The Shift From Compliance to Assent in Daily Practice

Over the past few years, our field has been evolving in powerful and necessary ways. In this episode, we unpack the shift from compliance-driven ABA to assent-based practice and what that actually looks like in our day-to-day work.When we were first trained, “instructional control” and follow-through were often the priority. But we now know that meaningful learning does not come from rigid compliance. It comes from collaboration, autonomy, and dignity. We talk through what assent really means and what it does not mean, and how we can maintain structure and high expectations while still honoring a learner’s voice.Through practical examples, like rethinking toileting readiness and embedding meaningful choice, we explore how shaping, relationship-building, and clinical judgment create more ethical and effective teaching. Assent-based practice is not about lowering standards. It is about evolving ABA to be more humane, neuroaffirming, and socially significant.What’s Inside:The difference between compliance and assent in ABAPractical strategies to balance structure with autonomyHow shaping, choice, and dignity improve learner outcomesMentioned in This Episode:Malone (2025), Upholding Anti-AbleismEpisode 113: How to Maintain Client Dignity in ABAHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram