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How do we determine when a learner has truly mastered a skill? In behavior analysis, performance criteria such as "80% correct across two sessions" have become nearly ubiquitous. Yet despite their widespread use, many practitioners may be surprised to learn that these criteria have relatively little direct empirical support. In this episode, I'm joined by Drs. Sarah Richling and Dr. Daniel Fienup to discuss the history, research, and practical implications of mastery criteria in applied behavior analysis. Drawing on their independent lines of research, Sarah and Dan examine how different criterion levels influence skill maintenance and why behavior analysts should think carefully about what constitutes meaningful mastery. We begin by defining the terminology surrounding mastery and performance criteria and explore several important dimensions that are often overlooked, including criterion level, criterion frequency, supplementary variables, and units of analysis. The conversation then turns to the origins of the commonly used 80% and 90% thresholds. Although these criteria appear throughout ABA training and practice, Sarah and Dan explain that their widespread adoption may owe more to tradition than to empirical validation. We also discuss findings from their research comparing 50%, 80%, and 90% mastery criteria. Their studies suggest that higher performance criteria may produce stronger maintenance outcomes under some conditions, but they emphasize that practitioners should resist the temptation to adopt a new universal rule. Along the way, we explore: The distinction between mastery criteria and performance criteria. Why "80% correct" became so common in ABA. Historical influences from early behavior analytic and educational research. Research comparing 50%, 80%, and 90% mastery criteria. The relationship between mastery criteria and long-term maintenance. Why some behaviors may require near-perfect performance. The importance of considering the natural environment when setting performance standards. How units of analysis can affect instructional decision making. The risks of relying on aggregated data when teaching multiple skills. Generalization, maintenance, and supplementary variables. Lessons from Precision Teaching regarding fluency and functional mastery. Why performance criteria should be individualized rather than universally prescribed. Research opportunities for practitioners and graduate students interested in instructional design. Throughout the discussion, Sarah and Dan make a compelling case for moving beyond inherited rules and toward a more individualized, evidence-based approach to instructional decision making. Whether you're designing skill acquisition programs, supervising trainees, or simply curious about the assumptions that shape everyday practice, this episode offers a thoughtful examination of one of the most common—and least questioned—features of behavior analytic instruction. About the Guests Dr. Sarah Richling Sarah Richling is a Clinical Associate Professor at Auburn University and serves as Director of Auburn's Master's Program in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has more than two decades of experience as a practitioner, researcher, and educator, with interests spanning instructional design, performance criteria, and effective teaching practices. Dr. Daniel Fienup Dan Fienup is a behavior analyst and researcher whose work has focused on instructional variables that affect skill acquisition, maintenance, and educational outcomes. His research on mastery criteria has helped clarify the relationship between performance standards and long-term retention of learned skills. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Fienup and Carr (2021). The use of performance criteria for determining "mastery" in discrete-trial instruction: A call for research. Fuller and Fienup (2018). A Preliminary Analysis of Mastery Criterion Level: Effects on Response Maintenance. Richling, Fienup, and Wong (2023). Establishing Performance Criteria for Skill Mastery. VanDevander, Warner, Kazemi, and Famie (2023). Creating a reference range of common problem behaviors and replacement behaviors in neurotypical children. Vladescu, Gureghian, Goodwyn, and Campanaro (2020). Comparing skill acquisition under different stimulus set sizes with children with autism spectrum disorder: A replication. Conditioning Books as Reinforcers: How to Increase Reading Engagement in Young Children: Inside JABA 26. Sponsor Shoutouts! Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! Safety-Care is a crisis prevention and de-escalation training program designed for professionals who support individuals with challenging behavior. More than 300,000 professionals have been trained in Safety-Care's evidence-based approach to recognizing early warning signs and responding with confidence. To learn more, visit QBS.com/podcast. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. The BOP Patreon. Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? 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A 4-Step Process to Stop Stressing and Your Team Start Leading What if the exact habits that built your success are now the very thing quietly holding your business back? You hustled, you solved every problem, you held the standard — and it worked, so it became automatic. But somewhere along the way the company stopped being able to run without you, your talented team stopped stepping up, and you started wondering why working harder only makes the wheel spin faster. If any of that lands a little too close to home, this week's conversation is for you. In this episode of A New Direction, we dig into The High-Altitude Entrepreneur with Chris Clearfield — and this episode is about you, not just the book. You'll discover why what got you here won't get you there, why all your systems still leave you trapped at the center, and the uncomfortable truth that your team won't take ownership until you stop jumping in. We even go into the brain science of it: how “predictive processing” keeps you reacting on autopilot to problems you haven't even really looked at yet — and why that's the real reason willpower never broke the cycle. Most importantly, you'll walk away with a way out. We'll unpack the shift from low-altitude founder — reactive, indispensable, exhausted — to high-altitude leader who rises above the chaos, sees the whole system, and finally lets the business grow beyond them. You'll learn how to spot the conditioned instinct that's capping your growth, how to hand your team real ownership, and why personal freedom isn't the reward you earn after success — it's the precondition that makes success possible in the first place. Join us and come ready to see your own patterns clearly, bring the questions you've been afraid to ask out loud, and bring a fellow founder who needs to hear it too. This is the conversation that helps you stop running your business from the ground — and start leading it from altitude. Chris Clearfield‘s book, “The High-Altitude Entrepreneur: A Framework for Scaling Smarter, Leading Better, and Living Freer, is a book for entrepreneurs and leaders. And quite honestly you are going to need put aside your defensiveness, which will immediately happen when you start reading this book. Why do I say that so confidently? Because no one wants to hear that the real problem why you as a leader are always stressed, feel like you team won’t take leadership, feel like everything falls on you, is because you are the bottleneck to your business. But you really can’t do your out of this. Your problem is not your people the problem is the monster you created because of the way you are wired that causes your people to not want to take action and lead. The fact is when you started your business, you pushed your way through. You had to. Every decision fell on you. So you put in the work, and you went into grind mode. You lost sleep. You pushed hard! So now when things are not going well, or things start to go south, what do you do? You employ your old operating system of work hard, push, and grind. The problem. Now you have people, and they aren’t responding. Now you are under even more stress. Your frustrated. You feel more burned out than ever. You may even slump into depression. You think your people are lazy. They’re not the problem. You see what got you there at the beginning was great! But now that your business is grown, what once got you there, isn’t going to get you there now. You don’t need to do different you need to “be” different. That is the beauty of Chris Clearfield’s book “The High-Altitude Entrepreneur”. He has to together the High-Altitude framework that takes you step by step through a process where you can start removing yourself, so you can truly rely on others. Is it easy? Nope. Is it a quick fix? Nope. Will change your business for the better? Yep. Will it change your life for the better? You bet! This is one of those books that if you have the guts to do it, will fundamentally change your business and you. The book is worth every penny. Get your copy of The High-Altitude Entrepreneur by clicking here! Special Offer from Chris Clearfield If you would like to experience first hand how the process works. Chris offers a group for free that you can watch and learn how the High-Altitude Framework works. Just go to: Clearfieldleadership.com/elevate and sign up! Please say thank you to our sponsors! It is their financial support that allows A New Direction to continue growing and getting great authors. “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can't move forward if you're worried about what's lurking in your inbox. That's where Data443 Cyren comes in. It's the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don't let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ Linda Craft Team, Realtors for more than 40 years the choice of people all over the world. They are not only experts in buying and selling real estate, they are expert negotiators that will fight for you! But perhaps their greatest expertise is that they understand that your home is more is a place where you created some of your fondest memories. When you want a real estate professional who not only will get you the best price, but will care about your home like you would care about your home start with the Legends of Customer Service start with Linda Craft & Team. www.LindaCraft.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Meet Jay Izso Executive Performance Coach | Host of A New Direction Every week on A New Direction, I sit down with CEOs, founders, and the researchers behind the science of leadership performance. The conversations go deep. We talk about the decisions that built companies, the mistakes that nearly destroyed them, and the personal breakthroughs that changed everything. But here's what most people don't know about me: the show is an extension of the work I do every day with executives behind closed doors. Who I Am I'm an Executive Performance Coach. I work with CEOs and founders of $5M-$50M companies who have hit a wall they can't explain. The marketing looks fine. The team is capable. The market is there. But the business won't move. The problem, almost every time, is the person running it. I find the personal behavioral patterns that are driving the business dysfunction. Then I help the CEO disrupt those patterns so the company can grow. That's it. No motivational platitudes. No vision boards. Diagnostics, intervention, results. Where This Comes From My approach comes from two places most coaches never set foot in. The farm. I grew up as a farmhand in Ithaca, Nebraska—population 100. I started working at nine years old. By the time I left for college, I'd spent a decade learning that you can't cheat the harvest, pain is part of the job, and the work has to get done whether you feel like it or not. I was fourteen the first time I had to castrate boars. Nobody was going to do it for me. That lesson never left: sometimes you have to do things afraid. The forensic psychology unit. In graduate school at Washington State University, I trained under Dr. Thomas Brigham—co-author of the Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis—in a human behavior lab focused on real-world problems. I then served in a Clinical Psych II role at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington, a forensic setting where I conducted psychological evaluations of individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses. Sixteen months assessing human behavior at its most extreme taught me how to cut through defenses, identify what's really driving someone's decisions, and see what they can't see in themselves.
As the summer weather turns its bright face towards New England, we find ourselves wrapping up another year of book club...just in time to start planning for NEXT YEAR'S BOOK CLUB!! Get your phone loaded with all the podcasts you need for the beach with this month's new episodes. First, we open up a themed grab bag with articles all related to participants with dual-diagnoses. Then we dig into the details of concept formation with Dr. Catherine Williams to find out exactly how you should really be teaching new things. Last, get prepared for your annual medical check-up with an episode all about medical toleration procedures. And as if that wasn't enough, Patrons gain access to our Summer Book Club pick, "Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis" featuring an interview with Dr. MerrilI Winston in addition to our regular book club shenanigans. If you work in the school setting (or are getting ready to work in the school setting) you do not want to miss out. Interested in selecting all of next year's Book Club selections? Then be sure to fill out our new poll to let us know what we should be packing in our summer go-bags for next year's episodes. Articles for June 2026 (DUAL DIAGNOSIS) A Very Dual-Diagnosis Grab Bag (Summer 2026 Grab Bag) Nussbaum, N.L. (2012). ADHD and female specific concerns: A review of the literature and clinical implications. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 87-100. doi: 10.1177/1087054711416909 Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Robinson, A. N., O'Connor, J. T., & Hagopian, L. P. (2015). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 150-166. doi: 10/1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010 Lambert, J. M., Parikh, N., Stankiewicz, K. C., Houchins‐Juarez, N. J., Morales, V. A., Sweeney, E. M., & Milam, M. E. (2019). Decreasing food stealing of a child with prader-willi syndrome through function based differential reinforcement. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 721-728. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3747-y Conceptual Learning w/ Dr. Catherine Williams Williams, C.L., St. Peter, C.C., Perone, M., Aguilar, M., Cederberg, B.A., Gregersen, D.J., & Richardson, E.J. (2025). Using must-have and can-have features to improve conceptual learning. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70037. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70037 Williams, C.L. & Roop, J.C. (2025). Instruction consisting of a rule and set of examples and nonexamples reliably teaches concepts. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70061. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70061 Medical Toleration Cuvo, A., Raegan, A., L., Ackerlund, J., Huckfledt, R., & Kelly, C. (2010). Training children with autism spectrum disorders to be compliant with a physical exam. Research in Autism Spectrum Disoders, 4, 168-185. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.001 Dowdy, A., Tincani, M., Nipe, T., & Weiss. M. J. (2018). Effects of reinforcement without extinction on increasing compliance with nail cutting: A systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 924-930. doi: 10.1002/jaba.484 Slifer, K. J., Avis, K. T., & Frutchey, R. A. (2008). Behavioral intervention to increase compliance with electroencephalographic procedures in children with developmental disabilities. Epilepsy Behavior, 13, 189-195. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.01.013 Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Book Club (feat. Dr. Merril Winston) Winston, M. (2016). Adventures in special education and applied behavior analysis. Sloan Publishing.
