The How to ABA Podcast
The How to ABA Podcast is hosted by Shira Karpel and Shayna Gaunt, two BCBAs with over twenty years of experience. They share practical resources, strategies, and fresh perspectives for parents, educators, and practitioners in the field of applied behavior analysis. The show is designed for anyone new to ABA or looking for helpful tools and insights.
Episodes
Data-Based Decision Making in ABA: When Data and Clinical Judgment Don't Agree
Data-based decision making is essential in ABA, but data alone cannot tell us everything we need to know about a learner. Sometimes the numbers point us in one direction while our clinical judgment and what we’re observing suggest something different.We talk about why data and clinical judgment may not always align and what we should consider before making changes to a program. Context, treatment
Meaningful Data Collection in ABA: Collect Data That Actually Matters
Are we collecting data because it helps us make better clinical decisions, or simply because we feel like we should? Data is essential in ABA, but more data does not automatically lead to better treatment. When data collection becomes overwhelming or disconnected from a clear purpose, it can take valuable time away from teaching.We’re talking about how to make data collection meaningful, manageabl
Supervising ABA Staff: When to Step In and When to Fade Out
Effective ABA supervision isn’t just about teaching staff what to do. We also need to help them develop the confidence and clinical judgment to know when to act independently. Just as we carefully fade prompts with our learners, we need to recognize when it’s time to fade our support with staff.We explore how stepping in too quickly can take away valuable learning opportunities and unintentionally
Helping Staff Learn From Mistakes: Why Errors Are Part of the Learning Process
Mistakes are a natural part of learning, but as supervisors, it can be tempting to jump in and correct staff before they have a chance to learn from them. When we create space for small, low-risk errors, we can help staff build competence, confidence, and stronger clinical judgment.We explore how supervisors can shift the focus from perfection to progress while still maintaining high standards for
Teaching Clinical Decision-Making in ABA Supervision
Strong ABA clinicians need more than the ability to follow a procedure. They also need clinical judgment to recognize when a situation calls for flexibility, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions that reflect the individual learner. In supervision, our job is to help staff develop those skills while maintaining procedural fidelity.We talk about how clinical decision-making develops after st
How to Coach Staff Without Micromanaging: Building Independent Decision Makers
As BCBAs, it can be tempting to step in, answer every question, and fix problems ourselves. We want to support our staff, protect our learners, and maintain high-quality services. But when we step in too quickly or too often, we can unintentionally create dependence instead of building confidence.We’re talking about how to shift from being the person with all the answers to becoming a coach who he
ABA Staff Training: How to Build a Confident Team
Great ABA staff training is about more than teaching procedures. We want our teams to feel prepared, supported, and confident enough to think critically and make strong clinical decisions. Building that confidence takes time, practice, clear expectations, and ongoing coaching.We explore how Behavior Skills Training (BST) can guide staff development through instruction, modeling, practice, and feed
ADHD and Autism Strategies: Practical Supports for Home and School
When learners with ADHD and autism struggle with tasks, routines, or transitions, it can be easy to focus on the behaviors we see. But those behaviors are often only the tip of the iceberg. Instead of asking why a learner is not doing something, we can ask what might be getting in the way.We explore practical strategies for addressing skill deficits and reducing barriers at home and in the classro
Motivation vs. Attention: Are We Targeting the Right Thing?
When a learner struggles to complete work, follow directions, or stay engaged, it is easy to assume motivation is the problem. But what if the real barrier is a missing skill? We explore the difference between a learner who can't do something and one who won't do it, and why making that distinction is essential for effective, compassionate ABA practice.Using practical examples, we look a
Executive Functioning Across Diagnoses: Understanding the Real Barrier to Behavior Change
What if the biggest obstacle to behavior change is not motivation at all? Executive functioning skills often influence how learners manage tasks, regulate emotions, transition between activities, and develop independence. Whether someone has autism, ADHD, anxiety, a learning disability, or no diagnosis, challenges with executive functioning can make everyday expectations much harder than they appe
Navigating Puberty and Relationships with Safety and Respect
Puberty, relationships, and sexuality are natural parts of development, yet they are often overlooked in ABA programming. In this conversation, we explore why these topics should be introduced early, rather than waiting until challenges arise, and how proactive teaching can promote safety, dignity, and independence.We discuss practical ways to teach body changes, hygiene, privacy, consent, boundar
ADHD in Focus: What Every BCBA Needs to Know for Effective Treatment
ADHD is one of the most common co-occurring diagnoses BCBAs encounter, yet it is often misunderstood. Looking beyond observable behaviour helps us better understand the executive functioning, self-regulation, and attention challenges that can influence learning, motivation, and behaviour.We discuss the different presentations of ADHD, clear up common misconceptions, and discuss why understanding t
Independence Without Dependence: Fading Support in ABA the Right Way
Helping learners become truly independent means more than fading prompts. It means knowing when to step back so confidence, problem solving, and self-management can grow. While it's natural to want to help, too much adult guidance can unintentionally create dependence that limits opportunities at home, school, work, and in the community.We explore the difference between prompt dependence and
Future Planning & Client Voice: When Do Clients Get a Say?
