Podcasts about developmental disabilities

Dr. Paca Lipovac, a longtime leader in the developmental disabilities field, shares how a personal connection—her niece's disability—drew her into a 26‑year career dedicated to improving care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She describes her work overseeing highly complex, medically fragile populations at Richmond Community Services, emphasizing the importance of creating "enviable lives" that mirror the dignity and opportunities anyone would want. Lipovac highlights major systemic challenges, including an expensive and fragmented U.S. healthcare system, inadequate Medicaid reimbursement, and a lack of provider training in IDD care, all of which limit access to necessary services. To address staffing shortages and improve care quality, she outlines innovative solutions such as partnering with colleges to train her own nurses and recruiting international direct support professionals, achieving strong retention and better continuity of care. She concludes with core principles for improving the field: treat people with disabilities first and foremost as people, act with deep respect, and build supportive "village-like" communities that foster meaningful relationships and better lives.

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Tamar Heller, Director, Institute on Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago, discusses aging and aging caregivers. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41459]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Claudia Center, Legal Director, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund talks about the health policy landscape. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41453]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Tamar Heller, Director, Institute on Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago, discusses aging and aging caregivers. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41459]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Claudia Center, Legal Director, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund talks about the health policy landscape. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41453]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Tamar Heller, Director, Institute on Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago, discusses aging and aging caregivers. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41459]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Claudia Center, Legal Director, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund talks about the health policy landscape. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41453]

Double double your behavior. Double double your analysis. Oh no single podcast, ABA Inside Track freshens your brain like... Double research, double discussion, Come on and double listen. ABA Inside Track, ABA inside Track...episode.   This episode is available for 1.0 DUAL-DIAGNOSIS/LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Nussbaum, N.L. (2012). ADHD and female specific concerns: A review of the literature and clinical implications. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 87-100. doi: 10.1177/1087054711416909 Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Robinson, A. N., O'Connor, J. T., & Hagopian, L. P. (2015). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 150-166. doi: 10/1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010 Lambert, J. M., Parikh, N., Stankiewicz, K. C., Houchins‐Juarez, N. J., Morales, V. A., Sweeney, E. M., & Milam, M. E. (2019). Decreasing food stealing of a child with prader-willi syndrome through function based differential reinforcement. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 721-728. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3747-y 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.

As the summer weather turns its bright face towards New England, we find ourselves wrapping up another year of book club...just in time to start planning for NEXT YEAR'S BOOK CLUB!! Get your phone loaded with all the podcasts you need for the beach with this month's new episodes. First, we open up a themed grab bag with articles all related to participants with dual-diagnoses. Then we dig into the details of concept formation with Dr. Catherine Williams to find out exactly how you should really be teaching new things. Last, get prepared for your annual medical check-up with an episode all about medical toleration procedures. And as if that wasn't enough, Patrons gain access to our Summer Book Club pick, "Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis" featuring an interview with Dr. MerrilI Winston in addition to our regular book club shenanigans. If you work in the school setting (or are getting ready to work in the school setting) you do not want to miss out. Interested in selecting all of next year's Book Club selections? Then be sure to fill out our new poll to let us know what we should be packing in our summer go-bags for next year's episodes. Articles for June 2026 (DUAL DIAGNOSIS) A Very Dual-Diagnosis Grab Bag (Summer 2026 Grab Bag) Nussbaum, N.L. (2012). ADHD and female specific concerns: A review of the literature and clinical implications. Journal of Attention Disorders, 16, 87-100. doi: 10.1177/1087054711416909 Kurtz, P. F., Chin, M. D., Robinson, A. N., O'Connor, J. T., & Hagopian, L. P. (2015). Functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior exhibited by children with fragile X syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 43, 150-166. doi: 10/1016/j.ridd.2015.06.010 Lambert, J. M., Parikh, N., Stankiewicz, K. C., Houchins‐Juarez, N. J., Morales, V. A., Sweeney, E. M., & Milam, M. E. (2019). Decreasing food stealing of a child with prader-willi syndrome through function based differential reinforcement. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49, 721-728. doi: 10.1007/s10803-018-3747-y Conceptual Learning w/ Dr. Catherine Williams Williams, C.L., St. Peter, C.C., Perone, M., Aguilar, M., Cederberg, B.A., Gregersen, D.J., & Richardson, E.J. (2025). Using must-have and can-have features to improve conceptual learning. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70037. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70037 Williams, C.L. & Roop, J.C. (2025). Instruction consisting of a rule and set of examples and nonexamples reliably teaches concepts. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 124, e70061. doi: 10.1002/jeab.70061 Medical Toleration Cuvo, A., Raegan, A., L., Ackerlund, J., Huckfledt, R., & Kelly, C. (2010). Training children with autism spectrum disorders to be compliant with a physical exam. Research in Autism Spectrum Disoders, 4, 168-185. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.001 Dowdy, A., Tincani, M., Nipe, T., & Weiss. M. J. (2018). Effects of reinforcement without extinction on increasing compliance with nail cutting: A systematic replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 51, 924-930. doi: 10.1002/jaba.484 Slifer, K. J., Avis, K. T., & Frutchey, R. A. (2008). Behavioral intervention to increase compliance with electroencephalographic procedures in children with developmental disabilities. Epilepsy Behavior, 13, 189-195. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.01.013 Adventures in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Book Club (feat. Dr. Merril Winston) Winston, M. (2016). Adventures in special education and applied behavior analysis. Sloan Publishing.

