Assent and neurodiversity-affirming ABA

Assent is your child's own willingness to take part, shown in words or actions. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) says assent can be shown with or without speech. It applies to people who can't give legal consent, such as young children. You give consent as the parent, and assent is your child's ongoing yes or no. The BACB requires assent when it applies, but it sets no fixed steps, and researchers say the term still lacks a full definition.

Neurodiversity-affirming applied behavior analysis (ABA) sees autism as a difference rather than a deficit. It centers your child's values and interests. It also doesn't target stimming by default, since autistic advocates say stimming can help them calm down and focus.

The label has no agreed meaning, and it isn't a credential. People in the field also debate parts of ABA. One group of researchers says honoring assent would end the field's reliance on compliance training. Another defends ABA and also supports neurodiversity.

Signs of assent can include your child coming toward the materials, the space or the therapist. Signs of withdrawal can be a spoken "no," or they can be silent, like turning away or leaving the work area. In assent-based ABA, the team checks assent all through each session rather than once at intake, and it changes the activity when your child pulls away. One research team notes that forcing a child to take part may lead to more challenging behavior.

• Recognizing assent: When choosing an ABA provider, ask how the team recognizes your child's assent and withdrawal.
• When your child says no: Ask what happens in a session when your child says no or moves away.
• Stimming and interests: Ask whether the plan targets stimming, why, and how your child's interests shape the goals.