Analyzing Stigma and Ableism Against Autistics using Relational Density Theory

Episode 95 features a conversation with Claire Zuch, a graduate student in Dr. Jordan Bellisle's HUB lab whose work has been focused on the analysis of ableism and stigma against Autistic folks.  Relational Density Theory is a complex and fascinating concept and Claire does a wonderful job of explaining RDT to a novice like myself.  Claire notes that RDT is often easier to explain with a visual of something known as a geospace (see below).  Claire discusses her plans to continue this research in her doctoral program with Dr. Mark Dixon and the importance of compensating Autistic participants for their labour.       Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) 1.5 CEUs BACB: Ethics IBAO: Cultural QABA: Ethics CBA: Cultural Diversity   Contact Information: Claire Zuch https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-zuch-bb95521b9 https://www.facebook.com/MOStateHUBLab   Definitions: Relational Density – The strength of the relationship between relational class members       Relational Volume – The size of the relational class       Relational Mass – A derivative of density and volume that predicts resistance to change       Relational Coherence – The distance between two or more classes that predicts the merging of relational classes       Relational Acceleration – The increasing rate of change of relational classes over time       Relational Deceleration – The decreasing rate of change of relational classes over time       Relational Relativity – The concept that all relational behaviors operate relative to other relational behavior and in dynamic ways   Links: Dr. Jordan Belisle on RFT/RDT Dr. Jordan Belisle on Moving Toward Model Thinking | TCE #036 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfhWrD_5LWg Relational Frame Theory: A Basic Rundown by Jordan Belisle, PhD, BCBA, LBA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DANpZdD5as   Other Links: Autistic Researchers Researching Autism  https://www.facebook.com/groups/236272016838118   Behaviour Speak Episodes Referenced: Victoria Suarez https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-21-the-effects-of-empathy-training-on-racial-bias-and-other-research-from-dr-victoria-suarez-phd-bcba-d Marija Čolić https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-38-what-we-can-do-about-stigma-and-racism-using-behaviour-science-with-dr-marija-colic-phd-bcba-d Rocco Catrone  https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-46-using-relational-frame-theory-to-tackle-stigma-toward-persons-with-disabilities-with-dr-rocco-catrone