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Robin Wilson-Beattie, Disability and Sexual and Reproductive Health Educator, discusses sexual health. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41469]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Robin Wilson-Beattie, Disability and Sexual and Reproductive Health Educator, discusses sexual health. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41469]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Robin Wilson-Beattie, Disability and Sexual and Reproductive Health Educator, discusses sexual health. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41469]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Hari Srinivasan, Rishi Jena, and Héctor Manuel Ramírez discuss mental health and self advocacy. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41456]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Hari Srinivasan, Rishi Jena, and Héctor Manuel Ramírez discuss mental health and self advocacy. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41456]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Hari Srinivasan, Rishi Jena, and Héctor Manuel Ramírez discuss mental health and self advocacy. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41456]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, UCSF's Dr. Joan Jeung discusses trauma informed care. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41457]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, UCSF's Dr. Joan Jeung discusses trauma informed care. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41457]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, UCSF's Dr. Joan Jeung discusses trauma informed care. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41457]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital, discusses vaccine skepticism and public policy. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41461]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital, discusses vaccine skepticism and public policy. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41461]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Dr. Dean Blumberg, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital, discusses vaccine skepticism and public policy. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41461]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Maria Town, President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities, discusses Medicaid. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41454]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Maria Town, President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities, discusses Medicaid. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41454]

As part of the 2026 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Maria Town, President and CEO, American Association of People with Disabilities, discusses Medicaid. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41454]

Debra Emerson, CEO of St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, shares how her "village" empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through art, aquatics, a new senior center, and a thriving garden program. Emerson discusses funding challenges, high-impact partnerships and its major events, such as California Dreaming and the Hidden Diamonds fashion show. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

Wendy White Tiegreen (she/her), MSW, is the former Director of Medicaid and Health System Innovation for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Wendy shares how she became part of the movement that reshaped mental health services nationwide. They talk about policy battles, the long-term impact of embedding peer specialists into the system and how advocacy, relationships and persistence drive meaningful change. To learn more about Wendy and her work:  Wendy White Tiegreen — Lexicon Strategies   The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns.info Transcripts are available on Apple Podcasts.

Family matters most for emotional wellbeing, say Sheri McVay and Hannah Lydiatt. Read the article on BOLD.Stay up to date with all the latest research on child development and learning at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.Subscribe to BOLD's newsletter.

In this episode, Ryan and Mike explore the real reason children with ADHD struggle with reading comprehension and written expression—working memory issues, not laziness or oppositional behavior. They explain the role of nonverbal working memory (mental movies) and verbal working memory (inner voice) , share key research findings, and offer practical strategies to support children at home and school.Find Mike @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.grownowadhd.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find Ryan @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.adhddude.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[01:38] The real problem is working memory, not laziness[06:14] The mental movie that never gets made (nonverbal working memory)[13:36] The inner voice goes quiet during writing (verbal working memory)[17:29] The blank page: oppositional behavior or working memory failure?[20:06] What actually helps: make external what other kids do internally[23:00] Closing takeawaysEpisode 56 Citations:Gray, C., Rogers, M., London, K., et al. (2016). Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and reading disability: A review of the efficacy of medication treatments. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 988.Miller, A. C., Keenan, J. M., Betjemann, R. S., et al. (2013). Reading comprehension in children with ADHD: Cognitive underpinnings of the centrality deficit. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 41, 473–483.Soto, E. F., Kofler, M. J., Irwin, L. N., et al. (2021). Executive functions and writing skills in children with ADHD. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.Molitor, S. J., Langberg, J. M., Evans, S. W., et al. (2016). The written expression abilities of adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 51–52, 49–59.Re, A. M., Pedron, M., & Cornoldi, C. (2007). Expressive writing difficulties in children described as exhibiting ADHD symptoms. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40(3), 244–255.

