Although the construct of trauma has largely eluded a thorough behavior analysis, considerations surrounding trauma and trauma-informed care (TIC) have indubitably entered mainstream applied behavior analysis (ABA).

In the absence of clear findings and guidance from a TIC research program, conversations surrounding the matter—which have permeated published literature, peer review, everyday practice interactions, and social media—have been polarizing. Some submit that ABA has not done enough to incorporate TIC, while others assert it is entirely unnecessary, perhaps even harmful for the discipline. Yet others remain skeptical to embrace TIC in ABA until more data reveal the utility (or lack thereof) of the framework. This talk is an attempt to bring clarity, vocabulary, and nuance to this timely discussion. I will first define trauma across multiple levels of scientific understanding and provide a defensible behavior-analytic interpretation. Then, I will outline core commitments of a TIC framework and describe how to incorporate them into ABA. Finally, I will articulate and respond to several concerns and questions that have entered the discourse surrounding trauma and TIC. My primary intention is to increase your capacity and willingness to advocate for TIC in ABA in conversations and collaborations with colleagues, caregivers, and clients.

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees should be able to:

  1. Define trauma across descriptive, predictive, and explanatory levels of understanding
  2. Delineate behavioral and medical health risks associated with experiencing potentially traumatic events
  3. Outline the core commitments of trauma-informed care as they relate to ABA
  4. Recognize that and why we have a responsibility to not contribute to trauma in the name of ABA

About the Presenter

Adithyan Rajaraman
Adithyan (Dithu) Rajaraman has been applying behavior analysis to improve socially important behaviors of children with and without disabilities for 13 years. Dithu recently completed his Doctorate in Behavior Analysis at Western New England University, under the advisement of Dr. Greg Hanley. In 2019, he joined the faculty at UMBC, where he mentors undergraduate and graduate students of Psychology with an emphasis in behavior analysis. He has been working to increase the scope of behavior-analytic course offerings for undergraduate Psychology majors. Dithu has published research in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis as well as in Behavior Analysis in Practice. Dithu’s research and practice interests include the assessment, treatment, and prevention of dangerous problem behavior, with an emphasis on investigating trauma-informed approaches to behavioral assessment and intervention. This research aim is intimately connected to the goal of being able to provide safe, dignifying, yet highly effective behavior-analytic services to underrepresented individuals in underserved communities.
Chris

I found this presentation to be very educational. Recognizing that many of my clients fit into multiple categories of people likely to experience potentially traumatic events according to the presenter, I want to do better at acknowledging potential trauma, empowering my clients by promoting choice and assent, and decreasing practitioner/client power imbalances. The more this kind of information is disseminated within the field, the less we likely we will be to contribute to traumatic events within our practice. I'd love to see more presentations on practical applications within the field of TIC.

Anonymous

This is a very informative learning session given by an engaging speaker. I enjoyed this and plan to learn more about trauma informed care.

Margaret L.

This was the first trauma-informed training in the field of ABA that acknowledges the potential for traumatizing events that are common practices in ABA services. We MUST acknowledge in order to move towards truly valuable and socially valid services while maintaining and repairing the relationship with the autistic community.

Anonymous

I have attended a few of Dr. Rajaraman's trainings and really appreciate his knowledge, humility, enthusiasm, and humor. I'm always deeply moved by the content and I learn so much while also being able to smile and laugh a few times along the way. I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him and for Behavior University for hosting this webinar.

Sarah

Such an important topic and what a great speaker!

Brittany B.

Very informative & much needed in this field!

Anonymous

Incredible presentation. I was hooked start to finish and took away so much. Will be recommending to my entire team.

Kristy N.

I am a BCBA and PoAC. This is a big debate I have with multiple staff regarding my clients as well as teachers and my own family members regarding my son's care. I am so happy this resource exists as I truly thought I was the only person fighting against inducing traumatic experiences in the name of teaching.

Anonymous

This course was so insightful. As a BCBA who has worked in multiple different settings and working with clients with extremely severe challenging behaviors to minor challenges, this course truly made me evaluate how and why to implement certain treatments and protocols.

Megan

This course was very easy to listen to and follow. The information is current and relevant to all aba providers.

Course information

  • Title: Choosing to "Care" about Trauma-informed Care in ABA
  • Presenter: Adithyan Rajaraman Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
  • CEUs: 2 Learning - Ethics
  • Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Customer Rating: (343)
$39.00

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