Evaluation of Assent Withdrawal Training for Board Certified Behavior Analysts: Impact on Competency and Clinical Practices

ABSTRACT Assent is generally defined as an agreement to participate voluntarily and without coercion (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020; Morris et al., 2024). Contemporary perspectives highlight its role in promoting client dignity, self‐determination, and ethical practice within behavior analysis (Gover et al., 2023; Morris et al., 2021). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a training protocol designed to build Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) competencies in recognizing and responding to assent withdrawal when working with autistic individuals in a clinical environment. Participants' baseline competencies in identifying assent withdrawal were initially assessed, then delivered targeted training using instruction, modeling, and performance feedback to address skill gaps. Results indicated that all participants acquired and maintained competencies in identifying assent withdrawal, modifying interventions accordingly, and embedding assent checks. The findings suggest the integration of structured training steps such as operationally defining assent withdrawal behaviors, embedding ongoing assent checks, and using systematic data decision‐making flowcharts into BCBA supervision was successful in ensuring assent‐based competencies were utilized.