Podcasts about bcbas

Have you ever looked at an AAC device and thought, “Where do I even start?” I've been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel.For years, I supported students using AAC while secretly feeling unsure of myself behind the scenes. I could teach communication strategies all day long, but when it came to navigating new systems and vocabulary sets, I remember leaving work feeling defeated and questioning whether I was truly helping my students. That experience completely changed the way I approach AAC today.I'm sharing the story behind our brand-new course, AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs, and why I created it for professionals who want practical, real-world support with AAC instead of more theory that never translates into therapy sessions. This course brings together incredible AAC experts to talk about assessment, motor planning, collaboration, bilingual learners, switch access, parent support, and so much more.My goal is simple. I want you to feel confident supporting every AAC user on your caseload. Whether you're brand new to AAC or you've been in the field for years, I want you to walk away with strategies you can actually use right away.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why motor planning matters more than you thinkAAC assessment tips and funding guidanceCollaboration strategies for SLPs and BCBAsReal case studies and practical AAC problem-solvingMentioned In This Episode:AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

What does a parent-led approach to ABA therapy look like? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts Stephen Smith and April Smith speak with Zandra Santella about how ABA providers can create more collaborative, sustainable, and family-centered care. Zandra Santella is a BCBA and founder of Beauty in Behavior, a platform focused on ethical, collaborative, and parent-led ABA practices. With more than 12 years of experience in autism services, she provides consultation, remote supervision for trainees, and parent coaching support for families and clinicians. The Big Questions What is parent-led ABA therapy?A collaborative approach where parents actively participate in goal setting, strategies, and decision-making.Why is parent trust important?It improves communication, increases consistency, and helps families feel supported.What should parents expect from a BCBA?Clear communication, shared goal setting, ethical recommendations, and support that fits real-life routines.Why are compliance-based goals controversial?The field is shifting toward autonomy, communication, emotional regulation, and quality of life.How can BCBAs involve parents more?By using coaching, offering practical home strategies, validating experiences, and aligning goals with family priorities.Have a question for Stephen and April? Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432 This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/ Resources & Links Business Essentials List https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24 ABA Business Leaders Support Group: https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8 Schedule a consultation with Stephen https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment ABA Billing Tips Guide https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUsStephen's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ABA-Business-Leaders-Guide-Practice-ebook/dp/B0G1MLVTW6?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1  

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to present Nicholas Maio-Aether (Part 2 of 2):Find the most comfortable seat in the house,  pour yourself a cold one, maybe two! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by the "Sex Analyst" himself, Nicholas Maio-Aether.Nicholas is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and a certified sexuality counselor who specializes in Sexual Behavior Analysis (SBA)—a subfield he pioneered at his agency, Empowered: A Center for Sexuality LLC.In this "pour," we're serving up:The Intersection of Sexology and ABA: Why Nicholas saw a desperate need for competency in addressing sexual behavior within behavior analysis and how he bridges that gap.Humanistic & Affirming Care: Moving away from traditional "mitigation" or "extinction" of sexuality toward approaches focused on self-determination, sexual access, and gender affirmation.Navigating Taboos: Real talk on the "good, the bad, and the ugly" history of ABA and sexuality, and how to ethically teach consent and education to neurodivergent populations.Sensate Focus & Practical Tools: A look at how behavior analysts can use clinical rigor to help clients achieve meaningful relational outcomes.Whether you're a BCBA looking to expand your scope of practice or just curious about how behavior science applies to the most human of narratives, this episode delivers science-backed insights with the signature ABA on Tap humor and practicality.*This episode is marked 'Explicit' simply due to the topic and themes discussed. TUNE IN, DRINK UP, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY!Support the show

In Session 331, I sat down with Dr. Ben Seifert to talk about some of the most challenging — and important — work happening in applied behavior analysis today: supporting individuals with severe problem behavior. Ben shared his journey into the field, beginning with his early experiences at Lindamood-Bell and later at BACA under the mentorship of Carl Sundberg and others who helped shape his clinical perspective. Along the way, we discussed what originally drew him toward working with clients who many providers often avoid, and why he remains deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to meaningful, compassionate support. We spent a good amount of time talking about trends in the ABA marketplace, including the growing difficulty families face when trying to access services for older learners or individuals with significant behavioral challenges. Ben offered thoughtful commentary on how insurance systems, staffing pressures, and private equity may be influencing the types of services many organizations are willing to provide. Ben also shared several fascinating clinical stories that highlight the importance of long-term relationship building, careful observation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. One particularly memorable discussion centered around learning to identify subtle behavioral indicators of physical discomfort that would have been easy to miss in a traditional assessment framework. Toward the second half of the conversation, we shifted into supervision, staff training, and burnout prevention. Ben made a compelling point that supervisors should think of new staff members almost like new learners — people who require shaping, reinforcement, feedback, and support rather than immediate criticism when challenges arise. We also talked openly about clinician mental health, psychological safety within organizations, and the importance of creating environments where people can ask for help. Finally, Ben shared advice for newly certified BCBAs, including the importance of collaboration, humility, and learning from the frontline staff who often know clients best. This was a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation that I think clinicians, supervisors, and graduate students alike will get a lot out of. In this episode, we discuss: Ben's path into behavior analysis Early mentorship experiences at BACA His early career experiences at the Central Texas Autism Center What led him to found Collaborate ABA Why severe problem behavior services are becoming harder to access Insurance and marketplace pressures affecting clinical care The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration Clinical case examples involving subtle behavioral indicators Long-term relationship building with clients and families Supervision strategies for supporting RBTs and frontline staff Staff burnout and mental health Advice for newly certified BCBAs Reach out to Ben on LinkedIn, or follow Collaborate ABA in Instagram! Sponsor shoutouts! Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! The 2026 Behavior Supports in Schools Conference. This conference is designed for the educators, administrators, and staff who support students' behavioral health, social-emotional needs, and behavioral challenges. Both in-person and online attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues and learn innovative, evidence-based approaches to supporting children in school settings. It's taking place in Tumwater, WA and virtually via BehaviorLive on 5/29/26. I have the honor of presenting the keynote address, and there are many other great topics that will be discussed throughout the day, so I hope to see you there! 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. The BOP Patreon. Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click here to learn how!

Sometimes collaboration feels seamless, and other times it leaves you questioning everything.That contrast came up in such a real way as I talked with Jenny Argueta, and it's something so many of us have experienced but don't always say out loud. She shared how working with one collaborative SLP felt energizing, while another interaction left her feeling small and shut out. That moment stuck with her and ultimately shaped her decision to become dually certified so she could be part of the solution.We unpack the tension that can exist between SLPs and BCBAs and how those challenges often stem from past experiences, misunderstandings, or lack of exposure to each other's work. I always come back to the importance of listening. When we take the time to understand someone's perspective instead of reacting, we open the door to better collaboration.We also talk about AAC and the gaps in training that so many providers face. Jenny shares honestly about how overwhelming AAC can feel, even as an SLP, and why ongoing learning is so important. At the end of the day, our goal is the same. We want to support meaningful communication and real progress for our students.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking downWhere SLP and BCBA tensions come fromPractical ways to build trust and shared understandingWhy AAC training is essential for all providersMentioned In This Episode:Mirific LLCEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to present Nicholas Maio-Aether (Part 1 of 2):Find the most comfortable seat in the house,  pour yourself a cold one, maybe two! In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by the "Sex Analyst" himself, Nicholas Maio-Aether.Nicholas is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and a certified sexuality counselor who specializes in Sexual Behavior Analysis (SBA)—a subfield he pioneered at his agency, Empowered: A Center for Sexuality LLC.In this "pour," we're serving up:The Intersection of Sexology and ABA: Why Nicholas saw a desperate need for competency in addressing sexual behavior within behavior analysis and how he bridges that gap.Humanistic & Affirming Care: Moving away from traditional "mitigation" or "extinction" of sexuality toward approaches focused on self-determination, sexual access, and gender affirmation.Navigating Taboos: Real talk on the "good, the bad, and the ugly" history of ABA and sexuality, and how to ethically teach consent and education to neurodivergent populations.Sensate Focus & Practical Tools: A look at how behavior analysts can use clinical rigor to help clients achieve meaningful relational outcomes.Whether you're a BCBA looking to expand your scope of practice or just curious about how behavior science applies to the most human of narratives, this episode delivers science-backed insights with the signature ABA on Tap humor and practicality.*This episode is marked 'Explicit' simply due to the topic and themes discussed. TUNE IN, DRINK UP, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY!Support the show

