Becoming a behavior analyst often means mastering the technical components of behavior change. From memorizing terminology to implementing evidence-based interventions, ABA training is deeply rooted in precision and science. While these skills are foundational, there’s a vital element missing in most behavior analytic training programs: compassionate care.
As behavior analysts, we regularly work with people—especially families of young children with autism or developmental delays. Yet, many practitioners receive little to no formal instruction on how to build compassionate, empathetic relationships with those we serve. This gap in training can lead to missed opportunities for deeper connection, improved outcomes, and more fulfilling practice.
What Is Compassionate Care in ABA?
Although behavior analysis doesn’t currently have a formal definition of “compassionate care,” key elements have been described in the literature. Taylor et al. (2018) define it as a combination of sympathy, empathy, and compassion:
- Sympathy: Feeling sorry for someone, without necessarily sharing their experience.
- Empathy: Understanding or experiencing another person’s emotions.
- Compassion: Taking action, grounded in empathy, to help alleviate suffering.
In practice, compassionate care in ABA means putting yourself in your clients’ shoes and offering meaningful support that acknowledges their emotions and individual experiences.
Why Is Compassionate Care Important in Behavior Analysis?
According to recent data from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), most certified behavior analysts work with individuals with autism or other developmental delays. These families may be adjusting to a new diagnosis, managing ongoing therapies, or facing daily challenges that create significant stress.
When we overlook these stressors or dismiss caregivers’ emotions, we may inadvertently harm the therapeutic relationship. Imagine discussing your child’s struggles with a professional, only to be met with a clinical checklist rather than empathy. That interaction—however well-meaning—can leave families feeling unseen and unsupported.
In contrast, practicing compassionate care has been shown to improve:
- Client and caregiver rapport
- Adherence to treatment
- Parent participation in training
- Overall satisfaction with services
These benefits aren’t just theoretical. Compassionate care is already recognized in fields like medicine and mental health as a driver of better outcomes—and it should be central to ABA as well.
Ethics and Empathy: Meeting Our Professional Standards
Compassionate care aligns closely with the ethical obligations outlined in the BACB Ethics Code. Building strong caregiver relationships, maintaining clear communication, and honoring client preferences are all core values that become easier to uphold when we approach our work with empathy.
Additionally, fostering these skills can enhance job satisfaction for behavior analysts themselves. Though the field often steers away from emotional language, our personal well-being matters. Practicing empathy and mindfulness can reduce burnout, boost resilience, and help us bring our best selves to our work.
How Can We Practice Compassionate Care?
Currently, most ABA programs don’t include coursework on compassionate care or interpersonal skills. That means it’s up to us—practitioners in the field—to seek out these skills independently. Here’s how:
1. Improve Perspective-Takin
Skills rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness can help. These approaches encourage self-awareness, emotional acceptance, and present-moment attention, which can be useful when engaging with emotional clients or caregivers.
2. Focus on Client Individuality
Behavior analysis isn’t a one-size-fits-all protocol. We must treat it as a flexible framework, tailored to each client’s context and culture. That starts with really listening—and valuing—what caregivers share.
3. Become a Behavioral Artist
Callahan et al. (2019) explored the idea of the “behavioral artist”—a practitioner who goes beyond the technical and brings interpersonal artistry to their work. Characteristics of a behavioral artist include:
- A natural rapport with people
- Sensitivity to subtle client cues
- Commitment to client success
- A sense of humor and optimism
- Emotional resilience
- Creativity and flexibility in implementing treatment
While not everyone comes into the field with these qualities, they can be learned and practiced like any other skill. And doing so can lead to better outcomes for clients and greater personal fulfillment.
Final Thoughts: It Starts with Us
Compassionate care is not a soft skill—it’s an essential component of ethical, effective, and meaningful behavior analytic practice. By intentionally developing our ability to connect, empathize, and support caregivers and clients, we not only improve outcomes but also create a more human-centered approach to ABA.
Just as we believe in the power of behavior change for our clients, we must believe in it for ourselves. Compassionate care starts with our commitment to grow.
References
Callahan, K., et al. (2019). Behavioral artistry: Examining the relationship between interpersonal skills and effective ABA practice. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(9), 3557–3570. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04082-1
LeBlanc, L.A., Taylor, B.A., & Marchese, N.V. (2019). The Training Experiences of Behavior Analysts: Compassionate Care and Therapeutic Relationships with Caregivers. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13(2), 387–393. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00368-z
Taylor, B. A., LeBlanc, L. A., & Nosik, M. R. (2018). Compassionate care in behavior analytic treatment: Can outcomes be enhanced by attending to relationships with caregivers? Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(3), 654–666. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-018-00289-3
