Podcasts about Applied behavior analysis

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.

Join host Michelle Zeman as she reconnects with former supervisee Nick Gopaul to explore his inspiring journey through the world of Applied Behavior Analysis. From his early days navigating culture shock in the clinic as an RBT to becoming a BCaBA to his current journey through coursework to become a BCBA, Nick shares candid stories about his experience so far. Tune in to hear about building resilience, fostering empathy, and learning how ethical, collaborative supervision can shape a practitioner's path. This episode is full of heartfelt reflections, humor (yes, slushies were thrown), and insights into what it means to truly “marinate” in your role as you grow. Listen for two code words for 1 free supervision CEU!

Nothing says “summertime” like visiting friends. And what's the podcast equivalent of a summer get together? Why a whole month devoted to guest episodes! This July we're doing a world tour of topics from all over the ABA map. We kick things off with Dr. Roseanne Lesack and Dr. Jillian Wilson updating us on some of the best practices in improving social validity of parent training planning before crossing the country to discuss many of the questionable practices lurking in single-case experimental design with Dr. Matthew Tincani. Next we take a quick trip back home in our ongoing series on professional collaboration with special education teacher/BCBA, Carolyn Beaumier. Finally, , we travel to the other side of the topic world to listen to Dr. James Meindl on his work regarding a hypothetical functional account of mass shooting behavior. It's a podcast vacation for the ages, and you're invited to join us for free! The only thing missing is the little bag of pretzels. Articles for July 2025 Social Validity of Parent Training w/ Dr. Roseanne Lesack + Dr. Jillian Wilson 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   Identifying Questionable Research Practices w/ Dr. Matthew Tincani 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   Professional Collaboration (Special Education Teachers) w/ Carolyn Beaumier Giangreco, M.F., Pennington, R.C., & Walker, V.L. (2023). Conceptualizing and utilizing board certified behavior analysts as related services providers in inclusion-oriented schools. Remedial and Special Education, 44, 73-85. doi: 10.1177/07419325211063610 Squires, M., Cutrer-Pãrraga, E.A., Morris, J.R., Miller, E.E., & Hansen, B.D. (2024). Navigating collaboration: Factors influencing special education teachers' relationships with BCBAs in diverse school contexts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1033-1049. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-010009-w Reilly, A.M., Crowell, G.E., Thoele, J.M. et al. School-Based Transdisciplinary Teaming to Maximize Behavioral Supports. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). doi: 10.1007/s40617-025-01054-z   Predicting and Preventing Mass Shootings w/ Dr. James Meindl Meindl, J.N., Ivy, J.W, Delgado, D.M., & Swafford, L. (under review). Towards a functional account of mass-shooting: Prediction and influence of violent behavior. Meindl, J.N. & Ivy, J.W. (2018). Reducing media-induced mass killings: Lessons from suicide prevention. American Behavioral Scientist, 62, 242-259. doi: 10.1177/0002764218756918

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).

Applied Behavior Analysis is often boxed into narrow stereotypes—and controversy—but what if the real story is far bigger, more collaborative, and more humanistic than you think? Join Dr. Jessica Kendorski and Ray Christner for a candid conversation that busts myths, clarifies what ABA truly is (and isn't), and explores how behavior science radically transforms not only the lives of neurodivergent kids, but entire systems—from families to schools and healthcare. They dive into the ethical essentials, why collaboration and creativity matter more than compliance, and how principles of behavioral science intersect with trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, and systems-based practice. Whether you're a longtime clinician or new to ABA, this episode brings practical, immediate takeaways you can use—and a fresh perspective on building better outcomes for your clients, your practice, and yourself.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched” #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

In this insightful episode of ABA On Call, Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz tackle some of the most commonly misunderstood and misapplied concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis. From the mislabeling of reinforcement to the confusion between negative reinforcement and punishment, the hosts explore why technical accuracy matters and how misunderstanding core terms can derail effective practice. Using real-world stories, data interpretation, and even a behavioral lightning round, the episode clarifies foundational concepts like prompting, fluency, task analysis, motivation, and generalization. Whether you're a student, a supervisor, or a seasoned BCBA, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for precision in both language and application.   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.

Michal Pollack joined me to discuss how she uses her training in Behavior Analysis to help her with her personal health and fitness goals. Michal is a Clinical Director at Apollo Behavior. In this episode, we talk about: How she got her start in Applied Behavior Analysis. How she found her way to Apollo, and what she enjoys about working there. How she realized that getting fit doesn't require playing team sports, or being an athlete more generally. How spending time abroad during a gap year motivated her to adopt a healthier lifestyle. How going to the gym regularly helped her improve her emotional wellbeing. How she developed grocery shopping habits that helped her eat healthier meals. How she doesn't weigh herself frequently, and the rationale for this practice. We both talk about the pros and cons of wearable devices, and how I use The Whoop Strap (note, this is an affiliate). I want to make clear that during this podcast, it's important to note that neither of us are health or fitness professionals. We're not attempting to provide specific advice for listeners that's outside of our scopes of expertise. Instead, a better framing of this episode is to consider this a conversation between two BCBAs talking about how they apply behavior-analytic principles in their own lives. As such, if you're looking to make changes to your fitness, please consider working with a credentialed professional, with the input of your primary care provider. You can follow Michal on TikTok or LinkedIn here and here. If you'd like to learn more about working at Apollo, you can read about them here. Articles and resources mentioned: Camp and Hayes (2012). Assessing and Increasing Physical Activity. Donaldson and Normand (2009). Using goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback to increase calorie expenditure in obese adults. Hustyi, Normand, and Larson (2013). Behavioral assessment of physical activity in obese preschool children. The aforementioned Whoop Strap. This podcast is brought to you by: 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! CEUs from Behavioral Observations. 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. 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! Apollo Behavior. If these Apollo Series podcasts have you wondering about what it's like to work there, check out their current job openings in the greater Atlanta area and beyond!

Why do some autistic people struggle to find love?  Kaelynn Parlow, an Autistic Self-Advocate and participant on the second season of the Netflix reality series, Love on the Spectrum, shares her ideas on this topic. Kaelynn is also a Registered Behavior Technician, or RBT for short. 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! The following clip is from our conversation with Kaelynn Parlow, originally released on January 12, 2023.  Would you like to hear Kaelynn talk about her work in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and how she teaches her clients impactful social skills? 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.  'Love on the Spectrum' and Teaching Social Skills, with Kaelynn Partlow 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

