Reframing ABA: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach for Parents & Practitioners

Course Number: ABIO2502

When: Available March 12, 2025 – March 12, 2030

Where: Course available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: In this course, we discuss Neurodiversity-Affirming ABA, exploring how it differs from traditional ABA by prioritizing autonomy, respect, and connection. You’ll learn key principles that support a child’s unique needs, how the dual perspective of being both a BCBA and a special needs parent shapes ABA practices, and actionable strategies parents can use at home to foster meaningful progress.

Who This Course Is Good For:

SLPs, educators, and professionals who support neurodivergent children and want to integrate neurodiversity-affirming ABA practices.
Parents and caregivers looking for practical, connection-focused ABA strategies to use at home.
Professionals seeking a child-centered approach that prioritizes autonomy, respect, and individual needs.
Anyone interested in learning how the dual perspective of being both a BCBA and a special needs parent influences ABA practices.

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Professionals who do not work with neurodivergent children or do not plan to in the near future.
Those seeking traditional, compliance-based ABA methods without a focus on autonomy and respect.
Anyone looking for in-depth training on behavior reduction strategies rather than a holistic, affirming approach.

Presenters:

Venita Litvack, M.A, CCC-SLP (she/her)

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

Jenny Lai, BCBA (she/her)

Jenny Lai, BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and mother of two autistic children, dedicated to promoting neurodiversity-affirming ABA. She prioritizes autonomy, connection, and collaboration over traditional compliance-based practices, helping families navigate services with a more affirming approach. As the co-host of the Not a Tiger Mom Podcast, she discusses parenting, advocacy, and breaking generational cycles within the AAPI community. Through her private practice, Jenny empowers families to apply ABA principles in ways that respect and support neurodivergent children, fostering meaningful progress and strong relationships.

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series. Venita is a member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Jenny Lai has the following relevant relationships to disclosures: own’s a private ABA practice and offer consultation services, including the Behavior Reboot Plan. Jenny received honorarium for this speaking engagament. She does not receive sponsorships or financial support from any ABA organizations or companies.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Define neurodiversity-affirming ABA and explain two key differences between it and traditional ABA approaches.
Identify three core principles of neurodiversity-affirming ABA in practice and how they support a child’s individual needs.
Describe two ways that being both a BCBA and a special needs parent can influence perspectives on ABA and its applications.
List three actionable strategies parents can use at home to implement ABA while prioritizing connection and respect.

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	Differences between traditional ABA and neurodiversity-affirming ABA
10 min	Core principles of ND-affirming ABA
10 min	How being a BCBA and a special needs parent shapes ABA practices
15 min	Three practical ABA strategies for parents that prioritize connection and respect
5 min	Helpful resources
5 min	References & closing remarks