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In response to the recent publication titled,“Assent in Applied Behaviour Analysis and Positive Behaviour Support: Ethical Considerations and Practical Recommendations”(Breaux and Smith, 2023), we first write to commend the authors for outlining important information to consider when promoting decision-making and self-determination. While a good start, we want to advocate for a more complete discussion as there are, from our point of view, multiple considerations surrounding assent that have not garnered sufficient attention.

Breaux and Smith set out to define assent as well as offer recommendations for use within the methodological frameworks of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and positive behaviour support (PBS), however, we were surprised to see key considerations omitted from their thesis as well as the implication that assent must be incorporated into all forms of treatment, regardless of …