The How to ABA Podcast

Through our ABA education, we learned a lot about rules and procedures around behavior management. However, sometimes rigid traditional methods fail to work, and we need to turn to an empathetic, person-centered approach instead. Acknowledging how our learners are feeling in the moment can sometimes be far more effective than trying to push ahead. Here, we discuss how the person-centered approach works.The beauty of a person-centered approach is that it holds space for our learners while still allowing us to hold firm boundaries. The goal is to come across as a cheerleader, not a controller. We discuss Hanley’s Universal Protocol and related concepts, tips for creating a more positive environment, and how to identify precursors to problem behaviors.On Thursday, May 17th, we’re hosting a live CEU event on a child-centered approach to behavior management. Click the link below to sign up!What’s Inside:How to use a person-centered approach to behavior managementDetails on Hanley’s Universal ProtocolHow to identify precursors to problem behaviorsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramJoin our upcoming CEU event!

Here at How to ABA, we get a lot of questions regarding Hanley’s approach to tolerance and delay. We’ve created our own user-friendly data sheet based on Hanley’s course that you can download and reuse. Here, we walk through our data sheet and show you how to use it in your practice. We also provide tips to help you and your learners have a successful treatment experience. Our membership space contains this form as well as many others. Head to the website below to check it out!What’s Inside:A walkthrough of our SBT data sheetTips on how to best complete the data sheetHow to get your own copy to download and reuseMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

David Celiberti, Ph.D., BCBA, is the part time Executive Director of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) and Past-President of its Board of Directors, a role he served from 2006 to 2012. He is the Co-Editor of ASAT’s newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment. Dr. Celiberti has served on a number of advisory boards and special interest groups in the fields of autism, applied behavior analysis, and early childhood education. Dr. Celiberti has also taught courses related to applied behavior analysis (ABA) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervised individuals pursuing BCBA certifications, and conducted research in the areas of ABA, family intervention, and autism.Dr. Celiberti joins us to talk about ASAT, their mission, and the positive impact they have on the autism community. He shares his insights into what’s changed on the science front over the years and how ASAT combats misinformation. We discuss some of the challenges Dr. Celiberti is facing as well as what we can do as a community to bring things back to evidence-based practices and science. We also talk about how ASAT is spreading their message and how behavior analysts can tap into ASAT’s resources. What’s Inside:ASAT’s mission and their impact on the autism communityHow we can bring attention back towards science-based practicesHow to access ASAT’s resources for behavior analystsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramASAT Quick Links Sheet

Extinction is a buzzword we hear frequently in the world of ABA; however, what does it truly mean? Many people may think extinction is the same thing as ignoring, which is a misuse and misunderstanding. Extinction really means to stop providing reinforcement where it once was. It does not mean ignoring or following through on demands in spite of what else may be going on with our learners.Here, we discuss different ways to extinguish behaviors and use examples like sleep and potty training. We also talk about how the concept of extinction has changed over the years, how to use extinction more appropriately in behavior management, using a trauma-informed approach when working with learners, and more.What’s Inside:What extinction is and isn’tHow to use extinction appropriately in behavior managementThe importance of a trauma-informed approachMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

For learners who can understand delayed reinforcement, we often use behavior contracts. These tools can be a great way to help learners understand and integrate those unwritten rules we see in places like school and the workplace. Behavior contracts are also a form of agreement between practitioners and learners, or even parents and children. Here, we define behavior contracts and talk about when they’re typically put into place. We discuss the positives of behavior contracts, including how they encourage reflection and self-monitoring. We share some of the downsides of behavior contracts, like using “good” and “bad” terminology and using them in a threatening manner. We also discuss some best practices for using behavior contracts with our learners.What’s Inside:How behavior contracts help learners understand unwritten rulesThe pros and cons of using behavior contractsBest practices for using behavior contracts with our learnersMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramBehavior Contract Sample

