Episode 95: Analyzing Stigma and Ableism Against Autistics using Relational Density Theory

Episode 95 features a conversation with Claire Zuch, a graduate student in Dr. Jordan Bellisle's HUB lab whose work has been focused on the analysis of ableism and stigma against Autistic folks.  Relational Density Theory is a complex and fascinating concept and Claire does a wonderful job of explaining RDT to a novice like myself.  Claire notes that RDT is often easier to explain with a visual of something known as a geospace (see below).  Claire discusses her plans to continue this research in her doctoral program with Dr. Mark Dixon and the importance of compensating Autistic participants for their labour.  

 

 

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): https://cbiconsultants.com/shop

• BACB: 1.5 Learning
• IBAO: 1.5 Cultural
• QABA: 1.5 DEI

 

Contact Information:

Claire Zuch

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-zuch-bb95521b9

https://www.facebook.com/MOStateHUBLab

 

Definitions:

Relational Density – The strength of the relationship between relational class members

•       Relational Volume – The size of the relational class
•       Relational Mass – A derivative of density and volume that predicts resistance to change
•       Relational Coherence – The distance between two or more classes that predicts the merging of relational classes
•       Relational Acceleration – The increasing rate of change of relational classes over time
•       Relational Deceleration – The decreasing rate of change of relational classes over time
•       Relational Relativity – The concept that all relational behaviors operate relative to other relational behavior and in dynamic ways

 

Links:

Dr. Jordan Belisle on RFT/RDT

Dr. Jordan Belisle on Moving Toward Model Thinking | TCE #036
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfhWrD_5LWg

Relational Frame Theory: A Basic Rundown by Jordan Belisle, PhD, BCBA, LBA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DANpZdD5as

 

Other Links:

Autistic Researchers Researching Autism 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/236272016838118

 

Behaviour Speak Episodes Referenced:

Victoria Suarez
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-21-the-effects-of-empathy-training-on-racial-bias-and-other-research-from-dr-victoria-suarez-phd-bcba-d

Marija Čolić
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-38-what-we-can-do-about-stigma-and-racism-using-behaviour-science-with-dr-marija-colic-phd-bcba-d

Rocco Catrone 
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-46-using-relational-frame-theory-to-tackle-stigma-toward-persons-with-disabilities-with-dr-rocco-catrone