The future our learners build should reflect what matters to them, not just the goals others set for them. We explore what it means to include client voice in future planning through every stage of development, from early choice making to meaningful participation in transition planning and adulthood.We discuss why learner assent, autonomy, and self advocacy should be taught from an early age and h
Functional Skills for Teens & Young Adults: Building Real-Life Independence
What happens when our learners leave school but still need support navigating everyday life? We explore the functional skills that truly matter as teens and young adults move toward greater independence. From communication and self-advocacy to hygiene, community safety, leisure skills, and daily living routines, we discuss how meaningful goals can create lasting impact beyond the classroom.We shar
Burnout in ABA: Boundaries, Emotional Labor, and Sustainable Practice
Burnout in ABA is not always about long hours or packed schedules. Often, it comes from the emotional labor that accompanies supporting clients, families, staff, and teams every day. In this conversation, we explore the invisible demands of helping professions and how constantly staying regulated, managing difficult conversations, and carrying the concerns of others can quietly drain our energy ov
Parent Training in ABA: How to Teach Parents Without Overwhelming Them
Parent training is one of the most important parts of ABA, but it can quickly become overwhelming when families are given too much information, too many strategies, or expectations that do not fit into their daily lives. In this conversation, we share practical ways to make parent coaching more supportive, effective, and sustainable.We discuss the importance of listening first, identifying meaning
Transition Planning: Supporting Families Through Change
Transitions are a natural part of life, but that does not make them easy. Whether a learner is moving from ABA services into school, transitioning to a new provider, entering adulthood, or adjusting to a different level of support, these changes can bring uncertainty, fear, and big emotions for everyone involved. In this conversation, we explore why transitions can feel overwhelming and how though
What to Do When Parents Don’t Follow Through in ABA
When parents are not following through with ABA strategies at home, it is easy to assume they are not motivated or invested. But more often, families are overwhelmed, exhausted, and trying to balance countless competing demands. In this conversation, we talk about why parent follow-through can be so challenging and how we, as ABA professionals, can approach those situations with more compassion, c
Parent Partnerships in ABA: What Collaboration Actually Looks Like
Parent collaboration in ABA is more than regular updates or quick check-ins. It is about building real partnerships grounded in trust, empathy, and shared goals. We explore how shifting away from a “parent training” mindset can create stronger relationships and better outcomes for learners. From navigating difficult conversations to understanding family values and priorities, small changes in comm
Feedback to Collaboration: Building Stronger ABA Teams
Strong collaboration can completely change the way ABA teams function, but it takes more than occasional feedback or quick check-ins to make it work. We’re talking about what true collaboration looks like across ABA teams and interdisciplinary professionals, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, and families.We explore why communication often breaks down when everyone is
Giving Constructive Feedback in ABA Without Creating Defensiveness
Giving feedback can feel uncomfortable, especially when we worry about how it will be received. We explore how to approach constructive feedback in a way that builds trust instead of triggering defensiveness. By focusing on observable behavior rather than the individual, we can shift conversations away from blame and toward growth. We also highlight how emotions, past experiences, and even small f
From Compliance to Collaboration: Collaborative Supervision in ABA
We explore what it really looks like to move from compliance-driven supervision to a more collaborative, relationship-focused approach in ABA. Drawing on real experiences, we reflect on how traditional, directive models can limit growth, reduce motivation, and impact clinical judgment. Instead, we share how shifting toward curiosity, shared decision-making, and mutual respect can empower supervise
Mastering Difficult Conversations in ABA - What Actually Works
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 clari
Supporting High-Needs Learners in Group Settings
Supporting high-needs learners in group settings starts with how we design the environment, not how we manage behavior. We reflect on how unclear expectations, limited movement, and unpredictable routines can impact anyone, then connect that experience to what our learners face every day. By redefining “high needs,” we focus on learners who require more support with regulation, skill acquisition,
Classroom Behavior Management Strategies That Actually Work