Life skills are critical to a learner becoming independent. Here, we cover why teaching life skills is important and how we can do it effectively. Life skills include executive functioning skills, personal care, daily living skills, occupational skills, and so much more. The ability of an individual to enhance their life skills has a direct impact on their quality of life as they grow into adulthood.We discuss the importance of making sure learners can achieve life skills without the presence of a teacher or guide. Taking ourselves out of the equation is key. We also talk about working with adult learners, how to break skills down into smaller steps, and more.On Wednesday, April 17th, at 12pm EST, we’re hosting a CEU all about how to teach life skills to adult learners. For more information and to register, head to our website!What’s Inside:The impact life skills have on a learner’s quality of lifeHow to teach life skills to adult learnersInformation on our upcoming CEU webinarMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramCEU Event - Programming Essential Life Skills for Adolescents and Adults

As ABA practitioners, we use a lot of datasheets. It can be tough to know which ones to use in specific situations, and here, we break things down. Data is only as helpful as how we use it, and datasheets can be as basic as simply writing things down. Datasheets should reflect the environment they’re used in, for example, a classroom datasheet will look much different than one used in a one-on-one. It’s important to look at who the end user is to ensure the datasheets are the most useful.Teaching, play, and engagement always matter more than the data, and we don’t want data collection to take over to the point where it’s taking away from what’s important. Creating a system that maintains this balance is key. We discuss how to start with an end goal in mind when collecting data, the pros and cons of some of the traditional datasheets, and how to use them.  What’s Inside:Why datasheets should reflect the environment they’re used inWhy it’s important to create a balance between work with our clients and data collectionPros and cons of traditional datasheets and how to use themMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramBlog & Video – How To Choose the Right Data Collection Method

Iveth Aguilar is a BCBA and women’s empowerment coach. She’s the founder of Empower Her, a coaching program that helps women to stop settling, overcome fear and insecurities, heal scarcity mindsets, and cultivate the confidence to step fully into their power. Iveth combines nervous system regulation and embodiment practices with ABA for a holistic approach to true and sustainable empowerment. Here, Iveth shares how she works with ABA beyond its traditional use and how her approach helps her clients uncover the reasons behind their blocks to success. She walks through her process, how she assesses her clients, and how she helps them get to their ultimate goal. We also discuss how Iveth uses somatic movement to uncover emotions, how stress can inhibit behavioral change, and why it’s important for practitioners to heal their own nervous systems. What’s Inside:How Iveth merges embodiment practices with ABA to help her clientsHow Iveth uses somatic movement to uncover emotionsWhy it’s important for practitioners to heal their nervous systemsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramIveth Aguilar on InstagramHeal Embody Rise Website 

Annie McLaughlin is a BCBA and IEP advocate. Annie started her career as a special education teacher, where she met a consultant who introduced her to behavioral analysis. From there, she went back to school for her BCBA and got her doctorate in special education. Down the road, she received the opportunity to assist a family navigate the special ed process and became inspired to start a career as a full-time IEP advocate.Here, Annie shares the specifics of how she helps the families she works with. She does a ton of work outside the actual IEP meeting, which includes helping parents understand the process through education and listening. We also discuss how Annie collaborates with school staff, common challenges BCBAs have in navigating the IEP process, and much more.What’s Inside:How Annie works with families as an IEP advocateWhy the IEP process is about more than just the dataRecommendations for families starting the IEP processMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramAnnie on InstagramIEP Advocacy Training Website

Payam Moghaddam and Shadi Hortamani are the founders of Behaview, a staff training and supervision solution for ABA providers. Behaview simplifies staff training and supervision for BCBAs with its comprehensive scheduling, remote supervision, data tracking, individualized progress reports, and BCBA fieldwork tracking. Behaview is built with ABA’s unique needs of data collection, supervision, and staff training in mind. All of this allows practitioners to achieve better results, with less effort.Here, Payam and Shadi share details about their backgrounds and how they were inspired to create Behaview. They walk through the technology they used to develop Behaview and the gaps they aim to close. We also discuss the challenges of training, who Behaview is best suited for, how to use the platform, and more.What’s Inside:How Payam and Shadi created BehaviewWho Behaview is best suited forHow to use the Behaview platformMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramBehaview Website

It can be tough for our learners to understand what they may have done wrong and how they can do it better. One of the best ways to guide them is with a contingency map. Here, we walk through the ins and outs of ABA contingency maps and how to utilize them in practice. We often use contingency maps in two ways: as a reflection of something that happened in the past and as a way of priming for something that could happen in the future. Using a map gives our students a visual of their options.We discuss how to create a contingency map and all the elements you want to include. We also talk about how to introduce contingency maps to teachers, when it’s appropriate to use them, why it’s important to understand the function of behavior or triggers, and how to incorporate role play. What’s Inside:How contingency maps are used in ABATips to create your own contingency mapWhy it’s important to understand the function of behavior or triggersMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramPriming Blog - Contingency Map

