project

Objective: Apply the  ethical analysis discussion guide tool

 provided to a real or hypothetical scenario, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Create a 5-to-10 minute recorded presentation to showcase your ability to effectively analyze and address ethical dilemmas in behavior analytic practice. You may use any program you would like to create this presentation, as long as you are able to upload the video file as required in Canvas. Include copies of any presentation files with your submission (powerpoint)

Instructions:

1. Selecting a Scenario (10 points):

· Choose a real-life scenario from your professional experience or create a hypothetical scenario that reflects an ethical challenge in ABA.

· Provide a brief overview of the scenario, including relevant details such as the setting, individuals involved, and the nature of the ethical dilemma.

2. Utilizing the Ethical Analysis Tool (40 points):

· Clearly identify and articulate the specific ethical code items involved in the scenario.

· Apply each step of the provided ethical analysis tool systematically and thoroughly:

· Identify the objective facts related to the situation

· Determine if additional information is required to make an informed decision

· Identify the specific parties involved and their roles/power in the situation, and their desired outcomes

· Outline cultural considerations pertinent to the scenario, if any

3. Potential Courses of Action (20 points):

· Explore and present at least three alternative courses of action that could have been taken in the scenario.

· Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative, considering the potential impact on the well-being of the client and other relevant stakeholders.

4. Final Action Plan (20 points):

· Determine which action you would select.

· Identify any additional information, training, supervision, or experience required to follow through on your selected course of action.

· Provide a final reflection on your ethical scenario evaluation and the ethical decision-making process.

5. Presentation Style and Clarity (20 points):

· Ensure the presentation is clear, organized, and engaging. 

· Speak clearly, maintaining a professional and respectful tone.

· Use visual aids or slides, if desired, to enhance the clarity and presentation of key points.

· Includes PDF of slides in the submission, along with the recording.

 

Rubric:

Components	Excellent (100% of points)	Good (50% of points)	Needs Improvement (0% of points)
Selecting a Scenario (10 points)	Chooses a compelling and relevant scenario, providing a clear and concise overview.	Selects an adequate scenario with some clarity or relevance. Overview may lack detail or clarity.	Weak or unclear choice of scenario, with an inadequate overview.
Utilizing the Ethical Analysis Tool (40 points)	Applies the ethical analysis tool thoroughly, systematically, and demonstrates a profound understanding of ethical principles. Provides all information specified above. Justifications are clear and well-supported by specific ethics code items.	Applies the tool with some gaps or less detail. Demonstrates a good understanding of ethical principles. Omits 1 of the analysis areas described above. Justifications are present but may lack depth or specific code items.	Incomplete or insufficient application of the tool. Lacks depth and understanding of key ethical principles. Omits 2 or more of the areas described above. Justifications are weak or absent, and missing supporting ethics code items.
Courses of Action (20 points)	Presents at least three viable alternative courses of action, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages effectively.	Presents alternative courses of action with some gaps or less effective evaluation. Demonstrates reasonable consideration of advantages and disadvantages.	Weak presentation of alternative courses of action, incomplete evaluation, or ineffective consideration of advantages and disadvantages.
Final Action Plan (20 points)	Identifies an acceptable final course of action, and includes any gaps that must be filled prior to implementation. Provides a thoughtful reflection on the process and outcomes.	Final course of action may include gaps or potential issues with implementation. Omits potential gaps that need to be filled prior to implementation. Adequate reflection but may lack depth or thoroughness.	Final course of action would be considered unacceptable. Weak or unclear reflection, insufficient depth, or ineffective discussion of potential evolution.
Presentation Style and Clarity (20 points)	Delivers a clear, organized, and engaging presentation. Maintains a professional and respectful tone. Visual aids, if used, enhance clarity. Less than 3 typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues.	Delivers a presentation with some clarity and organization. Tone is generally professional. Visual aids, if used, contribute to clarity. Less than 10 typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues.	Weak or unclear presentation, lacks organization, or ineffective use of visual aids. Tone may be unprofessional. 10 or more typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. Did not turn in the PDF of the assignment.

 

NOTE: Because of the point values and weight of this assignment, late submissions will incur a 5 point penalty for each day late, with a maximum penalty of 30 points (6 days late). As per the virtual course schedule, no points are available for submissions that are more than 7 days late (without prior arrangement with your professor).

 

Ethical Decision Discussion Guide

Scenario 2

Date of Discussion

March 2026

Discussant Names

Student Behavior Therapist

Please briefly describe the ethical dilemma

In this scenario, a 4-year-old boy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder one year ago. For unknown reasons, the child did not begin therapy services after the diagnosis. Recently, the child’s mother contacted an ABA agency, and a therapist was assigned to start services.

Before therapy begins, the mother speaks privately with the therapist and asks her for money. The mother tells the therapist that if she wants to keep the case, she must give her a percentage of money. She also says that if the therapist refuses, she will find another therapist who will accept the arrangement. In addition, the mother asks the therapist not to tell the supervising BCBA or the agency about this request and threatens to remove the child from the program if the therapist reports the situation.