Cold OpenCBT…? Never worked for autistic me.So, look, we KNOW masking doesn't work. Or FEAR. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.[Music]IntroYou're listening to AutisticAF Out Loud. One voice. Raw. Real. Fiercely Neurodivergent. Since 1953.Season 5, Episode 6. “Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 2: CBT…? Never Worked for Autistic Me.”Abelist agendas. Bad research subjects. Bad data. Bad therapy.There's the whole story.An experimental multi-part series… around 10 minutes each. Cuz some autistic listeners tell me they like to binge in small bites. Others say they listen in the car… so you can also download the complete series as one file.Just one autistic elder's truth. I'm Johnny Profane.Content Note: trauma discussion, medical system critique, institutional discrimination, psychiatric hospitalizations, systemic oppression + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.[Music]I've been struggling with an article on CBT & Autism for years.Sigh. Spoons. A lot of reading. A lot of thinking…To come to my opinion… my thesis…that any therapy based on purely cognitive techniques… even if pros throw on some Behavioral rubber-band-snapping special sauce on the side…?It's inherently ableist… attacking the very way our autistic brains are wired. Demanding abilities many neurodivergents just weren't born with.Here's a snapshot. A quick personal story from when autistic-as-fuck me turned for help…“I'm sorry… What did you just say?”“I said…” He looked nervous. “I said… I always recommend aversive therapy for my autistic kids. My clients.”Me. In a dead-cold voice. “Snapping a rubber band.”“Y-e-s-s.” He seemed torn. Was I gonna get positive reinforcement… Or that weird, hostile, defensiveness professionals get. When you ask questions.Into that hesitant silence, I say, “Snap it hard. Hard as they can. Against their wrist.”“Yes. The sting is important.” Now, he's eager to share. “When they repeat the aversive stimulus, they…”Again I interrupt with my ashen, Clint-Eastwood voice. “During a meltdown.”“Well… actually… just before.” He's beaming, proud. “They learn to snap the band at the earliest hint they'll lose control. It's operant conditioning.”A kid having a meltdown on Aisle 3. Likely overwhelmed by sensory overload.Let's just add a little sharp pain… and see what happens…As if by giving it some science-y name… it's not self-inflicted torture.Brief CBT BackgroundCognitive Behavioral Therapy emerged in the 60s. A kind of forced marriage. Between Beck's cognitive therapy… focused on internal thoughts. And Skinner's behavioral therapy… focused on observable behavior. Both developed studying neurotypical minds.Change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior… change your life. Simple, right?Unless your brain doesn't work that way…Sometimes…? Research… Ain't.How could COGNITIVE Behavioral Therapy not be inappropriate for autistics?Research Problem #1. It's based on studying neurotypical populations. But we autistics think differently by definition.Problem #2? For the foundational studies, CBT researchers used white, university student subjects… for the most part. They're easy and cheap to find. But maybe 3% are autistic? Maybe? ALL with decent IQs and functioning student skills… even the few autistic subjects?And Problem #3 is a doozy. Many autistics survive by people-pleasing. Kids and grownups. We're likely to mask our true experiences to appear "better"... or please therapists. Plus we may have trouble perceiving and communicating our own experience. Self-reported data might not reflect our reality.,Then there's one that's rarely discussed. Problem #4… the "waitlist relief effect." Most neurodivergent folks endure months or years waiting for therapy, suffering intensely. When we finally get accepted into therapy? There's overwhelming relief… elevating our mood and behavior. Which distorts everything a therapist will hear.We may dial up our masking. Cuz we're scared shitless we'll lose this lifeline.Meanwhile, researchers publish, buff their nails…. and attribute any self-reported improvement as proof their technique works.The Cognitive Part…? A Stopper.Substitute "executive functioning" for "cognitive." As in the thing they say is largely missing from my autistic forebrain.The entire technique? One cognitive process after another.. First you must notice. Then you must reflect.Then decide.Then review.Then judge context.Then review…Finally… Act.Then regret.Let that sink in. All of cognitive therapy is about monitoring individual thoughts for "cognitive errors." Then replacing them with correct ones.Hundreds of decisions, distinctions, social cue processings. Executive functioning. A process that NEVER became automatic for me. As clinician after clinician cheerfully reassured me it would.Many autistic individuals have memory differences. Working memory differences that make it nearly impossible to hold the kind of information cognitive work requires. Much less manipulate it on the fly…Now… About Behavior.Now, the "Behavioral" part of CBT? The Skinnerian special sauce?Rewards… and punishments… for the action you choose. Hoping you'll build automatic, correct responses.Basically rat training. If you shock me enough times. Sure. I won't go through that door. AND I will struggle mightily to only have an internal stroke... rather than an external meltdown.But the researcher... or teacher... gets to check the box, "Cured." Cuz we're no longer a nuisance to them. And we continue to quietly die. Invisibly. Politely...Inside.That kind of aversion... to fear or pain? True for every living thing at an evolutionary level above a paramecium.Like rats. Or kids. Cuz... FEAR works. PAIN works. Just not the way they think.These Practical Implementation Failures…Should sound pretty familiar. To autistic folks. Keenly aware of the nightmare effort Autistic Masking demands around Straight Society.So, look, we know masking doesn't work. Or fear. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.Add to this our difficulty forming new habits, maintaining routines, and processing cognitive information differently. Under stress… which therapy itself can induce… we often revert to previous behaviors. Any “improvements” from “techniques”? Not bloody likely they're ingrained as permanent muscle memory.Requiring frequent refresher sessions to maintain the illusion of change… and progress.As one commenter wrote: "To me, CBT has always felt inherently surface-level. It's like closing a few tabs on your browser as opposed to doing a factory reset."Biggest problem of all? Neurodivergent Diversity.Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic… all different cognitive profiles.Sure, we're all different from the typical population. But an autistic who also experiences ADHD thinks and acts differently than a dyslexic one. At least to my trained observation. I was a mental health social worker for 10 years…Despite these complexities… Maybe because it is complex… It seems to me that CBT treats us all as if we're standard-model humans. With a few bugs to fix.We require GENERATIONAL studies of representative populations to sort this spaghetti pile out. Before we should be recommending these techniques.On living humans. Adults. And especially kids.ABA and Its Relatives: An Even Deeper Hole.Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) deserves special mention. It's the behavioral therapy most parents hear about in grammar schools.What most don't know? ABA shares roots with debunked, torturous gay Conversion Therapy. Outlawed in many states. Both were developed by O. Ivar Lovaas in the 60s.Both aim to eliminate "undesirable" behaviors. Using “aversive” techniques. From snapping rubber bands in the nice clinics. To cattle prods in the not-so-nice facilities.Punishing and suppressing behaviors that are natural to our nervous systems. Behaviors that protect us from a society not built for us.ABA may have volumes of "data." But it's all shaped by behaviors researchers and parents want, not what autistic children or adults need. The outcomes measured? Eye contact. Sitting still. Verbal responses. Not internal autistic wellbeing.It's important to understand one simple point. Data is not science.How you frame your research or experiment How you gather your data How you choose how many subjects and whom When you choose to gather data How you interpret your data How you present your dataAll impact its validity and value. ABA and all its camouflaged cousins fall down on this core scientific truth.Bottom line? When former ABA children grow up, many report trauma. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Self-harm.ConclusionFuck #ABA. Fuck #CBT.Everybody in the therapeutic-industrial complex from clinic receptionist to billionaire pharmaceutical CEO makes money. From your kid's pain. Caused by treatments that don't address neurodivergent needs. As far as I… and better-known neurodiversity-affirming authorities… can tell.Strong words? Yes. Because minds… and lives… are at stake.We need therapies that work WITH our neurology, not against it. That build on our strengths instead of calling us coolly, professionally, pathologizing names.In Part 3, we'll really bring this all home. How labeling our intrinsic differences as disease is about as anti-therapeutic as you can get.We'll explore "PDA… Not Every Difference Is a Disease." And really raise a ruckus.OutroFor your deeper diving pleasure, the transcript contains references and footnotes for most points I raise. From a variety of views.Hey, don't forget, you can download Part 1, “Autistic Resilience.” Or download both parts as one file.More coming in this series exploring how neurodivergent folks can build sustainable, authentic lives… with or without professional intervention. With 2 more parts coming…AutisticAF Out Loud podcast is supported solely by listeners like you. If you have a friend or family member touched by neurodiversity? Why not turn them on to us with a quick email?By the way, we believe no one should have to pay to be autistic. Many neurodivergent people can't afford subscription content.Your Ko-Fi tip of any amount helps keep this resource free for them. Or join our paid subscriber community at johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com for ongoing support. I put both links in description.References & Further Reading1: Ableist: Discriminating against people with disabilities by assuming everyone's mind and body work the same way. Like designing a world only for the "standard model human" and then blaming us when we can't navigate it.2: Operant conditioning: A learning process in which behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments.3: Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. Penguin.4: Bottema-Beutel, K., & Crowley, S. (2021). Pervasive Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.5: Cage, E., Di Monaco, J., & Newell, V. (2018). Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 473-484.6: Masking: The act of concealing one's autistic traits to fit in or avoid negative attention.7: Meta-analyses show that waitlist control groups often overestimate the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression and anxiety, and that changes occurring during waitlist periods are typically small, making waitlist-controlled trials a less strict test of effectiveness.Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., Purgato, M., de Wit, L., Ebert, D. D., ... & Furukawa, T. A. (2024). Overestimation of the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression in waitlist-controlled trials: a meta-analytic comparison with usual care controlled trials. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 33, e10.8: Patterson, B., Boyle, M. H., Kivlenieks, M., & Van Ameringen, M. (2016). The use of waitlists as control conditions in anxiety disorders research. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 41, 56-64.9: Boucher, J., Mayes, A., & Bigham, S. (2012). Memory in autistic spectrum disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 138(3), 458-496.10: Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2006). The weak coherence account: detail-focused cognitive style in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 5-25.11: Rekers, G. A., & Lovaas, O. I. (1974). Behavioral treatment of deviant sex-role behaviors in a male child. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7(2), 173–190.See also: El Dewar (2024), "ABA: The Neuro-Normative Conversion Therapy," NDConnection; and the Lovaas Institute's 2024 statement regarding conversion therapy.12: Sandoval-Norton, A. H., & Shkedy, G. (2019). How much compliance is too much compliance: Is long-term ABA therapy abuse? Cogent Psychology, 6(1).13: McGill, O., & Robinson, A. (2020). "Recalling hidden harms": Autistic experiences of childhood Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Advances in Autism, ahead-of-print.14: Xie, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., et al. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics, 147(5), e2020049880.81015: Weston, L., Hodgekins, J., & Langdon, P. E. (2016). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy with people who have autistic spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 41-54.16: Miguel, C., Harrer, M., Cuijpers, P., et al. (2025). Self-reports vs clinician ratings of efficacies of psychotherapies for depression: a meta-analysis. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 34, e9.Note: Links are provided for reference only. Views expressed may differ from my own experiences and observations. Sources affiliated with Autism Speaks are controversial in the neurodiversity community. Their research may be included for completeness. But perhaps be cautious.Binge on the most authentic autistic voice in podcasting.7 decades of raw truth, real insights, zero yadayada.#AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. Click below to receive new posts… free. Tosupport my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