If our behavior plans only kick in after things fall apart, we are already too late. We explore how strong classroom management starts with prevention, not reaction, and how the structure of the environment shapes student behavior. From clear expectations to smooth transitions, we unpack what actually makes group settings run effectively.We reflect on how small proactive strategies, like priming,
Why Behavior Plans Fail in Busy Classrooms
Have you ever created a behavior plan that looked perfect on paper but completely fell apart in a real classroom? We’ve been there too. In this episode, we unpack why even the most well-designed plans can fail when faced with the realities of busy, unpredictable environments. We explore how many plans are built for ideal conditions instead of real-life classrooms filled with noise, transitions, an
Managing the Mayhem: Supporting Busy Classrooms in ABA
Does your classroom ever feel like controlled chaos? In this episode, we unpack what’s really behind busy, overwhelming ABA classrooms and how we can better support both students and staff. We explore why behavior plans alone often fall short and how strong systems can make all the difference when things get loud and unpredictable.We walk through practical, proactive strategies like building flexi
Building Communication First: Parent Coaching and ABA in Ghana with Mavis Ofosuaa Debrah
Parent involvement can completely transform a child’s progress in therapy. In this conversation, we’re joined by Mavis Debra, a clinical supervisor and international behavior analyst with Autism Compassion Africa in Ghana. She shares what it looks like to bring ABA practices into a growing field while helping families understand the power of communication.Many of the young learners Mavis works wit
The Future of ABA Skills: What the BCBA of 2030 Will Need (That You Aren’t Learning Yet)
The role of the BCBA is changing quickly, and the skills that will define great practitioners in the coming years go far beyond technical knowledge. We explore what the BCBA of 2030 will need to succeed and why many of these competencies are not emphasized in traditional coursework. Through a powerful comparison between two clinicians working with the same child, we reflect on how clinical judgmen
From Hours to Outcomes: The Rise of Value-Based Care in ABA
For years in ABA, success was often measured in hours, more sessions, more billing, more time. But our field is shifting. In this episode, we unpack what value-based care really means and why it is not a new trend, but a return to good ABA. We explore how focusing on meaningful, socially significant outcomes, rather than checking boxes on assessments, can transform the way we write goals, make cli
The Shift From Compliance to Assent in Daily Practice
Over the past few years, our field has been evolving in powerful and necessary ways. In this episode, we unpack the shift from compliance-driven ABA to assent-based practice and what that actually looks like in our day-to-day work.When we were first trained, “instructional control” and follow-through were often the priority. But we now know that meaningful learning does not come from rigid complia
What ‘Future-Ready’ ABA Really Means
Everyone is talking about the future of ABA, but when we really sit down and think about it, many of the “new” ideas have actually been building for years . So what does future-ready ABA actually look like in real, everyday practice?In this episode, we explore how our field is growing up. We talk about expanding ABA beyond clinic walls and into schools, systems, organizations, and communities. We
Compassionate OBM: Bringing Humanity into Performance Management
Compassion and accountability are often seen as opposites in Organizational Behavior Management, but we believe they work best together. We break down how OBM, at its core, is simply ABA applied to organizations and how it can be implemented in ways that feel supportive rather than cold or purely data-driven.We discuss how assessments, data analysis, and feedback can prioritize clarity, honesty, a
The Ripple Effect: Organizational Behavior Management in ABA and Its Impact on Client Outcomes
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 h
ABA Supervision Strategies: Leading with Behavior Science to Be a Great BCBA Supervisor
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
Making ABA Strategies Work for Parents, Educators, and Real Life with Jordan Black
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.W
Becoming the Reinforcer: The Power of Relationship-Based Motivation
In this episode, we’re diving into one of our favorite and most meaningful topics in ABA: relationship-based motivation. We talk about why reinforcement doesn’t have to look like tokens, toys, or snacks and how you can become the most powerful reinforcer in the room. When learners enjoy being with us, motivation shifts from doing work for rewards to genuinely wanting to engage, connect, and partic
Applying OBM to Reduce Burnout and Improve Workplace Culture with Mellanie Page
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-le
The "Bribe" Myth: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
One of the most common concerns we hear from parents, teachers, and even ABA professionals is, “Isn’t that just bribery?” In this episode, we dig into the long-standing confusion between bribery and reinforcement and explain why the difference truly matters. We walk through real-life examples, from grocery store meltdowns to classroom expectations, to show how timing, intent, and planning change e
