As a practitioner deeply rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), mindfulness, and social-emotional support, I’ve always believed that the heart of any therapeutic approach lies in its ability to respect the individuality and humanity of those we serve. Recently, I had the privilege of working with the incredible clinical team at Behavioral Innovations, where I shared insights on how progressive, compassionate ABA therapy transforms the lives of children with autism and their families.
This session was an opportunity to explore how we, as practitioners, can ensure that every child is met with dignity, respect, and trauma-informed, non-coercive care rooted in empathy. My goal was to inspire reflection and growth by challenging the team to adopt assent-based care that prioritized the voices and experiences of the children they support.
At the core of compassionate ABA is the idea that every child has the right to be heard—not just through words, but through gestures, behaviors, and other forms of communication. By focusing on a child’s verbal and nonverbal cues, we empower them to self-advocate. This approach isn’t just about improving outcomes; it’s about honoring their autonomy and building trust.
One critical aspect I discussed with the team was the concept of bodily autonomy. Traditional practices that rely on physical prompting or management may unintentionally diminish a child’s sense of control. Instead, we must explore strategies that prioritize choice and understanding, ensuring children feel safe, respected, and empowered during therapy.
Therapy doesn’t occur in a vacuum. True progress happens when we collaborate with other professionals—occupational therapists, speech therapists, educators, and families—to build a cohesive
support network. By fostering multidisciplinary partnerships, we ensure continuity of care and address the child’s needs holistically. During our session, I encouraged the team to think beyond ABA and consider how these collaborations can enhance both therapeutic outcomes and the family’s overall experience.
The autism community has been vocal about the need for ABA therapy to evolve. There’s a call for practices that are transparent, trauma-informed, and free from ableist assumptions. As practitioners, we have a responsibility to listen and critically assess our interventions, ensuring they reflect the values and priorities of the individuals and families we serve.
One of the most meaningful parts of our discussion was addressing ableist programming that may unintentionally harm or traumatize learners. By examining our practices and eliminating interventions that fail to respect individuality, we align our work with the principles of trauma-informed care—which foster safety, respect, and empowerment.
Compassionate care isn’t just about actions—it’s also about the words we use. Language shapes relationships, and in therapy, it plays a crucial role in building trust and connection. I shared with the Behavioral Innovations team the importance of using inclusive, respectful language that reinforces each child’s dignity and humanity.
Words matter. They shape environments where children and families feel valued, supported, and understood. By being intentional with our language, we can make a profound impact on the therapeutic experience.
What stood out most to me during my time with the team at Behavioral Innovations was their openness to growth and their commitment to progressive care. Their dedication to refining their practices and embracing child-centered, assent-based care gives me hope for the future of ABA therapy.
This work is not just about improving therapy techniques; it’s about creating environments where children feel empowered, families feel supported, and the autism community feels heard and respected. Together, we are paving the way for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to care—one that honors individuality, autonomy, and the lived experiences of those we serve.
Dr. Pilar Bonilla is a leading expert in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), mindfulness, and social-emotional support. Her work focuses on trauma-informed, non-coercive approaches to therapy that prioritize dignity, respect, and autonomy. Through collaboration and education, she inspires practitioners to adopt progressive care practices that empower children and families alike.
