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:
- Define trauma across descriptive, predictive, and explanatory levels of understanding
- Delineate behavioral and medical health risks associated with experiencing potentially traumatic events
- Outline the core commitments of trauma-informed care as they relate to ABA
- Recognize that and why we have a responsibility to not contribute to trauma in the name of ABA
About the Presenter
![](image/catalog/raj2.jpeg)
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.
Course information
- Title: Choosing to "Care" about Trauma-informed Care in ABA
- Presenter: Adithyan Rajaraman Ph.D.
- CEUs: 2 Learning - Ethics
- Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Customer Rating: (280)
$39.00