Cold OpenYou wanna pathologize me? Knock yerself out. Faithfully counting every leaf marked "deficit"…But missing the whole damn forest we know locally as "Survival."[Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 1: Autistic Resilience]IntroYou're listening to AutisticAF Out Loud. One voice. Raw. Real. Fiercely Neurodivergent. Since 1953.Season 5, Episode 5. “Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 1: Autistic Resilience.”Deficits… or strengths? Survival… or thriving? Pathology… or inborn, natural autistic behavior? We turn the diagnostic telescope around. Let's focus on the forest of resilience behind every leaf labeled "deficit."An experimental multi-part series… all around 10 minutes. Because some neurodivergent listeners like to binge in small bites. Or you can download Part 1 and Part 2 at once… for listeners who crave the whole enchilada in one sitting.Just one autistic elder's truth. I'm Johnny Profane.Content Note: trauma discussion, medical system critique, institutional discrimination, psychiatric hospitalizations, systemic oppression + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.[Music]What I tell any therapist… any caregiver… first session:I have survived physical and sexual abuse from family and schoolmates.Bullying by teachers and fellow students… 2nd grade through high school.Multiple professional crashes… in multiple careers.At least a dozen firings.2 evictions.1 bankruptcy.Dozens of major household moves.Few friends, and…2 divorces, 3 "living togethers," and a couple of "serious" relationships that, well…, weren't?Ain't this resilience?Resilience. Ya know, that cap-and-gown term pros use for getting knocked down seven times. Stubbornly getting up… eight...I'm still alive. Still creating. Still getting published. Still speaking to thousands of autistics a year.Never attempted suicide... despite three hospitalizations.AND I'm still autistic. Cuz there ain't no cure for something that ain't wrong. Unless you base your "medical model" on some statistical "normal"… which is just a made up story. Cuz not one living person is summed up by a Bell curve normal… not even within a standard deviation.Yes, yes… yes. Some professionals are evolving. Pros who listen more than lecture. But face it. In the grand scheme of things… they're rare.Let's get clear right now, right here. It's not being autistic that creates our trauma. It's living autistic in a society that inflicts trauma on us. Refusing to accept, adapt… support… us.Why do "helping" pros focus on my deficits, my lacks, my pitiful performance of “Activities of Daily Living”…? Like, did I shower today…? No.Rather than the sheer strength of will I demonstrate every time I take my next breath?Why do they offer to fix me,inform me,guide me, andcharge me for sessions,mentoring,workshops,best-selling books,SYSTEMS they've just invented…based on… at best… incomplete research?[Music]You know social media… if you like and share this podcast, a lot more people will check it out. You can do a lot of good with just one click.You wanna pathologize me? Knock yerself out.Turn my every inborn neurodivergent characteristic into a disease. You do have powerful diagnostic tools…But you're looking through that diagnostic telescope backwards. Faithfully counting every leaf marked "deficit"… But missing the whole damn forest that we know locally as "Survival."Like my "failure to maintain eye contact.” A “social deficit.” Right... completely missing how that survival skill lets me process your words… without painful sensory overload. My form of my respect… for you.Go ahead and use professionally, objectively disempowering terms, like "comorbidity"... betraying your bias that my very way of Being is… in your eyes… a disease. And then riff on, elaborate away: "pathological demand avoidance," "obsessive-compulsive disorder," "borderline personality disorder,"And on and on… and on.Truth? Every diagnosis? Just another survival mechanism. Not symptoms of autism. Responses to how society treats autism.Behaviors that kept me alive… in your world. While you obsess over what's "wrong" with me…Or… we could build on my autistic strengths.Look, none of us have all of these. And superpowers don't exist. Some have strengths not listed. But if you aren't looking for them? Likely, you're mis-treating us.* Resilience: Just surviving multiple, severe stressors is a biggie. Every autistic adult you meet has adapted to extreme challenges. Most of us… traumatized. Yet we endure. We integrate. We keep going.* Deep Feeling: Pros call ‘em "mood swings." We call it feeling everything… deeply. Depth that drives our creativity… in science, art, writing, becoming lunatic billionaires… or the cool neighbor next door.. It's not a flaw. It's fuel.* Survival Skills: My life, my continued existence… is my proof. Just as any autistic adult's life is. We've survived devastating life events. With inner strength and coping strategies.These aren't skills most professionals understand… not even some neurodivergent practitioners. Because these skills are linked to how our individual autistic minds work. Which is… in fact… different. Not just from most humans. From each other, too.* Creative Persistence: Every autistic person knows this pull. Our passionate focus on our interests. Grabbing us deeper than hunger. We don't just see details… no matter what TV tells you. We work on wide canvases. We create. We build. We solve. That's strength.* Living with Extremes: My knee surgeon was shocked. "You walked two miles a day on a torn meniscus?" Yes, but… a light touch on my face can trigger panic. That's not contradiction. That's how we survive. We may get sensory warnings earlier than most… Yet we handle what breaks others. Daily.* Hidden Adaptability: Look at my life changes—jobs, homes, relationships. Society labels us as "rigid." Truth is, we adapt constantly. We got no choice. Yet we persevere. We keep doing. That's not weakness. That's strength.* Processing Power: We take in everything. Process it deeply. Yet live through emotional and sensory experiences that would derail most people. We keep going. Keep growing. That's not dysfunction. That's determination. Coming directly from… not despite… our neurodivergent cognition.* Spectrum of Strength: Maybe resilience is a spectrum, too. And some of us autistics crank it up past 11. Not weakness from disability. Strength from difference. Turning autistic stereotypes upside down. Yet again.[Music]Just a quickie… this is Part 1 of “Doc? You Got Autism All Wrong?” Why not binge the next part? Or download the long-form version with both parts? Link in transcript.Challenging Normal-izing ModelsMy story? Just one among thousands. Millions.I've worked as a magazine publisher. Functioned as an academic grad student… multiple times. And been homeless… multiple times. I've been privileged to hear many, many similar stories over the decades. At all levels of society, education, age.These stories all share one truth: Autistic traits are not inherently deficits. They can be hidden sources of strength and resilience. In the right environment. In the right community.Take one example: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). What pros like to label our natural, neurodivergent response to external demands like deadlines. I meet the diagnostic criteria. Always have. But in my opinion, they bulldoze right over my inborn need for autonomy. Leading too often to trauma. PDA… seems to me… a dehumanizing slur. For the nature I was born with.Yet many neurodivergents find comfort and support diagnosed as PDA. In the acknowledgment of our differences the diagnosis does offer. I don't wish to negate their experience. And I'm not arguing neurodivergents do NOT have needs for autonomy. Or that we don't suffer due to these differences. At the hands of Straight Culture.My point: Sensory and social differences are NOT pathologies.It's like dogs noticing that cats are more hyper than canines...So to "help" ‘em, pro dogs decide to forcibly train or torture every cat. To steamroll them into converting to “Dog Normal.”We are human… autistic humans.We need what all humans need: To build on our strengths. To find our nurturing environments. To choose our supportive communities.We just accomplish these things... differently.Look, I'm fighting the whole Normative Narrative. Which demands any difference MUST be "cured." Or at least fixed.And I'm not keen on neurodivergent-based attempts to bandaid the problem. By simply defining a new normal for autistics and other neurodivergents. Just another standard we may fail to live up to.Frankly, I'm calling for a strengths-based, non-normative psychology for all neurodivergents. A theme I develop in this series and future podcasts. How we might replace CBT and similar treatments with more neurodivergent-centered alternatives.So where do we start this revolution?Doc, Stop. Look again…At the big picture this time. See those brilliant sparks of unusual strength? Far more powerful than your "deficits."Reality check: Up to now, you've just been documenting how modern consumer culture fails our neurology. In the office. In our schools. In shopping at freaking Walmart for fuck's sake.Anywhere we're forced to process too much sensory input. Or pretend to read invisible social cues. Pretend we're you… without rest or accommodation.Let's explore a new direction. Simply put?Doc… stop looking through your telescope backwards. Look at us. Right in front of your eyes._____References & Further ReadingNeither exhaustive nor comprehensive. Articles that made me think.* The high prevalence of trauma and adverse experiences among autistic individuals* PTSD and Autism* Trauma and Autism: Research and Resources* How to build resiliency in autistic individuals: an implication to advance mental health* Association Between Autism and PTSD Among Adult Psychiatric Outpatients* The relationship between autism and resilience* Building Resilience – An Important Life Skill* Understanding Resilience in Neurodivergent Adults* Autistic Resilience: Overcoming Adversity Through Self-Care and Strengths* The criticism of deficit-based models of autism* Moving Beyond Deficit-Based Models of Autism* Strengths-First Assessment in Autism* The reality of autistic strengths and capabilities* 6 Strengths (not Weaknesses) of Individuals with Autism* Autism as a Strength* Neurodiversity as a Competitive AdvantageNote: Links are provided for reference only. Views expressed may differ from my own experiences and observations. Sources affiliated with Autism Speaks are controversial in the neurodiversity community. Their research may be included for completeness. But perhaps be cautious.Doc, You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 2: CBT...? Never Worked for Autistic MeCold OpenCBT…? Never worked for autistic me.So, look, we KNOW masking doesn't work. Or FEAR. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.[Music]IntroYou're listening to AutisticAF Out Loud. One voice. Raw. Real. Fiercely Neurodivergent. Since 1953.Season 5, Episode 6. “Doc? You Got Us All Wrong, Pt 2: CBT…? Never Worked for Autistic Me.”Abelist agendas. Bad research subjects. Bad data. Bad therapy.There's the whole story.An experimental multi-part series… around 10 minutes each. Cuz some autistic listeners tell me they like to binge in small bites. Others say they listen in the car… so you can also download the complete series as one file.Just one autistic elder's truth. I'm Johnny Profane.Content Note: trauma discussion, medical system critique, institutional discrimination, psychiatric hospitalizations, systemic oppression + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.[Music]I've been struggling with an article on CBT & Autism for years.Sigh. Spoons. A lot of reading. A lot of thinking…To come to my opinion… my thesis…that any therapy based on purely cognitive techniques… even if pros throw on some Behavioral rubber-band-snapping special sauce on the side…?It's inherently ableist… attacking the very way our autistic brains are wired. Demanding abilities many neurodivergents just weren't born with.Here's a snapshot. A quick personal story from when autistic-as-fuck me turned for help…“I'm sorry… What did you just say?”“I said…” He looked nervous. “I said… I always recommend aversive therapy for my autistic kids. My clients.”Me. In a dead-cold voice. “Snapping a rubber band.”“Y-e-s-s.” He seemed torn. Was I gonna get positive reinforcement… Or that weird, hostile, defensiveness professionals get. When you ask questions.Into that hesitant silence, I say, “Snap it hard. Hard as they can. Against their wrist.”“Yes. The sting is important.” Now, he's eager to share. “When they repeat the aversive stimulus, they…”Again I interrupt with my ashen, Clint-Eastwood voice. “During a meltdown.”“Well… actually… just before.” He's beaming, proud. “They learn to snap the band at the earliest hint they'll lose control. It's operant conditioning.”A kid having a meltdown on Aisle 3. Likely overwhelmed by sensory overload.Let's just add a little sharp pain… and see what happens…As if by giving it some science-y name… it's not self-inflicted torture.Brief CBT BackgroundCognitive Behavioral Therapy emerged in the 60s. A kind of forced marriage. Between Beck's cognitive therapy… focused on internal thoughts. And Skinner's behavioral therapy… focused on observable behavior. Both developed studying neurotypical minds.Change your thoughts, change your feelings, change your behavior… change your life. Simple, right?Unless your brain doesn't work that way…Sometimes…? Research… Ain't.How could COGNITIVE Behavioral Therapy not be inappropriate for autistics?Research Problem #1. It's based on studying neurotypical populations. But we autistics think differently by definition.Problem #2? For the foundational studies, CBT researchers used white, university student subjects… for the most part. They're easy and cheap to find. But maybe 3% are autistic? Maybe? ALL with decent IQs and functioning student skills… even the few autistic subjects?And Problem #3 is a doozy. Many autistics survive by people-pleasing. Kids and grownups. We're likely to mask our true experiences to appear "better"... or please therapists. Plus we may have trouble perceiving and communicating our own experience. Self-reported data might not reflect our reality.,Then there's one that's rarely discussed. Problem #4… the "waitlist relief effect." Most neurodivergent folks endure months or years waiting for therapy, suffering intensely. When we finally get accepted into therapy? There's overwhelming relief… elevating our mood and behavior. Which distorts everything a therapist will hear.We may dial up our masking. Cuz we're scared shitless we'll lose this lifeline.Meanwhile, researchers publish, buff their nails…. and attribute any self-reported improvement as proof their technique works.,The Cognitive Part…? A Stopper.Substitute "executive functioning" for "cognitive." As in the thing they say is largely missing from my autistic forebrain.The entire technique? One cognitive process after another.. First you must notice. Then you must reflect.Then decide.Then review.Then judge context.Then review…Finally… Act.Then regret.Let that sink in. All of cognitive therapy is about monitoring individual thoughts for "cognitive errors." Then replacing them with correct ones.Hundreds of decisions, distinctions, social cue processings. Executive functioning. A process that NEVER became automatic for me. As clinician after clinician cheerfully reassured me it would.Many autistic individuals have memory differences. Working memory differences that make it nearly impossible to hold the kind of information cognitive work requires. Much less manipulate it on the fly…Now… About Behavior.Now, the "Behavioral" part of CBT? The Skinnerian special sauce?Rewards… and punishments… for the action you choose. Hoping you'll build automatic, correct responses.Basically rat training. If you shock me enough times. Sure. I won't go through that door. AND I will struggle mightily to only have an internal stroke... rather than an external meltdown.But the researcher... or teacher... gets to check the box, "Cured." Cuz we're no longer a nuisance to them. And we continue to quietly die. Invisibly. Politely...Inside.That kind of aversion... to fear or pain? True for every living thing at an evolutionary level above a paramecium.Like rats. Or kids. Cuz... FEAR works. PAIN works. Just not the way they think.These Practical Implementation Failures…Should sound pretty familiar. To autistic folks. Keenly aware of the nightmare effort Autistic Masking demands around Straight Society.So, look, we know masking doesn't work. Or fear. Or PAIN. We're dying from them already.That's all the words we need.Add to this our difficulty forming new habits, maintaining routines, and processing cognitive information differently. Under stress… which therapy itself can induce… we often revert to previous behaviors. Any “improvements” from “techniques”? Not bloody likely they're ingrained as permanent muscle memory.Requiring frequent refresher sessions to maintain the illusion of change… and progress.As one commenter wrote: "To me, CBT has always felt inherently surface-level. It's like closing a few tabs on your browser as opposed to doing a factory reset."Biggest problem of all? Neurodivergent Diversity.Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic… all different cognitive profiles.Sure, we're all different from the typical population. But an autistic who also experiences ADHD thinks and acts differently than a dyslexic one. At least to my trained observation. I was a mental health social worker for 10 years…Despite these complexities… Maybe because it is complex… It seems to me that CBT treats us all as if we're standard-model humans. With a few bugs to fix.We require GENERATIONAL studies of representative populations to sort this spaghetti pile out. Before we should be recommending these techniques.On living humans. Adults. And especially kids.ABA and Its Relatives: An Even Deeper Hole.Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) deserves special mention. It's the behavioral therapy most parents hear about in grammar schools.What most don't know? ABA shares roots with debunked, torturous gay Conversion Therapy. Outlawed in many states. Both were developed by O. Ivar Lovaas in the 60s.Both aim to eliminate "undesirable" behaviors. Using “aversive” techniques. From snapping rubber bands in the nice clinics. To cattle prods in the not-so-nice facilities.Punishing and suppressing behaviors that are natural to our nervous systems. Behaviors that protect us from a society not built for us.ABA may have volumes of "data." But it's all shaped by behaviors researchers and parents want, not what autistic children or adults need. The outcomes measured? Eye contact. Sitting still. Verbal responses. Not internal autistic wellbeing.It's important to understand one simple point. Data is not science.How you frame your research or experiment How you gather your data How you choose how many subjects and whom When you choose to gather data How you interpret your data How you present your dataAll impact its validity and value. ABA and all its camouflaged cousins fall down on this core scientific truth.Bottom line? When former ABA children grow up, many report trauma. PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Self-harm.ConclusionFuck #ABA. Fuck #CBT.Everybody in the therapeutic-industrial complex from clinic receptionist to billionaire pharmaceutical CEO makes money. From your kid's pain. Caused by treatments that don't address neurodivergent needs. As far as I… and better-known neurodiversity-affirming authorities… can tell.Strong words? Yes. Because minds… and lives… are at stake.We need therapies that work WITH our neurology, not against it. That build on our strengths instead of calling us coolly, professionally, pathologizing names.In Part 3, we'll really bring this all home. How labeling our intrinsic differences as disease is about as anti-therapeutic as you can get.We'll explore "PDA… Not Every Difference Is a Disease." And really raise a ruckus.OutroFor your deeper diving pleasure, the transcript contains references and footnotes for most points I raise. From a variety of views.Hey, don't forget, you can download Part 1, “Autistic Resilience.” Or download both parts as one file.More coming in this series exploring how neurodivergent folks can build sustainable, authentic lives… with or without professional intervention. With 2 more parts coming…AutisticAF Out Loud podcast is supported solely by listeners like you. If you have a friend or family member touched by neurodiversity? Why not turn them on to us with a quick email?By the way, we believe no one should have to pay to be autistic. Many neurodivergent people can't afford subscription content.Your Ko-Fi tip of any amount helps keep this resource free for them. Or join our paid subscriber community at johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com for ongoing support. I put both links in description.References & Further Reading1: Ableist: Discriminating against people with disabilities by assuming everyone's mind and body work the same way. Like designing a world only for the "standard model human" and then blaming us when we can't navigate it.2: Operant conditioning: A learning process in which behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments.3: Beck, A. T. (1979). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. Penguin.4: Bottema-Beutel, K., & Crowley, S. (2021). Pervasive Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest in Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.5: Cage, E., Di Monaco, J., & Newell, V. (2018). Experiences of Autism Acceptance and Mental Health in Autistic Adults. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 473-484.6: Masking: The act of concealing one's autistic traits to fit in or avoid negative attention.7: Meta-analyses show that waitlist control groups often overestimate the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression and anxiety, and that changes occurring during waitlist periods are typically small, making waitlist-controlled trials a less strict test of effectiveness.Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., Purgato, M., de Wit, L., Ebert, D. D., ... & Furukawa, T. A. (2024). Overestimation of the effect sizes of psychotherapies for depression in waitlist-controlled trials: a meta-analytic comparison with usual care controlled trials. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 33, e10.8: Patterson, B., Boyle, M. H., Kivlenieks, M., & Van Ameringen, M. (2016). The use of waitlists as control conditions in anxiety disorders research. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 41, 56-64.9: Boucher, J., Mayes, A., & Bigham, S. (2012). Memory in autistic spectrum disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 138(3), 458-496.10: Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2006). The weak coherence account: detail-focused cognitive style in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(1), 5-25.11: Rekers, G. A., & Lovaas, O. I. (1974). Behavioral treatment of deviant sex-role behaviors in a male child. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7(2), 173–190.See also: El Dewar (2024), "ABA: The Neuro-Normative Conversion Therapy," NDConnection; and the Lovaas Institute's 2024 statement regarding conversion therapy.12: Sandoval-Norton, A. H., & Shkedy, G. (2019). How much compliance is too much compliance: Is long-term ABA therapy abuse? Cogent Psychology, 6(1).13: McGill, O., & Robinson, A. (2020). "Recalling hidden harms": Autistic experiences of childhood Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Advances in Autism, ahead-of-print.14: Xie, Y., Zhang, Y., Li, Y., et al. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics, 147(5), e2020049880.81015: Weston, L., Hodgekins, J., & Langdon, P. E. (2016). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy with people who have autistic spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 41-54.16: Miguel, C., Harrer, M., Cuijpers, P., et al. (2025). Self-reports vs clinician ratings of efficacies of psychotherapies for depression: a meta-analysis. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 34, e9.Note: Links are provided for reference only. Views expressed may differ from my own experiences and observations. Sources affiliated with Autism Speaks are controversial in the neurodiversity community. Their research may be included for completeness. But perhaps be cautious.#AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. Click below to receive new posts… free. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe

Behavior Analysis Meets Artificial Intelligence In the second installment of Behavioral Observations' Frontera Series on AI, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sydney Holmes, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and master's level psychologist. Sydney is also the Clinical Product Lead at Frontera, where she's helping bridge the gap between behavior analysis and artificial intelligence in some really exciting ways. Did you miss the first Frontera Series interview with CEO and Founder, Amol Deshpande? Check it out here! We covered everything from using AI tools for clinical work and content creation, to how machine learning is reshaping supervision, diagnostics, and parent support. From Marine Biology to Behavior Analysis Sydney has a unique background. She started in marine biology and eventually found her way to psychology and behavior analysis. Today, she's at the forefront of tech innovation in her role at Frontera, where she combines clinical insight with product development. What is Digital Phenotyping? One of the more fascinating parts of our conversation was about digital phenotyping. Frontera is using AI to analyze real-world video data in order to track, measure, and interpret client behavior—helping clinicians make faster, more informed decisions. Teaching AI to Understand Behavior Sydney described the challenges of teaching machines to detect nuanced behaviors like crying or vocal stereotypy. It takes close collaboration between BCBAs and engineers to develop AI tools that are truly clinically useful. Enhancing Diagnostics and Supervision with AI We talked about how Frontera is helping BCBAs with autism diagnostics, supervision, and quality assurance through smart automation. Their platform supports more efficient monitoring of RBT sessions and helps maintain fidelity to treatment protocols. Real-Time RBT Session Review and Feedback Frontera's video tools allow for recording of every RBT session, making it possible to provide objective, real-time feedback. The goal is to support staff in a way that's consistent and non-punitive, which aligns with what we know about effective supervision. Improving Parent Engagement with Mobile Apps Sydney also discussed how their mobile app allows caregivers to submit short videos of their interactions with their child. This enables BCBAs to provide timely, video-based coaching and collect meaningful data outside of traditional session settings. Advice for Behavior Analysts Embracing AI Her advice for clinicians? Stay curious but skeptical, lean into collaboration, and look for ways to use technology to enhance—not replace—the human side of behavioral healthcare. Learn More To learn more about Frontera's tools and mission, visit frontera.health. You can also connect with Sydney and the team on LinkedIn and other social platforms. Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast. If you found this conversation helpful, be sure to subscribe and share it with a colleague!

Watching treatment implementation is one of the key determinants behind whether great treatments lead to great results. But, deep down in our hearts, we all struggle to hit that magic 33% of sessions with greater than 80% agreement we all learned about in graduate school. But, what if interobserver agreement didn't have to be that. What if we were thinking about IOA all wrong? This week we brush up on some of the basics of IOA procedures like “How do I calculate IOA again?” before moving on to more interesting research in the field like training folks to take good IOA and questioning the standard wisdom of how much IOA is good enough. We'll be watching you! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Hausman, N.L., Javed, N., Bednar, M.K., Guell, M., Schaller, E., Nevill, R.E., & Kahng, S. (2022). Interobserver agreement: A preliminary investigation into how much is enough? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 357-368. doi: 10.1002/jaba.811 Garrity, M.L., Luiselli, J.K., & McCollum, S.A. (2008). Effects of a supervisory intervention on assessment of interobserver agreement by educational service providers. Behavioral Interventions, 23, 105-112. doi: 10.1002/bin.258 Hartz, R.M., Gould, K., Harper, J.M., & Luiselli, J.K. (2020). Assessing interobserver agreement (IOA) with procedural integrity: Evaluation of training methods among classroom instructors. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 43, 1-12. doi: 10.1080/00168890.2020.1848404 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.

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Mr. Adam Ventura. (Part 2 of 2)Adam Ventura, MS, BCBA, is a leader in the integration of artificial intelligence and behavior science. He is the Founder and CEO of Intraverbal AI, a company dedicated to transforming applied behavior analysis (ABA) through AI-powered tools that support ethical decision-making, supervision, and clinical efficiency. Adam's current focus is on leveraging technology to make data-driven insights and innovative systems more accessible to behavior analysts across settings. A graduate of Florida International University (FIU) and a long-standing adjunct professor, Adam blends academic rigor with cutting-edge application. Adam is an established author and speaker, he has contributed extensively to the literature on ethical practices, leadership, and now the responsible integration of AI in behavior analysis.Adam speaks eloquently about his past experiences leading to his current project and heart work at Intraverbal AI. He has done it all in the field of ABA, and he forges forward with the most modern of technologies at hand. This is an innovative and refreshing brew you can enjoy over and over again, and it's only the first of two full pours. Sit back, enjoy this. tall, cold one, and always analyze responsibly. Support the show

Now that we've got some vacation time coming up in our near futures, we can sit back, relax…and make our listener's choose our episodes for us! That's right. We've got not one but TWO polls for listeners this month that will determine our summer Listener Choice topic as well as the next year's worth of Book Clubs. Excited to vote? Well, only patrons (at ANY level) will have access to the LC and Book Club polls so, if you haven't signed up yet, better get on it before everyone else chooses your books for you. Oh, and we have a full month of episodes all about IOA, working with an interpreter, and a whole grab bag of ethics! So, by vacation, we meant podcasting wearing sunglasses and shorts. Listener Choice Poll Book Club Poll Join the Patreon! Articles for June 2025 IOA Hausman, N.L., Javed, N., Bednar, M.K., Guell, M., Schaller, E., Nevill, R.E., & Kahng, S. (2022). Interobserver agreement: A preliminary investigation into how much is enough? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 357-368. doi: 10.1002/jaba.811 Garrity, M.L., Luiselli, J.K., & McCollum, S.A. (2008). Effects of a supervisory intervention on assessment of interobserver agreement by educational service providers. Behavioral Interventions, 23, 105-112. doi: 10.1002/bin.258 Hartz, R.M., Gould, K., Harper, J.M., & Luiselli, J.K. (2020). Assessing interobserver agreement (IOA) with procedural integrity: Evaluation of training methods among classroom instructors. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 43, 1-12. doi: 10.1080/00168890.2020.1848404   Ethicstime! (Summer 2025 Grab Bag) Henderson, T.B., Ludden, B.J., & Romero, R.A. (2023). The ethical obligations, barriers, and solutions for interprofessional collaboration in the treatment of autistic individuals. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16, 963-976. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00787-z Shreck, K., Ivy, J. W., & Zane, T. (2023). Teaching behavior analysts to address unethical behavior: Developing evidence based ethics instructional methods. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00845-6 Logue, J. J., Hustyi, K. M., Toby, L M., & Outlaw, E. E. (2023). Promoting ethical and evidence-based practice through a panel review process: A case study in implementation research. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00807-y   Tutorial: Working With an Interpreter Dowdy, A., Obidimalor, K.C., Tinanci, M., & Travers, J.C. (2021). Delivering culturally sound and high-quality behavior analytic services when working with an interpreter. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 21, 51-64. doi: 10.1037/bar0000206 Vasquez, D.J., Lechago, S.A., & McCarville, M.J. (2024). Training behavior analysis graduate students to work with an interpreter. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 1160-1174. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00938-w Hadziabdic, E., Albin, B., Heikkila, K., & Hjelm, K. (2014). Family members' experiences of the use of interpreters in healthcare. Primary Health Care Research and Development, 15, 156-169. doi: 10.1017/S1463423612000680

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Mr. Adam Ventura. (Part 1 of 2)Adam Ventura, MS, BCBA, is a leader in the integration of artificial intelligence and behavior science. He is the Founder and CEO of Intraverbal AI, a company dedicated to transforming applied behavior analysis (ABA) through AI-powered tools that support ethical decision-making, supervision, and clinical efficiency. Adam's current focus is on leveraging technology to make data-driven insights and innovative systems more accessible to behavior analysts across settings. A graduate of Florida International University (FIU) and a long-standing adjunct professor, Adam blends academic rigor with cutting-edge application. Adam is an established author and speaker, he has contributed extensively to the literature on ethical practices, leadership, and now the responsible integration of AI in behavior analysis.Adam speaks eloquently about his past experiences leading to his current project and heart work at Intraverbal AI. He has done it all in the field of ABA, and he forges forward with the most modern of technologies at hand. This is an innovative and refreshing brew you can enjoy over and over again, and it's only the first of two full pours. Sit back, enjoy this. tall, cold one, and always analyze responsibly. Want to check out Intraverbal Ai? EMAIL US: info@intraverbal.ai with promo code: ABA on Tap for a 50% discount.Support the show

This episode explores the intersection between applied behavior analysis and user experience (UX) research, demonstrating how behavior analysts can apply their skills in technology and design fields. The discussion focuses on transferable skills including interview techniques, observational methods, and behavioral assessment strategies that are valuable in UX research. Participants will learn about effective approaches to gathering stakeholder information, understanding user needs, and applying behavior analytic thinking to improve product design and user interfaces. The content emphasizes how behavior analysts can expand their career opportunities while contributing their unique skillset to interdisciplinary teams in technology and other fields.  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 References:   Anderson, N. (2019, March 26). Getting specific with the TEDw method [Interview]. dscout People Nerds. https://www.dscout.com/people-nerds/tedw   Cihon, T. M., Cihon, J. H., & Bedient, G. M. (2016). Establishing a common vocabulary of key concepts for the effective implementation of applied behavior analysis. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 9(2), 337–348.   Partington, J. W. (2006). Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R). Behavior Analysts, Inc.  Partington, J. W., & Mueller, M. (2012). The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS). Behavior Analysts, Inc.  Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., & Saulnier, C. A. (2016). Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3). Pearson.  Resources:   Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) - https://www.abainternational.org  CentralReach - https://www.centralreach.com  Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) - https://www.casproviders.org    

