Research Sources for PFA-SBT and Assent-Based Care
Hanley, G. P. (2012). Functional assessment of problem behavior: Dispelling myths, overcoming implementation obstacles, and developing new lore. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5(1), 54–72.
Explains modern functional assessment, emphasizes understanding behavior before intervention, and advocates for humane, individualized assessment.
Hanley, G. P., Jin, C. S., Vanselow, N. R., & Hanratty, L. A. (2014). Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatment.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 47(1), 16–36.
Introduces the synthesized contingency analysis that later evolved into Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT).
Hanley, G. P., Ghaemmaghami, M., & Jessel, J. (2018). Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior. In J. Luiselli (Ed.), Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2nd ed.)
Discusses practical, individualized functional assessment and compassionate intervention.
Jessel, J., Hanley, G. P., & Ghaemmaghami, M. (2016). On treating problem behavior via synthesized reinforcement contingencies.Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 296–299.
Describes the rationale behind synthesized contingencies and compassionate treatment.
Compassionate and Assent-Based ABA
Rajaraman, A., Hanley, G. P., & colleagues (multiple publications)
Several recent publications discuss:
- Assent-based treatment
- Trauma-informed ABA
- Compassionate care
- Skill-Based Treatment implementation
- Contextually appropriate behavior
These are among the most cited:
Rajaraman, A., Austin, J. L., Hanley, G. P., et al. (2022). Toward trauma-assumed behavior analytic services.Behavior Analysis in Practice.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-022-00690-7
One of the foundational papers connecting trauma-informed care with modern ABA practice.
Rajaraman, A., Hanley, G. P., & Fisher, W. W. (2022).
Multiple papers from this group discuss:
- Compassionate care
- Therapeutic rapport
- Assent
- Safety
- Collaboration with families
Modern Ethical ABA
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2022).
Relevant sections include:
- Respecting client dignity
- Individualized treatment
- Least restrictive procedures
- Cultural responsiveness
- Client assent when appropriate
Neurodiversity & Quality of Life
Leaf, J. B., Cihon, J. H., Ferguson, J. L., Milne, C. M., Leaf, R., & McEachin, J. (2022).
Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations.
Behavior Analysis in Practice.
Addresses criticisms of ABA while describing how contemporary ABA has evolved toward more compassionate, individualized care.
Quality of Life
Schalock, R. L., et al. (2002; updated editions)
Quality of Life for Human Service Practitioners.
Frequently referenced in modern ABA as the field shifts toward meaningful, socially valid outcomes rather than simple behavior reduction.
PFA/SBT Organization
Developed by Dr. Gregory Hanley and colleagues, FTF Behavioral Consulting provides training and implementation resources for Practical Functional Assessment (PFA), Skill-Based Treatment (SBT), and Positive Life Skills (PLS). While not a peer-reviewed source, it is the primary organization responsible for disseminating and training clinicians in these evidence-based practices.
Recommended References for Your Website
If you want to keep your website references concise and highly credible, I recommend listing:
- Hanley, G. P. (2012). Functional assessment of problem behavior: Dispelling myths, overcoming implementation obstacles, and developing new lore.
- Hanley, G. P., Jin, C. S., Vanselow, N. R., & Hanratty, L. A. (2014). Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatment.
- Rajaraman, A., Austin, J. L., Hanley, G. P., et al. (2022). Toward trauma-assumed behavior analytic services.
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2022). Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
- FTF Behavioral Consulting. Practical Functional Assessment, Skill-Based Treatment, and Positive Life Skills.