Bridging the Gap: Training and Practice of Trauma-Informed Care in Behavior Analysis

Trauma is a pervasive issue that can shape a person’s behavior, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Behavior analysts work with individuals who have diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Despite the importance of understanding trauma, research indicates a lack of formal training on trauma-informed care (TIC) in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

A recent study by Wheeler et al. (2024) examines the training and practice of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) regarding TIC. This blog post highlights key findings and discusses how behavior analysts can incorporate trauma-informed strategies into their practice.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters in Behavior Analysis

TIC is an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on an individual’s behavior and well-being. The goal is to create safe, supportive environments that promote healing rather than unintentionally re-traumatizing individuals.

The Impact of Trauma on Behavior

Experiencing trauma, especially during childhood, can have long-term effects on a person’s brain and behavior. Some key considerations include:

• Neurobiological Changes: Trauma alters stress responses, affecting memory, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.
• Behavioral Health Outcomes: Exposure to trauma increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Increased Vulnerability: Individuals with trauma histories may display challenging behaviors linked to fight-or-flight responses.

Given these impacts, behavior analysts need to adopt a trauma-informed perspective when designing interventions.

Four Commitments of Trauma-Informed Care in ABA

Wheeler et al. (2024) highlight the framework proposed by Rajaraman et al. (2022), which outlines four core commitments for trauma-informed care in ABA:

1. Acknowledge Trauma and Its Impact – Recognizing that past trauma can influence behavior, even if it is not immediately apparent.
2. Ensure Safety and Trust – Creating environments where individuals feel physically and emotionally secure.
3. Promote Choice and Shared Governance – Empowering individuals to actively participate in decisions that impact their care.
4. Emphasize Skill-Building – Helping individuals develop self-regulation, communication, and coping skills.

These principles align with core ethical guidelines in ABA, ensuring treatment remains humane, respectful, and effective.

Study Overview: How Well Are Behavior Analysts Trained in TIC?

Wheeler et al. (2024) conducted a study to assess behavior analysts’ training and perceived competency in TIC. Specifically, they sought to answer:

• How much formal training do behavior analysts receive on TIC?
• How relevant do they perceive TIC training to be?
• How does exposure to TIC affect self-reported competency in implementing TIC strategies?

Survey Methodology

The study included 232 BCBAs recruited through a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) mass email. Participants completed a survey covering:

• Coursework and training related to TIC
• Supervision and hands-on experience applying TIC principles
• Continued education efforts after becoming certified
• Confidence and perceived competence in working with trauma-affected clients

Key Findings: Gaps in Trauma-Informed Training

1. Limited Exposure to TIC in Formal Education

• 63.8% of surveyed BCBAs reported having no TIC-related coursework during their ABA master’s programs.
• 82% stated their supervisors did not provide TIC resources or training during fieldwork.
• 77.2% reported little to no hands-on experience working with individuals affected by trauma.

These results suggest that most behavior analysts enter the field with minimal formal education on TIC.

2. High Interest in TIC After Certification

Despite the lack of coursework exposure, many behavior analysts sought additional training:

• 91.7% pursued TIC knowledge post-certification.
• 67.9% attended TIC-related workshops or training.
• 58.2% engaged in self-study (e.g., reading literature on trauma).

This indicates a strong professional interest in integrating trauma-informed approaches into ABA practice.

3. Training Predicts Perceived Competency

The study also found that behavior analysts with more TIC training felt:

• More confident in identifying trauma-related behavioral symptoms.
• Better equipped to modify interventions to be trauma-sensitive.
• More competent in discussing trauma-sensitive approaches with families and caregivers.

This reinforces the need for structured TIC training in ABA education and professional development.

Next Steps: How Behavior Analysts Can Enhance TIC Practices

If you are a behavior analyst seeking to improve your trauma-informed care skills, consider the following steps:

1. Advocate for Formal TIC Training in ABA Programs

• Encourage universities to include TIC coursework in ABA programs.
• Request supervisors to discuss TIC during fieldwork training.

2. Participate in Continued Education on TIC

• Attend professional workshops and conferences on trauma-informed care.
• Seek mentorship from professionals with expertise in trauma.
• Stay updated on TIC research in ABA and related fields.

3. Apply Trauma-Informed Practices in Everyday Work

• Use compassionate communication to build client trust.
• Modify interventions to reduce distress and promote autonomy.
• Incorporate emotional regulation and coping skills into behavior plans.

Conclusion: Moving Toward a Trauma-Informed ABA Field

The study by Wheeler et al. (2024) highlights a significant gap in TIC education among BCBAs. While most behavior analysts recognize the importance of trauma-informed care, many lack formal training in applying these principles. To enhance the effectiveness and ethical integrity of ABA interventions, the field must prioritize TIC in education and continuing professional development.

Call to Action

To learn more, read the full study by Wheeler et al. (2024) in Behavior Analysis in Practice: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00836-7. Consider incorporating trauma-informed strategies into your work and advocating for systemic changes in ABA education. Together, we can create safer, more effective interventions for individuals affected by trauma.