In the sixth episode of season 4, special host Dr. Cara English, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by a panel of Doctors of Behavioral Health (DBH) trained experts to respond to recent national headlines surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorders. This episode explores the rise in autism diagnoses, debunks outdated myths about vaccines and causation, and takes a look at how political rhetoric impacts families and individuals living with autism. The conversation also highlights the gaps in caregiver support, the importance of co-occurring diagnoses, and why holistic, evidence-based care is essential to the future of integrated behavioral health.About the Guests:Dr. Liliane Rocha, DBH, BCBA, QBA, CGI DBH program alumna, is an internationally renowned professional in the field of Behavior Analysis, with over 20 years of experience transforming lives and impacting organizations. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Qualified Behavior Analyst (QBA), Dr. Rocha has dedicated her career to working with people with developmental disabilities, severe mental disorders, parents, and individuals seeking personal and professional growth. Founder and CEO of The Behavior Web, Dr. Rocha leads an organization that provides innovative consulting for schools and hospitals in the United States and international projects, including in her home country, Brazil. With a person-centered approach, she is a certified Master Coach, instructor, and facilitator of the ACT Matrix, using the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people and organizations overcome conflicts and act toward values ​​and purposes. Her work stands out in the integration of behavioral health, especially in improving care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the pediatric setting. Dr. Rocha is also a faculty member in the prestigious Doctorate in Behavioral Health program at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Recognized for her academic contributions, she has published articles in the International Journal of Integrated Care and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as chapters in influential books in the field. Her impact is frequently shared at national and international conferences, where she inspires professionals with her innovative vision and evidence-based practice.Dr. Cory Cannady, DBH, BCBA, LBA, IBA, CGI DBH program alumni, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Assistant Clinical Director at Elevate. He is from a small town in west Tennessee and moved to Chattanooga in 2009 to attend UTC. After earning his Bachelor's in Secondary English Education, he taught for the Hamilton County Department of Education for 5 years. While teaching, he obtained his Master's Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. He obtained his Board Certification and licensure in 2019. Cory has recently completed his Doctor of Behavioral Health degree from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Scott O'Donnell. (Part 2 of 2)Dr. O'Donnell earned a bachelor's in Psychology minoring in Cognitive Neuroscience under the mentorship of Dr. Philip Hineline at Temple University where he assisted in conducting an experimental analysis of behavior with rats and pigeons. Dr. O'Donnell began working with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities in 2013, youth with autism and intellectual disabilities in 2015, and received his registered behavior technician credential in 2016 working for multiple companies providing autism services. Dr. O'Donnell earned his masters in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis in 2018 from Purdue Global (nee Kaplan University) where he studied under Dr. Antonio Harrison, a researcher and practitioner of behavior analysis in health, sports, and fitness settings. In 2022, Dr. O'Donnell graduated with a PhD from The Chicago School for Professional Psychology where he researched applications of applied behavior analysis in non-traditional settings including sports and organizational behavior management under Dr. Jack Spear, publishing his thesis in 2021 reviewing behavioral interventions to improve the performance of competing athletes and conducted his dissertation on behavior analysis with competing golfers. Dr. O'Donnell works with under-served mental health populations providing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clients on medical assistance in Philadelphia. Dr. O'Donnell is the President of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Association for Behavior Analysis. Dr. O'Donnell volunteers with his local civic association and promotes the use of radical behaviorism in government. Some of his research interests include translational behavior analysis (theory to practice), Health/Sports/& Fitness, social responsibility and sustainability, freedom and government, Relational Frame Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, radical behaviorism, and self-applications of behavior analysis.Dr. Scott is a wealth of knowledge and an amazingly cool dude. We look forward to his next visit. This is a nice, super-chilled, tasty and refreshing brew. Feel free to pour generously and always analyze responsibly. Support the show

Since time immemorial BCBAs have looked at their seven-item array of candies and asked, “Why can't I do a preference assessment with huge items or unavailable activities?” Well, now you can with pictorial and/or video-based preference assessments! But don't take my word for it. Or, do take my word for it, but my word paired with the word of all the research on the subject. And if you're already using this technology in your preference assessments, shouldn't you better double-check that you're actually following the evidence-based guidelines. Or did you just assume that the picture of hanging out with friends playing on the iPad must be equivalent to the real thing? This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Heinicke, M.R., Carr, J.E., Pence, S.T., Zias, D.R., Valentino, A.L., & Falligant, J.M. (2016). Assessing the efficacy of pictorial preference assessments for children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 848-868. doi: 10.1002/jaba.342 Brodhead, M.T., Al-Dubayan, M.N., Mates, M., Abel, E.A., & Brouwers, L. (2016). An evaluation of a brief video-based multiple-stimulus without replacement preference assessment. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 160-164. doi: 10.1007/s40617-015-0081-0 Wolfe, K., Kunnavatana, S.S., & Shoemaker, A.M. (2018). An investigation of a video-based preference assessment of social interactions. Behavior Modification, 42, 729-746. doi: 10.1177/0145445517731062 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.

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Dr. Scott O'Donnell. (Part 1 of 2)Dr. O'Donnell earned a bachelor's in Psychology minoring in Cognitive Neuroscience under the mentorship of Dr. Philip Hineline at Temple University where he assisted in conducting an experimental analysis of behavior with rats and pigeons. Dr. O'Donnell began working with adults with autism and intellectual disabilities in 2013, youth with autism and intellectual disabilities in 2015, and received his registered behavior technician credential in 2016 working for multiple companies providing autism services. Dr. O'Donnell earned his masters in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis in 2018 from Purdue Global (nee Kaplan University) where he studied under Dr. Antonio Harrison, a researcher and practitioner of behavior analysis in health, sports, and fitness settings. In 2022, Dr. O'Donnell graduated with a PhD from The Chicago School for Professional Psychology where he researched applications of applied behavior analysis in non-traditional settings including sports and organizational behavior management under Dr. Jack Spear, publishing his thesis in 2021 reviewing behavioral interventions to improve the performance of competing athletes and conducted his dissertation on behavior analysis with competing golfers. Dr. O'Donnell works with under-served mental health populations providing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clients on medical assistance in Philadelphia. Dr. O'Donnell is the President of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Association for Behavior Analysis. Dr. O'Donnell volunteers with his local civic association and promotes the use of radical behaviorism in government. Some of his research interests include translational behavior analysis (theory to practice), Health/Sports/& Fitness, social responsibility and sustainability, freedom and government, Relational Frame Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, radical behaviorism, and self-applications of behavior analysis.Dr. Scott is a wealth of knowledge and an amazingly cool dude. We look forward to his next visit. This is a nice, super-chilled, tasty and refreshing brew. Feel free to pour generously and always analyze responsibly. Support the show

Workplace conflict isn't just frustrating—it can derail your ABA team's morale, productivity, and culture. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen unpack what workplace “drama” really looks like, why it happens, and how ABA business owners can address it without letting it take over. They explore root causes like miscommunication, unclear expectations, burnout, favoritism, and gossip—while offering practical strategies for resolution and culture building. From recognizing covert signs of toxic work environments to implementing real systems that support staff, this episode is packed with honest discussion and hard-earned insights from both clinical and leadership perspectives. Whether you're dealing with one difficult employee or widespread tension, this conversation will give you actionable ways to foster a more transparent, respectful, and supportive workplace.

While Jackie's away (and stuck in an elevator) Rob and Diana will play…podcast hosting duties for the month. This month last spring's Book Club choice, “Activity Schedules for Children with Autism” gets released to the free feed (with free CEs for Patreon subscribers!) with new episodes on preference assessments and practicing within a school context. And speaking of pairs of awesome behavior analysts, special guest, John Staubitz, gives us the rundown on special education laws and what BCBAs really need to know about the scope of schoolwork. Now's the time on podcast when we dance! Articles for May 2025 (UNLOCKED) Activity Schedules for Children with Autism Book Club McClannahan, L.E. & Krantz, P.J. (1999). Activity schedules for children with autism: Teaching independent behavior. Woodbine House. McClannahan, L.E. & Krantz, P.J. (2010). Activity schedules for children with autism: Teaching independent behavior. (2nd ed.). Woodbine House. Rehfeldt, R.A. (2002). A review of McClannahan and Krantz's "Activity schedules for children with autism: Teaching independent behavior": Toward the inclusion and integration of children with disabilities. The Behavior Analyst, 25, 103-108. doi: 10.1007/BF03392048   PIctorial and Video-Based Preference Assessments Heinicke, M.R., Carr, J.E., Pence, S.T., Zias, D.R., Valentino, A.L., & Falligant, J.M. (2016). Assessing the efficacy of pictorial preference assessments for children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 49, 848-868. doi: 10.1002/jaba.342 Brodhead, M.T., Al-Dubayan, M.N., Mates, M., Abel, E.A., & Brouwers, L. (2016). An evaluation of a brief video-based multiple-stimulus without replacement preference assessment. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9, 160-164. doi: 10.1007/s40617-015-0081-0 Wolfe, K., Kunnavatana, S.S., & Shoemaker, A.M. (2018). An investigation of a video-based preference assessment of social interactions. Behavior Modification, 42, 729-746. doi: 10.1177/0145445517731062   Practicing Within a School Context w/ John Staubitz Stevenson, B.S. & Correa, V.I. (2019). Applied behavior analysis, students with autism, and the requirement to provide a free appropriate public education. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 29, 206-215. doi: 10.1177/1044207318799644 Stevenson, B., Bethune, K., & Gardner, R. (2024). Still left behind: How behavior analysts can improve children's access, equity, and inclusion to their entitled education. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00992-4 Copeland, S.R., Duffie, P., & Maez, R. (2025). Preparation of behavior analysts for school-based practice. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-01028-7  

Send us a textPart 2 of 2ABA on Tap is proud to spend some time with Maggie Haraburda, founder and director of Unfurling Littles, a unique treatment center combining ABA with best practices in Early Childhood Education.  Neurodiversity Affirming and rooted in compassionate care; this center takes an approach to supporting children of all neurotypes that is play-based and child-led. Unfurling Littles was created out of a desire to do better for neurodivergent children and create a model of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that is not implicated in causing harm. Maggie believes that  "The only way to move forward, is to look back with open eyes. We are a small Autistic owned company and will stay that way. We are not your average agency and we don't intend to be, we are just a group of humans trying to help other humans. " Given recent concerns and criticisms of ABA as presented by members of the neurodivergent community, Maggie promotes an important message of truly collaborative treatment. This is smooth and easy brew. Pour heavy, pour lots and always analyze responsibly.Please find Maggie and her incredible team at:https://www.unfurlinglittles.com/Innovation Moon: ABA Business ConsultingABA OBM business consulting & services | BCBA & autism therapy owners | Proud sponsor of ABA on TapDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

In this episode we chat with Jackie Mohler, Executive Director of Family Outreach. Jackie discusses her legislative work on behalf of Montanans living with disabilities, and the ways in which engagement can -- and should -- continue after the session ends. Guest Bio: Jackie Mohler is Executive Director for Family Outreach Inc., a Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities and their families. She has earned a Master of Education degree from MSU Billings, specializing in Special Education with Advanced Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jackie is a mother of two children diagnosed with learning disabilities who have greatly benefitted from developmental support services and these issues are very close to her heart. She brings over 25 years of experience working in the human services field in both direct support and management roles. As president of the Montana Association for Behavior Analysis in 2017, Jackie worked with colleagues and lawmakers to develop legislation creating a framework for behavior analyst licensure in the state of Montana. Jackie is a Licensed Behavior Analyst and serves as Vice Chair for the Montana Board of Psychologists. In 2020, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities selected her as an Emerging Leader, recognizing her commitment to civil rights and social justice. She continues to provide professional guidance to lawmakers concerning developmental disability services, interventions, and treatments.Organizations/resources mentioned in this episode: Family Outreach: https://familyoutreach.org/Behavioral Health System for Future Generations: https://dphhs.mt.gov/FutureGenerations/IndexBehavior Analyst Licensure Information (MT Department of Labor and Industry): https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/psychologists/license-information/behavior-analystMontana Association of Community Disability Services: https://mtacds.com/Connect with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Website Facebook Instagram For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, please visit LIFTS ( Linking Infants and Families to Supports) athttps://hmhb-lifts.org/

