Compassion: The Eighth Dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis

Guest editorial: Generating evidence to improve quality of life and other outcomes for children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities

“…Both fields have been expanding their technology through research and lessons learned from clinical experience and synergistically influencing each other. For example, due to various valid criticisms regarding its historical application, ABA is increasingly moving towards assent-based, humble and compassionate approaches to support (Breaux and Smith, 2023; Kirby et al , 2022; Penney et al , 2023), a topic that PBS has historically prioritised (Carr et al , 2002). Despite their benefits and the inherent commonalities in their research and application due to their historical ties, both fields have yet to produce the widespread impact in the UK that would be expected, considering their efficiency, effectiveness and widespread adoption in countries such as the USA and Canada.…”