Join Bierman Autism Centers for a Virtual BCBA Ethics CEU Event

July Research Spotlight: Understanding Assent Withdrawal in Clinical Practice

Presented by: Kinsey Wallace & Fumi Horner, PhD, BCBA-D
Date: Thursday, July 17
Time: 11:15-11:45 a.m. EST
CEU Credits: 0.5 Ethics CEU 
Cost: Free

In this 30-minute Research Spotlight, Kinsey Wallace and Dr. Fumi Horner will explore how clinicians can ethically and effectively measure and respond to assent withdrawal in children with autism, especially those with limited verbal communication.

Participants will learn how to define consent, assent, and assent withdrawal, and why these concepts matter in day-to-day practice. You’ll leave with practical strategies for identifying assent withdrawal through observable behaviors like latency, facial expressions, and escape-maintained behaviors, and recommendations for training, programming, and honoring client autonomy.

Learning Objectives:
• Define consent, assent, and assent withdrawal
• Describe the importance of assent-based interventions
• Discuss programming and training recommendations for measuring and honoring assent withdrawal

This CEU is part of Bierman Autism Centers’ Clinical Research & Innovation Lab Spotlight series, which highlights research that informs ethical, evidence-based clinical decision-making.