Crystal Collette and Jennifer Watson Jamison share their journey to achieving Autism Commission on Quality accreditation for Centra's Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy program and explain how modern ABA helps children with autism through individualized, evidence-based approaches.What exactly is ABA therapy? As Jennifer explains, it's fundamentally "the science of learning" that addresses everything from communication and social skills to emotional regulation and self-help abilities. Modern approaches have moved away from older error-based methods to "errorless teaching," where children are shown the correct response from the beginning, resulting in faster learning and less frustration.For parents feeling overwhelmed by an autism diagnosis, the team offers this reassurance: "Take a breath... We're in this together. We will figure it out." Visit Centra's website to learn more about autism services and take that first step toward understanding if ABA might be right for your child.For more content from Centra Health check us out on the following channels.YouTubeFacebookInstagramTwitter

Send us a textPart 1 of 2ABA on Tap is proud to spend some time with Maggie Haraburda, founder and director of Unfurling Littles, a unique treatment center combining ABA with best practices in Early Childhood Education.  Neurodiversity Affirming and rooted in compassionate care; this center takes an approach to supporting children of all neurotypes that is play-based and child-led. Unfurling Littles was created out of a desire to do better for neurodivergent children and create a model of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that is not implicated in causing harm. Maggie believes that  "The only way to move forward, is to look back with open eyes. We are a small Autistic owned company and will stay that way. We are not your average agency and we don't intend to be, we are just a group of humans trying to help other humans. " Given recent concerns and criticisms of ABA as presented by members of the neurodivergent community, Maggie promotes an important message of truly collaborative treatment. This is smooth and easy brew. Pour heavy, pour lots and always analyze responsibly.Please find Maggie and her incredible team at:https://www.unfurlinglittles.com/

We're finishing up our two-part Listener Choice episodes highlighting tutorial articles that give you the “how to” when it comes to important BCBA skills. And if you enjoyed our episode on procedural integrity, you're going to LOVE this tutorial all about using token economies. We dive into some token economy history, basic set up, application, and come to the conclusion that WE'VE BEEN DOING TOKEN ECONOMIES WRONG! Or, at least not as well as we could be. If you've ever laminated Sponge Bob stickers, you owe it to yourself to listen to this episode. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Ackerman, K. B., Samudre, M., & Allday, R. A. (2020). Practical components for getting the most from a token economy.Teaching Exceptional Children, 52(4), 242-249. doi: 10.1177/0040059919892022 Kazdin, A.E. (1982). The token economy: A decade later. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 15, 431-445. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1982.15-431. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1982.15-431 Degli Espinosa, F. & Hackenberg, T.D. (2024). Token economies: Evidence-based recommendations for practitioners. Behavioral Interventions. doi: 10.1002/bin.2051 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.

Send us a text(Part 2 of 2)--ABA on Tap is proud to pour Michelle Zeman's brew. Michelle is known to the world as 'The Autistic Behavior Analyst' and she is the proud, and esteemed host of 'Safe Space--The ABA Podcast.' Michelle has experience in everything any BCBA is well versed in, except she also has the personal experience. She discusses her early intervention prior to insurance mandates for autism treatment Michelle experienced a treatment model largely based on 'parent training' She took her early experiences to college and ultimately decided to work in Applied Behavior Analysis, applying the same treatment she received to others in need. Michelle shares a unique experience, akin to the neurosurgeon who becomes the patient to trust her own science during a surgical procedure. She offers a unique perspective from child to patient, from patient to professional treating patients. This is a full brew, rich and complex, offering a lot to palate, almost chew. Pour generously, sip slowly and always analyze responsibly. Find Michelle on Instagram @theautisticbehavioranalyst.

In this raw and heartfelt episode of 3 Pie Squared – ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen open up about a crucial topic that impacts many in the field: ABA business owner burnout. From long hours to emotional exhaustion, they share personal stories, explore the blurred line between burnout and depression, and challenge the culture of wearing burnout like a badge of honor. April leads a deep discussion about how burnout shows up behaviorally, the role of cynicism, and how business owners can unintentionally pass burnout down to their teams. Stephen adds candid insights on mental load, boundaries, and the stress of juggling personal and professional responsibilities. They also touch on systems that help, like regular check-ins and building a support network, plus the impact of societal pressures and lack of community in modern leadership roles. Whether you're in the startup phase or deep into your ABA journey, this episode invites you to pause and reflect. Let's stop normalizing burnout—and start creating sustainable, balanced ABA practices. This episode is proudly sponsored by MarginKeepers

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to pour Michelle Zeman's brew. Michelle is known to the world as 'The Autistic Behavior Analyst' and she is the proud, and esteemed host of 'Safe Space--The ABA Podcast.' Michelle has experience in everything any BCBA is well versed in, except she also has the personal experience. She discusses her early intervention prior to insurance mandates for autism treatment Michelle experienced a treatment model largely based on 'parent training' She took her early experiences to college and ultimately decided to work in Applied Behavior Analysis, applying the same treatment she received to others in need. Michelle shares a unique experience, akin to the neurosurgeon who becomes the patient to trust her own science during a surgical procedure. She offers a unique perspective from child to patient, from patient to professional treating patients. This is a full brew, rich and complex, offering a lot to palate, almost chew. Pour generously, sip slowly and always analyze responsibly. Find Michelle on Instagram @theautisticbehavioranalyst.

Spring has sprung on us with a bunch of freezing rain. So what better time than now to get set for a cozy crop of new podcasts for April. First up, as visit from our favorite mythical bunny with a grab bag of goodies in the form of new articles to discuss. Then finally wrap up our (winter!) Listener Choice episode with a tutorial on token economies before coming up with new ways to finish our paperwork and create meaningful family supports. Then, for patrons-only, our Spring Book Club looking at the female neurodivergent-supporting book, Divergent Mind. By the time you've listened to all of these episodes, the flowers will definitely be in bloom. Articles for April 2025 Hoppin' Down the Grab Bag Trail (Spring 2025 Grab Bag) Nevill, R.E., Crawford, M.F., Zarcone, J.R., Maquera, E., Rooker, G.W., Schmidt, J.D. (2024). A retrospective consecutive controlled case series analysis of the assessment and treatment of elopement in children with autism in an inpatient setting. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00979-1 Santa Cruz, H. A. C.,  MIltenburger, R. G. & Baruni., R. R. (2024). Evaluating remote behavioral skills training of online gaming safety skills. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 246-256. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00830-z Kelly-Sisken, S., Reeve, K. F., McPheters, C. J., Vladescu, J. C, Reeve, S. A., & Jennings, A. M. (2025). Comparing equivalence-based instruction to a PowerPoint video lecture to teach differential reinforcement descriptors to college students. Behavioral Interventions, 40, online first publication. doi: 10.1002/bin.70002 Tutorial: Token Economies (Spring 2025 Listener Choice) Ackerman, K. B., Samudre, M., & Allday, R. A. (2020). Practical components for getting the most from a token economy.Teaching Exceptional Children, 52(4), 242-249. doi: 10.1177/0040059919892022 Kazdin, A.E. (1982). The token economy: A decade later. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 15, 431-445. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1982.15-431. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1982.15-431 Degli Espinosa, F. & Hackenberg, T.D. (2024). Token economies: Evidence-based recommendations for practitioners. Behavioral Interventions. doi: 10.1002/bin.2051 You Forgot to Do Your Paperwork Luna, O. & Rapp, J.T. (2019). Using a checklist to increase objective session note writing: Preliminary results. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12, 622-626. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00315-4 Halbur, M., Reidy, J., Kodak, T., Cowan, L., & Harman, M. (2024). Comparison of enhanced and standard data sheets on treatment fidelity and data collection for tact training. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 533-543. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00869-y Brown, K.J. (2022). The use of a pictorially enhanced self-instruction packet ot improve weekly time sheet completion in an ABA clinic. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management. doi: 10.1080/01608061.2022.2063221 Family Supports and Contextualized Treatment Planning Russa, M.B., Matthews, A.L., & Owen-DeSchryver, J.S. (2015). Expanding supports to improve the lives of families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 17, 95-104. doi: 10.1177/1098300714532134 Moes, D.R. & Frea, W.D. Using family context to inform intervention planning for the treatment of a child with autism. (2000). Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 2, 40-46. doi: 10.1177/109830070000200 Guinness, K.E., Atkinson, R.S., & Feil, E.G. (2024). Evaluating social validity to inform intervention development: Qualitative analysis of caregiver interviews. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 17, 870-879. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00899-6 Divergent Mind Book Club (PATRONS ONLY) Nerenberg, J. (2020). Divergent mind: Thriving in a world that wasn't designed for you. Harper One.  

Carly Lemons sits down with Noisy Narratives to talk about her work in Applied Behavior Analysis with special needs children, and her love for helping kiddos with challenging behaviors engage in the world around them. Carly is so kind and obviously loves working with her clients and their families. We hope you enjoy this conversation and learn something new to you!

The Truth Behind Client and Staff Cancellations Client and staff cancellations are one of the most common — and frustrating — challenges in ABA practice management. In this episode of 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen take a deep dive into the hidden patterns behind cancellations and how they impact everything from staff morale to medical necessity and insurance utilization. They explore how to shift your mindset from reactive frustration to proactive analysis by viewing cancellations as valuable data points. Learn how to track the right metrics, identify patterns in time-of-day, geography, and staff engagement, and why clear definitions and consistent data collection are key. Whether you're struggling with split shifts, scheduling gaps, or persistent call-outs, this episode offers practical strategies and a challenge to help you start auditing your own cancellation patterns to build a more efficient and supportive ABA business.

Drs. Ilene Schwartz and Beth Kelly joined me to discuss the never ending conundrum of navigating ethical dilemmas. As Ilene points out in the podcast, most people know right from wrong, but the types of dilemmas BCBAs encounter are what she calls 'right vs. right' dilemmas... Therefore, ethical practice requires a continuous decision making process. And in my guests' view, this is not a matter of decontextualized rule-following. In this podcast, we get into these nuances, using Ilene and Beth's newly published book, Ethical Decision Making in Applied Behavior Analysis. We also discussed a framework for articulating one's values and principles that you might find helpful in your work setting. Resources for this podcast: Ethical Decision Making in Applied Behavior Analysis. Rosenberg and Scwhartz (2018). Guidance or Compliance: What Makes an Ethical Behavior Analyst? Kelly, Greeny, Rosenberg and Schwartz (2020). When Rules Are Not Enough: Developing Principles to Guide Ethical Conduct. Dr. Schwartz's faculty page. Dr. Kelly's faculty page. BOP's CEUs, with many Ethics events. This podcast is brought to you with the support of: The Profound Autism Summit. The Profound Autism Summit is a two-day conference taking place on April 10th and 11th in Boston, MA. Following on the massive success of the 2024 Summit, the 2025 event brings together leaders from the areas of research, medicine, treatment, advocacy, and education to discuss the needs and support of those with Profound Autism across disciplines and throughout the lifespan. CEUs from Behavioral Observations. 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.  The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In. The Verbal Behavior Conference. Whether you attend in-person in Austin, TX, or online via BehaviorLive, you're going to love this year's Verbal Behavior Conference! Click here to get all the details! 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!