You Don’t Need a Business Transformation…you need a YOU Transformation Ever feel like you're doing all the “right” things—reading the self-help books, checking off your goals, grinding every day—but inside, you're still wrestling with the exact same anxieties? You aren’t broken; you’ve just hit the ceiling of what your current self can handle. Real, lasting change requires more than just adding new habits to your daily routine; it demands a total identity transformation. If you are ready to stop merely managing your symptoms and start evolving who you are at your core, it is time for a radical internal upgrade. Today on A New Direction, Coach Jay dives deep into this psychological frontier with cutting-edge mindset expert and best-selling author, Dr. Ryan Gottfredson. We are breaking open his latest, game-changing book, Becoming Better: The Ground Breaking Science of Persona Transformation. Dr. Gottfredson bypasses the usual self-help clichés to deliver the actual, hard science behind vertical development. He will show us how to achieve a deep mental transformation that rewires our internal operating systems for unprecedented success and peace. In this powerful conversation, you will discover why traditional willpower consistently fails and how your hidden mindsets are secretly sabotaging your growth. Dr. Gottfredson will reveal the neurological and psychological blueprints necessary to shed your defensive armor, heal old wounds, and accelerate your personal transformation. This isn’t a superficial conversation about doing more; it is an exploration of how to fundamentally alter how you see yourself and the world from the inside out. Do not miss this chance to experience a life-altering transformation in real-time. Join us right here on A New Direction with Coach Jay to catch every insight, absorb the science, and discover the keys to unlocking your next level. Your old self has taken you as far as it can—it is time to step into the ultimate transformation and meet the person you were actually meant to become. A FREE Transformational Offer! If you go to RyanGottfredson.com and you click on any of the assessments and tell Ryan you heard him on my show A New Direction with Coach Jay he will give you a FREE 30 minutes call to go over your assessment! Just click here for the assessments. Ryan Gottfredson’s Book, “Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation” is a life changing book that will be transformational for your business. You may be asking how can that be? Because the fact is your business success is limited by your personal success in life. And when you are broken (which we all are) we are never going to be as successful in life and business until we start our journey of healing from the inside out. Dr Gottfredson likes to use the analogy of our brain and reactions, and mindsets and thinking as an operating system. That operating system has coding from birth to now. So, anything that we react to our coding kicks in and we respond in a way that can damage our success. So, the fact is our operating system really needs to be recoded, the problem is we don’t want to do the hard work to do it. But here is the irony. When we have problems in life and business what do we typically do? We try to find ways we can “do” our way out of something. We may go to a conference to go new ways of “doing” things. That all sounds great but let’s take the analogy one step further. Think of it this way. If you download another app on your phone to help you “do” something, but your operating system coding (IOS) is screwed up, and is a mess, how effective is that app… it’s not. And no transformation. That’s the point of Becoming Better. Until you change the coding from the bad coding in your past all the “do this” and “do that” are nothing more than great apps on a horribly written operating system. And your business and life transformation is at a stand still. The brilliance of the book is that not only does Dr. Gottfredson address these issues he gives you the science behind them and offers the small building blocks and steps to start erasing the bad code in your operating system and writing new code. But it is not easy. And I am speaking from my own experience here. When you realize just how much trauma in your past (that you will deny, like I did) and how it has affected your coding, you will see how much success you can achieve. Please get a copy of this book Becoming Better and do the work! We really would like to ask you to thank our sponsors. Their financial support of A New Direction is so critical to helping us provide quality guests, books, and great sounding show. “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can't move forward if you're worried about what's lurking in your inbox. That's where Data443 Cyren comes in. It's the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don't let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ Linda Craft Team, Realtors they literally are a locally owned independent real estate company, that serves the world. How can a small company serve the world? They have created relationships with the best real estate experts in the world to help you regardless of where you live get the best person possible. And because they are independent of any national brand, they have relationships with other professionals from all the companies, not just the ones that are part of a national branded network. For more than 39 years they continue to build relationships because that is how Linda started the business and continues to do so today. Head on over to www.LindaCraft.com Hey…do me a favor and please tell your friends to subscribe to A New Direction on their favorite podcast platform and give us a 5 star rating we are so grateful when you do! ABOUT YOUR HOST Meet Jay Izso Executive Performance Coach | Host of A New Direction Every week on A New Direction, I sit down with CEOs, founders, and the researchers behind the science of leadership performance. The conversations go deep. We talk about the decisions that built companies, the mistakes that nearly destroyed them, and the personal breakthroughs that changed everything. But here's what most people don't know about me: the show is an extension of the work I do every day with executives behind closed doors. Who I Am I'm an Executive Performance Coach. I work with CEOs and founders of $5M-$50M companies who have hit a wall they can't explain. The marketing looks fine. The team is capable. The market is there. But the business won't move. The problem, almost every time, is the person running it. I find the personal behavioral patterns that are driving the business dysfunction. Then I help the CEO disrupt those patterns so the company can grow. That's it. No motivational platitudes. No vision boards. Diagnostics, intervention, results. Where This Comes From My approach comes from two places most coaches never set foot in. The farm. I grew up as a farmhand in Ithaca, Nebraska—population 100. I started working at nine years old. By the time I left for college, I'd spent a decade learning that you can't cheat the harvest, pain is part of the job, and the work has to get done whether you feel like it or not. I was fourteen the first time I had to castrate boars. Nobody was going to do it for me. That lesson never left: sometimes you have to do things afraid. The forensic psychology unit. In graduate school at Washington State University, I trained under Dr. Thomas Brigham—co-author of the Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis—in a human behavior lab focused on real-world problems. I then served in a Clinical Psych II role at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington, a forensic setting where I conducted psychological evaluations of individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses. Sixteen months assessing human behavior at its most extreme taught me how to cut through defenses, identify what's really driving someone's decisions, and see what they can't see in themselves.
In a massive, long-overdue crackdown on government waste and rampant abuse, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially put all 50 states on notice. A federal HHS Office of Inspector General audit found Colorado made at least $77.8 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children diagnosed with autism in 2022-2023 alone. This comes in addition to Scott Bessent today announcing the $250 bill with Trumps face on it! The Marxist dems are furious!Sponsor:My PillowWww.MyPillow.com/johnSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
While "just the facts" might be one way to ask questions, it's certainly not the ONLY way. And, if you're not careful, your interviewing style could get you all the wrong answers. This week we're joined by Dr. Ray Joslyn to discuss ALL the behavior analytic research there is on forensic interviewing. Is it the way we ask the questions or our responses to answers that influence accuracy the most? Are children or adults the most impacted by misleading statements? And did Scooby Doo really eat that ice cream cone? Are you sure? Hmm...ok, if you say so. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Doepke, K.J., Henderson, A.L., & Critchfield, T.S (2003). Social antecedents of children's eyewitness testimony: A single-subject experimental analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 36, 459-463. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2003.36-459 Sparling, J., Wilder, D.A., Kondash, J., Boyle, M., & Compton, M. (2011). Effects of interviewer behavior on accuracy of children's responses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44, 587-592. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2011.44-587 Najafichaghabouri, M., Joslyn, P.R., & Preston, E. (2024). Idiosyncratic effects of interviewer behavior on the accuracy of children's responses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 463-472. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1065 Moon, S.L. Joslyn, P.R. (in press). Effects of adversarial questioning on response accuracy in analog forensic interviews. If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Forget McDonald’s and Chick-Fi-A Non-Food Franchising May be a Better Bet When most people think of starting a business, their minds immediately go to fast food. We've been conditioned to associate “franchising” with burgers, fries, and massive overhead. But in his game-changing book, “Non-food franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership,” Jon Ostenson explains why you might want to leave the grease traps behind. This isn’t just about picking a different industry; it's about a fundamental shift in how you build wealth. Non-food franchising offers a gateway to high-margin, essential-service businesses that provide the stability the food industry often lacks. There is a profound emotional cost to staying in a corporate job that no longer serves you. We all crave a sense of agency over our own lives, and non-food franchising is designed to provide exactly that. Jon explores how these businesses—ranging from home services to specialized health care—allow “corporate refugees” to stop trading hours for dollars. It's about building a legacy that supports your family and your freedom, using a proven system that doesn’t require you to be the one performing the labor. If you've ever felt like your potential is being capped by a ceiling someone else built, this conversation will be your sledgehammer. During our live deep dive, we'll look at why the most successful investors are flocking to non-food franchising. These businesses are often “recession-resistant” because they provide services people need rather than just things they want. We will break down the semi-absentee model, showing you how to scale a portfolio of businesses while keeping your day job or enjoying your retirement. By focusing on non-food franchising, you minimize the complexity of high-turnover staff and perishable inventory, focusing instead on the “boring” businesses that produce exciting, consistent cash flow. You cannot afford to miss this high-impact session on A New Direction with Coach Jay. Join us live this Wednesday, May 27th at 5pm Eastern as we interview Jon Ostenson and pull back the curtain on the lucrative world of non-food franchising. Whether you're looking to diversify your investments or completely pivot your career, this episode will give you the roadmap to move forward with confidence. Tune in and discover why your next big move doesn’t have to involve a drive-thru window. Jon Ostenson‘s book, “Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership” is one of those powerful books in a short read. The fact is I learned more about non-food franchising in this 75-page book than I had learned in my lifetime. In fact, the book was so good, it has got me thinking about investing in to a non-food franchising opportunity. What I found so great about the book is that it is an honest, simple look at why non-food franchising is such a great opportunity. He looks at the pros and cons of comparing to food franchises. He also compares to the challenges of starting your own business or perhaps purchasing someone else’s business. Now don’t think that what Jon Ostenson is saying is all butterflies and roses when it comes to franchising. Because he is not. He points out there is a risk. And he also points out something else. It is not for everyone. The fact is you could be “TOO entrepreneurial” for a non-food franchise, because you like to tweak and do things your own way. That’s where you need to put your ego aside, accepting some humility comes in. The book talks about the subject of how to get money, different avenues to get started, and a step-by-step process he uses. He also discusses the documents that are reviewed and specific areas to pay very close attention to. Glad I read it twice! To get your copy of “Non-Food Franchising” click here. Please thank our sponsors of A New Direction by going to their social media pages liking them and following them. “You tune in to A New Direction to grow your business and your mindset. But you can't move forward if you're worried about what's lurking in your inbox. That's where Data443 Cyren comes in. It's the industry standard for real-time email security and URL filtering. They stop phishing and malware before they strike, so you can focus on your success, not your safety. Don't let a cyberattack derail your journey. Go to Data443.com today and secure your future.“ Linda Craft Team, Realtors for more than 40 years they have been helping people all over the world take the stress out of real estate. And they would love to help you! When Linda started the business she built it by reputation and one relationship at a time and that is a foundation that continues to be built today. They truly understand that when you think about your home it is more than bricks and mortar, you made memories there and you want someone who cares about those as much as possible as you do. When you are ready to sell or buy your home, start with the relationship builders and home transition experts. Start with Linda Craft Team, Realtors… www.LindaCraft.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Meet Jay Izso Executive Performance Coach | Host of A New Direction Every week on A New Direction, I sit down with CEOs, founders, and the researchers behind the science of leadership performance. The conversations go deep. We talk about the decisions that built companies, the mistakes that nearly destroyed them, and the personal breakthroughs that changed everything. But here’s what most people don’t know about me: the show is an extension of the work I do every day with executives behind closed doors. Who I Am I’m an Executive Performance Coach. I work with CEOs and founders of $5M-$50M companies who have hit a wall they can’t explain. The marketing looks fine. The team is capable. The market is there. But the business won’t move. The problem, almost every time, is the person running it. I find the personal behavioral patterns that are driving the business dysfunction. Then I help the CEO disrupt those patterns so the company can grow. That’s it. No motivational platitudes. No vision boards. Diagnostics, intervention, results. Where This Comes From My approach comes from two places most coaches never set foot in. The farm. I grew up as a farmhand in Ithaca, Nebraska—population 100. I started working at nine years old. By the time I left for college, I’d spent a decade learning that you can’t cheat the harvest, pain is part of the job, and the work has to get done whether you feel like it or not. I was fourteen the first time I had to castrate boars. Nobody was going to do it for me. That lesson never left: sometimes you have to do things afraid. The forensic psychology unit. In graduate school at Washington State University, I trained under Dr. Thomas Brigham—co-author of the Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis—in a human behavior lab focused on real-world problems. I then served in a Clinical Psych II role at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington, a forensic setting where I conducted psychological evaluations of individuals charged with the most serious criminal offenses. Sixteen months assessing human behavior at its most extreme taught me how to cut through defenses, identify what’s really driving someone’s decisions, and see what they can’t see in themselves.
