Article written on 10/14/2025 by Ashley Ballard, MS, BCBA
At Adventure Learning Center, we believe therapy should be more than just teaching skills—it should be about nurturing respect, autonomy, and empowerment. Central to this belief is our commitment to assent-based practices, which prioritize honoring an individual’s right to willingly participate, rather than simply comply.
What Is Assent and Why Is It Important?
Assent is the process of ensuring someone voluntarily agrees to participate in an activity or therapy. Unlike compliance, which often means following directions without choice, assent means the individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to say “yes” or “no.” This distinction is especially important for autistic children, who may experience communication and sensory differences that affect how they engage with the world.
Creating environments where autistic children’s boundaries and preferences are honored from the start builds a critical foundation. It not only fosters trust but also teaches them about consent in a way that respects their unique experiences.
Real-Life Example 1: Navigating Severe Behavior During Transitions
Consider a child who exhibits very severe behavior during transitions—such as moving from playtime to a structured activity. Traditional compliance-focused approaches might insist the child follow instructions immediately, potentially escalating distress and damaging trust.
At Adventure Learning Center, we approach this differently. By honoring the child’s need for choice and control, we use assent-based strategies: offering visual schedules, giving warnings before transitions, and allowing the child to communicate preferences (like taking a short break or choosing the order of activities). This respectful approach reduces anxiety, supports smoother transitions, and empowers the child to feel in control rather than forced.
The Reality: Autistic People Are at Greater Risk of Abuse
Tragically, autistic individuals are disproportionately vulnerable to abuse and assault. Research underscores the severity of this issue:
- A 2016 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reported that approximately 44% of autistic adults have experienced sexual abuse during their lifetime—a rate significantly higher than the general population (Brugha et al., 2016).
- A 2018 study in Autism in Adulthood found autistic women are over twice as likely to experience sexual assault compared to non-autistic women (Zablotsky et al., 2018).
- Increased risks for physical abuse and neglect have also been documented, adding to the challenges faced by autistic individuals (Rubenstein et al., 2019).
These statistics highlight the urgent need for consent education and trauma-informed care tailored to the needs of autistic people.
Real-Life Example 2: Empowering a Child with a Trauma Background to Self-Advocate
One of our clients, a child with a trauma history, initially struggled with asserting boundaries and often complied out of fear rather than choice. Through consistent assent-based practices, the child was gradually taught to identify feelings of discomfort and to use simple, supported communication methods to say “no” or request help.
Over time, this child developed strong self-advocacy skills—learning to express when something felt unsafe or overwhelming and choosing when to engage in activities. This progress not only increased their sense of safety but also dramatically improved their emotional well-being and trust in caregivers.
How Assent-Based Practices Make a Difference
By embedding assent into therapy, we empower autistic children to:
- Build trust with caregivers and therapists
- Understand and assert their right to say “yes” or “no”
- Express discomfort or refusal confidently
- Develop self-advocacy skills essential for safety and well-being
These skills extend far beyond therapy rooms, equipping individuals to better navigate relationships and social situations throughout life.
Adventure Learning Center’s Commitment
At Adventure Learning Center, we reject outdated, compliance-focused models of ABA therapy. Instead, we practice ABA with an emphasis on assent—ensuring children choose to engage and their boundaries are always respected. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, respect, and affirmation of neurodiversity.
This means therapy sessions that celebrate each child’s strengths, honor their choices, and foster real empowerment—not just behavioral compliance.
Looking Forward: Building a Safer Future
Teaching assent early is a critical step toward helping autistic individuals understand consent and bodily autonomy. To create meaningful change, we advocate for:
- Increasing public awareness of the abuse risks autistic people face
- Incorporating consent education tailored for neurodiverse learners in schools and homes
- Training caregivers and professionals in trauma-informed, assent-based methods
Conclusion
Assent is more than a therapeutic technique—it is a fundamental act of respect and protection. By prioritizing assent, we provide autistic individuals with the foundation they need to learn about consent, advocate for themselves, and live safer, more empowered lives.
At Adventure Learning Center, we stand for therapy that honors choice and autonomy because every child deserves to be heard, valued, and empowered to make their own decisions.
References
- Brugha, T., et al. (2016). Sexual victimization in adults with autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence and risk factors. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2658-1
- Zablotsky, B., et al. (2018). The association between child abuse and autism spectrum disorder: A population-based study. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2018.0016
- Rubenstein, E., et al. (2019). Increased risk for physical abuse and neglect among children with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2098