In this episode, I'm joined by Drs. Brandon May and Maggie Pavone, and Kate Heersink to talk about how we can better support healthier lifestyles for individuals with developmental disabilities. We start by digging into how each of them came to this work. Maggie shares some early experiences working as a direct support professional, where she began to notice patterns between food-related variables and challenging behavior. Brandon talks about coming into behavior analysis through the health and fitness world, and seeing firsthand how difficult it was to support individuals in building healthier routines without a clear behavioral framework. Kate adds her perspective from working with individuals with brain injury, where the connection between physical health and overall functioning is hard to ignore. We also spend some time acknowledging that this isn't entirely new territory. There's a solid body of work—both within and outside of behavior analysis—focused on physical activity and health for individuals with disabilities. At the same time, there's still a gap when it comes to practical, easy-to-implement tools that can be used by the people doing the day-to-day work. From there, we get into the early development of the Fit 4 All program and how it's currently being implemented in a day program setting for adults with developmental disabilities. Kate walks through what a typical session looks like, including: Starting the day by ensuring wearable tech (e.g., a Fitbit) is in place Using a token system tied to individualized goals (hydration, movement, functional fitness, and nutrition skills) Embedding physical activity throughout the day (walking, fitness videos, etc.) Teaching basic nutrition concepts using structured learning trials Incorporating functional skills like cooking where appropriate One of the things I appreciated about this approach is how integrated it is. Rather than treating exercise or nutrition as separate, isolated targets, they're woven into the flow of the day and supported through clear contingencies and reinforcement systems. We also talk about the importance of working within real-world environments. This isn't about creating tightly controlled, clinic-based interventions—it's about meeting people where they are and building systems that can be implemented by direct support staff, teachers, and caregivers in the settings where individuals actually live and spend their time. This is very much a "boots on the ground" application of behavior analysis—figuring out how to increase things like step count, heart rate, and water consumption in ways that are practical, sustainable, and individualized. And like a lot of good ABA work, it involves ongoing problem-solving—adjusting activities, testing different approaches, and using data to guide decisions. If you're a BCBA, or someone working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, this conversation is a good reminder that health and wellness is an area where our science has a lot to offer—and probably more room to grow.

#709: Keith Wargo has spent decades navigating one of the most daunting financial planning challenges a family can face: raising a child with a developmental disability. He joins us to share what families need to know. The financial stakes are significant. Keith, who is the CEO of Autism Speaks, estimates lifetime care costs for a person with a developmental disability can run between $1.4 and $2.4 million - and that figure may be conservative. Yet many families put off financial planning because the day-to-day demands of caregiving leave little room for anything else. One of the first things Keith walks us through is the federal benefits system. Medicaid and SSI are the primary lifelines for many families, but qualifying takes time - for Keith's family, it took three years of meetings and paperwork. There's also a critical detail: SSI requires the individual to have no more than $2,000 in assets in their name. A well-intentioned inheritance from a grandparent can wipe out eligibility overnight. That's why Keith recommends a special needs trust for most families. Assets held in the trust don't count against federal benefit limits. He also recommends pairing the trust with a "second to die" life insurance policy - one that pays out after both parents are gone - to help fund it. ABLE accounts round out the toolkit. Similar to a 529 plan, they allow tax-free contributions of up to $20,000 per year for a person with a qualifying disability. The funds cover everyday expenses like food, transportation, and entertainment. Unused 529 funds can also be rolled into an ABLE account, up to $20,000 per year. Keith also addresses trustee succession - who manages the money after the parents are gone, and who steps in after that person. His advice: start building a network early, revisit the plan every few years, and bring siblings into the financial conversation sooner than feels necessary. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (00:00) The Financial Reality of Developmental Disabilities (02:00) Caregiving's financial toll on families (03:41) Keith's background (04:26) His son AJ's diagnosis and journey (07:08) Rights and services end at age 22 (08:06) Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI explained (14:12) The $2,000 asset limit for SSI eligibility (14:33) Why special needs trusts matter (16:04) Life insurance as a funding tool (23:08) Planning two retirements simultaneously (25:04) ABLE accounts - the basics (27:06) ABLE account balance limits by state (36:35) Employment opportunities for neurodiverse workers (42:11) Fraud and safety risks to be aware of (51:15) Trustee succession planning (53:22) Rolling 529 funds into ABLE accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As April marks Autism Awareness Month, a new book is calling for a fresh approach to how we support children with developmental disabilities and their families. Early Childhood Intervention by Ballina-based psychologist Martin O'Connor brings together the voices of parents, professionals and policymakers, offering what he describes as a more compassionate, practical and family-centred way forward. For more on this, Martin joined Alan Morrissey on Friday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) amazon.ie