This situation creates an ethical dilemma for the therapist. The therapist wants the child to finally receive services after waiting one year for therapy. However, giving money to the mother would violate professional and ethical standards. The therapist must decide how to respond while following the BACB Ethics Code and protecting the client’s best interests.

BACB Ethics Code items to consider

Several BACB Ethics Code items apply to this situation.

First, Code 1.01 Being Truthful requires behavior analysts to be honest and transparent in their professional relationships. In this scenario, the mother asks the therapist to keep the financial request secret from the supervising BCBA and the agency. Agreeing to this request would require the therapist to act dishonestly and hide important information.

Second, Code 1.11 Multiple Relationships explains that behavior analysts must avoid relationships that could interfere with professional judgment. If the therapist gives money to the mother in order to keep the case, this would create an inappropriate financial relationship that goes beyond the professional role.

Third, Code 1.13 Coercive and Exploitative Relationships states that behavior analysts must avoid situations where someone is pressured or exploited. In this situation, the mother pressures the therapist by threatening to remove the child from services if the therapist does not give her money.

Fourth, Code 2.07 Fees explains that behavior analysts must follow ethical practices related to financial matters. Secret payments between a caregiver and therapist would violate ethical standards regarding fees.

Finally, Code 3.05 Financial Agreements requires that financial agreements be clearly defined and documented before services begin. Paying a caregiver privately to maintain a case would violate this rule because it creates an unethical and undocumented financial arrangement.

What are the facts that we know about the situation at this time?

The client is a 4-year-old child who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder one year ago. The child has not received therapy services since the diagnosis. The mother recently contacted an ABA agency and a therapist was assigned to begin services.

Before therapy starts, the mother asks the therapist to give her a percentage of money in order to keep the case. The mother also asks the therapist not to report the situation to the supervising BCBA or the agency. She threatens to remove the child from services if the therapist refuses to agree to the request.

The therapist understands that this request is inappropriate and may violate ethical guidelines.

What additional questions do we need to ask or information do we need to collect?

The therapist should review the agency’s policies regarding financial interactions with caregivers. It would also be important to consult with the supervising BCBA to determine the correct steps to take. The therapist may also need to gather more information about how the agency handles situations where caregivers request inappropriate financial arrangements. Additionally, the therapist should consider possible ways to support the family so the child can still receive therapy services.

List all parties who may be affected by decisions made in this situation

The parties involved include the child receiving services, the child’s mother, the assigned therapist, the supervising BCBA, and the ABA agency providing the services.

Which party holds the most power?

The mother holds the most power in this situation because she is the child’s legal guardian and can decide whether the child continues receiving therapy services.

Which party is the most vulnerable?

The most vulnerable party is the child. The child depends on adults to access therapy services and cannot make decisions about treatment.

Who is the ultimate client we are serving?

The ultimate client being served is the child receiving ABA therapy. The therapist’s primary responsibility is to protect the child’s well-being and ensure services are delivered ethically.

What are the cultural considerations that must be made?

The mother may feel stressed or frustrated because the child did not receive therapy services for one year after the diagnosis. She may feel pressure to secure help for her child as quickly as possible. However, even if the caregiver is experiencing stress, the therapist must still follow ethical guidelines and maintain professional boundaries.

For each party involved, provide the desired outcome

Child: The child would ideally receive appropriate and consistent ABA therapy services that support learning and development.

Mother: The mother may want her child to receive services quickly and may also want financial assistance or control over the situation.

Therapist: The therapist wants to provide effective services to the child while maintaining ethical and professional standards.

BCBA / Agency: The supervising BCBA and agency want services to be delivered ethically and according to professional guidelines.

Potential Action 1

The therapist agrees to give the mother money in order to keep the case.

Pros: The child may begin therapy services immediately.

Cons: This action violates multiple BACB Ethics Codes and creates an unethical financial relationship.

Potential Action 2

The therapist refuses the request and explains that giving money to caregivers violates professional and ethical standards.

Pros: This action maintains ethical integrity and professional boundaries.

Cons: The mother may decide to remove the child from services.

Potential Action 3

The therapist reports the situation to the supervising BCBA and asks for guidance.

Pros: This ensures the situation is handled according to ethical guidelines and agency policies.

Cons: The caregiver may become upset and decide to move the child to another provider.

Finalizing the Ethical Decision Action Plan

The most appropriate course of action is to refuse the request and report the situation to the supervising BCBA. The therapist should explain respectfully to the caregiver that financial agreements outside agency policies are not allowed and violate professional ethics. Reporting the situation helps ensure transparency and protects both the therapist and the client.

How will you gather additional information or supervision?

The therapist will consult with the supervising BCBA and review the agency’s policies regarding financial agreements and ethical concerns. The therapist may also review the BACB Ethics Code to ensure the correct steps are followed.

Next Steps

1. Politely refuse the caregiver’s request for money.

2. Document the interaction and the request made by the caregiver.

3. Report the situation to the supervising BCBA and the agency.

4. Work with the BCBA to determine the best way to maintain services for the child if possible.