Difficult conversations are a core part of our work as BCBAs, yet many of us were never formally taught how to handle them. We explore why these moments feel so high stakes, from fear of conflict to protecting relationships, and how avoidance or vague communication can make things worse. Instead, we share practical strategies that help us approach these conversations with more confidence and clarity.We focus on leading with curiosity, using open body language, and grounding conversations in shared goals. We also highlight the importance of balancing empathy with accountability and why clarity is a form of kindness. By applying behavioral principles to communication, we can better prepare for these interactions and create more productive outcomes.Preparation plays a key role, including practicing ahead of time and identifying desired outcomes. When handled well, these conversations can strengthen relationships, improve team collaboration, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for our learners.What's Inside: Why difficult conversations feel so challenging in ABACommon mistakes like avoidance and vague feedbackPractical strategies for clearer, more compassionate communicationHow to apply behavioral principles to conversationsMentioned in This Episode:The Next Conversation by Jefferson FisherHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

As behavior analysis pursues more opportunities to meaningfully ally with the neurodiversity movement, we need to ensure we're doing more than just playing lip service to those seeking additional supports by improving our listening. But how can you listen for assent without good communication skills? This week we are joined by Armando Bernal to explore how PECS may provide a more robust inroads to collaboration than we may have thought as well as some other ways that BCBAs can up their assent game. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Allen, L.L., Mellons, L.S., Syed, N., Johnson, J.F., & Bernal, A.J. (2024). Neurodiversity-affirming applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00918-0 Doherty, A., Bracken, M., & Gormley, L. (2018). Teaching children with autism to initiate and respond to peer mands using picture exchange communication system (PECS). Behavior Analysis in Practice, 11, 279-288. doi: 10.1007/s40617-018-00311-8 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

Per recent Illinois legislation, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in the state are now required by law to become licensed, and by January 1, 2027, owners of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) businesses must also become licensed. Meanwhile, two bills have been proposed in the Illinois Legislature this year that removes the requirement that owners of ABA businesses be licensed and contemplates BCBAs owning professional entities. John Saran, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP, speaks with Karem Alnatafgi, Founder and CEO, Peak Behavioral Services, Inc., and Veronica Glickman, Founder and CEO, Autism Behavioral and Educational Services, Inc., about the impact of these new licensure requirements and how the industry is adjusting.Watch this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GhihdKX0_EEssential Legal Updates, Now in AudioAHLA's popular Health Law Daily email newsletter is now a daily podcast, exclusively for AHLA Comprehensive members. Get all your health law news from the major media outlets on this podcast! To subscribe and add this private podcast feed to your podcast app, go to americanhealthlaw.org/dailypodcast.Stay At the Forefront of Health Legal EducationLearn more about AHLA and the educational resources available to the health law community at https://www.americanhealthlaw.org/. 

In Session 329, I'm joined once again by Dr. Nick Green, Ph.D., BCBA-D, who's been doing some really interesting work at the intersection of fitness and behavior science. In this episode, Nick walks us through the basics of heart rate training zones and why simply "working out" isn't always enough. We talk about the general recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, but more importantly, how to make sure that time is actually spent in the right zones—particularly Zones 2 through 4—where you're going to see real cardiovascular benefits. From there, we get into VO2 max, what it is, why it matters, and how you can measure or estimate it—even without access to a lab. Nick also shares some practical training strategies, including the Norwegian 4x4 protocol, which is a structured way to improve cardiovascular fitness through intervals of high-intensity work followed by recovery. As you might expect, we also spend a good amount of time talking about behavior. Why is it so hard for people to stick with an exercise routine? What gets in the way? And how can we apply behavior-analytic principles to improve adherence? Nick makes a compelling case for the role of planning and accountability. One of the things he's seen in his coaching practice is that when people invest in structured support, they're much more likely to follow through. We talk about how environmental variables, scheduling, and clear contingencies can make or break a fitness routine. This was a really practical conversation—whether you're a behavior analyst looking to apply these principles to your own life, or just someone trying to get a little more consistent with exercise. If you're interested in working with Nick or learning more about his coaching services, be sure to check out his website, which you can find in the resource list below: BehaviorFit.com (Nick's website; check out his courses here!) Nick on LinkedIn BehaviorFit's Instagram Nick's previous BOP Interviews: Session 47, Session 105, and Session 132 Fogel, et al. (2010). The effects of exergaming on physical activity among inactive children in a physical education classroom. Green, et al. (2016). Decreasing bouts of prolonged sitting among office workers. Heart Rate Training 101 Heart Rate Zone Calculator Norwegian 4X4 Study Norwegian 4X4 20-Year Heart-Age Reduction Study High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) effects on VO2 Max Sponsor Shoutouts! Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! 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. The BOP Patreon. Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click here to learn how!

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to present Amanda Ralston (Part 2 of 2):Grab a stool and a cold one because this week on ABA on Tap, we're joined by an ABA powerhouse,  now tech-innovator, Amanda "Mandy" Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA. With over 25 years in the field and a "serial entrepreneur" badge of honor, Mandy is here to help us move past the rigid, binary thinking that often limits our profession.In this episode, we're serving up:The "Medical Necessity Sandwich": Mandy breaks down her viral concept for navigating documentation and clinical decision-making.NonBinary Solutions: Why she pivoted from clinic owner to tech founder to build NonBinary Solutions, a data analytics firm creating Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).Standardizing the Wild West: A candid look at the lack of standardization in ABA—from terminology to outcomes—and how technology can bridge the gap without replacing clinical intuition.Digital Mentorship: How emerging AI and software tools can act as "mycorrhizal influencers" to guide the next generation of BCBAs.The Future of ABA: Why value-based care and clinical intelligence are the next "taps" we need to open for better quality of life outcomes.Whether you're a seasoned BCBA or an RBT just starting your fieldwork, Mandy's authentic and transparent take on the industry is exactly what you need to level up your practice.Tune in, drink up , and always analyze responsibly. Cheers!Support the show

Communication isn't owned by one profession, it's something we all share and protect together.I'm joined by Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill "Dr. RY" for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to ensure communication access for every learner. We talk about her journey from sign language interpreter to dually certified SLP and BCBA, and how that shaped her passion for collaboration and innovation.We dig into some of the biggest friction points between disciplines, especially when it comes to AAC. One of the biggest takeaways is this, there is no one right tool or pathway. We have to start with the learner, the context, and the full communication repertoire. I also loved our conversation about moving away from quick fixes and toward meaningful, individualized support that actually generalizes.We also share a preview of her upcoming course inside the ABA Speech Connection, where we'll explore sign language, AAC, and how to thoughtfully select communication modalities that truly fit each learner.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why communication access must be individualized and context-drivenCommon misconceptions about AAC and over-reliance on high-tech solutionsHow collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs improves real-world outcomesMentioned In This Episode:BridgifyBridgify's CommunityIdaho ABA Conference 2026Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

This week, Liat chats with Mellanie Page about ChatGPT, AI in ABA, and why your BCBA workflow might be way harder than it needs to be.From clinical work to business and marketing, Mellanie breaks down how AI is already changing the field of behavior analysis and how you can start using it to increase efficiency, improve programming, and expand your impact. They also get into the real questions: Is AI ethical in ABA? What should you not be using it for? And why are so many BCBAs still hesitant to get on board?If you've been feeling burnt out, stuck, or just curious about how to actually use ChatGPT in your day-to-day as a BCBA, this episode is your sign to start thinking bigger.Connect with Mellanie!Instagram LinkedIn Free Monthly CEUs & Innovative ConferencesOnline Business for BCBAsOBM Practitioner Program How to Use ChatGPT in ABA Therapy CEU Behavior Concepts Covered:ShapingReinforcementPunishmentTactGeneralizationAutomatic Reinforcement Automaticity of Reinforcement Behavior MomentumResponse EffortPragmatism IOAMotivating Operations7 Dimensions ABA Attitudes + Assumptions of Science Connect with Behavior Bitches:• Instagram: @behaviorbitches• Facebook: Behavior Bitches Podcast • Youtube: Behavior Bitches Podcast• Website: BehaviorBitches.com• Contact Us: For podcast inquiries, episode ideas, or just to say hi, email us at behaviorbitches@studynotesaba.com Leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or in the Apple Podcast App and make us super happy!Looking for BCBA Exam Prep, CEUs, or a BCBA Job?• Whether you need help passing the BCBA exam, are looking to earn CEUs, or want to find your perfect career match, Study Notes ABA has you covered. Check out our website for comprehensive exam prep materials, CEUs, job matching and more.• Test Prep: StudyNotesABA.com• CEUs: CEU.StudyNotesABA.com• PairABA: PairABA.co