In this powerful episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Oliver Roschke and John Wooderson of Constructional Solutions to explore how the constructional approach can transform positive behaviour support. Together, they unpack how many PBS systems—particularly within highly regulated environments—have drifted toward risk management, compliance, and behaviour reduction, often losing sight of the original aim: improving quality of life. Oliver and John challenge the field to move away from a pathological orientation focused on “problem behaviours” and instead ask a much more human question: What does this person want their life to look like? The conversation explores: The origins of PBS and its evolution in Australia The influence of Israel Goldiamond, Tom Gilbert, Ted Carr, and Risley Why restrictive practices can become systemically reinforced How “problem behaviour” may be the most efficient path to valued outcomes The power of dual social contracts with both participants and staff Case examples involving school trauma, dementia care, social isolation, and highly restrictive environments What practitioners can do tomorrow to start moving from a pathological to a constructional approach to PBS This episode is both a critique and an invitation: to build systems, services, and supports that center autonomy, meaningful outcomes, and human dignity. Key takeaway: Don't start with what needs to stop. Start with where the person wants to go. ontinuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.5 Ethics IBAO:  1.5 Ethics QABA: 1.5 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.5 Ethics  Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Contact Oliver and John: Constructional Solutions https://constructionalsolutions.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-roschke-5ba05074/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wooderson-6257798a/ Links: The Constructional Approach Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr Articles and Books Referenced: Wooderson, J. R., Roschke, O., Fox, R. A., & Hayward, B. A. (2026). Moving from a pathological to a constructional approach to positive behaviour support in Australian disability services. Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/23297018.2026.2644354 Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., Sailor, W., ... & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behavior support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of positive behavior interventions, 4(1), 4-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/109830070200400102 Donnellan, A. M., LaVigna, G. W., Negri-Shoultz, N., & Fassbender, L. L. (1988). Progress without punishment: Effective approaches for learners with behavior problems. Teachers College Press. Goldiamond, Israel (1974). Toward a Constructional Approach to Social Problems. Behavior and Philosophy 2 (1):1.   Special Series on The Constructional Approach This episode is the fourth installment in our ongoing series on the constructional approaches in behaviour analysis. I encourage you to check out the first three episodes. If you are new to this topic, Episode 250 is a great place to start  https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-257-a-compassionate-approach-to-exposure-therapy-with-danielle-cohen/ Episodes on Positive Behaviour Support https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-23-person-driven-positive-behaviour-support-for-traumatic-brain-injury-with-dr-kate-gould-dpsych/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-43-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-1/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-44-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-2/  

In this episode, Dr Ed Miller is joined by our associate trainee editor, Dr Yoon Kwon Choi, and his previous supervisor, Dr Melanie Johnston, to explore the experience of working at Queensland of Centre Excellence in Intellectual Disability and Autism Health (QCEIDAH). Yoon's perspective is narrated through the lens of being 'within and without', quote borrowed from The Great Gatsby, which helped him navigate the unique complexities and system challenges inherent to IDD psychiatry work.

Shannon McClure, InCommunity, on Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Metro Atlanta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 952) In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Shannon McClure, Chief Development Officer at InCommunity, a nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across Metro Atlanta. Founded […]

Alex Sloan (he/they), is a Transracial, Transgender and Nonbinary human, adopted from La Chorrera, Panama. He was adopted as an infant by a single white woman, who adopted another child from Panama 7 years prior, (who he later found out was his biological cousin through DNA testing). After his adoption was finalized at six months old, Alex was then moved overseas with his adoptive family to Okinawa, Japan, until 2006, when his family PCS'd (Permanent Change of Station) moved to an American Air Force base in Aviano, Italy. Alex was in Italy until he graduated High School and was accepted to Northern Arizona University, in 2012. Alex graduated and obtained a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology and Sociology. Alex moved to Portland, OR, in 2023, for new opportunities a safer environment for his queerness, and outside the heat of Arizona!. Alex currently works at a non-profit, as a Case Manager Supervisor, providing case management services to adults who experience Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Alex is excited to continue to be involved in the adoptee community and share his story. https://www.bipocadoptees.orgMusic by Corey Quinn

Kat Pheysey is the founder and CEO of Inclusive Sexology. She has 20 years experience supporting people with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Sheli Reynolds, a longtime professional and family advocate in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), discusses her work at a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the creation of the Charting the LifeCourse Framework. Drawing on both her professional experience and her role as a sibling of a person with a developmental disability, Reynolds explains how the framework was designed to help individuals with IDD and their families plan for a meaningful life across the lifespan using plain language, high expectations, and a broad view of supports beyond paid services. She describes how LifeCourse is used nationwide by families, self‑advocates, schools, service systems, and state agencies to support person‑ and family‑centered thinking, and emphasizes the importance of seeing people with disabilities as whole persons, involving self‑advocates directly in professional learning, and supporting families without pity while promoting dignity, choice, and health equity.

