Shawnna Sundberg
Assistant Lecturer of Applied Behavior Analysis
About Shawnna Sundberg
Ms. Shawnna Sundberg is an Assistant Lecturer in the Teachers College at Ball State University and a doctoral candidate in Special Education. She is also the founder of Compassionate Care Consulting. Her research interests are a reflection of her commitment to social justice, with a focus on ableism in ABA, equity in behavior analytic practice, sexuality education for autistic people, and training practitioners in neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Professional Experience
With over a decade of experience as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Shawnna has held diverse roles including BCBA, Parent Training Coordinator, Clinical Education Coordinator, Assistant Lecturer at Ball State University, and Adjunct Professor and Specialization Lead at Capella University. She is also the founder of Compassionate Care Consulting, where she provides supervision and consultation to schools, clinics, and practitioners on social justice and equity in behavior analysis. Her work is grounded in a commitment to dismantling ableism within the field of ABA and advocating for ethical, person-centered practice. Shawnna has played a crucial role in supervising and mentoring future BCBAs and BCaBAs, emphasizing ethical and effective practices. She has a particular focus on sexuality education for autistic people, and actively trains behavior analysts, practitioners, and families on these critical topics. Her research examines ableism in ABA, the historical context of services for autistic people, equity in behavior analytic practice, and training practitioners in anti-ableism and ethical decision making.
Education
- B.A. in Psychology at Purdue University
- M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism at Ball State University
- Current Ph.D. Student in Special Education at Ball State University.
Select Publications and Research
Wilczynski, S. M., Kazee A., & Sundberg, S. L. (2021). The evidence-based practice treatment selection model prompts ethical and culturally sensitive service delivery. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Wilczynski, S.M. & Sundberg, S.L. (2021). Teaching social skills and self-regulation to improve quality of life for Benjamin age 4, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Prelock, P.A. & McCauley, R. J. (Eds.), Case Studies for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, (2nd Ed., pp .23-32). Pauh H. Brookes Publishing.
Kazee, A., Wilczynski, S. M., Martino, M., Sundberg, S. L., Quinn, M., & Mundell, N. (2021). Discrete trial instruction. Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence-Based Intervention Strategies for Communication & Social Interactions, (2nd Ed., pp. 133-161). Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
Wilczynski, S.M., Miller, B., Sundberg, S.L., & Johnson, S.A. (2020). The need for relationship and sexuality education and transitioned aged youth with ASD. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Trammell, B., Henderson, A., Wilczynski, S.M., Simmons-Reed, E., Kraft, A., & Sundberg, S.L. (2018). Post-secondary transition for students with high-functioning autism considering college alternatives. Manuscript submitted for publications.