Assent-Based ABA

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Jersey Behavior Consulting LLC provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that is both neurodiversity-affirming and person-led to children, teens, and adults. Our approach centers on identifying and prioritizing each individual's values and empowering them through active participation and autonomy in sessions.

Assent-based ABA can help support and develop:

  • Self-advocacy skills

  • Confidence in social situations

  • Emotion & nervous system regulation skills

  • Communication skills & self-expression

  • Shared enjoyment & interest-driven play skills

  • Self-care skills

  • Acceptance of difficult emotions

  • Problem-solving

What is Assent & Assent-Based ABA?

Considering assent helps to ensure that people receiving services are comfortable and on board with the services they are receiving. Assent is vocal or nonvocal behavior that indicates willingness to participate in an activity by individuals who cannot provide informed consent, such as children. This might look like enthusiastic spoken agreement or nonvocal behavioral cues like approaching and initiating an activity or smiling and accepting materials. Assent-based ABA is a respectful and person-centered approach that prioritizes the individual’s willingness and comfort throughout all interactions.

What Does Assent-Based ABA Look Like?

  • Individualized and Interest-Based Engagement: Sessions are designed around your child’s interests, intrinsic motivation, and strengths, and should be engaging and fun. We follow a play-based and person-led philosophy, meaning your child chooses activities and we create learning opportunities through connection and play. For teens and adults, sessions focus on areas that are meaningful and relevant to their daily lives, career goals, and personal interests. We tailor sessions to address real-life skills and aspirations, always driven by the person-led philosophy.

  • Ongoing Assent: We continuously seek each child’s, teen’s, or adult’s assent to ensure they are comfortable and engaged. This includes checking in regularly to adjust the approach based on their feedback and preferences.

  • Family and Personal Goals: We work closely with families and individuals to set goals that reflect their values and long-term goals. For teens and adults, we focus on personal aspirations and practical needs.

What Might a Session Look Like?

Stephanie is 5 years old. She loves insects, mermaids, and swinging as high as she can. She values autonomy, control, connection, friendship, and humor. When the BCBA arrives at her house, she takes genuine interest in Stephanie’s play. The BCBA does not pressure her to change her play or to allow her to join; she waits to be invited, either vocally or through nonvocal cues. The BCBA looks for opportunities to connect, learn about Stephanie as an individual, and share moments of joy through play. At the same time, the BCBA supports goals targeting advocating for sensory needs, acceptance of negative emotions, daily living skills, and flexibility. The BCBA works with Stephanie’s parents to develop skills related to advocating for Stephanie, co-regulating during meltdowns, and teaching new skills.

Contact us today to learn more about how our assent-based approach can make a difference in achieving your or your loved one’s goals.