Dimitri A. Christakis, MD, MPH, discusses how to close care gaps for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 6 children in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with a developmental disability. Data also shows more than 226,000 families in Georgia are caring for a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability. For decades, the nonprofit Parent to Parent of Georgia has provided statewide resources, free one-on-one support and training to families through its free Supporting Parent Program. Latoya Palmer-Addy, the CEO of Parent to Parent of Georgia, and Marshall Seal, a Supporting Parent volunteer, talked more about the services, trainings and impact of the program in Georgia. With two weeks left in the current Georgia Legislative Session, WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali says this is often when tensions can rise. He joined Closer Look with Rose Scott to provide an update on legislation already advancing to Governor Brian Kemp, as well as bills being reshaped as they move between chambers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When food and toys just aren't cutting it for your learning needs, here comes awesomely fun social interactions. But which to choose? Wiggle arms? Tickles? There's got to be a better way! This week friend of the show, Dr. Casey Clay, returns to run down options for using social interaction preference assessments. We'll dive into the development process of some of these tools, look at if types of interactions can be categorized by type, and determine if anyone on the show would work for hugs. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., Bloom, S.E., Bogoev, B.K., & Boyle, M.A. (2013). Assessing preference for social interactions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 362-371. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.028 Morris, S.L. & Vollmer, T.R. (2020). A comparison of methods for assessing preference for social interactions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 918-937. doi: 10.1002/jaba.692 Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., & Kogoev, B.K. (2018). Assessing preference for and reinforcing efficacy of components of social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Learning and Motivation, 62, 4-14. doi: 10.1016/j.lmot.2017.03.008   If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, the two episode secret code words, and answers to the knowledge check questions to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

On this special edition of Mousetalgia, we are joined by recent traveler Missy who visited Disneyland with her family, which includes two children with disabilities who were aided by the use of Disneyland's DAS (Disability Access Service) Pass. Missy describes the process of obtaining the DAS Passes for her family, talks about how they are used in the park, and then shares broader information useful to any family which may have highly sensitive members, to help plan and enjoy the parks at various levels, whether you use the DAS Pass or not. We also sneak in a trip report, some stories of special Disney magic and dining tips. 

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.