Send us Fan MailABA on Tap is proud to present Amanda Ralston (Part 1 of 2):Grab a stool and a cold one because this week on ABA on Tap, we're joined by an ABA powerhouse,  now tech-innovator, Amanda "Mandy" Ralston, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA. With over 25 years in the field and a "serial entrepreneur" badge of honor, Mandy is here to help us move past the rigid, binary thinking that often limits our profession.In this episode, we're serving up:The "Medical Necessity Sandwich": Mandy breaks down her viral concept for navigating documentation and clinical decision-making.NonBinary Solutions: Why she pivoted from clinic owner to tech founder to build NonBinary Solutions, a data analytics firm creating Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).Standardizing the Wild West: A candid look at the lack of standardization in ABA—from terminology to outcomes—and how technology can bridge the gap without replacing clinical intuition.Digital Mentorship: How emerging AI and software tools can act as "mycorrhizal influencers" to guide the next generation of BCBAs.The Future of ABA: Why value-based care and clinical intelligence are the next "taps" we need to open for better quality of life outcomes.Whether you're a seasoned BCBA or an RBT just starting your fieldwork, Mandy's authentic and transparent take on the industry is exactly what you need to level up your practice.Tune in, drink up , and always analyze responsibly. Cheers!Support the show

Collaboration in schools can feel messy, complicated, and sometimes even uncomfortable, but it is also where some of the most meaningful progress for our students can happen.In this conversation, I sit down with Ashley Patton to talk about what real collaboration looks like between teachers, BCBAs, speech therapists, and other service providers in school settings. Ashley brings a unique perspective because she has worked as a classroom teacher, a school-based BCBA, and a consultant supporting school teams. That experience gives her a deep understanding of the pressures educators face and how behavior and communication strategies actually fit into busy classrooms.We talk about the importance of listening first when working with teachers and building trust before offering strategies. Ashley shares practical ways teams can embed communication goals naturally into classroom routines without overwhelming teachers who already have so much on their plates.We also discuss replacement behaviors, functional communication, and why practicing these skills before challenging moments occur can make such a big difference for students. Ashley offers thoughtful insights about simplifying data collection, supporting teachers with manageable systems, and focusing on strategies that are realistic for the classroom.Finally, we talk about Ashley's Class on Task Behavior Analyst in School Summit and why creating community for professionals working in schools is so important.If you support students in schools, this episode is full of practical reminders about how collaboration, communication, and small systems can create big change.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why collaboration can feel challenging for teachers and how to build trust with school teamsHow replacement behaviors support both regulation and communication in the classroomPractical ways to embed communication goals into everyday classroom routinesStrategies for simplifying data collection so teachers can realistically implement supportsMentioned In This Episode:Class on TaskClass on Task SummitEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

In this episode, Audra and Caitlin tackle one of the hardest parts of working in special education and behavior support: talking with families when things are not improving yet. When behaviors are escalating or strategies aren't working, those meetings can feel tense for everyone in the room. The conversation explores how educators and BCBAs can stay transparent, rely on objective data, and keep relationships strong with families even when the news is difficult. Instead of panic, blame, or sugarcoating, the focus is on collaboration, trust, and problem-solving together.

How can technology help us diagnose autism earlier and get kids the support they need sooner?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Tierney to talk about an exciting advancement in autism diagnostics and how technology is helping clinicians and families access answers faster. With long waitlists and limited specialists in many areas, getting an autism diagnosis can sometimes take months or even years. Dr. Tierney shares how new technology is helping change that.We dive into the EarliPoint system, an FDA-cleared diagnostic aid that uses eye-tracking technology to analyze a child's viewing behavior while watching short social videos. The system collects an incredible 120 data points per second, giving clinicians objective data to support diagnostic decision-making. Even more exciting, the assessment takes only about 12 minutes and can be used with children as young as 16 months.Beyond diagnosis, we also talk about how this technology can support clinicians like speech therapists, BCBAs, and occupational therapists by providing data on social engagement, receptive language indicators, and problem-solving skills. That means we can track progress over time and better understand whether interventions are truly moving the needle.I also loved our conversation about interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of having someone “quarterback” a child's care so families receive consistent guidance. This episode highlights how innovation, research, and teamwork can make earlier diagnosis and better support possible for so many families.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the fieldThe ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplinesWhy refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learnersMentioned In This Episode:EarliPoint HealthEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Thanks for joining me for Session 326 of The Behavioral Observations Podcast. This episode was recorded live at the 2025 Verbal Behavior Conference, where I had the honor of moderating the annual panel discussion. If you haven't attended a previous Verbal Behavior Conference, you're in luck, because the next one is coming up in just a few short weeks. The 2026 VBC will be held on March 26th and 27th, and it will be preceded by a full day workshop. If you've listened to the show for any length of time, you've heard my go on about how unique this conference is. If not, please indulge me for a moment. The VBC is unlike any other event because each presenter gives two talks across the two days of the conference. This provides them opportunities to dive deeper into their subject matter, which gives audience members so much more information to improve their practice with. If you attend in person, you'll have numerous opportunities to interact directly with the speakers too. Whether that's between sessions getting coffee, grabbing lunch in the nearby cafe, or at the poster sessions, you're probably going to have a chance to pick their brains. If you can't be there in person, BehaviorLive provides a top-notch virtual experience. I'd also say that the VBC has a very consistent and engaged online community too, to the point of me being able to recognize many online attendees' names having seen their chat commentaries for the past few years. For this year, the VBC is pulling out all the stops by hosting a discussion with Drs. Patrick McGreevy and Mark Sundberg, where they will talk about how to decide whether a learner should continue with VB-MAPP-like learning objectives, or transition to a functional curriculum, such as Essential for Living. Thanks for indulging me, back to this episode... This panel dives into some of the most pressing clinical and practical questions facing practitioners today — from navigating difficult conversations with parents to the nuanced intricacies of mand training, motivating operations, and supporting learners with limited reinforcers. Whether you are a seasoned BCBA, or an aspiring behavior analyst, this episode is packed with the kind of insight you're just not going to get anywhere else. Featured Panelists •       Dr. Judah Axe •       Dr. Patrick McGreevy •       Dr. Barbara Esch •       Dr. Caio Miguel •       Dr. April Kisamore •       Dr. Nicole Rodriguez •       Dr. Tiffany Kodak Topics Covered in This Episode Transitioning from Language Acquisition to Functional Skills Curricula The Momentary Nature of Motivating Operations Mand Training with Learners Who Engage in Self-Stimulatory Behavior Working with Learners Who Have Very Limited Reinforcers Pre-Requisite Skills for Learning More Complex Forms of Verbal Behavior Instructional Control Pre-Requisites for Teaching Echoic Repertoires Challenges of Conducting Clinical Research in Verbal Behavior Supporting Learners from Bilingual Households Sponsor Shoutouts! The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. The Behavior Toolbox Conference is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. While the live event has come and gone, it is available on-demand through BehaviorLive. 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! 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.

As the insurance landscape for ABA services continues to open up new avenues for families to search for the best evidence-based treatments (way to go MA!), BCBAs may find themselves unwittingly practicing outside of their scope of competence. Case in point: Working with clients with Down syndrome. So, rather than fall back on the "behavior analytic principles are true for all organisms" excuse, why not dive into the research on ABA and Down syndrome by listening to this week's episode. And, if that's not enough for you, how about hearing directly from Dr. Kathleen Feeley who has been supporting learners with Down syndrome with ABA methods for years. Nothing feels better than building one's competence in a new area! This episode is available for 1.0 DUAL-DIAGNOSIS (QABA)/1.0 LEARNING (BACB) CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Feeley, K.M. & Jones, E.A. (2006). Addressing challenging behaviour in children with Down syndrome: The use of applied behaviour analysis for assessment and intervention. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 11, 64-77. doi: 10.3104/perspectives.316 Feeley, K. & Jones, E. (2008). Strategies to address challenging behaviour in young children with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 12, 153-163. doi: 10.3104/case-studies.2008 Feeley, K.M., Jones, E.A., Blackburn, C., & Bauer, S. (2011). Advancing imitation and requesting skills in toddlers with Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2415-2430. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2011.07.018 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

