Abstract
With an estimated 1 in 44 children having been diagnosed with autism and given the variety of types of service providers that treat autism, collaboration among these professionals is a necessary part of the overall treatment package for an autistic individual. However, like with any professional skill, competence in collaborating effectively must be developed, especially because behavior analysts have been criticized for being resistant to collaboration. Competence with collaboration may be developed through coursework, professional development opportunities, and supervision by someone who has demonstrated competence with collaboration. With the 2020 update to the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, the behavior analyst’s role in collaborating with other professionals has been clarified by several expectations. Current literature also provides additional guidance on the potential barriers to collaboration as well as recommendations for how to support a collaborative team. In order to facilitate successful collaboration, it is also important to evaluate the effectiveness of the collaborative team and to take advantage of opportunities to learn about the methodologies and perspectives of the other professionals to ensure that the client’s best interests are met.
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All authors contributed to this discussion article. The principal author, Travis B. Henderson, developed the idea for the article, preformed the literature review, and drafted the article. Brian James Ludden provided critical analysis of the draft document and editorial feedback from the perspective of a licensed mental health counselor who has provided services to autistic individuals. Regilda A. Romero provided editorial feedback in preparation for publication from the perspective of a clinical neuropsychologist/licensed psychologist who has also provide services to autistic individuals. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Henderson, T.B., Ludden, B.J. & Romero, R.A. The Ethical Obligations, Barriers, and Solutions for Interprofessional Collaboration in the Treatment of Autistic Individuals. Behav Analysis Practice 16, 963–976 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00787-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00787-z