For more than six decades, LARC has quietly served one of the most important missions in Acadiana—supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and helping them live meaningful, independent lives. On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Nicole Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of LARC, along with Karon Davis, Marketing Director, to learn how this remarkable nonprofit touches hundreds of lives every day. Founded over 60 years ago by parents who wanted better opportunities for their children with disabilities, LARC has grown into a multifaceted organization providing day programs, residential services, community support, and employment opportunities. Today, more than 150 individuals participate in LARC's day program on any given day, building life skills, forming friendships, and engaging in activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Nicole Harrison's own journey with LARC began 13 years ago when she started as a Direct Support Worker, working directly with individuals in their homes. A Lafayette native and graduate of Comeaux High School, Nicole says the organization's mission is deeply personal. “LARC is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to live a meaningful, independent and fulfilling life.” Participants attend weekday programs where they choose activities that match their interests and abilities. The campus features ten different classrooms and activity spaces, including a movie room, music room, recreation room, computer lab, and two bingo rooms—because as Nicole notes, “Everyone loves bingo. So we actually had to convert one of our other rooms into a bingo room. So now we have two bingo rooms.” The day begins with transportation provided by LARC, bringing participants to campus where they check into their “homeroom” before exploring the activities they enjoy most. A hot meal is available through the St. Ann's cafeteria, where individuals can choose among several lunch options before continuing with afternoon activities or relaxing outdoors under the gazebo, often dancing to music and enjoying time with friends. LARC serves individuals across the full spectrum of intellectual disability, from mild to profound, and staff members work with each participant to promote independence through personalized goals. Even small achievements can represent powerful milestones. “Once they complete it at 100%, that’s like a huge milestone for them… it’s a satisfaction for them.” Beyond the day program, LARC also provides community support services, helping individuals who live independently or with family members by assisting with transportation, appointments, and daily living needs. The organization operates ten group homes, including four in Lafayette and six in the Zachary area, where staff provide 24-hour care and support. “We have individuals with mild intellectual disabilities that may hold a job in the community… and others who may need assistance with activities of daily living,” Nicole explained. One of the most visible parts of LARC's mission is its employment programs. The organization partners with local businesses to provide supported jobs for participants. In addition, LARC operates Mardi Gras Beads-N-More, where donated parade beads are sorted and resold. providing both employment and income for the program. “When the parade goers donate their beads back, it provides our individuals with the opportunity for employment. It gives them employment and empowerment and independence because they can earn their own paycheck.” Visitors often encounter LARC's work at Acadian Village, the historic cultural site owned and operated by the organization. The village serves as a major fundraising arm for LARC and hosts weddings, events, tours, and the beloved Noel Acadien au Village Christmas celebration, which draws more than 50,000 visitors each year. Karon Davis explains that Acadian Village exists thanks to community generosity. The land was donated by a local couple raising a niece with special needs, while historic homes were moved to the site to preserve Acadiana's heritage. “At the core of this are parents that back over 60 years ago; the only option they had was to institutionalize their child. They got together, formed a group.” The village now serves as both a cultural destination and a critical source of support for LARC's programs. LARC's Acadian Village offers New Hope Chapel as a wedding venue to help create a magical moment. The New Hope Chapel is a non-denominational facility and a stunning replica of an 1850s Acadian-style church, with seating for up to 95 guests. The Bridal Suite at Acadian Village offers the perfect private space for the bride and her bridal party to relax, laugh, sip champagne, and get dolled up before walking down the aisle. Contact kim@acadianvillage.org or 337-981-2364 opt. 8 to learn more. Pictured: the LeBlanc House One of the popular homes to visit onsite at Acadian Village is the LeBlanc House, built between 1821 and 1856 near Youngsville. The LeBlanc house is the birthplace of Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc. Cajun politician and entrepreneur. “Couzan Dud” LeBlanc was born on August 16, 1894. In 1924, LeBlanc was elected a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, and served as State Senator from 1940 to 1944, 1948 to 1952, and in 1964. In 1945 he established the Happy Day Company, which manufactured the popular Hadacol brand health tonic; with 12 percent alcohol, it guaranteed to cure all ills. LeBlanc promoted Hadacol extensively, sometimes using major entertainers as spokespersons. An active Cajun culture preservationist, LeBlanc served as president of the Association of Louisiana Acadians, and in the late 1960s helped to establish CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana). He authored three books: The True Story of the Acadians (1927); The Improved Version (1932); and The Acadian Miracle (1966, a revised and expanded version of his first book). LeBlanc appealed to political supporters via radio in Cajun French, at a time when Cajun French was rarely heard on radio. He died on October 22, 1971, and was buried in Abbeville. The LeBlanc exhibit contains memorabilia from the life and times of “Couzan Dud.” Throughout the conversation, Nicole and Karon emphasize that the organization is sustained not only by staff but also by volunteers, donors, and the broader community. LARC welcomes donations of art supplies, office materials, clothing, and even cardboard for creative classroom projects. Volunteers also help with gardening, events, and special activities for participants. Nicole says the most rewarding part of her work is advocating for the people LARC serves. “The most fulfilling part of what I do is being an advocate for them, because when they can't speak or defend themselves, I can.” Karon Davis echoes the deep sense of purpose that motivates everyone involved with the organization: “As a parent, I think I would I would like to know that my children would be taken care of. And I think that’s the most important part of our mission, caring for people that can’t take care of themselves, but also giving those parents peace of mind that they’re going to be okay. And we love them. I mean, they would they give us is much more than we give them. But they’re well taken care of and they’re well loved.” And perhaps the most powerful lesson LARC teaches is about love, community, and human connection. “Everything is beautiful to them. It's truly unconditional love. They just don't care what you look like.” From employment programs to residential care, from the bead shop to Acadian Village's Christmas lights, LARC continues to demonstrate what happens when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. As Karon puts it simply: “There's no other place like it.” Learn more about LARC:Noel Acadien au Village is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. LARC's Acadian Village is located at 200 Greenleaf Drive in Lafayette. Visit www.lafayettelarc.org for ticket information and more details.Facebook: LARC Lafayette | Acadian Village | Noel Acadien au Village LARC welcomes volunteers, donations, and community engagement. Businesses and organizations interested in tours, partnerships, or service projects are encouraged to reach out.

