The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2020) emphasizes the ethical responsibility of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to enhance their knowledge and skills related to cultural responsiveness and diversity. When the cultural practices of BCBAs differ from those of the clients they serve, BCBAs might observe behaviors that seem to interfere with services but may overlook crucial variables, such as the client’s cultural context and their own cultural biases. Ignoring these factors can compromise treatment adherence, social validity, rapport, and collaboration. Therefore, this presentation will define key terms related to the topic, discuss barriers to providing ethical and culturally responsive services, explore the dimensions of culturally responsive services, and offer interactive activities to foster greater self-awareness in behavior analytic practice.

1. State the differences between cultural competency, cultural responsiveness, and cultural humility.
2. Identify at least one way to self-assess one’s cultural background and practices.
3. Identify at least one way to access and utilize tools for self-assessing one’s biases when delivering ethical and culturally responsive behavioral services.

About the Presenter

Natalia Baires

Dr. Natalia Baires (pronounced "by-res") is an English-Spanish bilingual doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst who earned her B.A. in Psychology and Chicano Studies from California State University Northridge, completed her M.S. in Counseling/Applied Behavior Analysis from California State University Los Angeles, and earned her Ph.D. in Psychology/Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University. As a scholar, Dr. Baires has published on various topics including sexism, the importance of listening (from a Skinnerian perspective) to combat racism, a cultural adaptation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Spanish-speaking caregivers of autistic children, pay equity among practitioners who serve children, and more. Moreover, Dr. Baires has the honor of serving as a co-guest editor for Behavior Analysis in Practice’s special issue titled “Impactful Leaders – Latin American Women in Behavior Analysis."