Send us a textThe landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis has transformed dramatically over the last decade—from how we collect data to how we run our businesses. In this illuminating conversation, Dan and Mike welcome Suzanne Juzwick, BCBA and founder of Innovation Moon, who shares her unique perspective on the technological evolution reshaping our field.Suzanne's journey from special education teacher to ABA technology consultant offers a fascinating window into how the profession has grown. After witnessing the significant impact of ABA in her classroom, she pursued more education and her board certification,  and eventually found her niche at the intersection of clinical quality and technology innovation. Today, she helps ABA businesses navigate the complex world of practice management platforms, offering insights that can mean the difference between struggling and thriving.Whether you're considering opening your own practice, struggling with technology decisions, or simply trying to balance clinical excellence with business sustainability, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's been in the trenches. Tune in to gain insights that could transform how you approach the business side of behavior analysis.And always analyze responsibly.To learn more about Suzanne Juzwik, click the link below:https://www.innovationmoon.com/*This is part 2 of 2. Support the show

 The stigma surrounding mental health has various impacts on individuals, such as preventing them from seeking treatment and causing discrimination in the workplace. Addressing stigma can lead to better access to care and resources for those with mental health conditions, as well as promoting social inclusion and empowerment for individuals to manage their health and pursue their goals. It can also foster a stronger, more diverse community. During the podcast, Felipe Blue, LCAS, LCMHCA, CCS discuss the importance of mental health and the challenges faced by marginalized communities when it comes to accessing mental health resources. He is joined by two preseasoned therapists, Alex Hatley and Alexis Prunczic, who share their personal experiences and insights on the topic. Together, they discuss the impact of systemic racism, poverty, and other social factors on mental health and how community involvement can help in raising awareness and promoting access to mental health services. They emphasize the need for Stigma around mental health needs to be addressed in order to promote well-being and reduce discrimination against those living with mental health challenges. To reduce stigma, it is important to promote open conversations, educate ourselves and others, and advocate for supportive policies and human rights. Acknowledging individuals' abilities and empowering them to reach their full potential can also help reduce stigma. Media also plays a role in perpetuating or reducing stigma, so it is important to be mindful of the content we consume and create.Mental health stigma is a negative attitude or belief towards people with mental health conditions, and it is common in society. Public stigma is when people view mental health negatively and may prevent individuals from seeking help. There is also self-stigma where individuals put themselves down or identify strongly with their diagnosis. Structural stigma is when societal structures create an environment of stigmatizing certain groups, such as those in the LGBTQ+ community or low-income individuals. The consequences of mental health stigma can include individuals not seeking This was a conversation about the stigma surrounding mental health and the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. The participants discussed the societal pressures and stereotypes that contribute to the stigma, and how this can lead to social isolation and discrimination for those struggling with mental health challenges. They also discussed the importance of education and empathy and the need for more accessible and supportive mental health services in the workplace. Alexis M. Prunczik and Alexandra Hatley are both master 's-level Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.Ms. Prunczik is a mental health professional of six years; her work includes being a Direct Support Professional II within group homes, an Autism Support Specialist, an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist, and currently a Qualified Professional and Employment Support Professional III. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Alcohol & Drug Studies through East Carolina University.Ms. Hatley also previously has experience as a Registered Behavioral Technician within the Applied Behavior Analysis field and double-majored in psychology and sociology during her undergraduate studies at East Carolina University. She volunteered at a Crisis Text-Line center for over a year and is interested in growing as a professional through knowledge and advocating for both equality and access.#multiculturalism #decolonizetherapy #mentalhealthawarenessHosted by Felipe Blue, LCAS, LCMHCA, CCSRecorded at More Than Therapy201 W Main StreetSuite 316Durham, NC 27701Director of Photography:Kaya JayIntro Music:Felipe Blue

Dr. Stephanie speaks with Converge Autism Summit speaker, Quatiba Davis. Points of the discussion include; 1) how to create scientific prescriptions with outside testing/testimony; 2) using ABA skills assessments and adaptive assessments to clearly identify the treatment plan package; 3)the impact of IQ on progress and outcomes; 4)data analysis and its importance to monitoring outcomes and progress. The discussion also includes how children and adolescents of color, while becoming diagnosed, are diagnosed later due to stigma and bias and how cultural competence is part of creating a proper plan. About the Speaker:Quatiba DavisMEd, BCBA, LABA, LBA, IBAChief Clinical Officer, ABA Centers of FloridaMs. Quatiba Davis is a distinguished Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with a remarkable career trajectory characterized by leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With an extensive background in general and special education, she has played pivotal roles in shaping the growth and success of ABA Centers of Florida.Presently serving as the Chief Clinical Officer, Ms. Davis exemplifies her commitment to ABA Centers' growth and transformative mission. Her vision encompasses a comprehensive strategy that encompasses professional development, client support, and community engagement. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of togetherness is evident through the Academy of Excellence, which she has revitalized to empower staff and leaders across the company. Ms. Davis's professional objectives revolve around addressing families' concerns and needs by leveraging data-driven insights from trained professionals and providing unwavering support through parent training. Her aspirations extend beyond just a title – she actively engages with her colleagues and raises awareness about the organization's numerous offerings through speaking engagements and media exposure.Furthermore, Ms. Davis is resolute in her commitment to promoting diversity within the ABA community, particularly among underrepresented populations. Driven by her passion for the science of ABA, she has witnessed the transformational impact it has on individuals' lives and firmly believes in its potential. Her experience spans clients who have transitioned from elementary school challenges to college successes, reinforcing her dedication to the field. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Davis wears multiple hats as a devoted mother, teacher, and mentor. Her influence extends to BABA (Black Applied Behavior Analysts), where she supports and empowers minorities in the ABA field through mentorship and motivational platforms. Her multifaceted interests include the beach, fitness, quality time with her daughters, and leveraging her influence as a leader in ABA through podcasts, keynote speaking, and motivational endeavors.

In this episode of The Behavioral View podcast, Shannon Hill and Nissa Van Etten talk with Shahla Ala'i Rosales, co-author of "Between Now and Dreams: Responsible and Responsive Parenting in Autism," and Jamie Mish Smith, a parent of a child with autism. The conversation explores the evolving relationship between behavior analysts and parents, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking, lifelong learning, building connections, and acknowledging the role of love in the work of behavior analysis. The discussion addresses how behavior analysts can better support parents through understanding their experiences, respecting their expertise, and building genuine partnerships that recognize the complexity of family systems. Insights are shared about challenges in contemporary service delivery models and how practitioners can enhance their ability to connect with and support families. 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 References: Ala'i-Rosales, S., & Heinkel-Wolfe, P. (2023). Between now and dreams: Responsible and responsive parenting in autism. Self-published. Pritchett, M., Ala'i-Rosales, S., Cruz, A. G., & Cihon, T. M. (2022). Social justice and the role of behavior analysts: Historical, current, and future directions. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 15(1), 81-88. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00591-7 Rosales-Ruiz, J., & Baer, D. M. (1997). Behavioral cusps: A developmental and pragmatic concept for behavior analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 30(3), 533-544. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1997.30-533 Skinner, B. F. (1948). Walden Two. Macmillan. Wolf, M. M. (1978). Social validity: The case for subjective measurement or how applied behavior analysis is finding its heart. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11(2), 203-214. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1978.11-203 Resources: Amazon link to "Between Now and Dreams": https://www.amazon.com/Responsible-Responsive-Parenting-Autism-Between/dp/0991040384 Association for Contextual Behavioral Science: https://contextualscience.org/ CentralReach: https://centralreach.com/ Parent to Parent: https://www.p2pusa.org/ The Behavioral View Podcast: https://institute.centralreach.com/behavioral-view/      

Closing an ABA practice is an emotional and strategic decision. In this episode, we sit down with Mallory Stinger, BCBA, who shares her journey of closing her ABA business after years of dedication. We discuss the challenges of letting go, managing emotions, and planning for what comes next. Whether you're thinking about transitioning out of your practice or just curious about the process, this conversation provides valuable insights into ABA practice management, business transitions, and professional growth. About Our Guest: Mallory Stinger, BCBA, has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2009 and became a BCBA in 2016. She initially entered ABA while searching for a teaching job in El Paso, Texas, and quickly found her passion in the field. After years of building a successful ABA practice, Mallory made the difficult decision to transition out of ownership for personal and professional growth. She now focuses on supporting the ABA community in new ways, including collaborating on CEU content and professional development. Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Struggling to address aggression in non-vocal learners? In this episode, Audra and Caitlin dive into practical strategies for managing sudden, seemingly random aggressive behaviors. They explore why behaviors might spike, the importance of consistent reinforcement, and how taking a step back can be the key to moving forward.✨ Key Takeaways

Red Flags in ABA Service Providers As the ABA industry grows, so do the number of service providers offering support to ABA businesses. But how do you know who to trust? In this episode of the 3 Pie Squared - ABA Business Leaders podcast, Stephen and April discuss the major red flags to watch for when choosing consultants, service providers, and vendors for your ABA practice. From overpriced services to companies with no real ABA experience, we break down what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to protect your business. Whether you're hiring a biller, an attorney, or a consultant, this episode will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Sponsored by MarginKeepers Concentrate on the science, leave the accounting to us! We have in-depth knowledge of the Applied Behavior Analysis field. Let MarginKeepers handle your bookkeeping so you can focus on growing your practice. Learn more at https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers. Resources for ABA Business Owners ✅ Starting a practice, not sure where to start? Want to make sure you have everything needed for your established practice? Download our free startup list here. ✅ Explore membership options with 3 Pie Squared and access exclusive resources for ABA business leaders here.

  It can be difficult to manage the different aspects of our lives. In this episode, we cover how to recognize and prevent burnout, how to implement personal care, and more.       Read the text version       Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.     Resources:   Get Focused with These Apps: https://lnk.to/asga76   Lessons Learned in 2024: https://lnk.to/asg637   Setting SMART Goals in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250103   Tech Takeaways for Forward-Thinking Insurance: https://ritterim.com/blog/tech-takeaways-for-forward-thinking-insurance-agents/   Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640     References:   Tartakovsky, Margarita. “7 Reasons You Might Resist Rest and How to Get Mental Rest.” Psych Central, Psych Central, 12 Jan. 2023, https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-to-really-rest.   “America's Alarming (Lack of) Work-Life Balance.” ELVTR, ELVTR, 14 Oct. 2024, https://elvtr.com/blog/americas-alarming-lack-of-work-life-balance.   Nastasi, Jessica A., et al. “Breaks and productivity: An exploratory analysis.” Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, vol. 56, no. 3, 11 May 2023, pp. 539–548, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jaba.995?utm_campaign=WRH_6_5_23.   Godreau, Jeanette. “Embrace These 7 Types of Rest.” Mindful Health Solutions, 12 June 2023, https://mindfulhealthsolutions.com/embrace-these-7-types-of-rest/.   “Hello Sunshine.” CU Anschutz Newsroom, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 30 May 2024, https://news.cuanschutz.edu/health-and-wellness/hello-sunshine.   “Stay Focused, Be Present.” Forest, https://www.forestapp.cc/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.   Raeburn, Alicia. “The Productivity Hack That Actually Works [2024].” Asana, Asana, 14 Oct. 2024, https://asana.com/resources/pomodoro-technique.   “Why Our Attention Spans Are Shrinking, with Gloria Mark, Phd.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spans. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.      Follow Us on Social!  Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X (fka) Twitter, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance      Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel    Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/     Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. 