Though the Beatles remind us to get by with a little help from my friends, is there really any hard evidence to back their assertion up? This week we look into the data to determine whether the use of peer behavior and prompting is actually a worthwhile intervention. We explore how peers could support the occurence of social initiations, compliance with teacher instructions, and removal of attention-rich reinforcement. Because that's what friends are for! This episode is available for 1.0 DUAL-DIAGNOSIS (1.0 LEARNING CEU). Articles discussed this episode: Morrison, L., Kamps, D., Garcia, J., & Parker, D. (2001). Peer mediation and monitoring strategies to improve initiations and social skills for students with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 3, 237-250. doi: 10.1177/10983007010030040 Beaulieu, L., Hanley, J.P., & Roberson, A.A. (2013). Effects of peer mediation on preschoolers' compliance and compliance precursors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 555-567. doi: 10.1002/jaba.66 Grauvogel-MacAleese, A.N. & Wallace, M.D. (2010). Use of peer-mediated intervention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 547-551. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-547 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
"Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times". - Mark Twain While not an episode about nicotene withdrawal, this week we're talking all about research describing the phenomenon of relapse. Or is it renewal? Resurgence? All of the above? Basically any situation in which behavior, once thought removed from a repertoire, comes screaming back into reality. Regardless, teaching skills without planning for generalization to different contexts or being unsure when extinction will come into play is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, some great researchers have been in the behvaior analysis kitchen trying to cook up the perfect meal of learning. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Shahan, T.A. (2020). Relapse: An introduction. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 113, 8-14. doi: 10.1002/jeab.578 Mitteer, D.R., Greer, B.D., Fisher, W.W., Briggs, A.D., & Wacker, D.P. (2018). A laboratory model for evaluating relapse of undesirable caregiver behavior. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 110, 252-266. doi: 10.1002/jeab.462 Podlesnik, C.A., Ritchey, C.M., Muething, C., & Falligant, J.M. (2025). Different criteria affect prevalence of relapse of behavior targeted for treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 58, 225-231. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2927 Muething, C., Call, N., Ritchey, C.M., Pavlov, A., Bernstein, A.M., & Podlesnik, C.A. (2022). Prevalence of relapse of automatically maintained behavior resulting from context changes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 138-153. doi: 10.1002/jaba.887 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Per recent Illinois legislation, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in the state are now required by law to become licensed, and by January 1, 2027, owners of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) businesses must also become licensed. Meanwhile, two bills have been proposed in the Illinois Legislature this year that removes the requirement that owners of ABA businesses be licensed and contemplates BCBAs owning professional entities. John Saran, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP, speaks with Karem Alnatafgi, Founder and CEO, Peak Behavioral Services, Inc., and Veronica Glickman, Founder and CEO, Autism Behavioral and Educational Services, Inc., about the impact of these new licensure requirements and how the industry is adjusting.Watch this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GhihdKX0_EEssential Legal Updates, Now in AudioAHLA's popular Health Law Daily email newsletter is now a daily podcast, exclusively for AHLA Comprehensive members. Get all your health law news from the major media outlets on this podcast! To subscribe and add this private podcast feed to your podcast app, go to americanhealthlaw.org/dailypodcast.Stay At the Forefront of Health Legal EducationLearn more about AHLA and the educational resources available to the health law community at https://www.americanhealthlaw.org/.
Thank you for being a behavior analyst. Travel to your clients house and back again. Your functional contextualism is true. You're a scientist who builds rapport. And if you ran discrete trials, invited everyone you knew You would see the greatest responding would be from me And the consequence would be my saying Thank you for being a behavior analyst. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Loomis, K. Morales, L., Yeo, Y., & Fienup, D.M. (2026). Turning the page: Increasing young children's preference for looking at and engaging with books. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 59. doi: 10.1002/jaba.70051 Bigwood, L., Staples, E., & Sharp, R. (2026). Making preference assessments more acceptable and effective for people with dementia. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01145-x Kaplan, B. A., Gelino, B. W., & Reed, D. D. (2018). A behavioral economic approach to green consumerism: Demand for reusable shopping bags. Behavior and Social Issues, 27, 20-30. doi: 10.5210/bsi.v.27i0.8003 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
the importance of early autism screening tools, pediatric evaluations, and timely intervention. They also address common autism myths and misconceptions, including the belief that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cannot improve. Dr. Lyons discusses how early intervention programs can significantly improve outcomes. Evidence-based therapies such as ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) and PRT (Pivotal Response Treatment) are explored as powerful tools to enhance communication skills, social development, and adaptive behavior. The conversation also highlights underlying health factors like gut health, sleep disorders, and nutritional deficiencies that may impact autism symptoms. Dr. Theresa Lyons and Dr. Foojan explore the complexity of autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. They discuss co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, and dyslexia, and how overlapping symptoms can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Topics like high-functioning autism, masking behaviors, and emotional meltdowns at home are also examined, encouraging parents to trust their instincts regardless of their child's external presentation. The episode sheds light on the intense stress parents face during autism meltdowns, including emotional exhaustion and physical strain. Dr. Lyons shares research indicating that parents of children with autism may have a 20–30% higher risk of PTSD due to chronic stress. She offers practical emotional regulation strategies for parents and explains how maintaining calm during meltdowns can help de-escalate challenging situations. The discussion also explores the emotional toll of raising a child with autism, including feelings of guilt, isolation, and overwhelm—especially in public settings. They talk about coping strategies, social withdrawal, and the impact on siblings, who may also experience increased stress or trauma. A groundbreaking clinical trial using EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is discussed, showing promising results in reducing PTSD symptoms in parents while improving emotional regulation in children. Finally, the episode focuses on empowering autism families through therapy, communication strategies, and strong emotional support systems. Dr. Lyons emphasizes teaching independence, fostering autonomy, and supporting both parents and siblings. The role of siblings in long-term caregiving, challenges faced by non-speaking individuals with autism, and the importance of building self-esteem are all addressed. Dr. Foojan highlights the need for parents to release guilt and make confident, informed decisions while accessing the right autism resources and support networks.
What's the understanding and level of awareness of autism in Rwanda? Evas Kyomugisha, our Global Autism Project Partner from Rwanda, talks about the stigma around autism in Rwanda, the different levels of autism acceptance among parents at her center, and how she tries to inspire hope for their children's futures. Evas is the founder and owner of Silver Bells, an autism center in Kigali. Silver Bells offers comprehensive services for families, including Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Music Therapy. Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there's something here for you! This conversation with Evas Kyomugisha was originally released on July 21, 2022. Would you like to hear Evas talk about how the Rwandan government has helped provide services for families? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. Inspiring Hope for Parents in Rwanda, with Evas Kyomugisha Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey
Welcome back to Crawlspace. In this new episode, Tim Pilleri & Lance Reenstierna are joined by new friend of the show, Ms. Heather Mroczenski. Heather is a has written an extraordinarily fascinating book, Blueprint Of A Killer: Monsters in the Making, from Childhood to Murder. The book asks the vitally relevant questions, how did this start? What happened to cause the headlines, body counts, and documentaries? Heather is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a life-long love of writing. WE HAVE A LIVE SHOW WITH THE SHOW, ANOTHER F*CKING HORROR PODCAST. IT'S CALLED: CRIMINALLY STUPID - THE SEARCH FOR THE WORLDS DUMBEST CRIMINAL. FOR TICKETS, GO TO: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/criminally-stupid-the-search-for-the-worlds-dumbest-criminal-tickets-1984625623665 Check out our friends at Quince! Great clothing, great pricing and we love them! Go to Quince.com/CRAWLSPACE for free shipping and 365-day returns! To pick up a copy of Blueprint Of A Killer, go to: https://bookshop.org/p/books/blueprint-of-a-killer-monsters-in-the-making-from-childhood-to-murder/74cac7b300084422?ean=9781970361155&next=t To learn more about Heather and BlueSprig, go to: https://www.bluesprigautism.com/our-team/heather-mroczenski/ Check out everything Wild Blue Press has: https://wildbluepress.com/ The music for Crawlspace was produced by David Flajnik. Listen to his music here: https://www.pond5.com/artist/bigdsound. Follow Crawlspace: IG: https://www.instagram.com/Crawlspacepodcast. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawlspacepodcast. FB: https://www.facebook.com/Crawlspacepodcast. X: https://twitter.com/crawlspacepod. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7iSnqnCf27NODdz0pJ1GvJ. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crawlspace. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crawlspace-true-crime-mysteries/id1187326340. Follow Missing: IG: https://www.instagram.com/MissingCSM/. TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@missingcsm. FB: https://www.facebook.com/MissingCSM. X: https://twitter.com/MissingCSM. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yRXkJrZC85otfT7oXMcri. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/missingcsm. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/missing/id1006974447. Follow Private Investigations For the Missing Please donate if you can: https://investigationsforthemissing.org/. http://piftm.org/donate. https://twitter.com/PIFortheMissing. https://www.facebook.com/PIFortheMissing/. https://www.instagram.com/investigationsforthemissing/. Check out our entire network at http://crawlspace-media.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April showers are fun, especially after winter snowstorms. Fortunately, we've thawed out a whole mess of episodes for you to enjoy this month including our latest grab bag. But what about the themed episodes? Glad you asked! First, we'll be talking all about relapse which includes discussions of resurgence and renewal (see, aren't you glad you're learning about this?). Then we're joined by Armando Bernal to discuss how PECS could be a key component of building up our support of assent practices. Finally we get real and talk about peer mediation. The kind where children support skill acquisition of their with cues and praise. Not the other one. That'll get its own episode someday. All that and a new LISTENER POLL! Articles for April 2026 Golden Grab Bag (Spring Grab Bag 2026) Loomis, K. Morales, L., Yeo, Y., & Fienup, D.M. (2026). Turning the page: Increasing young children's preference for looking at and engaging with books. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 59. doi: 10.1002/jaba.70051 Bigwood, L., Staples, E., & Sharp, R. (2026). Making preference assessments more acceptable and effective for people with dementia. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01145-x Kaplan, B. A., Gelino, B. W., & Reed, D. D. (2018). A behavioral economic approach to green consumerism: Demand for reusable shopping bags. Behavior and Social Issues, 27, 20-30. doi: 10.5210/bsi.v.27i0.8003 Relapse Shahan, T.A. (2020). Relapse: An introduction. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 113, 8-14. doi: 10.1002/jeab.578 Mitteer, D.R., Greer, B.D., Fisher, W.W., Briggs, A.D., & Wacker, D.P. (2018). A laboratory model for evaluating relapse of undesirable caregiver behavior. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 110, 252-266. doi: 10.1002/jeab.462 Podlesnik, C.A., Ritchey, C.M., Muething, C., & Falligant, J.M. (2025). Different criteria affect prevalence of relapse of behavior targeted for treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 58, 225-231. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2927 Muething, C., Call, N., Ritchey, C.M., Pavlov, A., Bernstein, A.M., & Podlesnik, C.A. (2022). Prevalence of relapse of automatically maintained behavior resulting from context changes. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 138-153. doi: 10.1002/jaba.887 Assent and PECS w/ Armando Bernal Allen, L.L., Mellons, L.S., Syed, N., Johnson, J.F., & Bernal, A.J. (2024). Neurodiversity-affirming applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00918-0 Doherty, A., Bracken, M., & Gormley, L. (2018). Teaching children with autism to initiate and respond to peer mands using picture exchange communication system (PECS). Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 279-288. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00311-8 Peer Mediation Morrison, L., Kamps, D., Garcia, J., & Parker, D. (2001). Peer mediation and monitoring strategies to improve initiations and social skills for students with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 3, 237-250. doi: 10.1177/10983007010030040 Beaulieu, L., Hanley, J.P., & Roberson, A.A. (2013). Effects of peer mediation on preschoolers' compliance and compliance precursors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 555-567. doi: 10.1002/jaba.66 Grauvogel-MacAleese, A.N. & Wallace, M.D. (2010). Use of peer-mediated intervention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 43, 547-551. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2010.43-547