Two trends I'm seeing in speech therapy and ABA have been on my mind lately, and honestly, they worry me about the future of our fields.First, I saw a discussion where future BCBAs were debating whether they even needed to read the Cooper book. For me, that text was foundational when learning the science of behavior analysis. When professionals start skipping core readings just to pass a test, it raises questions about how strong our foundation really is as a field.The second concern came from a speech therapy discussion where a private practice owner planned to refuse services to any child who also receives ABA. That really stopped me in my tracks. Our ethical codes call us to collaborate, and our learners deserve coordinated care, even when collaboration isn't always easy.These conversations matter because the strength of our fields depends on professionals who value the science and are willing to work together to support the students we serve.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the fieldThe ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplinesWhy refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learnersMentioned In This Episode:Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Send a textWhat does it take for behavior analysts to make a real impact in classrooms—not just on paper, but in the day-to-day reality teachers face?In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with Neelima Duncan, CEO of Blue Sky Behavior Therapy, an organization that provides clinical services and partners directly with schools to support educators and students. The conversation grew out of a leadership moment that caught Dr. Paulie's attention—staff speaking about their CEO with pride, respect, and ownership. That kind of culture doesn't happen by accident. It reflects leadership that shows up in behavior.From there, the discussion moves into the heart of the work: how behavior analysts can effectively consult in classrooms, support teachers without overwhelming them, and help schools build systems that actually improve student outcomes.This is a practical conversation about the intersection of ABA, education, and leadership—where technical knowledge meets real-world constraints.In This Episode, You'll LearnHow Blue Sky Behavior Therapy partners with schools to support classroom successWhy the effectiveness of a leader—or a consultant—is reflected in the behavior of the people they supportWhat behavior analysts must understand about classroom realities before recommending interventionsHow to work with teachers as partners rather than positioning yourself as the outside expertWhy simple, practical strategies that produce quick wins drive implementationHow strong leadership inside organizations translates into better support for schools and studentsKey ThemesLeadership You Can See The true measure of leadership is found in how staff behave, speak, and engage when the leader isn't in the room.Consultation That Builds Capacity The goal is not to create dependence on the behavior analyst. The goal is to help teachers feel confident, capable, and successful managing their own classrooms.Context Drives Implementation Interventions only work when they fit the time, demands, and pressures teachers are already navigating.Behavior Is the Common Language Whether you are a teacher, a school leader, or a CEO, performance, culture, and outcomes all come back to behavior and the contingencies shaping it.About the GuestNeelima Duncan is the founder and CEO of Blue Sky Behavior Therapy, an organization providing ABA services across clinic and school settings. Blue Sky partners with educators to deliver practical, classroom-based behavioral support while building systems that improve outcomes for both students and staff. Website: blueskybx.comWho Should ListenSchool-based BCBAs and behavior specialistsSpecial education directors and district leadersTeachers working with behavioral consultantsOrganizations providing ABA services in school settingsAnyone responsible for improving classroom behavior and instructional timeWhy This Conversation MattersSchools don't need more programs. They need support that fits real classrooms. When behavior analysts understand the environment, build relationships, and focus on practical impact, consultation becomes a powerful tool for improving both student behavior and teacher confidence.Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

In this episode, Stephen and April sit down with Dr. David J. Cox, a uniquely cross-disciplinary thinker whose work spans behavior analysis, bioethics, behavioral economics, and data science. With formal training from Union Graduate College, a PhD from the University of Florida, and post-doctoral work at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Insight Data Science Fellowship, David brings a rare lens to one of the most pressing conversations in ABA today: What does AI mean for clinical quality, professional judgment, and business leadership? Having worked in behavior analysis since 2006 as a clinician, academic, technologist, and researcher—with more than 70 peer-reviewed publications—David helps unpack the signal vs. noise around artificial intelligence and its real implications for BCBAs and the organizations they lead.

When you move from treatment rooms to team meetings, everything changes, including how you show up as a BCBA.In this episode, I talk with Shalini Solomon about her transition from clinic-based ABA to working as a school-based BCBA. If you've worked in both settings like I have, you know they are completely different worlds. In a clinic, you're often running sessions. In a school, you're collaborating, coaching, and translating ABA into language that makes sense to teachers and administrators.Shalini shares what helped her navigate that shift, from simplifying behavior intervention plans so they actually work in busy classrooms to minimizing jargon and building buy-in with staff. We also talk about why understanding IDEA, IEPs, FAPE, and district systems is critical if you're stepping into a school role, especially if you're one of the first BCBAs in your district.We also discuss her journey toward earning a doctorate in behavioral health and the importance of leadership, mentorship, and representation in our field. It's an honest, practical conversation for anyone considering or currently navigating a school-based BCBA role.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Key differences between clinic-based and school-based BCBA rolesHow to create simple, usable behavior intervention plansWhy policy knowledge and role clarity matter in schoolsRepresentation and advocacy in the ABA fieldMentioned In This Episode:Elevate & Align BehaviorEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

When we think about improving client outcomes, it's easy to focus on goals, programs, and data collection. In this episode, we zoom out and talk about what's happening behind the scenes. We dive into Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and how the systems we work within, including training, communication, leadership, and culture, have a powerful ripple effect on everyone involved.We explore how OBM applies the same ABA principles we use with learners to organizations, teams, and leadership. From analyzing systems using an ABC framework to pinpointing key metrics like staff performance, burnout, and treatment fidelity, we discuss how small, strategic changes can lead to meaningful, sustainable impact. We also talk about leadership, feedback loops, and reinforcement systems, and how clear expectations and compassionate data use can build trust and alignment.Ultimately, we reflect on the ripple effect of strong systems. Better supervision leads to stronger future BCBAs and improved outcomes for clients and families. When we strengthen the system, we strengthen the forest, not just one tree.What's Inside:What Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) really is and why it matters in ABAHow systems and leadership directly impact client outcomesUsing behavioral systems analysis and data to drive meaningful changeThe ripple effect of strong supervision and organizational practicesMentioned in This Episode:Supervision Resource BundleCEU Event: Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) for BCBAs: Driving Change and Improving Workplace Performance with BCBA Mellanie PageHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

In Session 324, Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Steve Ward join me to discuss what resilience actually looks like from a behavior science perspective — and why many well-intentioned adult responses can unintentionally teach avoidance instead of persistence. We center our conversation around their book, S.H.I.T. Happens: Building Resilient Children in a Fragile World, which reframes resilience not as a personality trait or motivational slogan, but as a set of learnable repertoires shaped by the environments adults design We talk about: Why resilience is a behavioral repertoire, not a mindset or personality trait The hidden ways adult anxiety shapes children's learning environments How overprotection and pressure both undermine skill development Designing "successful struggle" so kids contact reinforcement for effort Everyday moments — homework, sports, emotional setbacks — as resilience practice The adult's role as guide, not rescuer or drill sergeant Teaching recovery instead of avoidance Scaling challenges to build confidence and persistence Why discomfort is information, not danger This discussion emphasizes practical decision-making: how small changes in adult behavior can create conditions where children learn to try again, persist longer, and experience the satisfaction of overcoming something difficult. Whether you're a practitioner, educator, or parent, this episode highlights how resilience is built through repeated opportunities to struggle safely — and why those opportunities matter more than we often realize. Resources mentioned: Paulie and Steve's book Assent & Trauma Informed Care: A Call for Nuance in Behavior Analysis Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In (course) Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science Paulie's other books Kind Extinction: A Procedural Variation on Traditional Extinction The Four Leadership Hats: Applying Behavioral Science to Leadership and Supervision (Session 321 with John Guercio) The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Population Session 313: Client Assent in Behavior Analysis: Balancing Autonomy and Clinical Progress (Ethics CE available) Sponsor shoutouts The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. The Behavior Toolbox Conference is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. It's taking place virtually through BehaviorLive on March 5th, 2026, and will be available on-demand for those who can't make it on the day of the event. 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! 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.

Starting your own practice does not have to mean doing it all alone.In today's episode, I sat down with Bukhtar Khan, co-founder and CEO of Finni Health, to talk honestly about what it really looks like to start and grow an independent ABA practice. We talked about the fears BCBAs often have around finances, insurance, staffing, and burnout, and how Finni Health is built to support clinicians who want autonomy without sacrificing stability or ethics.Bukhtar shares the heart behind Finni Health and why their work is so focused on reducing stress for clinicians, protecting quality care, and helping providers build sustainable practices that align with their “why.” If you have ever thought about starting your own clinic but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and a realistic look at what support can look like.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:The most common concerns BCBAs have about starting their own practiceHow Finni Health supports clinicians with operations, billing, staffing, and complianceThe balance between entrepreneurship and financial securityWhy knowing your “why” matters more than knowing every stepMentioned In This Episode:Finni HealthEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Supervision isn't just about signing off on hours. It's about shaping skills, building confidence, and developing thoughtful future behavior analysts. In this episode, we dive into how we can apply the very same behavior-analytic principles we use with clients to our supervision practices. From assessment and goal setting to shaping, reinforcement, and feedback, we break down what it really means to lead with ABA as a BCBA supervisor.We talk about why relationship-building and trust are foundational, how to move away from compliance-based supervision toward a coaching and mentorship model, and why feedback needs to be frequent, specific, and actionable. We also explore the importance of modeling professionalism, values-based decision-making, and ethical reasoning, especially for skills that don't always show up neatly on a task list.Whether you're new to supervising or looking to refine your leadership approach, this conversation will help you reframe supervision through a behavior-analytic lens and feel more confident supporting the next generation of BCBAs.What's Inside:Using ABA principles like shaping, reinforcement, and BST in supervisionBuilding trust, rapport, and a strong supervisory relationshipGiving effective, meaningful, and two-way feedbackShifting from compliance-based supervision to a coaching modelMentioned in This Episode:Supervision Resource BundleHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

