Episode 304 - (ETHICS) The Ethics of Meaningful Goals w/ Dr. Shanna Bahry
Mar 19, 2025
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Dr. Shanna Bahry, an expert in behavior analysis, joins to discuss the ethics of setting meaningful goals for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. They delve into the importance of crafting goals that truly enhance adult outcomes, transitioning from childhood services. The conversation highlights the need for tailored assessments and ethical considerations in goal-setting. With a mix of humor and serious insights, Dr. Bahry shares practical tools and anecdotes to support clients’ unique needs, making a compelling case for thoughtful collaboration in treatment.
The podcast highlights the ethical importance of setting meaningful goals in behavior analysis to improve outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Participants discuss the persistent challenges in aligning current goal-setting practices with the long-term aspirations and real-life experiences of individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Shanna Bahry emphasizes the necessity for professionals to engage families and stakeholders in a collaborative and reflective approach to goal development.
Deep dives
The Importance of Meaningful Goal Setting
The podcast emphasizes the significance of setting meaningful goals in behavior analysis, particularly for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The participants reflect on the challenges they face in determining whether the goals they set are truly beneficial, questioning the ethical implications of their choices. They introduce the idea that goals should not only be relevant but should also enhance the quality of life for individuals, fostering the need for deeper consideration in goal-setting practices. By examining the goals set for themselves, they pose a critical question: Are we merely going through the motions, or are we genuinely facilitating growth and independence?
Challenges in Current Goal-Setting Practices
The participants discuss the pervasive issues in existing goal-setting practices for individuals with ASD, noting that many current goals are not aligned with optimal outcomes. They highlight how the behavior analytic field has struggled for decades with poor adult outcomes for clients on the spectrum, emphasizing that the same patterns continue to emerge despite years of research and advocacy. The team points to the widespread use of assessments that may not accurately reflect or support an individual’s meaningful experiences or skills. This situation illustrates the urgent need for a shift in how goals are conceptualized and applied within behavioral interventions.
Dr. Shana Berry's Insights on Ethical Practices
Dr. Shana Berry, a guest on the episode, shares her extensive background working in various behavioral settings, which shaped her interest in the ethical implications of goal-setting. She reflects on her observations about transitions from child to adult services, highlighting early exposure to the realities faced by individuals with disabilities as a critical factor in understanding goal relevance. Dr. Berry's research focuses on identifying meaningful skill acquisition goals that resonate with individuals' lived experiences and long-term aspirations. Her insights stress that ethical considerations must be integral to practice, emphasizing engagement with families and stakeholders to foster a collaborative goal-setting process.
Common Barriers to Effective Goal-Setting
During the discussion, the participants and Dr. Berry outline several barriers that hinder the effective implementation of meaningful goal-setting practices. They identify a lack of awareness among professionals about the long-term realities faced by individuals with disabilities as a major issue, along with limited educational exposure to adult services. The conversation points to an ingrained tendency in the field to operate with a short-term focus, which leads to poor planning and inadequate preparation for adulthood. This unawareness often results in professionals 'passing the buck,' leaving future service providers to address gaps that should have been tackled during earlier educational interventions.
A Call to Action for Professionals
The podcast concludes with a call to action for behavior analysts and other professionals in the field to prioritize the long-term success of individuals with disabilities by crafting more meaningful goals. The participants emphasize the need for training that encompasses not just specific assessment tools but also critical thinking skills regarding goal development. Introducing reflective practices that involve considering the unique needs and contexts of each individual is seen as essential. By shifting the focus from adherence to standardized assessments to a more holistic and person-centered approach, professionals can significantly impact the lives of those they serve, ensuring they are prepared for meaningful adult experiences.
While most of us engage with goal writing, have you ever stopped to think whether the goals you’ve proposed to your client are…pointless? If so, put down your bopy of “101 Great Trigonometry Objectives” and join us and special guest, Dr. Shanna Bahry, to explore resources for crafting goals with your clients that might actually lead them to a productive, happier adulthood. We review some useful tools from Dr. Bahry, some pointers for how to use (and NOT use) many popular assessments, and discuss where and when those trigonometry goals could meaningfully come into play. Yes, there’s a time and place for every goal.
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