Motivation That Lasts: Building Systems That Don’t Burn Out
In this episode, we’re diving deep into something that sits at the heart of everything we do in ABA: reinforcement. Not just reinforcement that works today, but reinforcement that is sustainable, meaningful, and built to last. Too often, we see systems burn out learners and staff alike because they are too rigid, too sparse, or misunderstood altogether.We walk through why reinforcement systems get
Year In Review
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, i
Different Roads to Learning BCBA Starter Kit
When you start your first BCBA caseload, it is easy to wonder what should actually be in your toolkit. We have both been there, and over the years we have learned which materials truly make sessions smoother, teaching more engaging, and data collection manageable. In this conversation, we walk through the essentials we rely on every day, from assessments to data tools to reinforcers to those simpl
ACT for Burnout: Strategies for BCBAs and Therapists
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, an
7 Common BCBA Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
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
Bridging Behaviorism and ACT: A Compassionate Approach
Are behaviorism and ACT really two different worlds, or have we been separating concepts that naturally belong together? In this episode, we dig into how Acceptance and Commitment Training actually grew out of behaviorism, and why understanding that relationship can make our work more compassionate, flexible, and effective. We talk about what compassion looks like in ABA beyond troubleshooting and
Mastering the Supervision Task List: From Checkboxes to Confident Clinicians
When it comes to BCBA supervision, are we just checking boxes or shaping confident, ethical clinicians? In this episode, we unpack how to move beyond paperwork to create meaningful, individualized supervision that actually prepares our trainees for real-world practice.We talk about the parallels between supervision and parenting—knowing when to let go, when to guide, and how to build independence
Bridging the Gap Between Research and Real-World Practice with Dr. Adam Ventura
As BCBAs, we all know how challenging it can be to keep up with the latest research while managing the demands of daily practice. In this conversation with Dr. Adam Ventura, CEO of Intraverbal AI, we explore how technology can make evidence-based care more accessible for behavior analysts everywhere.We talk about “the big binder problem,” how AI can help replace piles of research papers with insta
Why Skillful Supervision Matters and How Our Bundle Makes It Easier
Great supervision is the foundation of great ABA, but it often feels like one more thing on an already full plate. In this episode, we talk about why effective, compassionate supervision matters and how our Supervision Bundle can make it easier to manage.We share why mentorship is so important for shaping confident, ethical BCBAs and how poor supervision can ripple through client outcomes. Good su
Getting Buy-In: Making Behavior Plans That Actually Get Used
We’ve all written those “perfect” behavior plans that look great on paper but somehow never make it off the clipboard. In this conversation, we dig into the real reason plans succeed or fail: buy-in. Because even the most data-driven plan doesn’t matter if no one actually follows it.We share practical strategies for turning technical documents into living, breathing plans that teachers, parents, a
Compassionate, Connected, and Evidence-Based: Why ESDM Belongs in Modern ABA
What happens when ABA meets developmental science? The Early Start Denver Model, or ESDM, reminds us that evidence-based practice can also be compassionate and deeply connected. In this conversation, we talk about how ESDM blends the science of ABA with developmental and play-based teaching for our youngest learners.We explore what makes ESDM unique: its focus on joint attention, social reciprocit
Natural Doesn’t Mean Unplanned: The Art of Intentional Play-Based Teaching
When we say “natural,” it’s easy to imagine free play and child-led sessions where the therapist simply follows along. But natural doesn’t mean unplanned. Behind every playful moment is an opportunity for intentional teaching, and the best play-based sessions are those that blend spontaneity with strategy.In this conversation, we talk about how to plan for play in a way that still feels natural an
Beyond Compliance: Why Relationships Are the Heart of Compassionate ABA
ABA has often been seen as a field rooted in compliance: sit still, follow directions, and finish the task. But is that really the foundation for meaningful progress? We believe the future of ABA lies not in control, but in connection. In this conversation, we reframe what it means to support learners with compassion, trust, and respect.We share why focusing on relationships first creates lasting
Reassessments and Progress Monitoring: When and How to Reevaluate
Reassessments often sneak up on us, and it can feel like just another box to check. But when used well, they are one of the most powerful tools we have to make sure our programming is meaningful and effective. In this conversation, we explore how progress monitoring and reassessment work hand in hand and why they should never feel like wasted time.We share stories from our own experiences as BCBAs
