The Heart of ABA Service Delivery: Creating Connected Relationships - Applied 2023

Abstract The field of behavior analysis has studied the concept of motivation for over 20 years (e.g., Michael, 1993; Sundberg & Michael, 2001). While many behavior analysts recognize the importance of “pairing” and developing a trusted teaching relationship with their learners, very little has been published in the research regarding systematically building such relationships (Kelly, Axe, Allen, & McGuire, 2015; LeBlanc, Taylor, & Marchese, 2020). However, researchers in fields related to behavior analysis—such as positive psychology, counseling, and developmental disabilities—have studied the development of therapeutic relationships and how to connect with autistic children and adults (e.g., Cochran & Cochran, 2015; Cochran, Nordling, & Cochran, 2010; Joseph & Murphy, 2013). This presentation outlines the process developed by Dr. Megan DeLeon Miller using shaping and a synthesis of research in psychology, behavior analysis, and developmental disabilities to develop connected relationships with learners in order to create more effective learning environments. Through a series of case examples, Dr. DeLeon Miller and colleagues will provide attendees with strategies for assessing and developing programming to build trusted teaching relationships for clients of all ages.