This week we're going back to the widget factory with a discussion of OBM research related to public posting. But don't worry: You can use this feedback technique anywhere and everywhere! From the classroom to the auto plant to the bicycle track, we review the research to see if this visual feedback technique is worth the tape needed to hang the data on the wall. And, even more important, if the folks whose behavior you're hoping to change are ok with having their performance out where everyone else can see it! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Nordstrom, R., Lorenzi, P., & Hall, R.V. (1991). A review of public posting of performance feedback in work settings. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 11, 101-124. doi: 10.1300/J075v11n02_07 Miller, B.G., Livingston, C.P., Zerger, H.M., Valbuena, D.A., & Miltenberger, R.G. (2023). Evaluating public posting, goal setting, and rewards to increase physical activity in children. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 105-117. doi: 10.1002/bin.1902 Ayvazo, S. & Naveh, M.E. (2024). Self-monitoring and public posting improve competitive youth cyclists' training performance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 394-407. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1058 Perrin, C.J., Frederick, A., & Klick, S. (2016). Effects of public posting and goal setting on team performance in a residential setting. Behavioral Interventions, 31, 300-308. doi: 10.1002/bin.1451 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity
Are parenting strategies from decades past falling short with your neurodiverse grandchild? Do meltdowns and anxiety leave you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or questioning your instincts as a caregiver? Are you searching for actionable solutions to soothe trauma-driven behaviors, foster emotional health, and rebuild the bonds in your family?I'm Laura Brazan, and as both a seasoned mother and a grandparent unexpectedly raising my granddaughter Athena, I know firsthand the struggle of navigating sensory processing challenges and emotionally charged mornings. In "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity," we go beyond old-fashioned advice—this episode offers neuroscience-backed tools for mastering co-regulation with children who are strong-willed, deeply feeling, or navigating neurodiversity.Join us for authentic stories, expert guidance from Board Certified Behavior Analyst Melissa Schulz, and practical steps for addressing big behaviors while honoring your own emotional journey. You'll gain insights on mindfulness, polyvagal theory, and a trauma-friendly approach that helps you ditch the compliance battle and buildSend us Fan MailThe 750% gap is real, but it doesnt have to be your family's destiny. We are gamifying the 'motherboard' to bring our partners and grandchildren back into the center of the mission!Join us in The Grand Challenge! What's your #1 survival tool? Listener Tina Patrick Pastorelli commented that after 6 years of raising her children that are not even biologically hers, "Just be the family they never had". It's a simple reminder that we don't need a perfect biological connection to create a perfect sense of belonging for these kids we're raising #kinshipcare #kinshipcaregivers #grandparentsraisinggrandchildren In this special pre-roll segment, I'm sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.We want to hear from you. If Laurel's story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden Love the show? Leave a review and let us know!CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook
When food and toys just aren't cutting it for your learning needs, here comes awesomely fun social interactions. But which to choose? Wiggle arms? Tickles? There's got to be a better way! This week friend of the show, Dr. Casey Clay, returns to run down options for using social interaction preference assessments. We'll dive into the development process of some of these tools, look at if types of interactions can be categorized by type, and determine if anyone on the show would work for hugs. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., Bloom, S.E., Bogoev, B.K., & Boyle, M.A. (2013). Assessing preference for social interactions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 362-371. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.028 Morris, S.L. & Vollmer, T.R. (2020). A comparison of methods for assessing preference for social interactions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 918-937. doi: 10.1002/jaba.692 Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., & Kogoev, B.K. (2018). Assessing preference for and reinforcing efficacy of components of social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Learning and Motivation, 62, 4-14. doi: 10.1016/j.lmot.2017.03.008 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
This is part 3 of a conversation with Chirag Patel. Chirag is based in London where consults on the ethical and science-based practice of behavior management and training for animals housed in domestic, zoo, and laboratory environments. Chirag earned his BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Sciences from the Royal Veterinary College in London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Lincoln, UK. He is also a certified parrot behavior consultant (CPBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Currently, Chirag is studying for a MSc in Applied Behavior Analysis. In Part 1 talked about the up-coming March 2026 Clicker Expo. For several years now Chirag and several other faculty members have done a presentation that they call The Backstage Pass. Basically each trainer picks a dog/handler team from the audience and works with that team on stage towards a stated goal behavior. Each team works with the trainer for a few minutes at a time, then there's a discussion of the why's and wherefores of the methods used. It's an interesting presentation. You get to see different styles of training as each trainer gets to know the dog and the handler they are working with. This year they decided to do something a little different. Instead of inviting dog specialists to participate as the trainers, they decided to ask faculty members who don't typically work with dogs. When they asked me, for some very bizarre reason, I said yes. Chirag will be the ring master for the backstage pass. When I've watched him in previous years I've seen that he is a very creative trainer who comes up with some inventive solutions for helping dogs and handlers to be at ease. His training style is very different from mine which for me is of interest to me. We ended Part 1 with a question about marker signals. Often in those backstage pass demos Chirag trains with food, but he doesn't yet use a marker signal. He described his thinking behind this strategy. In Part 2 we began with my reasons for the choices I make related to the use of marker signals. The click in clicker training has been referred to in many ways. It is a bridge, a marker signal, a snap shot. It is very much a cue. I add yet another metaphor for the role the click plays. It is a gatekeeper. I explained what I mean by that in Part 2. In Part 3 we add the use of chains and the role that cues play in linking behaviors together to the discussion of marker signals.
This is part 2 of a conversation with Chirag Patel. Chirag is based in London where consults on the ethical and science-based practice of behavior management and training for animals housed in domestic, zoo, and laboratory environments. Chirag earned his BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Sciences from the Royal Veterinary College in London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Lincoln, UK. He is also a certified parrot behavior consultant (CPBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Currently, Chirag is studying for a MSc in Applied Behavior Analysis. In Part 1 we ended with a discussion of marker signals. In many of the demos I've watched of Chirag's training he uses with food without a marker signal. Chirag explained his thinking behind this strategy. In Part 2 we begin with my reasons for the choices I make related to the use of marker signals. The click in clicker training has been referred to in many ways. It is a bridge, a marker signal, a snap shot that captures a precise moment. It is very much a cue. I add yet another metaphor for the role the click plays. It is a gatekeeper. I explain what I mean by that in this episode.
Happy 10th Anniversary, ABA Inside Track! Yes, after 10 years of laughs, research discussion, and podcasting, we're finally reaching the Tin-phase of the show (because we're so durable). Though, beyond our long-winded trips down memory lane, we're still here doing what we do best: Creating amazing discussions about topics and research that matter to behavior analysts. Plus a Book Club! We kick the month off with some special guests including Dr. Kathleen Feeley who brings us up to speed on supporting children with Down syndrome using ABA methodology, and friend of the show, Dr. Casey Clay, who shows us how to extend preference assessment technology to the social interaction realms. Finally, we wrap up our regular episodes with a dip into OBM by reviewing the research on using public posting to improve employee performance. Then, our Spring Book Club sprouts with a very timely discussion of "The Anxious Generation" by Johnathan Haidt with Book Club Guy, Alan Haberman. Put down your social media feeds and pick up your mp3 players! It's learning time. In lieu of flowers and congratulations cards, you may think kind thoughts about us as you download all these episodes. Articles for March 2026 Down Syndrome and ABA w/ Dr. Kathleen Feeley (DUAL DIAGNOSIS) Feeley, K.M. & Jones, E.A. (2006). Addressing challenging behaviour in children with Down syndrome: The use of applied behaviour analysis for assessment and intervention. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 11, 64-77. doi: 10.3104/perspectives.316 Feeley, K. & Jones, E. (2008). Strategies to address challenging behaviour in young children with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 12, 153-163. doi: 10.3104/case-studies.2008 Feeley, K.M., Jones, E.A., Blackburn, C., & Bauer, S. (2011). Advancing imitation and requesting skills in toddlers with Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2415-2430. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2011.07.018 Social Preference Assessments w/ Dr. Casey Clay Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., Bloom, S.E., Bogoev, B.K., & Boyle, M.A. (2013). Assessing preference for social interactions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 362-371. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.028 Morris, S.L. & Vollmer, T.R. (2020). A comparison of methods for assessing preference for social interactions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 918-937. doi: 10.1002/jaba.692 Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., & Kogoev, B.K. (2018). Assessing preference for and reinforcing efficacy of components of social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Learning and Motivation, 62, 4-14. doi: 10.1016/j.lmot.2017.03.008 Public Posting Nordstrom, R., Lorenzi, P., & Hall, R.V. (1991). A review of public posting of performance feedback in work settings. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 11, 101-124. doi: 10.1300/J075v11n02_07 Miller, B.G., Livingston, C.P., Zerger, H.M., Valbuena, D.A., & Miltenberger, R.G. (2023). Evaluating public posting, goal setting, and rewards to increase physical activity in children. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 105-117. doi: 10.1002/bin.1902 Ayvazo, S. & Naveh, M.E. (2024). Self-monitoring and public posting improve competitive youth cyclists' training performance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 394-407. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1058 Perrin, C.J., Frederick, A., & Klick, S. (2016). Effects of public posting and goal setting on team performance in a residential setting. Behavioral Interventions, 31, 300-308. doi: 10.1002/bin.1451 The Anxious Generation Book Club (PATRONS) Haidt, J., (2024). The anxious generation: How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness. Penguin Press.
This is part 1 of a conversation with Chirag Patel. Chirag is based in London where consults on the ethical and science-based practice of behavior management and training for animals housed in domestic, zoo, and laboratory environments. Chirag earned his BSc (Hons) in Veterinary Sciences from the Royal Veterinary College in London and a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Lincoln, UK. He is also a certified parrot behavior consultant (CPBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Currently, Chirag is studying for a MSc in Applied Behavior Analysis. Chirag is a member of the Clicker Expo faculty which is where I first met him. The Clicker Expo is the reason behind this conversation. For several years now Chirag and several other faculty members have done a presentation that they call The Backstage Pass. Basically each trainer picks a dog/handler team from the audience and works with that team on stage towards a stated goal behavior. Each team works with the trainer for a few minutes at a time, then there's a discussion of the why's and wherefores of the methods used. It's an interesting presentation. You get to see different styles of training as each trainer gets to know the dog and the handler they are working with. This year they decided to do something a little different. Instead of inviting dog specialists to participate as the trainers, they decided to ask faculty members who don't typically work with dogs. When they asked me, for some very bizarre reason, I said yes. Chirag will be the ring master for the backstage pass. When I've watched him in previous years I've seen that he is a very creative trainer who comes up with some inventive solutions for helping dogs and handlers to be at ease. His training style is very different from mine which for me is of interest.
