Beyond Money Management: A Behavioral Framework for Teaching Financial Independence

• By: Dr. Rebecca Gonzales, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA Ball State University Dr. Stephanie Hajtun, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA Bay Path University
• September 25th, 2026
• autism education, behavioral skills training, budgeting, consumer awareness, financial independence, generalization, self-management
• 76    0

Financial independence encompasses far more than the ability to make purchases or count money. Although these are important foundational skills, financial independence may involve a broad repertoire of behaviors that enable individuals to make informed decisions, solve problems, make choices, and...

Communication Over Compliance: Promoting Assent, Autonomy and Self-Advocacy

• By: Dr. Rebecca Gonzales, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA Ball State University
• July 12th, 2026
• AAC, applied behavior analysis, assent-based practice, autism services, autonomy, functional communication, person-centered care, self-advocacy, Summer 2026 Issue
• 711    0

Consider an individual participating in a learning activity who suddenly turns away, throws their markers on the floor, and places their head in their hands on the table. A compliance-focused approach might interpret these behaviors as task refusal and encourage the individual to continue the...