We're joined by Jordan Black, BCBA, co-host of Moms on Their Best Behavior, and co-owner of Best Behavior Solutions, for a meaningful conversation about making ABA strategies more accessible, practical, and relevant beyond the therapy room. Jordan shares her path into the field, including her background in special education and how becoming a parent shaped the way she approaches behavior support.We talk about why ABA should not feel exclusive to autism services and how understanding the function of behavior, teaching replacement behaviors, and using reinforcement effectively can support all children across home, school, and community settings. Jordan also highlights the importance of helping parents understand why behaviors occur, rather than relying solely on consequence-based approaches.Our conversation expands into schools and daycares, where staff often lack formal behavioral training but manage complex environments every day. We wrap up by discussing parent buy-in, collaboration, and Jordan's advice for newly certified BCBAs who are still finding their footing in the field.What's Inside:Making ABA strategies practical for parents and everyday lifeUnderstanding behavior as communication and teaching replacement skillsSupporting schools and educators with behavioral toolsAdvice for newly certified BCBAsMentioned in This Episode:Moms on Their Best Behavior PodcastBest Behavior Solutions@momsontheirbestbehavior on InstagramHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Brittany Warnke, SLP (Part 2 of 2):In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by Brittany Warnke, MA, CCC-SLP, a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist from San Diego, California.Brittany brings her specialized expertise in bridging the gap between speech pathology and behavior analysis to the table. Currently serving at Pioneer Day School, Brittany focuses on collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to support learners with diverse communication needs.In this episode, we dive into:Interdisciplinary Collaboration: How SLPs and BCBAs can work together to create more comprehensive and effective treatment plans.Functional Communication: Strategies for prioritizing meaningful, real-world communication goals that empower students.Bridging the Jargon: Navigating the different professional "languages" of SLP and ABA to foster better teamwork and outcomes for families.Whether you're a practitioner looking to sharpen your collaborative skills or a parent navigating the world of related services, Brittany's insights offer a fresh, compassionate perspective on how we can better serve our learners together.Pull up a chair, grab a cold one, and let's talk shop. Cheers, and always analyze responsibly!.Support the show

In this episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I'm joined by Kim Dean, founder of Apollo Behavior, and Kristen Vaughn, Vice President of Clinical Operations, to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain clinical excellence in autism services. We discuss Apollo's decision to launch in Georgia, their highly selective hiring process, and how values alignment plays a central role in building their culture. Kim and Kristen share how Apollo approaches training differently — including a four-week RBT onboarding program that exceeds certification requirements and a structured mentorship model for BCBAs. The results are notable, with 99% of Apollo's RBTs passing their exams on the first attempt! Even more impressive is that 84% of Apollo-trained BCBAs pass their exam on the first attempt too. Compared to the current average pass rate that hovers around 52-54%, that's simply amazing! We also dig into how Apollo defines and measures clinical excellence, including the use of norm-referenced assessments, family feedback, progress toward less restrictive environments, and ongoing data analysis to improve training and service delivery. This conversation is especially relevant for BCBAs, clinical leaders, and practice owners who are thinking seriously about how to scale services without sacrificing quality — and how to design systems that support clinicians, families, and long-term outcomes. If this sounds like a great work environment to you, and you'd like to learn more, click here. Related BOP Episodes: From Clinician to Leader: Apollo CSS 8 with Kristen Vaughn All previous Apollo Series BOP episodes This podcast is brought to you by: The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. The Behavior Toolbox Conference is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. Rather than relying on theory divorced from practice, this conference features presenters who actively operate within classrooms, districts, research settings, and state-level systems. Behavior analysts, educators, researchers, and system leaders come together to examine behavior change from multiple levels of impact — adult behavior, decision-making, values, and the systems that shape outcomes. It's taking place virtually through BehaviorLive on March 5th, 2026, and will be available on-demand for those who can't make it on the day of the event.   Office Puzzle: A thriving ABA practice depends on systems that actually support your team, not slow them down. If you've struggled with software that's buggy, hard to navigate, or offers little support when you need it most, you're not alone. That's why so many practices are switching to Office Puzzle. Go to officepuzzle.com/bop to learn more!   The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25.   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. 

Send us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Brittany Warnke, SLP (Part 1 of 2):In this episode of ABA on Tap, hosts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery are joined by Brittany Warnke, MA, CCC-SLP, a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist from San Diego, California.Brittany brings her specialized expertise in bridging the gap between speech pathology and behavior analysis to the table. Currently serving at Pioneer Day School, Brittany focuses on collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to support learners with diverse communication needs.In this episode, we dive into:Interdisciplinary Collaboration: How SLPs and BCBAs can work together to create more comprehensive and effective treatment plans.Functional Communication: Strategies for prioritizing meaningful, real-world communication goals that empower students.Bridging the Jargon: Navigating the different professional "languages" of SLP and ABA to foster better teamwork and outcomes for families.Whether you're a practitioner looking to sharpen your collaborative skills or a parent navigating the world of related services, Brittany's insights offer a fresh, compassionate perspective on how we can better serve our learners together.Pull up a chair, grab a cold one, and let's talk shop. Cheers, and always analyze responsibly!.Support the show

While completing a functional behavior assessment is an ethical requirement before engaging in behavior change programming, only a minority of BCBAs consistently do this. And since many of the barriers to completing FAs revolve around seemingly insurmountable (and ethical concern of) risks to clicents, wouldn't having a more structured way to assess the risk of an FA and more quickly review mitigating factors provide a potential solution to these problems? Well, that's exactly what Dr. Stephanie Peterson and her former students Dr. Rebecca Eldridge and Dr. Neil Deochand thought when they developed their Functional Analysis Risk Assessment Decision Tool. This week, as voted on by our Patrons, how to complete a risk assessment before starting your functional analysis from the people at the forefront of this research. This episode is available for 1.0 ETHICS CEU. Patrons at the $5 and up levels can get that CEU for FREE! Just head on over to our Patreon Page. Articles discussed this episode: Wiskirchen, R.R., Deochand, N., & Peterson, S.M. (2017). Functional analysis: A need for clinical decision support tools to weight risks and benefits. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 17, 325-333. doi: 10.1037/bar0000088 Deochand, N., Eldridge, R.R., & Peterson, S.M. (2020). Toward the development of a functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 978-990. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y Schroeder, A.C., Peterson, S.M., Mahabub, M.B., & Dresch, M.K. (2025). A pilot evaluation of expert and novice use of the functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 811-825. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y 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.

In this episode, we sat down with Mellanie Page, BCBA, MBA, and founder of The ABA Collective, to dive into the world of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and how it can transform the way we experience our work. We talked about why so many BCBAs feel burnt out or stuck in leadership and supervisory roles and how OBM offers practical, behavior-analytic solutions that go far beyond surface-level self-care.Mellanie shared how OBM can help us pinpoint high-impact problems, improve workplace culture, and increase job satisfaction—whether we're clinicians, supervisors, or business owners. We explored why burnout isn't just an individual issue, how small behavior changes can create meaningful ripple effects across teams, and why reinforcing the process matters just as much as reinforcing outcomes.This conversation is full of practical insights, real-world examples, and a refreshing reminder that we can apply the science we already know to organizations, leadership, and even ourselves. If you've ever wondered how to use ABA to improve your work life, this episode is for you.What's Inside:What OBM is and why it matters for BCBAsUsing behavior analysis to address burnout and job satisfactionApplying OBM to leadership, supervision, and workplace culturePractical examples of small changes with big organizational impactMentioned in This Episode:The ABA CollectiveThe OBM Practitioner ProgramHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

This week, Liat and her sister Talia sit down with Dr. Maya Shankar, cognitive scientist, former Senior Advisor and founder of the White House Behavioral Science Team, Head of Behavioral Economics at Google, host of A Slight Change of Plans, and author of The Other Side of Change.Maya shares how she landed in rooms that didn't even have a role for her yet (BCBAs, take notes), and opens up about losing the identity she built as a Juilliard-trained violinist after a career-ending injury. We unpack why change is so threatening to our sense of self, why our brains hate uncertainty, and how to build a “soft landing” when life makes other plans.Liat also shares her own story of navigating serious health struggles and letting go of what she thought her career was going to look like. We talk identity, loss, growth, Love Is Blind takes, and why you are so much more than what you do.Maya's new book, The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans, is out now - click the link below to get your copy!Behavior Concepts Covered:PairingReinforcement Antecedent Consequence Contingency Variable ratio schedule High response effort Connect with Dr. Maya:Order Maya's book and join our book club on Mar 10th!Listen to a Slight Change of PlansInstagramYoutubeXSubstackMayaShankar.comConnect with Behavior BitchesInsta: @behaviorbitchespodcastFacebook: Behavior Bitches PodcastWebsite: BehaviorBitches.comContact Us: For podcast inquiries, episode ideas, or just to say hi, email us at behaviorbitches@studynotesaba.com Leave us a 5-star review in the Apple Podcast App so we can read it to everyone during our episodes and make us super happy!Looking for BCBA Exam Prep or CEUs?• Whether you need help passing the BCBA exam or are looking to earn CEUs, Study Notes ABA has you covered. Check out our website for comprehensive exam prep materials, prep courses, and CEUs• Test Prep: StudyNotesABA.com• CEUs: CEU.StudyNotesABA.com• PairABA: PairABA.com