Kimberly Lavelanet is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 19 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. She served as a Clinical Behavior Consultant at Harbor Regional Center for 9 years, supporting individuals, families, and providers as part of the Psychological and Behavior Services Team. She became a certified UCLA PEERS Provider in 2016, specializing in evidence-based social skills training for adolescents and adults. In 2022, she became an AASECT Certified Sexuality Educator, expanding her experience into sexual health education. In an effort to meet gaps in services, Kimberly founded BEHAVRIUM Health Services in 2023 to promote behavioral and sexual health for every learner and their families. www.autismresourceproject.org/podcast
It's been over 200 episodes since we've last talked about Rob's favorite topic/curriculum/body of research, the Preschool Life Skills. So, to wrap up his birthday month of episodes, we're bringing it back! First, a review of PLS and how it can fit into your classroom environment. Then two recent extensions of the PLS into trauma-based treatment and parent skill development. Hopefully, you'll be as excited as Rob is by the end of this episode. And, if not, could you just fake it for a while? It is his birthday. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Falligant, J.M. & Pence, S.T. (2017). Preschool Life Skills using the Response to Intervention model with preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 3, 217-236. doi: 10.1037/bar0000056 Rees, R.E., Seel, C.J., Huxtable, B.G., & Austin, J.L. (2024). Using the Preschool Life Skills program to support skill development for children with trauma histories. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 693-708. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00892-z Lee, H., Gunning, C., Leow, J., & Holloway, J. (2024). An evaluation of delivery of the parent Preschool Life Skills program via telehealth. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 893-909. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2914 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Heeeeeey, it's Rob's birthday. Time to pick this month's theme! Maybe it's the near decade's worth of podcasting, but this February, Rob decided that his impeding aging anniversary should also receive celebration in the form of "OOPS! All Rob picked articles". So, given carte blanche to talk about anything in the world of ABA, what did he choose? Well, first, he took the week off while we unlock last year's Winter Book Club on "The Science of Consequences" with a bonus interview with author Dr. Susan Schneider (interested in 2.5 CEs for free? Upgrading to the $10 level on Patreon is your answer). After that, he brings special guest, Danielle Yang, to the table to learn about the state of therapeutic role-playing games and how your weekly D+D game could be added into your ABA services. And finally, because it's been far too long and is one of the most mind-blowingly awesome procedures in his 20 years in the field, Rob brings back the Preschool Life Skills for a record-breaking THIRD time! The best part about Rob's birthday is by just listening to these episodes, you've already gotten him all the gifts he could ever want. NOTE: We talk a lot about the upcoming changes to the website. Well, due to some technical problems, we had to rush the new website news to...LAST WEEK! Hopefully abainsidetrack.com will take you straight there, but, if not, our new website is now HERE! Articles for February 2026 (UNLOCKED) The Science of Consequences Book Club (feat. Dr. Susan Schneider) Schneider, S.M. (2012). The science of consequences: How they affect genes, change the brain, and impact our world. Prometheus Books. Role-Playing Games in Behavior Analysis w/ Danielle Yang Arenas, D.L., Viduani, A., & Araujo, R.B. (2022). Therapeutic use of role-playing game (RPG) in mental health: A scoping review. Simulation and Gaming, 53, 285-311. doi: 10.1177/10468781211073720 Yuliawati, L., Wardhani, P.A.P., & Ng, J.H. (2024). A scoping review of tabletop role-playing game (TTPRG) as a psychological intervention: Potential benefits and future directions. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 17, 2885-2903. doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S466664 Helbig, K.A., (2019). Evaluation of a role-playing game to improve social skills for individuals with ASD. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Southern Mississippi]. Aquila Digital Community. https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1673 Preschool Life Skills Three-view Falligant, J.M. & Pence, S.T. (2017). Preschool Life Skills using the Response to Intervention model with preschoolers with developmental disabilities. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 3, 217-236. doi: 10.1037/bar0000056 Rees, R.E., Seel, C.J., Huxtable, B.G., & Austin, J.L. (2024). Using the Preschool Life Skills program to support skill development for children with trauma histories. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 693-708. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00892-z Lee, H., Gunning, C., Leow, J., & Holloway, J. (2024). An evaluation of delivery of the parent Preschool Life Skills program via telehealth. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 893-909. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2914
In this conversation, Awab Abdel-Jalil discusses the evolution and significance of the constructional approach in behavior analysis. Awab Abdel-Jalil is the Associate Vice President of Applied Research at Upstate Caring Partners in Utica, NY, and a doctoral candidate at Endicott College under the mentorship of Dr. Joe Layng. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context, the role of ascent in learning, and the scrutiny faced by ABA, which can lead to positive changes. Awab shares his personal journey into the field, the influence of mentorship, and the legacy of Israel Gold Diamond. He also addresses common misunderstandings of nonlinear contingency analysis and highlights the growing resources available for practitioners. The conversation concludes with insights into future directions in constructional therapy and the importance of harnessing negative reinforcers in practice. Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.5 Learning IBAO: 1.5 ABA Topics QABA: 1.5 General CBA/CPD: 1.5 Learning Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ Contact LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awab-abdel-jalil-64541a196/ Upstate Caring Partners: https://www.upstatecp.org/ The Institute for Applied Behavior Science at Endicott College https://www.endicott.edu/academics/schools/institute-for-applied-behavioral-science Links: The Constructional Approach Website https://theconstructionalapproach.com/ The Constructional Approach Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957 Claire St. Peter on The Behavioral Observations Podcast https://open.spotify.com/episode/5NLz4wfAT9paQfzvut11K1 Articles and Books Discussed Abdel-Jalil, A., Linnehan, A. M., Yeich, R., Hetzel, K., Amey, J., & Klick, S. (2023). Can there be compassion without assent? A nonlinear constructional approach. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00850-9 Goldiamond, I. (2002). Toward a constructional approach to social problems: Ethical and constitutional issues raised by Applied Behavior Analysis. Behavior and Social Issues, 11(2), 108-197. https://doi.org/10.5210/bsi.v11i2.92 (Original work published in 1974). Goldiamond, I. (1984). Training parents and ethicists in nonlinear behavior analysis. In R. F. Dangel & R. A. Polster (Eds.), Parent training: Foundations of research and practice (pp. 504–546). Guilford. Layng, T. V. J., & Abdel-Jalil, A. (2022). Toward a constructional exposure therapy. Advances in Cognitive Therapy, Fall, 8–11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373767631_TOWARD_A_CONSTRUCTIONAL_EXPOSURE_THERAPY Layng, T. V. J., Andronis, P. T., Codd III, R. T., & Abdel-Jalil, A. (2022). Nonlinear contingency analysis: Going beyond cognition and behavior in clinical practice. Routledge. Liden, T. A., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2024a). Constructional parent coaching: A collaborative approach to improve the lives of parents of children with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00944-y Linnehan, A. M., Abdel-Jalil, A., Klick, S., Amey, J., Yeich, R., & Hetzel, K. (2023). Foundations of preemptive compassion: A behavioral concept analysis of compulsion, consent, and assent. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1 Scallan, C. M., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2023). The constructional approach: A compassionate approach to behavior change. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00811-2 Wilder, D. A., Ingram, G., & Hodges, A. C. (2021). Evaluation of shoe inserts to reduce toe walking in young children with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 37(3), 754–765. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1860 Books coming this summer: Nonlinear Contingency Analysis: Going Beyond Cognition and Behavior in Clinical Practice. Second Edition. Layng, T. V. J., Andronis, P. T., Codd III, R. T., & Abdel-Jalil, A. Applications in Nonlinear Contingency Analysis. Abdel-Jalil, A., & Linnehan, A. (Editors)
Finally, after nearly 10 years, it's the changing criterion design's time to shine! While often seen as the little brother to our more robust experimental designs, this week we discuss when the changing criterion could be your design of choice in research and practice and look at some of the more convincing cases of how the little step-wise graph that nobody liked should really be a key player in your visual display toolbox. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Klein, L.A., Houlihan, D., Vincent, J.L., & Panahon, C.J. (2017). Best practices in utilizing the changing criterion design. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 52-61. doi: 10.1007/s40617-014-0036-x De Luca, R.V. & Holborn, S.W. (1992). Effects of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule with changing criteria on exercise in obese and nonobese boys. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 671-679. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-671 Brady, M.P., Kearney, K.B., Downey, A., Torres, A., & McDougall, D. (2022). Using mnemonics, remote coaching, and the range-bound changing criterion design to teach college students with IDD to make employment decisions. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 57, 303-319. doi: 10.1177/215416472205700 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Happy New Year, everyone! We kick off the (almost) 10th year of ABA Inside Track with a review of our recent holiday activities then get right back into our podcast research discussion with a bevy of amazing guests. First up we delve into the new (for behavior analysts) work of motivational interviewing with Dr. Monica Gilbert. Then we have three-guests-for one with Dr. Stephanie Peterson, Dr. Rebecca Eldridge, and Dr. Neil Deochand to learn about risk assessment and their development of the FARADT tool. Then we take pity on the least popular experimental design, the changing criterion, by giving it its own episode. Still not enough learning for your behavior analytic resolutions? Why not head over to the Stone Soup online conference with a $20 discount. Just register with the code ABAIT26 and enjoy a whole day of learning. Articles for January 2026 Motivational Interviewing w/ Dr. Monica Gilbert Gilbert, M. (2025). How to stop talking and start communicating with motivational interviewing: Building effective partnerships with caregivers: A practical guide for behavior therapists. Crystal Minds Psychological Services. Plattner, C. & Anderson, C. (2024). Creating a therapeutic alliance with caregivers: An introduction to motivational interviewing. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00948-8 Christopher, P.J. & Dougher, M.J. (2009). A behavior-analytic account of motivational interviewing. The Behavior Analyst, 32, 149-161. doi: 10.1007/BF03392180 Risk Assessment w/ Dr. Stephanie Peterson, Dr. Rebecca Eldridge, + Dr. Neil Deochand Wiskirchen, R.R., Deochand, N., & Peterson, S.M. (2017). Functional analysis: A need for clinical decision support tools to weight risks and benefits. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 17, 325-333. doi: 10.1037/bar0000088 Deochand, N., Eldridge, R.R., & Peterson, S.M. (2020). Toward the development of a functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 978-990. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y Schroeder, A.C., Peterson, S.M., Mahabub, M.B., & Dresch, M.K. (2025). A pilot evaluation of expert and novice use of the functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 811-825. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y The Changing Criterion Design Klein, L.A., Houlihan, D., Vincent, J.L., & Panahon, C.J. (2017). Best practices in utilizing the changing criterion design. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 52-61. doi: 10.1007/s40617-014-0036-x De Luca, R.V. & Holborn, S.W. (1992). Effects of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule with changing criteria on exercise in obese and nonobese boys. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 671-679. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-671 Brady, M.P., Kearney, K.B., Downey, A., Torres, A., & McDougall, D. (2022). Using mnemonics, remote coaching, and the range-bound changing criterion design to teach college students with IDD to make employment decisions. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 57, 303-319. doi: 10.1177/215416472205700
In this episode, we're diving deep into something that sits at the heart of everything we do in ABA: reinforcement. Not just reinforcement that works today, but reinforcement that is sustainable, meaningful, and built to last. Too often, we see systems burn out learners and staff alike because they are too rigid, too sparse, or misunderstood altogether.We walk through why reinforcement systems get such a bad rap, common mistakes we see in practice, and why “it doesn't work” usually means the system was not set up to truly function as reinforcement. From dense, continuous schedules for new or challenging skills to gradually fading toward intermittent, natural, and relationship-based reinforcement, we break down how motivation should evolve alongside the learner.We also talk about the power of pairing, rotating reinforcers, avoiding satiation, and ensuring reinforcement is not only available when behavior goes wrong. Ultimately, we explore how to move toward self-management and internal motivation without throwing reinforcement out altogether. If you are looking to build systems that support independence, persistence, and long-term success without burnout, this conversation is for you.What's Inside: Why reinforcement systems often fail and how to fix themMoving from continuous to intermittent reinforcement effectivelyCommon token system mistakes that drain motivationHow to fade reinforcement while building independence and self-managementMentioned in This Episode:Reinforcer ChecklistHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram
Finding Science in the Art of Training This is Part 2 of a conversation with Lucy Butler of River Haven Animal Sanctuary, and Dr Stephanie Jones and her grad student, Sofia Abuin Dr. Jones graduated with her PhD in Behavior Analysis from West Virginia University in 2021. Her primary research focuses on effects of implementer errors that occur during well-established behavioral treatments. To meet this aim, she conducts laboratory and applied research with the aim of supporting development of robust behavioral interventions. She started teaching and conducting research at Salve Regina University in 2021 and is the principal investigator for the Translational Research and Applied Intervention Lab. Through her lab, she supports research engagement of students at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral training levels. She publishes in and reviews for several peer-reviewed behavior-analytic journals, such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Education and Treatment of Children. Good training is very much emphasizes the importance of taking the time to build a relationship with the individuals you're interacting with. We modeled that in Part One. Dominique and I were meeting Stephanie and Sophia for the first time in this recording. So I instead of jumping straight in to the study Stephanie and her collegues conducted at River Haven, in Part One we began by talking about control, and even more about empathy. In this episode Stephanie describes a pilot study she and her collegues from Salve Regina University set up at the River Haven Animal Sanctuary. Shaping can be incredibly challenging to teach well. Often people refer to the science and the art of training. What Stephanie and her colleague Michael Yencha wanted to investigate is what makes up the “art” part of training? Is there a way to tease this apart so it becomes less mystery and more approachable through science?
