Reframing ABA, A Shift Towards More Progressive Practice
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is experiencing a pivotal cultural and scientific shift. There is a growing call—both from within and outside the field—to embed values such as compassion, dignity, and autonomy more explicitly into behaviour analytic practice. As scholars and practitioners strive to align their work with trauma-informed, person-centred, and assent-based values, it becomes increasingly important to showcase and support those actively leading this shift. Yet, there remains limited visibility in the peer-reviewed literature for the efforts of those doing this work in applied settings.
This special issue, Reframing ABA: A Shift Toward More Progressive Practice, aims to highlight and celebrate the evolving practices of researchers and practitioners who are integrating compassion-driven, values-based approaches into the field. The issue does not seek to define a singular curriculum or procedural model. Rather, it will elevate diverse contributions that demonstrate how behaviour analysts are implementing and sustaining progressive practices that honour the humanity and lived experiences of the individuals and communities they serve.
Submissions for this issue may include original research, conceptual analyses, case reports, reflective practitioner accounts, or qualitative studies that address themes such as: compassionate care in behaviour analysis, trauma-informed or trauma-assumed practices, reflective implementation strategies, culturally humble programming, and caregiver or implementer support rooted in compassion. Particular attention will be given to work that centers social validity, therapeutic relationships, and stakeholder collaboration.
This issue will showcase real-world examples of how compassion and rigour can coexist in behaviour analytic services. Contributors are encouraged to share their processes, outcomes, challenges, and the lessons learned as they engage in this reframing of practice. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of self-reflection, clinician well-being, and the use of reflective supervision in sustaining these shifts across time and systems.
By curating contributions from across research and clinical domains, this issue aims to foster a deeper understanding of how ABA can evolve while maintaining its scientific integrity. The goal is to inspire continued movement toward a more progressive, inclusive, and responsive field—one that values both the science and the individuals it is meant to serve.
List of Topic Areas
● Compassionate Care in Behaviour Analysis
● Trauma-Informed/Trauma-Assumed ABA Practices
● Values-Based Program Development
● Cultural Humility and Social Validity
● Assent-Based Practice and Therapeutic Relationship-Building
● Self-Reflection and Burnout Prevention in Practitioners
● Supporting Caregivers and Direct Service Providers with Compassion
Submission Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here:
Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see:
When including figures, please ensure they are proportionate in size and do not exceed the space typically occupied by a large paragraph (approximately 520 words).
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Key Dates
Opening date for manuscript submissions: 1 November 2025
Closing date for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026
