Mindful Behavior Analysis

This practice was developed to provide evidence-based services with a holistic approach that support neurodivergent individuals and their loved ones live in ways more connected with their values, while respecting and celebrating human differences. This is done through the combination of Acceptance and Commitment Teaching/DNA-V model, identifying meaningful contingencies and necessary accommodations through use of behavior analytic principles and learning theory, holistic health coaching, and education on the neurodivergent experience.

Holistic Health / Positive Psychology

Holistic coaching is a whole person approach to wellness, evaluating all the potential aspects at play in a person’s life that either promote or decrease well-being, including; diet, physical activity, social connections, nature connection, spirituality/meaning, etc. Along with Positive Psychology theory, coaching support is focused on identifying, celebrating, and utilizing individual traits and strengths, increasing self-esteem, and engaging in more positive life experiences.

Acceptance and Commitment Teaching/Therapy (ACT) / DNA-V

By targeting and increasing mindfulness and acceptance behaviors (no matter our neurotype, age, gender, etc.), we can develop more psychological flexibility which greatly influences how we experience life. Through ACT techniques, we can learn how to approach the mental chatter and rigid rules that can often limit our choices. By developing more psychological flexibility, our choices in how we interact with the world increase. Choices paired with identifying our true values, help us to identify/modify which of our current repertoires are either leading us to or away from a values-based life. The more our behaviors are in line with our values, the more life satisfaction we experience. Similarly, DNA-V is a psychological flexibility model, developed from a combination of contextual behavior science, ACT, and positive psychology, that aims to help people persist in things that are meaningful and make changes in areas that decrease well-being. Mindful BA does not offer counseling / therapy, but takes a supportive role and focuses on teaching these concepts to assist in building autonomy and more effective behavior repertoires that are harmonious with self-identified values. For research articles on ACT, click here.

Behavior Analysis

ACT utilizes the principles of behavior analysis. ACT can be seen as an extension, acknowledging the role of verbal behavior (the mental chatter we experience from relational frames) on our outward behaviors. Both are evidence-based practices with a wealth of research. The science of behavior analysis seeks to objectively observe behaviors, identify how the environment is impacting those behaviors, and focuses on data-driven change. Mindful BA is a combination of teaching how to increase psychological flexibility and utilizing behavior principles to develop new and more effective skill sets that support self-identified values, all while objectively analyzing progress and making changes based on data.

*A Note on Behavior Analysis

The history of behavior analysis, and unfortunately in present instances, has demonstrated harmful application towards neurodivergent individuals, at times incorporating procedures aimed at teaching autistic people to present in ways society deems “normal,” or as if to “cure” autism. This should never be dismissed. Many were harmed, some still are, and their views on applied behavior analysis are valid, should be heard, and should guide immediate reform for the future of the field.

It’s necessary to note the distinction between behavior analytic principles and the application of these principles. Behavior analysis is an effective tool in making meaningful change. However, as with any tool, it matters how the person who holds the tool is using it. Is the person using the tool with care to create something beautiful, or is it being used carelessly and / or harmfully? In more direct words, the science of behavior analysis is not at fault, rather, the fault lies with the views and approach of the practitioners using this tool. Specifically, the harm originates from viewing neurodivergent / disabled people and their traits from a deficit lens, and then applying these principles based on this ableist ideology, which is a major societal problem we currently face. When we view neurominority or disability through the medical model (deficit lens), this leads to creating services that aim to “cure” or force individuals to meet “normative” standards, rather than create services that truly support the human in thriving as they are.

Within the helping field, practitioners must be dedicated and focused on using behavioral science effectively while ensuring no harm. Practitioners must seek to improve their education and acceptance of the neurodivergent / disabled experience, as well as be open to holistic applications that seek to accept and support the whole human who is in front of them. The future use of behavior analysis should include autistic and other neurodivergent voices to ensure it is truly beneficial, both presently and long term, to those who are engaged in services. The principles of behavior analysis are an evidence-based understanding to the relationship between human behavior and the environment, making it a highly effective tool for socially significant skill development and growth when applied in a mindful way that accepts and celebrates neurodiversity.

Mindful BA seeks to promote the evolution of behavior analytic support services for ALL humans by 1) incorporating a trauma-informed, assent-based approach, (2) utilizing a behavior analytic lens to identify meaningful contingencies and make necessary environmental accommodations, and (3) developing an individualized and holistic plan to support each human live in ways that promote their unique neurotype, values, autonomy, choices, and connections.