This is Part One of a conversation with Lucy Butler of River Haven Animal Sanctuary, Dr Stephanie Jones and her grad student, Sofia Abuin Dr. Jones is new to Equiosity. She graduated with her PhD in Behavior Analysis from West Virginia University in 2021. Her primary research focuses on effects of implementer errors that occur during well-established behavioral treatments. To meet this aim, she conducts laboratory and applied research with the aim of supporting development of robust behavioral interventions. She started teaching and conducting research at Salve Regina University in 2021 and is the principal investigator for the Translational Research and Applied Intervention Lab. Through her lab, she supports research engagement of students at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral training levels. She publishes in and reviews for several peer-reviewed behavior-analytic journals, such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Education and Treatment of Children. Good training is very much emphasizes the importance of taking the time to build a relationship with the individuals you're interacting with. We modeled that in Part One. Dominique and I were meeting Stephanie and Sophia for the first time in this recording. So instead of jumping straight in to the study Stephanie and her collegues conducted at River Haven, we began by talking about coercion, control, and even more about empathy.
Developmental-behavioral pediatrician Ronald L. Lindsay discusses his article, "A pediatrician's reckoning with behavior therapy." He shares his profound professional and personal pivot, moving from a decades-long focus on measurable goals to understanding the deep trauma and harm caused by applied behavior analysis (ABA). Ronald explains why he now supports the #BanABA initiative, detailing how the therapy often prioritizes compliance over communication and normalization over neurodiversity, particularly for nonspeaking autistic individuals. He calls for a shift away from coercive behavioral interventions, which were driven by insurance mandates, toward dignity-centered alternatives like DIR/Floortime and robust AAC support. Learn why this pediatrician is unbuilding his legacy to advocate for autistic voices and ethical, trauma-informed care. Our presenting sponsor is Microsoft Dragon Copilot. Microsoft Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow, is transforming how clinicians work. Now you can streamline and customize documentation, surface information right at the point of care, and automate tasks with just a click. Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, Dragon Copilot offers an extensible AI workspace and a single, integrated platform to help unlock new levels of efficiency. Plus, it's backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, and it's built on a foundation of trust. It's time to ease your administrative burdens and stay focused on what matters most with Dragon Copilot, your AI assistant for clinical workflow. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended
Today's episode focuses on Leila Farschian. Leila Farschian is at the intersection of education, technology, and social impact with over 25 years of knowledge of behavioral therapy and autism education. holding a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University's Teachers College in addition to being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Special Educator. Her early professional achievement was the State Board of Education's ranking of her autism program among New Jersey's top three, which set the stage for her further successes in the field. Farshchian has established and expanded several educational establishments. In addition to Circa Thera, a comprehensive practice management platform that is revolutionizing the delivery of therapy services in schools, agencies, and universities, she founded Learner Compass to provide tailored care for children with autism. Her impact extends beyond her direct services as president of the Farshchian Art Foundation, co-creator of Farshchian Art, and developer of the Global School House Project. Farshchian's commitment to global education initiatives is demonstrated by her involvement in educational programs that impact communities worldwide as an elected official of the International Health Awareness Network.Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated competence in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) technique, instructional leadership, and program design. By bridging the gap between evidence-based methods and real-world implementation, her efforts continue to improve outcomes for children with autism and special needs in a range of learning environments. Join me in extending a warm welcome to Leila at Autism Rocks and Rolls. https://www.abatoolbox.com/ https://www.learnerscompass.com/ https://www.farshchianart.com/ https://www.global-schoolhouse.org/
Episode Overview In this special episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I had the honor of celebrating the 25th installment of the Inside JABA Series. This one was particularly meaningful because it also marks the final appearance of Dr. John Borrero in his role as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. I invited John to reflect on his three-year tenure—what he learned from reading an enormous volume of manuscripts, how his thinking evolved, and why adapting our language is essential if we want behavior analysis to reach broader audiences. From there, we transitioned into an informative conversation with Dr. Nate Call from Emory University. Nate's recent work focuses on how we can better disseminate applied behavior analysis, not just distribute it. His paper, Scholarship as an Operating Class: Strategies and tactics for increasing dissemination of applied behavior analysis, has already shifted how I think about how our field packages and shares research. In this episode, Nate walked us through actionable strategies for increasing the reach and impact of our work. Key Topics Covered in This Episode 1. John Borrero's Reflections from the Editor's Chair John looked back on his three years as Editor-in-Chief, and I asked him what surprised him most. He talked about: How important clear, accessible language is for dissemination Why behavior analysts must evolve how we communicate without losing our scientific roots Efforts to make JABA papers more accessible through translated articles What it's like to manage a massive editorial workflow and team 2. The Real Difference Between Dissemination and Distribution Nate clarified something that—and I'll admit—I hadn't always thought deeply about: there's a big difference between making your work available and ensuring your work is actually used. Nate described it like: Distribution = scattering seeds Dissemination = preparing the soil so they actually grow He also explained why early-career researchers often focus on distribution out of necessity, and how we can transition to more deliberate dissemination strategies over time. 3. Scholarship as an Operant Class Nate walked me through the framework behind his recent paper. He described scholarly behavior as something shaped by contingencies—just like anything else. We talked about: How individual and systemic consequences shape publishing choices Why some of the most high-impact papers come from individuals rather than large labs Concrete strategies we can use to increase the visibility and influence of our work 4. Boundary Encounters and Second-Generation Innovations I asked Nate about how ideas move between disciplines, and he introduced the concept of boundary encounters. We discussed: Incoming vs. outgoing boundary encounters How second-generation innovations help behavior analysis reach audiences outside our traditional spaces Why these interactions are essential if we want ABA to have a broader societal impact 5. Expanding Our Methodological Toolkit We took a deep dive into methodology and talked about the strengths of single-subject designs—as well as their limitations. Nate made a compelling case for: When behavior analysts should consider Randomized Control Trials, implementation science, or mixed methods Why diversifying methodologies helps us answer questions that matter to educators, policymakers, and grant reviewers What we lose when we rely exclusively on traditional single-subject approaches 6. Participatory Action Research and Social Validity I asked Nate to explain participatory action research, and he shared a powerful example involving first responders and families in crisis situations. He emphasized: The importance of involving stakeholders early How PAR elevates social validity and context Why many federal funders now expect qualitative or participatory components How behavior analysts can begin building these skills, even if it feels unfamiliar 7. Measuring Our Impact More Effectively We also explored how to know whether dissemination is working. Nate and I discussed: Bibliographic network analysis Alt-metric measures The importance of citing intentionally to strengthen high-quality scholarship within the field 8. Nate's Advice for New BCBAs To close the episode, I asked Nate what he'd tell new behavior analysts entering the field. He encouraged them to: Read widely—far beyond behavior-analytic journals Become conversant in different research methods Build collaborations with experts in qualitative, mixed, and implementation-science approaches Think functionally about their own scholarly and professional behavior 9. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast Foxx (1996). Translating the Covenant: The behavior analyst as ambassador and translator Chawla (2020). Science is getting harder to read Critchfield, et al. (2013). A half century of scalloping in the work habits of the United States Congress Klein and Thompson (2025). Abundance The Prisoner's Dilemma Call et al. (2015). Clinical Outcomes of Behavioral Treatments for Pica in Children with Developmental Disabilities Critchfield (2002). Evaluating the function of Applied Behavior Analysis: A bibliometric analysis Inside JABA 18: How to Disseminate Behavior Analytic Technologies (CEU available!) Implementation Science and Participatory Action Research If you're passionate about increasing the influence of behavior analysis—whether through research, writing, teaching, or practice—this episode offers clear, functional guidance for how to do it.