Happy 10th Anniversary, ABA Inside Track! Yes, after 10 years of laughs, research discussion, and podcasting, we're finally reaching the Tin-phase of the show (because we're so durable). Though, beyond our long-winded trips down memory lane, we're still here doing what we do best: Creating amazing discussions about topics and research that matter to behavior analysts. Plus a Book Club! We kick the month off with some special guests including Dr. Kathleen Feeley who brings us up to speed on supporting children with Down syndrome using ABA methodology, and friend of the show, Dr. Casey Clay, who shows us how to extend preference assessment technology to the social interaction realms. Finally, we wrap up our regular episodes with a dip into OBM by reviewing the research on using public posting to improve employee performance. Then, our Spring Book Club sprouts with a very timely discussion of "The Anxious Generation" by Johnathan Haidt with Book Club Guy, Alan Haberman. Put down your social media feeds and pick up your mp3 players! It's learning time. In lieu of flowers and congratulations cards, you may think kind thoughts about us as you download all these episodes. Articles for March 2026 Down Syndrome and ABA w/ Dr. Kathleen Feeley (DUAL DIAGNOSIS) Feeley, K.M. & Jones, E.A. (2006). Addressing challenging behaviour in children with Down syndrome: The use of applied behaviour analysis for assessment and intervention. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 11, 64-77. doi: 10.3104/perspectives.316 Feeley, K. & Jones, E. (2008). Strategies to address challenging behaviour in young children with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 12, 153-163. doi: 10.3104/case-studies.2008 Feeley, K.M., Jones, E.A., Blackburn, C., & Bauer, S. (2011). Advancing imitation and requesting skills in toddlers with Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32, 2415-2430. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2011.07.018   Social Preference Assessments w/ Dr. Casey Clay Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., Bloom, S.E., Bogoev, B.K., & Boyle, M.A. (2013). Assessing preference for social interactions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 34, 362-371. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2012.07.028 Morris, S.L. & Vollmer, T.R. (2020). A comparison of methods for assessing preference for social interactions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53, 918-937. doi: 10.1002/jaba.692 Clay, C.J., Samaha, A.L., & Kogoev, B.K. (2018). Assessing preference for and reinforcing efficacy of components of social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Learning and Motivation, 62, 4-14. doi: 10.1016/j.lmot.2017.03.008   Public Posting Nordstrom, R., Lorenzi, P., & Hall, R.V. (1991). A review of public posting of performance feedback in work settings. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 11, 101-124. doi: 10.1300/J075v11n02_07 Miller, B.G., Livingston, C.P., Zerger, H.M., Valbuena, D.A., & Miltenberger, R.G. (2023). Evaluating public posting, goal setting, and rewards to increase physical activity in children. Behavioral Interventions, 38, 105-117. doi: 10.1002/bin.1902 Ayvazo, S. & Naveh, M.E. (2024). Self-monitoring and public posting improve competitive youth cyclists' training performance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 57, 394-407. doi: 10.1002/jaba.1058 Perrin, C.J., Frederick, A., & Klick, S. (2016). Effects of public posting and goal setting on team performance in a residential setting. Behavioral Interventions, 31, 300-308. doi: 10.1002/bin.1451   The Anxious Generation Book Club (PATRONS) Haidt, J., (2024). The anxious generation: How the great rewiring of childhood is causing an epidemic of mental illness. Penguin Press.

Autism, Parenting, And The Art Of Ignoring Unsolicited Advice Julie Green had a very limited understanding of autism before her son was born. Navigating his diagnosis was difficult, especially when differing opinions were being thrown at them from all sides. Green reveals the realities of motherhood, autism, and self-discovery in her new book, Motherness. Guests: Julie M. Green, author, Motherness Host: Elizabeth Westfield Producer: Kristen Farrah     Kitchen Chemistry: The Cooking Oil That May Be Driving Obesity Though there are various cooking oils to choose from, soybean oil remains the most commercially popular choice in America. But is this cheap option making us obese? Our experts reveal how the high concentration of a particular fatty acid in this common oil may be influencing how our bodies store fat and contribute to rising health concerns. Guests:  Sonia P. Deol, assistant professional researcher in the department of microbiology and plant pathology, University of California, Riverside Frances M. Sladek, professor of cell biology & toxicologist, University of California, Riverside Host: Greg Johnson Producer:  Kristen Farrah   Medical Notes: How Energy Drinks May Worsen Your Cancer, A Non-Invasive Treatment For Seizures, And How To Fight Against Procrastination   Are energy drinks making you sick? A new treatment for seizures may soon be possible without the need for invasive brain surgery. Good news for sugar addicts! Scientists have created a healthier sweetener using tagatose. How to fight against procrastination. Host: Maayan Voss de Bettancourt Producer: Kristen Farrah Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Autism, Parenting, And The Art Of Ignoring Unsolicited AdviceJulie Green had a very limited understanding of autism before her son was born. Navigating his diagnosis was difficult, especially when differing opinions were being thrown at them from all sides. Green reveals the realities of motherhood, autism, and self-discovery in her new book, Motherness.  Guests: Julie M. Green, author, MothernessHost: Elizabeth WestfieldProducer: Kristen Farrah    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dustin Pugel is Policy Director at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, where he focuses on economic security, health policy and safety net programs while providing strategic support for all of the organization's policy campaigns. He joined the staff in 2015. Dustin previously worked for BUILD in Lexington, Kentucky where he trained congregations to identify, research and advocate for policy solutions on a local level. He also spent two years providing policy research assistance for the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities. He has a BA in History from Asbury University and a master's in public administration from the University of Kentucky.