In this episode, I'm joined by John Guercio for a wide-ranging and practical conversation about leadership through a behavioral lens. John and I dig into what it actually means to lead in applied behavior analysis, especially when so much of the existing leadership literature is vague, mentalistic, or disconnected from observable behavior. We start by talking about the need to operationalize leadership in behavioral terms and explore the four leadership hats developed by Dr. Paulie Gavoni: leading, training, coaching, and managing. We break down what each of these roles looks like behaviorally, how they function across time, and why effective leaders need to move flexibly between them rather than relying on a single style. A major theme of the episode is the role of positive reinforcement in leadership. John shares real-world examples from his OBM coursework and his work at Cornerstone Behavioral Services, highlighting how difficult—but necessary—it can be to shift away from punitive and avoidance-based management strategies. We discuss why punishment often "works" in the short term, why leaders continue to rely on it, and how reinforcement-based leadership creates better outcomes for both staff and organizations. We also spend time unpacking the distinction between leadership and management. John reflects on his own strengths and limitations, describing how he focuses on vision and direction while intentionally surrounding himself with strong managers who excel at systems, logistics, and follow-through. This leads to a powerful discussion about positional authority, seniority, and the myth that leadership status entitles people to treat others poorly. Throughout the episode, we return to the importance of psychological safety, consistent feedback, and emotional regulation in leadership roles. John shares practical strategies for navigating tough conversations, including how to balance empathy with accountability, how to manage staff expectations, and how to avoid letting emotion drive professional communication (including when not to send that email). We also talk through concrete tools and exercises for improving leadership practice, such as symbolic problem-solving activities to surface unspoken team issues, written acknowledgment systems, and using assessment tools like the Performance Diagnostic Checklist to guide supervision and coaching. John closes by sharing future directions for developing empirically grounded management assessment tools, along with a preview of his upcoming work and conference presentations. This is a practical, honest conversation for anyone supervising staff, leading teams, or trying to build reinforcing, values-consistent organizations in human services. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode RBT Course for Adult Services (the 'bridge' course too!) Sims and Szilagyi (1975). Leader reward behavior and subordinate satisfaction and performance Stone Soup Conference Registration (use code PODCAST26 at checkout) Carr and Wilder (2015). The Performance Diagnostic Checklist—Human Services John's previous BOP appearances Session 274: Psychological Safety in the Workplace (Supervision CEU!) Additional Books, Articles, and Ideas Discussed John's books on Amazon Komaki (1998). Leadership from an Operant Perspective McGregor (1960). The Human Side of Enterprise Daniels and Daniels (2023). The Measure of a Leader Elliot (2012). Leading Apple With Steve Jobs: Management Lessons From a Controversial Genius Covey (2020). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 30th Anniversary Edition Harley (2013). How to Say Anything to Anyone Grenny et al. (2021). Crucial Conversations (Third Edition): Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High Sponsor shoutouts! Office Puzzle: A thriving ABA practice depends on systems that actually support your team, not slow them down. If you've struggled with software that's buggy, hard to navigate, or offers little support when you need it most, you're not alone. That's why so many practices are switching to Office Puzzle. Go to officepuzzle.com/bop to learn more! HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. The 2026 Stone Soup Conference! This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26 Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. 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. 

In Session 320, I sit down with Landon Cowan and Tiffany Kodak to talk about an area of behavior analysis that doesn't get nearly enough attention: professional (or "soft") skills. We spend a lot of time in our field teaching and refining technical, clinical, or "hard" skills—and for good reason. But far less time is devoted to the interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills that ultimately determine how effective we are as clinicians, supervisors, and collaborators. In this conversation, Landon and Tiffany share their research aimed at identifying, defining, and measuring these professional skills, along with some eye-opening findings about where skill gaps exist.

I'm bringing back one of my mini episodes that continues to spark great conversations around verbal imitation. This reprise dives into how we think about echoics and verbal imitation in a way that is thoughtful, ethical, and grounded in collaboration. I share why this can be such a tricky area, especially when speech-language pathologists and BCBAs are working together, and why context always matters more than a checklist.In this episode, I walk through how I approach verbal imitation on a team, why assessment and collaboration are essential, and how we can support learners without turning them off to verbal communication. This is a practical listen that encourages all of us to slow down, zoom out, and make sure our targets are truly functional for the child in front of us.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:Why verbal imitation and echoics require careful, collaborative decision-makingThe role of assessments and context when choosing verbal targetsHow SLP and BCBA collaboration supports ethical and effective programmingA high-level look at maintaining and generalizing verbal imitation skillsMentioned In This Episode:Verbal Imitation Guide (Hack #19) Join our ethics course Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

Ever feel like your BCBA schedule is just one long game of “calendar Tetris”? Between driving to in-home sessions, juggling billable hours, supervising staff, and trying to have a life outside of work, it can feel impossible to fit it all in.In this episode, Audra and Caitlin break down 10 practical, doable strategies to help you build a sustainable schedule—whether you're clinic-based, school-based, or driving from house to house—without sacrificing supervision quality or your own sanity.

If you know the material but your brain completely melts the second the exam starts, this episode is for you.In How to Outsmart Test Anxiety, Liat sits down with Dr. Nicole Cain, author of Panic Proof, to explain why anxiety hijacks your brain and how to shut that down. We break down what your amygdala, nervous system, and “autopilot brain” are doing when panic shows up, plus real tools to calm your body so your executive brain can actually access the right info.No “just relax” nonsense. Just science, behavior, and practical strategies for BCBAs, RBTs, and everybody inbetween.Behavior Concepts Covered:AntecedentDeterminism Consequence Pairing Behavior chain interruptionFunction of behavior Operant conditioning Positive reinforcement Connect with Dr. Nicole Cain:Website: www.DrNicoleCain.comBook: Panic ProofInstagram: @drnicolecainFacebook: Dr. Nicole CainLinktree / Resources: https://campsite.bio/drnicolecainConnect with Behavior BitchesInsta: @behaviorbitchespodcastFacebook: Behavior Bitches PodcastWebsite: BehaviorBitches.comContact Us: For podcast inquiries, episode ideas, or just to say hi, email us at behaviorbitches@studynotesaba.com Leave us a 5-star review in the Apple Podcast App so we can read it to everyone during our episodes and make us super happy!Looking for BCBA Exam Prep or CEUs?• Whether you need help passing the BCBA exam or are looking to earn CEUs, Study Notes ABA has you covered. Check out our website for comprehensive exam prep materials, prep courses, and CEUs• Test Prep: StudyNotesABA.com• CEUs: CEU.StudyNotesABA.com• PairABA: PairABA.com

Don't adjust your podcast player folks, you have the right show. Welcome to Session 319 of the Behavioral Observations Podcast. If you've been listening for a bit, you know what's coming. If you're new to the show however, first, welcome and thanks for listening. Every year, I team up with my friends from the ABA Inside Track Podcast to do a Year In Review episode. We've tinkered with the format over time, but for this one, we talk briefly about the trends and issues that we thought were important in 2025. From there, we discussed some of the most downloaded shows from our podcasts this year and speculate as to why these ones resonated so much. We close the show talking about how both of our shows are turning 10 years old very soon. So we look back on what we've learned over a decade of podcasting! Today's episode 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! ·       HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. ·      The 2026 Stone Soup Conference! This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! ·      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!