In this episode of ABA On Call, Rick and Doug sit down with doctoral student Christina Sena from the University of Pittsburgh to explore how ethical principles guide mentorship, clinical decision-making, and professional development in Applied Behavior Analysis. The conversation spans three critical areas: the ethics of mentorship and what it truly means to guide another professional beyond mere supervision; the ethical implications of using or rejecting punishment and extinction, highlighting the analyst's duty to understand behavioral processes while safeguarding dignity, consent, and least-restrictive practice; and finally, the BACB's decision to exclude podcasts from supervised fieldwork hours, which raises broader questions about how evolving technologies challenge traditional standards of evidence, accountability, and ethical oversight in training the next generation of practitioners. To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review. Show Notes: Sidman, M. (1989/2001). Coercion and its fallout. Basic Books. Boston: Authors Cooperative (reprinted).https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/714514.Coercion_and_Its_Fallout Tarbox, C., Tarbox, J., Bermudez, T.L. et al. (2023). Kind Extinction: A Procedural Variation on Traditional Extinction. Behavior Analysis Practice.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40617-023-00833-w
Could it be? Could Jackie's option for Listener Choice actually have won the poll? I guess everybody really wants to learn more about the challenges involved in moving from one activity to the next. So, in this episode, that's exactly what we'll review. Are there good treatment options when putting down the iPad and joining an arts and crafts activity leads to tears? How can we even pinpoint where and why the transition chain is breaking down? Put down your JABA and head on over to your phone to find out. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Waters, M.B., Lerman, D. C., & Hovantez, A. N. (2009). Separate and combined effects of visual schedules and extinction plus differential reinforcement on problem behavior occasioned by transitions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 309-313. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-309 Pálsdóttir, E.D., Magnússon, A.F., & Sveinbjörnsdóttir. (2024). An experimental analysis of task refusal: A comparison of negative reinforcement contingencies and transitions between academic tasks. Behavioral Interventions, 39, 1-11. doi: 10.1002/bin.1993 Wilson, J.D., Federico, C.A., Perrin, J., & Morris, C. (2025). Treatment of challenging behavior during physical transitions: A case study. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01086-5 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
For many families, confusion and frustration in the special education process come from the same place, a system that lacks transparency, support, and trust.In this episode, host Tracey Spencer Walsh sits down with Dr. Alexis Sporkin, Licensed Psychologist, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and Clinical Director at BridgeKids, who helps families and educators navigate the complex world of autism evaluations, IEPs, and advocacy.Together, they unpack what a quality autism assessment really looks like, how parents can prepare for IEP meetings with confidence, and what it means to build a system centered on collaboration, dignity, and informed choice, not red tape.Here is what you'll take away from this episode:
Despite Rob disbelieving it, we've gone 300+ episodes without ever devoting an entire hour to research covering safety skills. So, before Dr. Miltenberger busts in to give us feedback about our failing, in situ-style, we get right on it. Aside from looking at specific examples of safety skills training with firearms and earthquakes, we look at the larger swath of training research to figure out what works best, what gets used most, and what components provide that extra-special treatment magic that your program can't succeed without. Stop, drop, and roll! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Baruni, R.R. & Miltenberger, R.G. (2024). A survey of safety skills training used by behavior analysts in practice. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 270-282. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00835-8 Miltenberger, R.G., Flessner, C., Gatheridge, B., Johnson, B., Satterlund, M., & Egemo, K. (2004). Evaluation of behavioral skills training to prevent gun play in children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 513-516. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2004.37-513 Kurt, O., Cevher, Z., & Kutlu, M. (2024). Effectiveness of video modeling in teaching earthquake and postearthquake evacuation safety skills for children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 331-340. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1057 Baruni, R.R. & Miltenberger, R.G. (2022). Teaching safety skills to children: A discussion of critical features and practice recommendations. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15, 938-950. doi: 10.1007/s40617-021-00667-4 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving. It's increasingly being integrated into administrative and clinical activities involved in delivering Applied Behavior Analysis.However, AI use has outpaced the development of laws, regulations, and guidelines intended to safeguard their use in healthcare.Rebecca Womack joins the show to discuss CASP's "Practice Parameters for the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in ABA," which provide guidance on payer, regulatory, and ethical matters as well as organizational oversight of AI.Click here to read CASP's AI guidelines.This episode of the PodCASP is sponsored by Apploi.
In Session 313, Dr. Cody Morris from Salve Regina University, and the newly re-launched All Things Behavior podcast (please also see The BAPcast Podcast), joins me to dive into a topic that has merited quite a bit of discussion in Applied Behavior Analysis. These days, you pretty much have to be living under a rock in ABA circles to not have noticed the increased focus on assent practices in treatment programming. Cody is one of the preeminent authorities on this topic, and in this episode, we talk about the definitions of assent, how assent has been conceptualized in other fields, and how it applies to the work we do as Behavior Analysts. In doing so, we review Cody's article, Toward a Further Understanding of Assent, which was published in the winter 2024 issue. Long story short, if you're looking for a nuanced discussion on this topic that avoids binary, black and white conceptualizations, you've come to the right place. Here's a deeper dive into what we discussed: Assent in Behavior Analysis: Cody's research on assent—a concept similar to consent but applicable to individuals without legal authorization to consent for themselves. Assent involves four critical features: legal status, giving permission, adequate information, and the ability to withdraw permission. This concept is essential for involving clients in therapeutic decisions, particularly those with communication differences or developmental disabilities. Client Assent in Therapeutic Settings: The discussion covers the historical roots and practical applications of assent in behavior analysis. Cody clarifies that assent is a specific strategy for involving clients in treatment decisions, not an all-or-nothing requirement. He addresses the challenges of obtaining accurate verbal assent from clients with complex communication needs and recommends using multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences. Assent Procedures in Research: An examination of assent procedures in behavior analytic research, including the distinction between free choice and fair choice. The episode explores how researchers and clinicians can minimize undue influence and coercive contingencies while arranging fair choices and creating socially acceptable outcomes. Balancing Clinical Progress and Client Autonomy: Cody discusses the critical balance between making clinical progress and giving clients independence and autonomy. He explains that while some procedures are necessary and non-negotiable, there are often opportunities to involve clients in decisions about their treatment, such as choosing the time of day or setting for therapeutic activities or medication management. Implementing Assent in Practice: The episode addresses nuances and limitations of implementing client assent in behavioral therapy, emphasizing that assent should be balanced with clinical progress. Cody highlights the dangers of overgeneralizing procedures without individualizing treatment and encourages a broader approach to maximizing client involvement in therapeutic decisions. Challenges in Assent Assessment: A discussion on the challenges and limitations of developing simplified decision-making tools (like checklists) for assessing client assent. Cody emphasizes the need for nuanced clinical judgment due to insufficient research and recommends that researchers take small, focused steps in studying specific aspects of assent. Resources & References Morris, Dietrich, and Peterson. (2021). Participant assent in behavior analytic research: Considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities. Bannerman, et al., (1990). Balancing the right to habilitation with the right to personal liberties: The rights of people with developmental disabilities to eat too many doughnuts and take a nap. Inside JABA 24: Improving Health Routines for Adults with Disabilities Using Synchronous Reinforcement Strategies (CEU available!). Inside JABA 23: ABA Strategies for Safer Playground Behavior (CEU available!). Inside JABA 22: Response to Name Interventions for Staff and Caregivers (CEU available!). Skinner (1999). Cumulative Record. Northup (2000). Further evaluation of the accuracy of reinforcer surveys: A systematic replication. Good Will Hunting. Takeaways for Practitioners Assent is one tool within a larger framework of client-centered services, not the sole focus of treatment Incorporate clients in as many meaningful decisions as possible throughout treatment, distinguishing between necessary procedures and flexible choices Use multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences, especially for individuals with complex communication needs Balance clinical progress with client autonomy and independence Avoid overgeneralizing or rigidly following assent procedures without individualizing treatment Take a nuanced, clinically-informed approach to client involvement in therapeutic decisions This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: • Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you'll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out! • MindBodyBehavior's Certified Health Coach Program. If you're a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. Click here to learn more! • HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. • Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! • The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25, led by Dr. Emily Kerwin and Gina Zecchin-Tirri from All Points Behavior (formerly The Carbone Clinic). The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away!
Hello, Grab Bag, my old friend I've come to pull from you again Because the field of ABA is always growing We disseminate studies for continued knowing And the research that was experimentally controlled With results told Within the sound of podcast This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Blackman, A.L., DiGennaro Reed, F.D., Gunter, M., & Braren, B. (2025). The effects of group virtual training and self-monitoring on leading a meeting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. doi: 10.1002/jaba.70024 Patrone, V., Napolitano, D., Myles, F., & Shanahan, M. (2025). Curriculum-based evaluation of cultural competency coursework in an online applied behavior analysis graduate program. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01067-8 Castillo, M. I., Frank-Crawford, M. A., Leisfeld, J. E., Doan, T. M., Newcomb, E. T., Rooker, G. W., & Borrero, J. C. (2022). Do persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities prefer to save the best for last in an MSWO? A preliminary investigation. Behavioral Interventions, 37, 1133-1148. doi: 10.1002/bin.1883 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Are you or anyone you know a woman entrepreneur, or a Black-American business owner? Have you or they ever felt like you've had to prove yourself in your field? Crystal Thompson and Brandy Collins talk about their experiences as female, Black-American business owners in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Welcome to Autism Tips & Tools, where we highlight the best practical guidance from previous episodes of Autism Knows No Borders. Whether you're a self-advocate, a family member, or a service provider, there's something here for you! This conversation with Crystal Thompson and Brandy Collins was originally released on May 25, 2023. Would you like to hear Brandy and Crystal discuss the stigma around autism within the Black-American community? Click the link below for the full conversation and be sure to subscribe to hear more from people connected to autism inspiring change and building community. Growth, Diversity, and Cultural Humility, with Brandy Collins and Crystal Thompson Let's work together to transform how the world relates to autism. ----more---- We appreciate your time. If you enjoy this podcast and you'd like to support our mission, please take just a few seconds to share it with one person who you think will find value in it too. Follow us on Instagram: @autismpodcast Join our community on Mighty Networks: Global Autism Community Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Global Autism Project We would love to hear your feedback about the show. Please fill out this short survey to let us know your thoughts: Listener Survey
LIVE via recording from St. Charles, Missouri! It's a preview episode! Yes, we continue our fall tradition of discussing everything coming out this spoooooky month from the comfort of the Thompson Center Conference hall. We spend some time gushing about all the great talks we just experienced before getting prepared for our NEXT conference, BABAT 2025. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say, “hi” at the conference and for the Thompson Center for hosting us again. And keep your eyes out for an extra treat in your goodie bags later this month! Sadly, it's not the 3K I needed to bid on a signed “Walden Two”. Articles for October 2025 Hello, Grab Bag My Old Friend (Fall 2025 Grab Bag) Blackman, A.L., DiGennaro Reed, F.D., Gunter, M., & Braren, B. (2025). The effects of group virtual training and self-monitoring on leading a meeting. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. doi: 10.1002/jaba.70024 Patrone, V., Napolitano, D., Myles, F., & Shanahan, M. (2025). Curriculum-based evaluation of cultural competency coursework in an online applied behavior analysis graduate program. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01067-8 Castillo, M. I., Frank-Crawford, M. A., Leisfeld, J. E., Doan, T. M., Newcomb, E. T., Rooker, G. W., & Borrero, J. C. (2022). Do persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities prefer to save the best for last in an MSWO? A preliminary investigation. Behavioral Interventions, 37, 1133-1148. doi: 10.1002/bin.1883 Behavioral Artistry Revisited w/ Dr. Amy Bukszpan Bukszpan, A.R., Anderson, A., Moon, E., Kaplan, A., & Leaf, J.B. (2024). Training behavior technicians to become behavior artists through the teaching interaction procedure. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/bin.1963 Bukszpan, A.R., Leaf, J.B., O'Brien, J.G., Lewis, A., Kristiansen, S., Lord, J., Axe, J., & Weiss, M.J. (2025). Utilizing the teaching interaction procedure to train special education teachers in behavioral artistry. Behavioral Interventions, 40, 1-14. doi: 10.1002/bin.70017 Safety Skills Baruni, R.R. & Miltenberger, R.G. (2024). A survey of safety skills training used by behavior analysts in practice. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 270-282. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00835-8 Miltenberger, R.G., Flessner, C., Gatheridge, B., Johnson, B., Satterlund, M., & Egemo, K. (2004). Evaluation of behavioral skills training to prevent gun play in children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 37, 513-516. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2004.37-513 Kurt, O., Cevher, Z., & Kutlu, M. (2024). Effectiveness of video modeling in teaching earthquake and postearthquake evacuation safety skills for children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 331-340. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1057 Baruni, R.R. & Miltenberger, R.G. (2022). Teaching safety skills to children: A discussion of critical features and practice recommendations. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15, 938-950. doi: 10.1007/s40617-021-00667-4
In Session 311, I sit down with Christina Nylander and Leah Hussain from Apollo Behavior to talk about culturally sensitive approaches to Autism intervention. We dive into three case studies that show how flexible, individualized care can make a huge difference in building the rapport that's so important in our clinical work. Along the way, we share strategies for gaining parent buy-in, supporting bilingual language development, and using AAC devices to help children communicate more effectively with their families. Here's what we cover: The parent training shift when cultural sensitivity and rapport-building are prioritized. Christina and Leah's bilingual language development success stories, including Spanish- and Russian-speaking families. The role of AAC devices in improving communication, and one of these case studies progressed to no longer needing this technology. My random thoughts on video documentation and other creative methods to communicate client progress to stakeholders. Throughout the discussion, we reflect on the importance of balancing clinical recommendations with cultural and educational values. It's not just about treatment plans—it's about building trust, respecting families' perspectives, and helping kids thrive in ways that feel authentic to them. Sidenote: If you want to learn about what it's like to work at Apollo, or check out their open positions, click here. Key Takeaways Cultural sensitivity builds stronger collaboration with families. Bilingual and AAC strategies can unlock communication progress. Showing progress through videos and creative methods strengthens parent engagement. Individualized parent training, including in multiple languages, increases accessibility. If you're a BCBA, ABA therapist, or behavioral health professional, I think you'll find this conversation full of practical ideas for making your work more effective—and more meaningful. Bilingual & Dual‑Language Interventions Neely et al. (2020) – Impact of language on behavior treatment outcomes. Banerjee et al. (2021) – Extending Functional Communication Training to Multiple Language Contexts in Bilingual Learners with Challenging Behavior. Cengher (2024). On Bilingualism: Why and How to Teach Two Languages to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cultural Responsiveness, Humility & Systemic Equity in ABA Deochand, Neil & Costello, Mack S. (2022). Building a Social Justice Framework for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in ABA. Jimenez-Gomez, Corina & Beaulieu, L. (2022). Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Research and practice. ABA Effectiveness & Need for Cultural Inclusion Yu, Qian; Li, Enyao; Li, Liguo; Liang, Weiyi (2020). Efficacy of Interventions Based on Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta‑Analysis. Spreckley, Michele & Boyd, Roslyn (2009). Efficacy of Applied Behavioural Intervention in Preschool Children with Autism for Improving Cognitive, Language, and Adaptive Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Bonus resources Clinical Interviewing, by Sommers-Flanagan and Sommers-Flanagan (note 1: I know it's expensive, but older versions may be cheaper; note 2: this is an Amazon Associates link). Tobii Dynavox (the AAC tech that was discussed in the show). Looking for a pod-based CEU on this topic? Check out: Session 194, Inside JABA 12: Cultural Responsiveness in Applied Behavior Analysis. Sponsor Shoutouts! Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you'll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out! Our newest sponsor: MindBodyBehavior's Certified Health Coach Program. If you're a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Click here to learn more! HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!
