across a variety of contexts, with learners ranging in age from 18 months to 40 years. She’s provided behaviour analytic services to learners including, but not limited to those with autism, chromosomal deletions, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, social-emotional and/or behavioural problems, significant challenging behaviour, blindness, and children with multiple disabilities. Kristin is passionate about disseminating the practice of behaviour analysis that is rooted in learner autonomy and dignity, maximizes efficiency, and incorporates a constructional approach to intervention. Kristin brings her areas of expertise including measurement, instructional design, assessment, and data analysis to her role as a Sr. Instructional Designer at CentralReach.