Rethinking Assessments: The Importance of Cultural Awareness in ABA Practices
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
During the BWIBAAD Conference 2025, one statement from a fellow BCBA really made me reflect. They pointed out that some assessments in our field aren’t necessarily designed with the diverse needs of Black children in mind. One example they brought up that truly stuck with me was the act of brushing a child's hair. In some cultures, especially among Black children, protective hairstyles like braids or twists are common, and the assessment scenario assumed a “simple” brushing task.
I hadn’t even thought of how assessments like this might fail to accurately reflect the reality of the children we work with. So, what does this mean for us as BCBAs? It’s a call for more inclusive practices.
What We Can Do to Change:
Adapt Assessments: Assessments should reflect the diversity of our clients. For example, instead of assuming that every child’s hair care routine looks the same, consider customizing the assessment to reflect cultural hairstyles and practices.
Educate Ourselves on Cultural Differences: Taking the time to understand cultural differences, particularly when it comes to grooming, communication, and routines, is crucial. This knowledge can help us make more informed decisions during assessments.
Collaborate with Families: If we’re unsure about how to approach a particular task or behavior, it’s essential to work closely with the family. They are the experts in their child's cultural background and daily routines.
Review Current Assessment Tools: Let’s take a closer look at the tools and protocols we’re using. Are they culturally sensitive? Do they address the actual needs of the families we serve? If not, we can be part of the change by suggesting improvements or seeking out more inclusive options.
Why This Matters
We need to remember that our role as BCBAs is not just to apply behavior principles, but to understand the cultural context in which they exist. By making these changes, we’ll not only improve the accuracy of our assessments, but also show that we respect and value the unique backgrounds of every family we serve. This simple adjustment could make a huge difference in the outcomes we achieve.
Reflecting on that moment at BWIBAAD has made me realize that cultural competence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity in our work. It’s a step towards building more inclusive, effective, and respectful therapeutic relationships.
Let’s keep learning, growing, and making the necessary changes to better serve our diverse communities.
