Introduction

In this episode, I unpack Morris et al. (2021) and share why this article reshaped my clinical work. We'll walk through its four core tenets and practical ABA tie-ins you can apply today.

Key Topics & Time Stamps

• 00:00 – Introduction & Why This Article Matters
• 01:05 – Trauma-Informed vs. Trauma-Assumed Care
• 02:00 – Prevalence of Trauma (Felitti et al., 1998)
• 03:10 – Common Misconceptions in ABA
• 04:15 – Why Trauma-Informed Care Isn’t Yet Widely Adopted
• 05:20 – Overview of Morris et al. (2021)
• 06:45–14:00 – The Four Tenets
• 14:00 – Case Examples
• 18:00 – Program Auditing Tips
• 19:30 – Final Reflections

Why This Paper Changed My Practice

Morris et al. (2021) shifted how I viewed extinction, functional analysis, and ethical treatment planning. With trauma affecting 83%+ of ABA learners (Felitti et al., 1998), it’s critical we adopt these insights into everyday practice.

Trauma-Informed vs. Trauma-Assumed Care

• Trauma-Assumed: Assume all learners may have trauma.
• Trauma-Informed: Identify trauma history, then assess its behavioral impact.

This distinction helps avoid overgeneralization while still protecting learners from harm.

How Trauma Can Challenge Traditional ABA

Being trauma-informed doesn’t mean abandoning extinction or planned ignoring—it means contextualizing them. For example, pair extinction with NCR (Fisher et al., 1993) to avoid retraumatization.

The Four Tenets of Trauma-Informed Care

1. Acknowledge Trauma & Its Impact

Gather trauma history as part of assessment. Modify standard procedures to avoid retraumatizing triggers.

2. Ensure Safety & Trust

Use predictable signals like color-coded timers to distinguish work vs. break. Build stimulus control and reduce uncertainty (Silva, 2002).

3. Promote Choice & Shared Governance

Embed real choices in sessions. Research shows choice increases cooperation (Lozano & Hanley, 2013; Ahearn et al., 2001).

4. Emphasize Skill Building

Teach coping strategies for triggers (delay, sensory input, etc.) using in situ practice (Ringdahl et al., 1997).

Case Examples & Practical Tips

• Feeding aversion: Added meal choices and breaks reduced crisis behaviors.
• Social avoidance & SIB: Replaced with escape mands + choice-based leisure.

Self-Audit Questions

1. Have I asked about trauma history?
2. Could any intervention mirror past trauma?
3. Are there predictable, visual signals in place?
4. Is real choice embedded in the routine?
5. Have I taught coping skills under safe conditions?

Recommended Reading

• Morris, R., et al. (2021). Behavior Analysis in Practice
• Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998). ACE Study
• Hanley, G. P., et al. (2001). Behavior Analysis in Practice
• Ahearn, W. H., et al. (2001). JABA
• Lozano & Hanley (2013). JABA
• Fisher, W. W., et al. (1993). JABA
• Ringdahl, J. E., et al. (1997). JABA
• Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2007). ABA (2nd ed.)

Final Thoughts

Trauma-informed ABA doesn't replace science—it refines it. Let’s honor client history and ethical care. Audit your current programs and share what you learn with colleagues.

Next episode: We explore the Enhanced Choice Model and how to embed options into every skill acquisition plan.

Thanks for listening—let’s keep making behavior analysis better, one intervention at a time.