Module 10: Lesson 6 – Readings

Essential Readings

Please ensure that you read the following three articles in full. Remember that if you cannot understand some of the content in an article, you can use the Fredbot to help you understand it by copying and pasting relevant sentences into the bot interface.

• Vollmer, T. R., Hagopian, L. P., Bailey, J. S., Dorsey, M. F., Hanley, G. P., Lennox, D., … & Spreat, S. (2011). The Association for Behavior Analysis International position statement on restraint and seclusion. The Behavior Analyst, 34(1), 103-110.
• Van Houten, R., Axelrod, S., Bailey, J. S., Favell, J. E., Foxx, R. M., Iwata, B. A., & Lovaas, O. I. (1988). The right to effective behavioral treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 21(4), 381-384.
• Bannerman, D. J., Sheldon, J. B., Sherman, J. A., & Harchik, A. E. (1990). Balancing the right to habilitation with the right to personal liberties: the rights of people with developmental disabilities to eat too many doughnuts and take a nap. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 23(1), 79–89. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1990.23-79

Optional Videos

The following video discusses the Van Houten et al. article:

The following video features ABA students holding a group debate that examines the potential conflicts between habilitation and personal liberties. (Note: as this is a student debate, the arguments put forward by participants may not reflect their personal opinions).

Conversation Exercise

In the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, you’ll see a conversation icon. Click on this to begin the conversation exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot. Alternatively, click this link to open the chat interface directly.

If you have not already, read this article to learn how to get the most from your learning conversation with FRED.

Reflection Exercise

Reflect on the rights and ethical considerations discussed in the readings and videos. Consider the following questions:

• How can practitioners balance the right to effective behavioural treatment with respect for personal liberties?
• In your work, how might you recognise and address potential conflicts between habilitation goals and individual choice?
• What safeguards should be in place to prevent misuse of restrictive practices such as restraint and seclusion?

Write 150–500 words summarising your reflections. Focus on applying these concepts to your current or future practice. Spelling and grammar are not assessed—clarity of thought and depth of engagement are the priorities.