In this episode of the Inside JABA Series podcast, we dive into a fascinating discussion on health-related routines for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Katie McHugh, Dr. Claudia Dozier, and Editor-in-Chief Dr. John Borrero share insights from their recent study, Synchronous Reinforcement Schedules Promote Tolerance of Health-Related Routines for Adults with Disabilities. The conversation explores how synchronous reinforcement schedules—where reinforcement occurs in real time alongside behavior—can improve tolerance for essential routines like toothbrushing, bathing, wearing medical devices, and more. The research team highlights case studies, methodological considerations, and the broader implications for clinical practice. Key Topics Covered ✅ Synchronous reinforcement schedules and why they may be more effective (and preferred) than delayed reinforcement. ✅ Applications for health routines such as toothbrushing, bathing, mask-wearing, GPS bracelets, helmets, and pulse oximeters. ✅ Collaborative service delivery with nursing and medical professionals. ✅ Challenges in participant consent and maintaining experimental control. ✅ Importance of measuring both behavioral outcomes and affective states. ✅ Future research directions, including reinforcer assessments, continuous vs. discontinuous schedules, and maintaining treatment effects. Next Steps and Future Directions Editorial updates for broader keyword usage to increase accessibility outside of behavior analysis. Comparing graduated exposure with contingent vs. synchronous reinforcement interventions. Implementing more systematic preference and reinforcer assessments in future studies. Exploring hybrid approaches (e.g., combining graduated exposure with synchronous reinforcement). Collecting more comprehensive data on participant affect and treatment integrity. Resources & References Dr. Dozier's lab website. Dr. Dozier's KU faculty page. KU ABS online and on-campus graduate programs. DeLeon, I. G., Hagopian, L. P., Rodriguez-Catter, V., Bowman, L. G., Long, E. S., & Boelter, E. W. (2008). Increasing wearing of prescription glasses in individuals with mental retardation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 137–142. Diaz de Villegas, S. C., Dozier, C. L., Jess, R. L., & Foley, E. A. (2020). An evaluation of synchronous reinforcement for increasing on-task behavior in preschool children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1660–1673. Hardesty, E. M., Lerman, D. C., & Hardee, J. L. (2023). A comparison of synchronous and noncontingent stimulus delivery on task engagement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(3), 664–673. Leslie, S. C., Dozier, C. L., Kamlowsky, M. E., McHugh, C. L., Diaz de Villegas, S. C., & Kanaman, K. C. (2024). Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in young children. Behavioral Interventions, 39(1), 1–29. McHugh, C. L., Dozier, C. L., Diaz de Villegas, S. C., & Kanaman, N. A. (2022). Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(4), 1157–1171. Williams, D. C., & Johnston, J. M. (1992). Continuous versus discrete dimensions of reinforcement schedules: An integrative analysis. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 58(1), 205–228. Ellis, E. M., Ala'i-Rosales, S. S., Glenn, S. S., Rosales-Ruiz, J., & Greenspoon, J. (2006). The effects of graduated exposure, modeling, and contingent social attention on tolerance to skin care products with two children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27(6), 585–598. Halbur, M., Kodak, T., McKee, M., Carroll, R., Preas, E., Reidy, J., & Cordeiro, M. C. (2021). Tolerance of face coverings for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 600-617. Richling, S. M., Rapp, J. T., Carroll, R. A., Smith, J. N., Nystedt, A., & Siewert, B. (2011). Using noncontingent reinforcement to increase compliance with wearing prescription prostheses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(2), 375-379. Stark, L. J., Allen, K. D., Hurst, M., Nash, D. A., Rigney, B., & Stokes, T. F. (1989). Distraction: Its utilization and efficacy with children undergoing dental treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 22(3), 297-307. About the Guests Dr. Catherine (Katie) McHugh – Researcher focused on health-related routines and intervention strategies for adults with disabilities. Dr. Claudia Dozier – Expert in reinforcement schedules and their applications across populations. Dr. John Barrero – Current JABA Editor-in-Chief and behavior analyst contributing to dissemination and accessibility of applied research.
One of our longest running mysteries is finally revealed in this week's episode: Why does Jackie hate DROs so much? This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Mazalesik, J.I., Iwata, B.A., Vollmer, T.R., Zarcone, J.R., & Smith, R.G. (1993). Analysis of the reinforcement and extinction components in DRO contingencies with self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 143-156. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1993.26-143 Hangen, M.M., Romero, A.N., Neidert, P.L., & Borrero, J.C. (2020). “Other” behavior and the DRO: The roles of extinction and reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 2385-2404. doi: 10.1002/jaba.736 Romano, L.M. & St. Peter, C.C. (2017). Omission training results in more resurgence than alternative reinforcement. Psychological Record, 67, 315-324. doi: 10.1007/s40732-016-0214-z If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
If you're looking for a podcast that describes some vacation activities AND lays out the content of multiple future episodes with citations to research articles, we're your #1 source! Between describing waterskiing mishaps and Pocono hikes, we've got a brand new Listener Choice episode all about speeding up skill acqusition (and a video for patrons!) and our Book Club on Pat Friman's “Good Night, Sweet Dreams, I Love You” now UNLOCKED for all. Then to wrap up this hot month, the answer a the long-running podcast mystery: Why does Jackie hate DROs so much? And who REALLY got married to Rob? (SPOILER ALERT: Rob's been a dream ghost this whole time!). Articles for August 2025 Factors Influencing Skill Acquisition (Summer 2025 Listener Choice) Weinsztok, S.C., Goldman, K.J., & DeLeon, I.G. (2023). Assessing parameters of reinforcement on efficiency of acquisition: A systematic review. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16, 76-92. doi: 10.1007/s40617-022-00715-7 Gureghian, D.L., Vladescu, J.C., Gashi, R., & Campanaro, A. (2020). Reinforcer choice as an antecedent versus consequence during skill acquisition. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 462-466. doi: 10.1007/s40617-019-00356-3 León, Y., Campos, C., Baratz, S., Gorman, C., Price, A., & DeLeon, I. (2025). Effects of initial versus frequent preference assessments on skill acquisition. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 37, 471-487. doi: 10.1007/s10882-024-09971-7 Cividini-Motta, C., Livingston, C., & Efaw, H. (2024). Systematic review of differential reinforcement in skill acquisition. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 401-416. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00903-z (UNLOCKED) Good Night, Sweet Dreams, I Love You Book Club Friman, P.C. (2005). Good night, sweet dreams, I love you now get into bed and go to sleep! Boys Town Press. Why Jackie Hates DRO Mazalesik, J.I., Iwata, B.A., Vollmer, T.R., Zarcone, J.R., & Smith, R.G. (1993). Analysis of the reinforcement and extinction components in DRO contingencies with self-injury. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 143-156. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1993.26-143 Hangen, M.M., Romero, A.N., Neidert, P.L., & Borrero, J.C. (2020). “Other” behavior and the DRO: The roles of extinction and reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 2385-2404. doi: 10.1002/jaba.736 Romano, L.M. & St. Peter, C.C. (2017). Omission training results in more resurgence than alternative reinforcement. Psychological Record, 67, 315-324. doi: 10.1007/s40732-016-0214-z
Though we've long been huge fans of single-case research designs—what behavior analyst isn't?—and hold peer-reviewed research papers as one of our favorite genres of non-fiction, is it possible that not every research paper is…on the level? Sadly, for many coplex reasons, not every research paper you read is without risk for following questionable research practices. To help our field put a stop to this, Dr. Matthew Tincani has some ideas on how we can do better by looking at a number of open science practices. This week, Dr. Tincani called out the best and brightest to has out what needs to be fixed (and how we can do it) and is ready to share what might be next for identifying (and stopping) questionable research practices. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Tincani, M., Gilroy, S.P., & Dowdy, A. (2024). Extensions of open science for applied behavior analysis: Preregistration for single-case experimental designs. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. doi: 10.1002/jaba.2909 Tincani, M., Travers, J., Dowdy, A., Slocum, T.A.,& Dietrich, R. (2025). Questionable and improved research practices in single-case experimental design: Initial investigation and findings. Perspectives on Behavior Science. doi: 10.1007/s40614-025-00441-9 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
While we've been discussing how to move away from just getting parents to buy in to proposed behavioral treatments, there's still a huge gap between what works, what parents are told could work, and what parents like (when everything works). So we decided to kick off our Special Guest Month by having two experts at parent training, Drs. Roseanne Lesack and Jillian Wilson, help us figure out how to effectively promote better social validity practices when collaborating with parents. We revisit the classic Allen and Warzak article on parental nonadherence and delve deeply into what treatment ideas parents prefer at almost any child's age. Plus: the secret history of validating statements! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Allen, K.D. & Warzak, W.J. (2000). The problem of parental nonadherence in clinical behavior analysis: Effective treatment is not enough. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 33, 373-391. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2000.33-373 Wilson, J.B. & Lesack, R.S. (2024). Parent perceptions of behavior analytic interventions. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1050-1073. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-01010-3 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.
Welcome back to the Inside JABA series—this is Episode 23, and it's a must-listen for anyone interested in using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to improve safety in school settings. In this episode, Dr. Jeannie Donaldson and Gabriela Gomes join Dr. John Borrero and me to discuss the paper, "Effects of differential reinforcement and time-out on the unsafe playground behavior of young children" (note: first author, Elizabeth Linton unfortunately was not able to join us).