Providing Compassionate Care with Precision

2 CEUs (1.5 General, 0.5 Ethics)

Course Abtract: As the practice of applied behavior analysis continues to grow, so too must our commitment to delivering care that is both compassionate and precise. While technical competence and data-driven programming remain critical, they cannot come at the cost of connection, dignity, and learner autonomy. This session explores how clinicians can provide compassionate care while maintaining a rigorous focus on precision measurement and meaningful outcomes.

Grounded in the work of Taylor, LeBlanc, and Nosik (2019), we examine how strengthening relationships with caregivers, honoring learner assent, and using individualized, culturally responsive supports enhance—not replace—the technical foundations of our science. We explore critical and variable features of providing compassionate care, define autonomy in the context of applied behavior analysis, and further explore the role of the learner being happy, relaxed, and engaged as a foundation for therapeutic progress. Using the REFRAME framework (Cerda, Farris, & Solomon, 2025), we highlight practical strategies for delivering services that are both precise and responsive. Drawing from current literature on trauma-informed care, radical compassion, and ACT-based practices, this presentation offers a model of clinical care that prioritizes safety, flexibility, and learner dignity—without compromising on measurable, effective outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn what precision teaching is
• Participants will learn how to utilize precision measurement to increase data collection and evaluation in Skills Based Treatment
• Participants will learn how to develop new measurement practices in the PFA and SBT protocols.

Presenter Bio:
Jen Farris, BCBA, LABA, IBA is a BCBA and the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Sprout, MBC. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, Jen is a co-author of REFRAME, is an Adjunct Professor at Simmons University where she is also a PhD student in their department of Applied Behavior Analysis. She’s been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over 20 years and has held positions across many areas of implementation and clinical leadership in schools, centers, and in-home. Jen has a passion for providing high-quality ABA services using today’s best practice, she is a precision teacher and is a self-proclaimed data nerd. Her values as a BCBA align with providing compassionate care, paired with precision measurement. When she’s not working, Jen loves to travel and spend time with her family, including her 3 beautiful little boys.

Jen has been a precision teacher for 8 years, conducts research in precision teaching, and engages with precision teaching daily within her professional life. In addition, she has formal training in PFA and SBT and also conducts research in that space.