Burnout Isn’t Inevitable: How Compassion Protects the Helper
What does it mean when the work you love starts leaving you drained or detached? That’s the reality of burnout, and in the field of ABA, it’s more common than we think. In this conversation, we look at how self-compassion can be one of the strongest defenses against burnout and why it doesn’t mean you care any less about your job.We break down what burnout really is, how to spot the early signs, a
ESDM in Action: Embedding Goals in Daily Routines and Play
What does it look like to take developmental goals off the page and bring them to life during play, snack time, or cleanup? That’s the beauty of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). In this conversation, we explore how natural routines create powerful learning opportunities without forcing children to stop playing or sit at a table.We share why ESDM is such a strong fit for very young learners and
More Than A Checklist: How to Make a Powerful ABA Assessment
Assessments are more than forms to complete or boxes to tick. They are the foundation for building programs that truly matter to our learners. In this conversation, we unpack how to move beyond surface-level evaluations and use assessments as powerful tools for understanding strengths, identifying gaps, and setting meaningful goals.Too often, assessments get mistaken for curriculum, leading to coo
Choosing the Right Assessment: Practical Tips for BCBAs
Assessments are essential in ABA, but are we always using them the right way? Too often, assessments become a box-checking exercise rather than a true guide to meaningful intervention. In this conversation, we revisit the foundations of ABA assessments and explore how to move beyond simply filling in grids and scoring sheets.We look at some of the most widely used tools, including the ABLLS, VB-MA
Creating Meaningful Outcomes in ABA with Dr. Anika Hoybjerg
What does it take to grow an ABA practice while creating tools that transform the way we assess and support learners? In this conversation with Dr. Anika Hoybjerg, CEO of ABA Education Center and co-creator of The MOTAS assessment, we explore her inspiring journey in the field and the innovations she is bringing to ABA.Anika shares how her early experiences in Special Olympics and school psycholog
Hard Conversations, Soft Skills: Navigating Difficult Parent and Staff Interactions
Hard conversations are part of ABA practice, whether it is addressing a parent’s concerns or coaching a staff member. These moments can feel stressful, yet when handled with empathy and clarity, they can actually build trust and strengthen relationships.In this episode, we share practical ways to approach these discussions with confidence, compassion, and purpose. You will learn why avoiding them
From Clinical to Compassionate: Soft Skills Every BCBA Needs to Thrive
Being a skilled BCBA isn’t just about assessments and behavior plans. It’s also about human connection. In this episode, we dive into the soft skills that elevate clinical practice, from building trust with caregivers to using plain language and active listening. We explore what compassionate care really looks like in everyday interactions and share personal stories, practical examples, and lesson
Language, Labels, and Learning Styles: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Labels matter. In this conversation, we dive into the language we use as ABA professionals and how it shapes the way we see learners, their needs, and their potential. Terms like “non-verbal,” “low-functioning,” and “compliance” may seem convenient, but they can limit how we approach teaching and supporting individuals.We discuss why language is never neutral and how shifting our words can promote
Rethinking "Noncompliance": Behavior or Bias?
Is “non-compliance” really the problem, or just a reflection of our own expectations? Here, we unpack one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in ABA: non-compliance. We explore why this label can mask important context, such as unmet needs, skill deficits, or valid self-advocacy. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we may need to ask better questions: What are we asking the learner to do?
Using BST and Video Modeling to Teach Social Skills
Teaching social skills doesn’t always stick, but what if we could make it both effective and engaging? In this conversation, we explore how pairing Behavioral Skills Training (BST) with video modeling can create more meaningful, lasting social skill development. We break down how these two evidence-based strategies work together, walking through each phase of BST and showing how video can supercha
The Multicultural Classroom with Lorena and Roberto Germán
For Lorena and Roberto Germán, teaching isn’t just about content; it’s about connection. In this episode, they share how their work through Multicultural Classroom transforms how educators approach professional development, cultural responsiveness, and student-centered instruction. With decades of experience in classrooms and school leadership, they break down what it means to move from theory to
Are Social Skills Groups Really Effective?