Dustin Pugel is Policy Director at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, where he focuses on economic security, health policy and safety net programs while providing strategic support for all of the organization's policy campaigns. He joined the staff in 2015. Dustin previously worked for BUILD in Lexington, Kentucky where he trained congregations to identify, research and advocate for policy solutions on a local level. He also spent two years providing policy research assistance for the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities. He has a BA in History from Asbury University and a master's in public administration from the University of Kentucky.

Finally, after nearly 10 years, it's the changing criterion design's time to shine! While often seen as the little brother to our more robust experimental designs, this week we discuss when the changing criterion could be your design of choice in research and practice and look at some of the more convincing cases of how the little step-wise graph that nobody liked should really be a key player in your visual display toolbox. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Klein, L.A., Houlihan, D., Vincent, J.L., & Panahon, C.J. (2017). Best practices in utilizing the changing criterion design. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 52-61. doi: 10.1007/s40617-014-0036-x De Luca, R.V. & Holborn, S.W. (1992). Effects of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule with changing criteria on exercise in obese and nonobese boys. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 671-679. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-671 Brady, M.P., Kearney, K.B., Downey, A., Torres, A., & McDougall, D. (2022). Using mnemonics, remote coaching, and the range-bound changing criterion design to teach college students with IDD to make employment decisions. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 57, 303-319. doi: 10.1177/215416472205700 If you're interested in ordering CEs for listening to this episode, click here to go to the store page. You'll need to enter your name, BCBA #, and the two episode secret code words to complete the purchase. Email us at abainsidetrack@gmail.com for further assistance.

Happy New Year, everyone! We kick off the (almost) 10th year of ABA Inside Track with a review of our recent holiday activities then get right back into our podcast research discussion with a bevy of amazing guests. First up we delve into the new (for behavior analysts) work of motivational interviewing with Dr. Monica Gilbert. Then we have three-guests-for one with Dr. Stephanie Peterson, Dr. Rebecca Eldridge, and Dr. Neil Deochand to learn about risk assessment and their development of the FARADT tool. Then we take pity on the least popular experimental design, the changing criterion, by giving it its own episode. Still not enough learning for your behavior analytic resolutions? Why not head over to the Stone Soup online conference with a $20 discount. Just register with the code ABAIT26 and enjoy a whole day of learning. Articles for January 2026 Motivational Interviewing w/ Dr. Monica Gilbert Gilbert, M. (2025). How to stop talking and start communicating with motivational interviewing: Building effective partnerships with caregivers: A practical guide for behavior therapists. Crystal Minds Psychological Services. Plattner, C. & Anderson, C. (2024). Creating a therapeutic alliance with caregivers: An introduction to motivational interviewing. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi: 10.1007/s40617-024-00948-8 Christopher, P.J. & Dougher, M.J. (2009). A behavior-analytic account of motivational interviewing. The Behavior Analyst, 32, 149-161. doi: 10.1007/BF03392180   Risk Assessment w/ Dr. Stephanie Peterson, Dr. Rebecca Eldridge, + Dr. Neil Deochand Wiskirchen, R.R., Deochand, N., & Peterson, S.M. (2017). Functional analysis: A need for clinical decision support tools to weight risks and benefits. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 17, 325-333. doi: 10.1037/bar0000088 Deochand, N., Eldridge, R.R., & Peterson, S.M. (2020). Toward the development of a functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 13, 978-990. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y Schroeder, A.C., Peterson, S.M., Mahabub, M.B., & Dresch, M.K. (2025). A pilot evaluation of expert and novice use of the functional analysis risk assessment decision tool. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 811-825. doi: 10.1007/s40617-020-00433-y   The Changing Criterion Design Klein, L.A., Houlihan, D., Vincent, J.L., & Panahon, C.J. (2017). Best practices in utilizing the changing criterion design. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 52-61. doi: 10.1007/s40617-014-0036-x De Luca, R.V. & Holborn, S.W. (1992). Effects of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule with changing criteria on exercise in obese and nonobese boys. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 671-679. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-671 Brady, M.P., Kearney, K.B., Downey, A., Torres, A., & McDougall, D. (2022). Using mnemonics, remote coaching, and the range-bound changing criterion design to teach college students with IDD to make employment decisions. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 57, 303-319. doi: 10.1177/215416472205700