This week, Lisa Topp joins us to talk about the role of behavioral aides or "shadows" in schools, focusing on how they help children with unique behavioral challenges thrive in the classroom. Lisa is a board-certified behavior analyst with a master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and more than a decade of experience in private practice. She provides 1:1 support for children and teens with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges, along with parent coaching. In this episode, we dive into the types of challenges that might indicate a need for a behavioral aide, such as social conflicts, difficulty accessing the curriculum, or challenging behaviors such as refusing to participate. Lisa addresses some of the most common concerns from parents, especially around the stigma of having a shadow in the classroom, sharing how a well-designed support system can improve a child's behavior and relationships with classmates. Our conversation also touches upon the nuances of securing an aide in public vs. private schools and the importance of advocating for children's needs. Lisa highlights why it's important to monitor progress and ensure that children gain independence over time. She also talks about strategies like visual schedules and reinforcement systems to help children stay on track. By the end of this episode, parents are sure to have a better understanding of how behavioral aides can make a huge difference in their child's educational experience and how they can best take on the process of getting the right support in place.  Show Notes: [2:33] - Behavioral aides support children in various school activities, addressing issues such as challenging behaviors. [5:53] - The stigma around classroom shadows is ultimately outweighed by their benefits. [7:38] - Lisa discusses how public and private schools differ in their approach to providing shadows. [10:07] - Some schools don't approve shadows for children, which creates further challenges for families looking for support. [12:52] - Lisa argues that children usually appreciate shadow support. [15:07] - Lisa explains how families and shadows meet to make child-friendly introductions and discuss the support plan. [17:32] - Some children need long-term shadow support. [19:23] - The need for a shadow in high school often indicates significant challenges that require academic support or a new school placement. [21:42] - To address struggles, Lisa assesses skills, collaborates with teachers, and occasionally involves additional specialists. [24:49] - Understanding underlying learning challenges helps address behaviors and reduces anxiety, preventing further issues. [25:35] - Lisa discusses how adjusting assessments, such as offering oral tests, helped a student with dysgraphia excel despite writing struggles. [27:39] - Assessments ultimately seek to find the best support, track progress and involve parents in home strategies. [29:03] - Hear how Lisa observes family dynamics, creates plans, and uses visual schedules to support children at home. [30:34] - Learn how proactive strategies can help prevent challenging behaviors. [33:48] - Lisa argues that consistent planning across home and school, along with advocacy, is important to support children. Links and Related Resources: Episode 210: Challenging Behaviors or Communication? How Parents Can Respond with Dr. Andrew Kahn Episode 218: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans: Which One Is Right for Your Child? - Marisol Chianello Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our Self-Paced Mini Courses: Support for Parents Who Have Children with ADHD, Anxiety, or Dyslexia  Connect with Lisa: Lisa's Website Phone: 310-709-2885 Email: toppaba@gmail.com

We're thrilled to welcome Ashley Penney and Yev Veverka, authors of "Compassion: The Eighth Dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis," to the podcast! With extensive backgrounds in research, education, and clinical practice, Ashley and Yev are at the forefront of reshaping ABA by championing compassionate care. Their groundbreaking work is paving the way for a more empathetic and person-centered future in Applied Behavior Analysis. Join us as we dive into their insights, experiences, and vision for the evolution of ABA. Compassion: The Eighth Dimension of Applied Behavior Analysis | Behavior Analysis in Practice ............................................................... Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, google podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.

Despite being a cornerstone of the science of behavior, we've gone nearly 300 episodes without ever really delving into the details of the matching law. Maybe it's because it involves too many equations. Maybe it's because a lot of the research seems to focus exclusively on choice in basketball shots. In any case we're getting every up to speed on the basics of the matching law and its importance in studying choice. Plus, Rob has spicy hot takes. Sweet sassy mo-lassy! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Reed, D.D. & Kaplan, B.A. (2011). The matching law: A tutorial for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4, 15-24. doi: 10.1007/BF03391780 Alferink, L.A., Critchfield, T.S., Hitt, J.L., & Higgins, W.J. (2009). Generality of the matching law as a descriptor of shot selection in basketball. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 595-608. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-595 Morris, S.L. & Vollmer, T.R. (2022). The matching law provides a quantitative description of social time allocation in children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 934-957. doi: 10.1002/jaba.934 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.

As our resolution for the new year, we decided to record 300 podcast episodes. And wouldn't you know it: We're almost there! Kick off 2025 by learning about the, surprisingly, never-before discussed on the show matching law! Then we blast off into a more recent development by reviewing research on Collaborative Problem Solving before settling down for a wintry Grab Bag jamboree. And speaking of jamborees, we release our 300th episode on the always relevant topic, vaccines not causing autism. Want to see ABA Inside Track celebrate the 300th episode milestone in person? Join us on Thursday, January 9th, 2025 from 5-7pm EST at Regis College for a full-length live recording, food, our typical brand of shenanigans, and a free CE. Click here to RSVP. Articles for January 2025 Matching Law Reed, D.D. & Kaplan, B.A. (2011). The matching law: A tutorial for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4, 15-24. doi: 10.1007/BF03391780 Alferink, L.A., Critchfield, T.S., Hitt, J.L., & Higgins, W.J. (2009). Generality of the matching law as a descriptor of shot selection in basketball. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 595-608. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-595 Morris, S.L. & Vollmer, T.R. (2022). The matching law provides a quantitative description of social time allocation in children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55, 934-957. doi: 10.1002/jaba.934   Auld Bag Syne (Winter 2025 Grab Bag) Graham, S., Keenan, M., & Dillenburger, K. (2024). All for one and one for all: The good inclusion game. Behavioral Interventions. doi: 10.1002/bin.2048 Migan-Gandonou Horr, J. & Campos, C. (2024). Effects of a technology‐based self‐management intervention on social media use in a college student. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00977-3 Schmidt, J., Krantz, J., King, H., Vetter, J., & Maruska, C. (2024). Using a brief experimental analysis for writing speed intervention identification. Behavioral Interventions, 39. doi: 10.1002/bin.2019   Collaborative Problem Solving Greene, R.W., Ablon, J.S., & Goring, J.C. (2003). A transactional model of oppositional behavior: Underpinnings of the Collaborative Problem Solving approach. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 55, 67-75. doi: 10.1016/S0022-3999(02)00585-8 Greene, R.W., Ablon. J.S., Goring, J.C., Raezer-Blakely, L., Markey, J., Monuteaux, M.C., Henin, A., Edwards, G., & Rabbit, S. (2004). Effectiveness of Collaborative Problem Solving in affectively dysregulated children with oppositional-defiant disorder: Initial findings. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 1157-1164. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.72.6.1157 Pollastri, A.R., Wang, L., Eddy, C.J., & Ablon, J.S. (2023). An open trial of Collaborative Problem Solving in a naturalistic outpatient setting. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 28, 512-524. doi: 10.1177/13591045221094387 Stoll, S.J., Hartman, J.D., Paxton, D., Wang, L., Ablon, J.S., Perry, B.D., & Pollastri, A.R. (2023). De-implemnting a point and level system in youth residential care without increased safety risk: A case study. Residential Treatment for Children and Youth. doi: 10.1080/0886571X.2023.2233408   Vaccines Do Not Cause Autism Ahearn, W.H. (2010). What every behavior analyst should know about the “MMR causes autism” hypothesis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 3, 46-52. doi: 10.1007/BF03391757 Deer, B. (2011). How the case against the MMR vaccine was fixed. The BMJ, 342:c5347. doi: 10.1136/bmj.c5347 Taylor, L.E., Swerdfeger, A.L., & Eslick, G.D. (2014). Vaccines are not associated with autism: An evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Vaccine, 32, 3623-2629. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.04.085 Alvik-Harju, C. (2024). Finding more constructive ways forward in the debate over vaccines with increased disability cultural competence. Med Humanit, 49, 9-16. doi: 10.1136/medhum-2021-012342

Quick, what's 47 minus 12? What did you have for breakfast the day before yesterday? When is the next leap year? Hit pause real quick and try to answer these. Don't worry, I'm not going to hold you to your answers. What's more important is the processes you went through derive them. If you find this sort of thing interesting, then this is the podcast for you! Dr. Judah Axe joins me in Session 282 to discuss a behavioral interpretation of problem solving. Judah is a Professor in the Department of Behavior Analysis at Simmons University, and along with Drs. Paul Alberto and Anne Troutman, he is the author of Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers. Here are just some of the topics we hit on: What, in behavioral terms, constitutes a problem? How Skinner first conceptualized problems and problem solving. How self-talk, visualization, and other private events play a role in problem solving. How we both wished we had stronger backgrounds in Developmental Psychology.  A quick review of Blooms Taxonomy. Current educational practices that potentially impede the development of higher order problem solving. Some topics that Judah may discuss at the upcoming Verbal Behavior Conference. How to determine if or when to teach problem solving skills. How improvisation might be fostered. The role of developing rules. The challenges of studying problem solving. Here are some resources we discussed: The Verbal Behavior Conference. Marckel, Neef, and Ferreri (2013). A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF TEACHING IMPROVISATION WITH THE PICTURE EXCHANGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. Park and Gaylord-Ross (1989). A problem-solving approach to social skills training in employment settings with mentally retarded youth. Mann and Karsten (2020). Efficacy and social validity of procedures for improving conversational skills of college students with autism. Axe, Phelan, and Irwin (2019). Empirical Evaluations of Skinner's Analysis of Problem Solving. Talk Aloud Problem Solving. A sampling of LeBlanc and Carr's work in the area of problem solving. Michael (2017). What Every Student of Behavior Analysis Ought to Learn: A System for Classifying the Multiple Effects of Behavioral Variables. Spiral bound atlases. This podcast is brought to you by: ACE Approved CEUs from .... Behavioral Observations. That's right, get your CEUs while driving (maybe even this episode!), walking your dog, doing the dishes, or whatever else you might have going on, all while learning from your favorite podcast guests! The Behavioral Toolbox. thebehavioraltoolbox.com is a new education and training site that my colleagues Anika Costa and Dr. Paulie Gavoni and I have been working on for over two years. Check out our latest course, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In as well as the hugely popular When Not to FBA: 5 Quick Strategies for Improving Behavior in Classrooms. 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! If you'd like to get BOP episodes a little earlier than everyone else, with no ads... just the interview itself, consider supporting the show with a Patreon subscription.

When Dr. Corey Stocco started his talk about teaching honesty by telling the audience a giant lie, we just knew we had to get him on the show. Finally, our wish comes true as Dr. Stocco tells us the truth, the whole truth, about how to improve honest behavior by decreasing lying. Whether cheating on homework or playing with someone else's toys, we dig into the behavioral consequences that make lying fun. Promise! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Stocco, C.S., Moline, A.D., & Bowar, S. (2021). Further evaluation of contingencies on lying about homework completion. Behavioral Interventions, 36, 620-634. doi: 10.1002/bin.1787 Lehardy, R.K., Luczynski, K.C., Stocco, C.S., Fallon, M.J., & Rodriguez, N.M. (2023). Increasing young children's honest reports and decreasing their transgressions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56, 98-116. doi: 10.1002/jaba.960 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.

Dr. Matt Tincani joins Dr. John Borrero and me for the 21st (can you believe it!?!?) installment of the Inside JABA Series on Behavioral Observations. From a research perspective, this Inside JABA episode is by far our most wonkiest one to date. By that I mean we take a deep dive into the area of Open Science Practices. If you're not familiar with the Open Science movement, Matt walks us through the basics. In doing so, we review the lead paper in the fall 2024 issue of JABA that he co-wrote with Drs. Shawn Gilroy and Art Dowdy (see Tincani, Gilroy, and Dowdy, 2024). Of the several Open Science Practices, this paper - and by extension, this episode - focuses on Preregistration. According to Tincani and colleagues, "preregistration entails outlining a research protocol and specifying the study methods and plans for analysis, which are then archived publicly in a repository before conducting the study" (see p. 4). The point of doing this, amongst others, is to increase transparency and reduce criticisms of questionable research practices in Behavior-Analytic research, such as the file drawer effect, dropping participants from analyses, and so on. While these aims sound laudable, when reading this paper, my inner skeptic began formulating a handful of objections to preregistration, such as increasing barriers to conducting research by adding additional steps, "boxing in" the work of researchers to the point if inflexibility, and so on. Both in the paper and on this podcast, Matt walks through these common objections, so if you too are skeptical, give this episode a listen and see if Matt's treatment of these resonate with you. Here are a few resources mentioned in the episode: Tincani, Gilroy, and Dowdy (2024). Extensions of open science for applied behavior analysis: Preregistration for single-case experimental designs. Tincani and Travers (2019). Replication Research, Publication Bias, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Subscribe to JABA here. Open Science Collaboration (2015). Estimating the reproducibility of psychological science. Retraction Watch. Rick Kubina, Session 39. Kubina et al. (2017). A Critical Review of Line Graphs in Behavior Analytic Journals.