To ensure we offer contemporary continuing education opportunities, the CE credit associated with this video is no longer available, however, the video remains available for viewing.
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is part of a growing body of literature on "third-wave” behavioral therapies. Derived from Behavior Analysis, ACT seeks to increase adaptive, flexible responding by reducing the influence of problematic private events (including rule-deriving and rule-following). Empirical support for ACT-based interventions across a broad range of settings and populations continues to grow, however, research examining the application of ACT within ABA settings is still in its infancy. This talk presents ACT as a treatment model that holds promise for practitioners working with families of children with autism in ABA settings. Relevant theoretical and empirical literature supporting this promise will be reviewed and key components of ACT outlined. Adaptations for parents, children and adolescents, and staff will be presented. Finally, the potential benefits of combining traditional ABA strategies with ACT will discussed, in addition to implications for the development and dissemination of ACT-based treatments within the field of ABA.