Presentation Overview

Supporting Regulation and Honoring Autonomy: Ethical NDBI Practices for Young Autistic Children

Emotional and sensory regulation are foundational for learning, engagement, communication, and participation in everyday interactions. For young autistic children, dysregulation is often misunderstood as noncompliance or challenging behavior, leading adults to focus on behavior management rather than understanding the child’s underlying needs. Within Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), regulation is viewed as a shared, relational process that develops through responsive, supportive, and emotionally safe interactions. This presentation will explore how providers can support regulation while honoring the autonomy, dignity, and individual differences of young autistic children. Participants will examine the importance of assent, co-regulation, predictability, and relationship-based practice within early intervention settings. Practical NDBI strategies will be shared to help behavior technicians and early intervention providers embed regulation support into play, routines, and everyday interactions in developmentally appropriate and socially valid ways.

Learning Objectives

What you'll learn...after completing this presentation, participants will be able to

  • Describe the role of regulation and co-regulation within the development and learning of young autistic children.

  • Identify ethical considerations related to autonomy, assent, and safe intervention practices.

  • Apply practical NDBI strategies that support regulation, engagement, and relationship-based interactions while honoring the child’s autonomy and individual differences.

Continuing Education

The NDBI Navigator is an approved continuing education provider for the BACB, QABA, and IBAO.

Professionals from other disciplines will receive a professional development certificate, which they can submit to their respective licensing boards for consideration.

Your Presenter

Jamie Hughes-Lika, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, IBA

Dr. Jamie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D), a licensed behavior analyst (LBA), an International Behavior Analyst (IBA), and an Early Start Denver Model Certified Therapist and Trainer. She has been providing evidence-based services for children with autism and related disorders for over 29 years, and for the past 14 years, she has specialized in interventions for young autistic children (0-4 years). She presents her research at national and international conferences and her research studies are published in peer-reviewed journals. She is the founder of The NDBI Navigator, an organization dedicated to supporting professionals working with young autistic children. Rooted in the principles of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), it offers accessible, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate resources to help clinicians, educators, and behavior analysts turn knowledge into meaningful practice.

Presentation Content

  1. 1

    • About the Presentation

    • Meet Dr. Jamie Hughes-Lika

    • Professional Practice Reminder

    • Presentation Handout

    • Quiz

    • Survey