Are social skills groups a powerful way to build real-life connections, or just another artificial setting that doesn’t translate beyond the session? In this episode, we dive into the debate, weighing the pros and cons of group-based instruction. Drawing from years of experience, we explore what makes these groups succeed, where they fall short, and why context, individual goals, and generalizatio
Video Modeling and Model Me Kids with Sue Klein
For over 20 years, Model Me Kids has helped learners build real-world social skills through evidence-based video modeling. We sat down with founder Sue Klein to explore how it all began, from cutting out magazine clippings and mailing DVDs to launching a fully customizable streaming platform used by educators, therapists, and families across the country. Sue shares the origin story of Model Me Kid
Building Social Skills Goals
Have you ever written a social skills goal that looked great on paper but didn’t lead to real-life success? In this conversation, we dive into how to create meaningful social skills goals that build genuine connection, confidence, and independence. We explore why social skills aren't one-size-fits-all and how to align goals with each learner’s personality, preferences, and values—whether that
The Power of Sensory Social Routines
Ever wonder how playful moments like peekaboo or a silly song can support meaningful progress in young children with autism? Here, we explore sensory social routines and how the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) uses them to build engagement, communication, and joint attention through everyday play. These simple, predictable routines can become powerful teaching tools when paired with a child’s natu
What to Do When Kids Struggle to Engage in Play
Play is a fundamental part of childhood, so what happens when a child struggles to engage in it? In this episode, we explore the many forms play can take, why it's essential for development, and how to support learners who find it challenging.We break down what "play" really means (beyond just pretend scenarios) and include everything from sports and games to musical instruments and
Play Through the Ages (Play vs Leisure Skills)
Leisure skills, unlike developmental play, support lifelong engagement, independence, and quality of life, whether it's crochet, reading, or structured hobbies. In this discussion, we explore how play skills evolve across ages and how ABA programs can support that progression. We outline the typical stages of play, from exploratory and functional play in toddlers to pretend, constructive, and
Independent Activity Schedules
An independent activity schedule (IAS) is a tool made up of pictures or written cues that guides a child through a series of tasks on their own. It promotes independence and reduces the need for constant supervision, making it a valuable strategy for both school and home environments. In this episode, we dive into how to design an effective IAS, share creative schedule ideas, and walk you through
What Drives Challenging Behaviors? The Role of Antecedents, Triggers, and Functions
When it comes to successful interventions, knowing the “why” behind behaviors is key. As practitioners, we may have learned in school that there are four functions of behavior: escape, attention, tangible, and sensory. However, in practice, things aren’t always so cut and dry. Here, we dive into the roles of antecedents, triggers, and functions so we can better understand what drives challenging b
Balancing Safety and Compassion in Interventions
As BCBAs, each day we walk a fine line between keeping children safe while ensuring our interventions are compassionate, ethical, and effective. Prioritizing safety in behavior management is a non-negotiable and it doesn't have to come at the expense of empathy. Here, we discuss the best ways to balance safety and compassion in our interventions and how to ensure that the individuals we serve
Proactive and Reactive Strategies for Challenging Behaviors
Challenging behaviors don't just happen out of nowhere. They have patterns, triggers, and underlying causes. The key to success is all about preventing them in the first place instead of reacting to the behaviors when they occur. Here, we discuss how to use both proactive and reactive strategies to effectively reduce challenging behaviors with our learners.When working on challenging behavior
Skills-Based Treatment for Challenging Behavior
When managing challenging behavior, our goal as behavior therapists is to reduce these behaviors and teach new skills. Here, we discuss how to do so without using strategies like extinction and planned ignoring. Through skill-based treatment, we not only reduce challenging behaviors but also replace them with positive functional skills.Challenging behavior is often the result of skill deficits in
What Is Co-Regulation?
Before our learners can independently manage their emotions, they need to first master co-regulation. For children, this looks like a trusted adult helping them to navigate big feelings by offering calm, supportive guidance. Here, we discuss how we can best help our learners master the skill of co-regulation and provide practical tips for making progress.We begin by diving into the difference betw
Teaching Kids About Emotions: The Foundation of Regulation
For many children, understanding and expressing emotions can be a challenge. They may struggle with recognizing their own feelings, reading emotions in others, or knowing how to respond appropriately in different situations. The good news is that emotional awareness is a skill that can be taught, modeled, and practiced with the right strategies. In this conversation, we discuss the best ways to te
Parenting, ABA, and Emotional Regulation with Leanne Page
Leanne Page is a mom, a BCBA, and the founder of Parenting with ABA. When she became a mother, Leanne realized how her training and education in behavior analysis gave her a leg up on discipline issues. She’s worked as a special education teacher in self-contained to inclusive settings, from elementary to high school. She also managed a center providing ABA services to children in 1:1 and small gr
Building a Regulation Toolbox: Calming Strategies for Children and Adults
Self-regulation is a challenge for many of our learners. Having a personalized regulation toolbox makes a huge difference in a child's ability to navigate their emotions and daily challenges. This toolbox is made up of a set of calming strategies tailored to each person’s unique needs. Here, we discuss how we can help learners develop the skill of self-regulation and a set of tools that works
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