Person-Centered ABA
LEARN Values Person-Centered ABA & Neurodiversity
Centering care around the person being treated is not a new concept – Edith Balint talked about Patient-Centered Care in 1969, calling for medical staff to “understand the patient as a unique human being.” Out of this model grew Person-Centered Care, in which the person being served is viewed as a whole person, not simply viewed through the lens of their role as a patient.
In May 2021, we brought together a group of clinical leaders to form the Person-Centered ABA Workgroup and convened a council of neurodivergent staff to form our Neurodivergent Advisory Committee. Together, the groups review and give feedback on matters relating to neurodiversity and other person-centered ABA topics.
*The Neurodivergent Advisory Committee is compensated for their time.
LEARN aspires to practice Person-Centered ABA, an endeavor that includes:
 |
Respecting the neurodivergence of our clients and providing acceptance of and space for their individual passions and preferences |
|
Acceptance of and respect for each client’s individual identity |
|
Assurance of clients’ safety and dignity throughout therapeutic support |
|
Consideration of sensory differences and any associated discomfort |
|
Providing compassionate, trauma-informed care |
|
Moving toward a more assent-based model, finding methods of support that are maximally acceptable to clients, caregivers, and families |
|
Prioritizing the critical domain of self-advocacy with all clients |
|
Including clients (of all ages and abilities), caregivers, and family members in the selection of goals and teaching procedures |
|
Consideration of sensory differences and any associated discomfort |
|
Provision of effective intervention that results in long-term benefits |