As we wrap up the year, we wanted to pause and reflect on what 2025 has looked like for us personally and professionally. From family milestones and personal growth to travel, learning, and finding better balance, we start by sharing some of the moments that shaped our year behind the scenes.We then zoom out and reflect on everything that happened at How to ABA. We talk about new collaborations, incredible guests who joined us on the podcast, conferences we attended and sponsored, and the growth of our community. Hitting over 150,000 podcast downloads this year truly blew our minds, and we cannot thank you enough for being here and listening.We also review updates to our resources, staff training bundles, CEU offerings, and free community events, along with how your feedback continues to guide what we create. We wrap up by sharing our goals for 2026 and wisdom from past podcast guests for new and seasoned BCBAs alike.What's Inside:Personal highlights from our yearPodcast milestones and community growthWhat's coming next for How to ABAMentioned in This Episode:Episode 184: The Role of Trauma and Behavior in ABA with Dr. Camille KoluEpisode 186: How to Create a Sensitive Sleep Program with Emily VaronEpisode 195: Empowering Educators with Amanda WilsonEpisode 198: Parenting, ABA, & Emotional Regulation with Leanne PageEpisode 212: The Multicultural Classroom with Lorena and Roberto GermánEpisode 218: Creating Meaningful Outcomes in ABA with Dr. Anika HoybjergEpisode 229: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Real-World Practice with Dr. Adam VenturaHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram 

Strength training and structured fitness can transform quality of life for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Eric Chessen began developing meaningful fitness programs after realizing there was almost no guidance on how to safely and effectively support this population. His work focuses on bridging the gap between exercise science and positive behavior support so individuals of all ability levels can build strength, confidence, and long-term independence.We discuss why traditional motivations for fitness (like aesthetics or sports performance) often don't apply to neurodivergent athletes and how professionals can create programs that prioritize functional movement, daily living skills, and proactive behavior support. Eric explains why “stronger is safer,” how resistance training supports fall prevention and mobility, and why distinguishing structured exercise from loosely defined movement is essential. He also highlights collaboration opportunities with SLPs, OTs, BCBAs, and parents, sharing how fitness can be integrated into therapy sessions in consistent, scalable ways.For clinicians, educators, and families wanting to bring structured, neuroaffirming fitness into their work, Eric offers Autism Fitness certifications worldwide, along with site-based programming and individualized athlete coaching. For more information, check out his website below.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:How Eric combined behavior science and exercise science to develop fitness programs for neurodivergent individualsWhy strength training is foundational for independence, mobility, and long-term healthThe difference between “moving around” and a true, structured exercise programHow proactive, energizing movement can support regulation and reduce challenging behaviorsWays SLPs, OTs, BCBAs, and parents can integrate fitness into therapy through scalable, consistent routinesWhat Autism Fitness certification offers for professionals and families who want to bring meaningful fitness into their practiceMentioned In This Episode:Autism Fitness WebsiteJoin the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

Burnout is not only exhaustion. It is that sinking feeling of being out of alignment with what matters most. In this episode, we open up about the real challenges BCBAs and therapists face: overwhelming caseloads, lack of follow-through, and situations we cannot control. Instead of pushing through the pressure, we explore how ACT helps us acknowledge our feelings, name what is really happening, and reconnect with our values.We talk about psychological flexibility, common thought traps, and why fixing burnout is not the goal. The goal is learning to tolerate discomfort while taking committed, values-driven action. You will hear how we use the ACT Values Matrix to shift from frustration to clarity and how compassion for ourselves and others can change the way we show up at work.What's Inside:What burnout really looks like for BCBAs and therapistsHow ACT helps us accept what we cannot controlUsing values-based action to reduce overwhelmPractical strategies for building psychological flexibilityMentioned in This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram 

Starting your career as a BCBA can be exciting, but it's easy to stumble if you don't know the common pitfalls. In this conversation, we unpack the biggest mistakes new BCBAs make and how to avoid them so you can build confidence, create meaningful programs, and set yourself and your clients up for success.We talk about why skipping a thorough assessment can derail your programming, how to choose the right assessment tool for each learner, and why focusing on compassion over compliance makes all the difference. You'll also hear why building relationships with families and caregivers is just as important as data collection and how slowing down to connect can make your sessions more effective.If you're new to the field or mentoring someone who is, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you avoid common traps and focus on what truly matters—creating lasting impact through thoughtful, compassionate practice.What's Inside:The most common BCBA mistakes (and how to prevent them)How to choose assessments that truly fit your learner's needsWhy compassion and relationship-building are key to successMentioned in This Episode:Episode 219: Choosing the Right Assessment: Practical Tips for BCBAsFlexible Application of ACT in Parent Training, Staff Supervision, and Client SupportHowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram 

In Session 317, I sit down with Dr. Francesca Delia Espinoza to revisit one of the most foundational—but often misunderstood—topics in behavior analysis: eye contact. We explore why eye contact shouldn't be treated as a simple objective, but instead understood within its broader social and developmental context. Francesca explains how eye contact is better re-framed as "eye-looking," and why behavior analysts need a strong conceptual foundation for evaluating when, how, and why to teach it. We discuss her recent paper in Perspectives on Behavior Science, which encourages practitioners to analyze the controlling variables behind eye contact rather than relying on rote teaching procedures. We then shift into the role of eye contact in autism development and early intervention. Francesca discusses how deviations in gaze behavior can influence a child's learning trajectory, and why early, naturally occurring social contingencies can make such a significant difference. We also touch on the potential aversiveness of eye contact for some individuals, and how to navigate that ethically and effectively. Our conversation expands into related research on social media, gaze avoidance, and how adults and children with autism engage differently with eye-related cues online. Francesca also talks about her Substack newsletter, "What Darwin Taught Me," which blends behavioral science with accessible and engaging writing. From there, we explore her creative work in conceptual fiction, including her "Aura" series from her Substack Newsletter — a not-too-distant science-fiction world where behavior analysts work alongside AI systems that analyze sessions, generate programs, and support day-to-day clinical tasks. This leads us into a broader discussion about the role of AI in applied behavior analysis, including its promises, limitations, and the importance of preserving hands-on clinical expertise. Francesca describes one of the short stories in the Aura series about behavior analysts who travel to developing countries, only to realize their reliance on technology becomes a liability when the systems fail. It's a striking reminder that behavior change happens in real time, and nothing replaces skilled human interaction. We close by reflecting on how emerging technologies—AI, automation, and digital platforms—might shape the future of ABA for better or worse. Resources and References Mentioned: Francesca's Substack: "What Darwin Taught Me" (Aura storyline here) Stromberg, et al. (2025). Shaping Social Eye Contact in Children With Autism Via Telehealth: A Parent-Implemented Intervention Skinner (1986): "What Is Wrong With Daily Life in the Western World?" The Craft of Applied Behavior Analysis: Session 181 with Francesca Degli Espinosa Eye Contact, Joint Attention, and Autism: Session 238 with Francesca Degli Espinosa Cline (2012). Ready Player One (pro tip: skip the movie, read the book) The Matrix Sponsor Shoutouts! Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you'll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out! MindBodyBehavior's Certified Health Coach Program. If you're a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. Click here to learn more! HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. The 2026 Stone Soup Conference! This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25.

Guest Meghan Edwards, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and School-Based Behavior Specialist, joins the show to share her journey from providing in-home services to becoming a public school BCBA. With over a decade of experience, Meghan helps schools build proactive systems for behavior and staff support—bridging the gap between behavior analysis and the real-world classroom.We talk about what it means to be a school-based BCBA, including the top three things to consider when transitioning to a school role. From navigating the noise and unpredictability of the school day to collaborating closely with teachers and administrators, Meghan emphasizes the importance of relationships and rapport in making an impact. She shares how her weekly newsletters, staff shoutouts, and open communication help her connect across teams.Meghan also discusses how her Instagram community, @school_based_bcba, evolved into The Behavior Lounge, a mentorship hub for school-based BCBAs. Plus, she highlights her passion project, The Paraprofessional Training Manual, created to empower the staff members who support high-needs students but often receive the least training.Be on the lookout for a CEU with Meghan coming to ABA Speech Connection in Fall 2026!#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:What it's like to transition into a school-based BCBA roleTop 3 tips for success in the school settingBuilding strong relationships with teachers and administratorsSupporting paraprofessionals through intentional training and resourcesMentioned In This Episode:School Based BCBAMeghan Edwards BCBA Mentor and Behavior Support for Schools Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

Teaching social skills isn't just about steps, it's about helping kids understand why connection matters and how to cope when things don't go as planned. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Melissa Connor-Santos, MA, BCBA, Founder and CEO of Oceanview Behavior Solutions and a nationally recognized expert in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). With over 15 years of experience, Melissa works at the intersection of clinical excellence and compassionate care, consulting with schools, training professionals, and mentoring families. She's also a full-time ABA faculty member at Felician University, a certified PFA/SBT Level 6 Supervisor, and a leading voice in school-based behavioral support. As a parent of a child with a behavioral disorder, Melissa brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, one grounded in empathy, ethics, and strengths-based practice. Together, Sharlee and Melissa explore how ACT can bridge the gaps in traditional social skills instruction for children with autism and behavioral differences, blending evidence-based practice, personal insight, and emerging research to reimagine how we support emotional regulation, self-narratives, and long-term well-being.   For more information about Melissa Connor-Santos and Oceanview Behavior Solutions, please visit: https://www.oceanviewbehaviorsolutions.com For more information about supervision for aspiring BCBAs, please visit: https://www.oceanviewbehaviorsolutions.com/services For more information about “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Trap-Struggling-Start-Living/dp/1590305841 For more information about “Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life” by Steven C. Hayes, PhD., please visit: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/noresults/get-out-of-your-mind-and-into-your-life-steven-c-hayes-phd/1129445963 Connect with Melissa on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-connor-santos/

