Strengthening Our Commitment to Assent-Based Care

At Sunderlin Behavioral, ethical practice has never been optional, it is foundational to who we are. As the field of behavior analysis continues to grow and refine its standards, we believe it is our responsibility not only to meet those expectations, but to lead with intention, reflection, and transparency.

One area of increasing focus across the field is assent-based care. While respect for client dignity and autonomy has long guided ethical practice, recent updates to the BACB Ethics Code (2022) provide clearer language and stronger direction around how assent should be understood, taught, and implemented in daily clinical work.

We view this as an important opportunity to bring awareness, consistency, and shared understanding to best practices that support the individuals and families we serve.

What Assent-Based Care Means in Practice

Assent-based care centers the individual’s experience and willingness to participate in services. It goes beyond compliance to recognize behavior as communication and affirms that individuals—regardless of age or communication style, have the right to agency, choice, and respect.

The BACB Ethics Code emphasizes:

• Protecting client dignity and autonomy

• Actively seeking and honoring assent whenever possible

• Minimizing coercive or overly restrictive practices

• Responsively adjusting interventions when assent is withdrawn

This framework supports not only ethical care, but stronger therapeutic relationships and more meaningful outcomes.

Why Ongoing Training Matters

Ethical standards are living standards. As guidance becomes more explicit, it is essential that organizations ensure their teams share a common understanding of how those standards translate into everyday practice.

At Sunderlin Behavioral, we are taking proactive steps to reinforce ethical excellence through:

• Ongoing and updated staff training focused on assent-based care and ethical decision-making

• Refined policies and procedures aligned with current BACB guidance

• Enhanced supervision and oversight to support ethical application in real clinical settings

• Clear expectations and accountability to maintain consistency and integrity across services

These efforts are part of our continued investment in high-quality, ethical care—not a reaction, but a reflection of responsible leadership.

A Thoughtful Evolution in Best Practice

As a field, behavior analysis has benefited from increased dialogue, research, and self-reflection. We believe this is a healthy and necessary process, one that strengthens the services families receive and elevates the profession as a whole.

Our focus is not on where the field has been, but on where it is going.

By deepening our emphasis on assent-based care, we are reaffirming our commitment to:

• Human-centered, respectful services

• Collaboration with families and clients

• Ethical clarity for our staff

• Continuous professional growth

  
  

Our Commitment Moving Forward

To the families who partner with us, and to the individuals we serve: we remain committed to care that is compassionate, ethical, and responsive.

We welcome open dialogue and believe that transparency and awareness are essential to trust. As best practices continue to evolve, we will continue to evolve with them, thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the well-being of those we serve at the center of every decision.