Abstract
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a human service profession using the science of behaviorism to promote meaningful changes in the lives of clients. However, misconceptions, misunderstandings, and false information have plagued our field since its inception and challenge the efficacy of our continued dissemination efforts. Effective science communication skills, especially for fields with a highly technical language such as ABA, promote marked improvements in client outcomes. Herein we introduce LADER, a structured and scaffolded approach to effective professional interactions for behavior analysts. The five components of LADER (listen, ask questions, determine misconceptions, engage, and reflect and evaluate) support analysts in navigating complex and potentially challenging conversations with clients, caregivers, collaborative professionals, and other stakeholders. The experiences and insights of current behavior professionals, and empirical research on effective science communication, underpins the components of LADER. Following a description of LADER, a hypothetical scenario provides readers with a vignette on how to apply LADER in practice.
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Data Availability
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Funding for the underlying study was provided by the Student-Faculty Research Grant, School of Education, University of Pittsburgh.
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Coy, J.N., Enders, O.G. & Kostewicz, D.E. Introducing LADER: A Structured Approach to Effective Professional Interactions for Behavior Analysts. Behav Analysis Practice (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00900-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00900-2