Leah and Dr. Shelly, both occupational therapists who have either earned or are working toward dual certification as BCBAs, join me to talk about the power and challenges of blending these two worlds. Believe it or not, there aren't even statistics on how many dual-certified professionals are out there—but the impact of this crossover is clear. Their work centers on collaboration with families and other professionals, finding common ground between OT and ABA.We talk about the funding and system barriers that can make integration tough, and how learning to understand each other's “jargon” helps break those walls down. As Dr. Shelly says, OTs and BCBAs are often working toward the same goals—they just use different words. Sometimes, you have to “massage the message” so everyone can connect and understand.Dr. Shelly also shares insight into the business and insurance side of implementation, while Leah highlights the importance of spreading the word about the tools ABA offers. Their message is simple: put the egos aside, keep listening, and stay open to learning from each other.#autism #speechtherapyWhat's Inside:The growing overlap between OT and ABAWhy collaboration starts with learning each other's “language”Navigating funding and system barriers that limit integrationPutting egos aside to focus on shared goals and learning from one anotherMentioned In This Episode:Is This My Child?: Sensory Integration SimplifiedCircle Care ServicesThe Autism Roundtable Podcast - Circle Care ServicesMy BCBA Life Podcast - Circle Care Services Join the ABA Speech Connection  ABA Speech: HomeRecoverycast: Mental Health & Addiction Recovery StoriesReal talk, real recovery, actually entertaining. Find Recoverycast now.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Thanks for joining me in Session 315 of The Behavioral Observations Podcast. In this episode, I spoke with Drs. Gabi Morgan and David Adams to dive deep into trauma-informed behavior analysis. Gabi brings her 30-year journey in the field—from undergrad roots to professorship at Bay Path University—while David shares his evolution from child and family therapy to clinical psychology, with a heavy focus on foster and adoptive parenting. Both guests are passionate about closing the divide between trauma therapy and behavioral strategies, and they credit mentors like Dr. Jeannie Golden for lighting the way. We kick things off by unpacking what trauma really means. In doing so, as a content warning, please be aware that we do make general references to a variety of traumatic and adverse experiences. Having said that, David walks us through SAMHSA's three-part definition: the event, the experience, and the effects. It's not the event itself that defines trauma—it's the individual's response. He introduces "adverse conditioning experiences" as a behavior-analytic twist on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), spotlighting how negative associations get wired in through conditioning. From there, we contrast PTSD and complex PTSD. Same core symptoms (intrusive thoughts, avoidance, etc.), but complex PTSD adds prolonged exposure and three extra layers: impaired self-worth, rocky relationships, and emotional dysregulation. Gabi drives home a critical point: folks with developmental disabilities are at higher risk for trauma but often fly under the diagnostic radar. We need to get better at spotting trauma-related behaviors in this population. Screening, Brain Science, and Practical Strategies Screening is a big theme. We all agree behavior analysts aren't formally trained in assessment, but we have to be aware of how this is done. Gabi loves the Child Health and Development Institute's Child Trauma Screen (CTS), and the Massachusetts Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (Mass CANS) tool.  David then nerds out on the neurobiology: trauma affects the amygdala (hypervigilance), hippocampus (memory glitches), hypothalamus (stress gone haywire), and frontal lobe (decision-making on the fritz). Enter the "amygdala hijack"—when fear short-circuits rational thought. Bottom line? Kids in fight-or-flight aren't in a teachable moment. Safety and calm have to come first. We close the show with actionable takeaways: risk-benefit analyses for every intervention (especially with histories of food neglect), "kind extinction" (empathy + withholding reinforcers), and the six pillars of trauma-informed care (safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, cultural competence). TIC isn't a "hyphenated" ABA—it's the whole framework. Advice for new BCBAs? Seek trauma training, question "business as usual," and be the stable adult in a kid's chaotic world. Empathy, creativity, and reducing fear are your superpowers. Additional Resources Toward Trauma-Informed Applications of Behavior Analysis (Rajaraman, et al., 2021) Inside JABA 10 with Drs. Jenn Austin and Adithyan Rajaraman Dr. Camille Kolu's BOP episode on Buffers (a must listen!) 4th Annual Bay Path University Trauma-Informed Practice and ABA Conference David's book: Trauma-Informed Foster and Adoptive Parenting SAFE-T Assessment Training from Cusp Emergence University Sponsor Shoutouts! Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you'll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out! 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 inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise here. The 2026 Stone Soup Conference! This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! MindBodyBehavior's Certified Health Coach Program. If you're a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. Click here to learn more! The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away!  

In Session 313, Dr. Cody Morris from Salve Regina University, and the newly re-launched All Things Behavior podcast (please also see The BAPcast Podcast), joins me to dive into a topic that has merited quite a bit of discussion in Applied Behavior Analysis. These days, you pretty much have to be living under a rock in ABA circles to not have noticed the increased focus on assent practices in treatment programming. Cody is one of the preeminent authorities on this topic, and in this episode, we talk about the definitions of assent, how assent has been conceptualized in other fields, and how it applies to the work we do as Behavior Analysts. In doing so, we review Cody's article, Toward a Further Understanding of Assent, which was published in the winter 2024 issue. Long story short, if you're looking for a nuanced discussion on this topic that avoids binary, black and white conceptualizations, you've come to the right place. Here's a deeper dive into what we discussed: Assent in Behavior Analysis: Cody's research on assent—a concept similar to consent but applicable to individuals without legal authorization to consent for themselves. Assent involves four critical features: legal status, giving permission, adequate information, and the ability to withdraw permission. This concept is essential for involving clients in therapeutic decisions, particularly those with communication differences or developmental disabilities. Client Assent in Therapeutic Settings: The discussion covers the historical roots and practical applications of assent in behavior analysis. Cody clarifies that assent is a specific strategy for involving clients in treatment decisions, not an all-or-nothing requirement. He addresses the challenges of obtaining accurate verbal assent from clients with complex communication needs and recommends using multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences. Assent Procedures in Research: An examination of assent procedures in behavior analytic research, including the distinction between free choice and fair choice. The episode explores how researchers and clinicians can minimize undue influence and coercive contingencies while arranging fair choices and creating socially acceptable outcomes. Balancing Clinical Progress and Client Autonomy: Cody discusses the critical balance between making clinical progress and giving clients independence and autonomy. He explains that while some procedures are necessary and non-negotiable, there are often opportunities to involve clients in decisions about their treatment, such as choosing the time of day or setting for therapeutic activities or medication management. Implementing Assent in Practice: The episode addresses nuances and limitations of implementing client assent in behavioral therapy, emphasizing that assent should be balanced with clinical progress. Cody highlights the dangers of overgeneralizing procedures without individualizing treatment and encourages a broader approach to maximizing client involvement in therapeutic decisions. Challenges in Assent Assessment: A discussion on the challenges and limitations of developing simplified decision-making tools (like checklists) for assessing client assent. Cody emphasizes the need for nuanced clinical judgment due to insufficient research and recommends that researchers take small, focused steps in studying specific aspects of assent. Resources & References Morris, Dietrich, and Peterson. (2021). Participant assent in behavior analytic research: Considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities. Bannerman, et al., (1990). Balancing the right to habilitation with the right to personal liberties: The rights of people with developmental disabilities to eat too many doughnuts and take a nap. Inside JABA 24: Improving Health Routines for Adults with Disabilities Using Synchronous Reinforcement Strategies (CEU available!). Inside JABA 23: ABA Strategies for Safer Playground Behavior (CEU available!). Inside JABA 22: Response to Name Interventions for Staff and Caregivers (CEU available!). Skinner (1999). Cumulative Record. Northup (2000). Further evaluation of the accuracy of reinforcer surveys: A systematic replication. Good Will Hunting. Takeaways for Practitioners Assent is one tool within a larger framework of client-centered services, not the sole focus of treatment Incorporate clients in as many meaningful decisions as possible throughout treatment, distinguishing between necessary procedures and flexible choices Use multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences, especially for individuals with complex communication needs Balance clinical progress with client autonomy and independence Avoid overgeneralizing or rigidly following assent procedures without individualizing treatment Take a nuanced, clinically-informed approach to client involvement in therapeutic decisions This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: •    Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you'll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out! •    MindBodyBehavior's Certified Health Coach Program. If you're a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. Click here to learn more! •    HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. •    Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! •    The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don't miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25, led by Dr. Emily Kerwin and Gina Zecchin-Tirri from All Points Behavior (formerly The Carbone Clinic). The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away!