The History, Pitfalls, and Promise of Licensure in the Field of Behavior Analysis

Abstract

A confluence of laws, public policies, professional societies, and scholarly research has propelled the field of behavior analysis to the forefront of the effort to treat the deficits and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although behavior analysts often emphasize the broad utility of behavior analysis in addressing a variety of conditions, this chapter addresses the licensure of behavior analysts, which, for now, is inextricably tied to the wealth of research that demonstrates the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in treating ASD. As the field of behavior analysis has grown and ABA has gained acceptance as a health-care service, the licensing of behavior analysts has gained momentum at a time when licensure laws have come under fire for the potential barriers they may create, both for die consumers they are meant to protect and the professionals they aim to regulate. As the field of behavior analysis joins the regulatory fray of state licensure, this chapter examines the impetus of such laws, the elements of an effective law, the features of a disruptive law, and when and whether licensing of behavior analysts makes sense. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)