Historically synonymous with developmental disabilities, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) offers proven, data-driven utility in addressing the stark healthcare disparities and elevated mortality risks facing neurodiverse oncology populations. This presentation outlines how integrated behavioral health practitioners (e.g., Doctors of Behavioral Health [DBH], licensed and credentialed doctoral-level behavior analysts) can deploy established workflows—such as warm hand-offs and brief functional assessments—to disrupt diagnostic overshadowing within behavioral oncology. By isolating shifting motivating operations and environmental contingencies, these specialists can systematically mitigate the complex iatrogenic toll and elevated response effort associated with cancer treatments. Attendees will learn how evidence-based behavioral activation and response-effort modifications stabilize routines, preserve patient quality of life, and satisfy the Quintuple Aim (Hand et al., 2020; Mandell et al., 2016; Strosahl et al., 2020).
Hand, B. N., Carbone, P. S., & Guion, K. B. (2020). Cancer screening rates among autistic adults: A population-based study. Autism, 24(5), 1135–1143. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319894825
Li, A., Ge, H., & Huang, R. (2024). Behavioral activation impacts symptoms of depression and anxiety, psychological distress, and quality of life among colorectal cancer patients in medical settings. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.3813/56299.ba.oncology
Strosahl, K. D., Robinson, P. J., & Gustafson, T. (2020). Inside PCBH: Driving the quintuple aim through high-velocity behavior analysis and integrated care delivery (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.