Steve Ward is back on the show, along with his co-authors, Madelyn Vickery and April Dyal. They’re coming out with their most recent book, which includes over 2,100 inexpensive ideas for play and intrinsic motivation. Steve is the founder of Whole Child Consulting, and his work is mainly focused on social repertoires and shaping behaviors. We recently received a question in our mentorship group regarding what to do with a child who doesn’t like any of the reinforcers or motivators we provide, and here, we dive into everyone’s thoughts. Our conversation also includes ways to use the environment in motivation strategies, how to expand play and motivation while building interest, and suggestions for new BCBAs to be more creative and engaging.We’re also co-hosting a webinar with Steve, Madelyn, and April on March 5th at 12pm EST. Head to our website to sign up! What’s Inside:What to do when a child doesn’t respond to our reinforcers or motivators.How to expand play and motivation while building interest.Tips for new BCBAs to be more creative and engaging.Mentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramWhole Child Consulting WebsiteGood Learner Repertoires on Instagram

Parents are always the experts when it comes to their kids. We get a lot of questions around parent training and how to best approach it, and here we’re sharing some tips and best practices. As professionals, we need to remember to take the parent’s perspective and acknowledge their busy lifestyles and challenges. Although we went to school for many years to master our careers, the concepts we teach are often foreign to parents, so it helps to speak in layman’s terms.We discuss how to establish a foundation with parents and how to get to know the family’s unique routines and habits. Our main goal when working with parents is to help support them in their goals and leave our own bias at the door. Our conversation also includes how to help parents achieve easy wins with their kids, how to leverage behavior skills training, and why it’s important to start small and build rapport.  What’s Inside:How to help parents grasp the concepts we teach our learnersHow to leverage behavior skills trainingWhy it’s important to start small and gain parental trustMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramCommunication Temptations Freebie

As practitioners, we often learn to use assessments to help plan our programs. However, we can also miss the big picture. Here, we’re diving into how to use practical programs with our learners. Kids are multi-faceted and while assessments can be helpful, they can also prevent us from tailoring programs to each unique individual. We cover some of the different ways we can get caught up in the details and how to teach more dynamically.One challenge with using assessments is that they break out specific concepts, making it harder to teach skills holistically. We discuss how to troubleshoot when a specific program may not be working and how to choose a different path. Our conversation also includes ways to monitor progress and keep track of long-term goals. On February 22nd, we’re hosting a CEU on practical program planning through our membership. For more information, head to our website.What’s Inside:How to use practical ABA programs with learnersHow to avoid getting caught up in details and focus on the big pictureTips on how to monitor progress and keep track of long-term goalsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramCEU Event – Programming for Progress

Our community offers a private place for you to chat with other practitioners and share what's working and what's not working. Here, we’re giving you an inside look into one of our mentorship meetings for our Pro Members. Each meeting is jam-packed full of helpful tips for ABA professionals. In this session, we spent time answering questions on a wide range of topics, including:How to transition into a BCBA role on the school sideA review of ABA assessmentsHow to build trust with families and put programs in placeSchool-based behaviors and writing FBAsIncorporating parent training at home and in a school settingIf you’re interested in joining us at our next meeting, check out our membership by clicking the link below!What’s Inside:A sneak peek into a monthly mentorship meetingOur answer to a question about BCBAs in schoolsOur answer to a question on assessmentsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

Although shaping is a basic concept in ABA, it’s often overlooked when creating behavior plans. Here, we discuss how to use shaping when teaching our learners important skills. Shaping is a key element in our toolbox as practitioners, and it’s really underrated. We often look to reinforcement as our go-to, but we forget to break the skill down into small components to avoid challenging behaviors. Our conversation includes some examples of how to use shaping, starting with verbal imitation and vocal responding. We also discuss offering reinforcement for trying along the way, how to use shaping with desensitization, and managing challenging behaviors.What’s Inside:The importance of shaping when teaching skills to our learners.Examples of how to use shaping.How to incorporate reinforcement with shaping.Mentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramBlog – Using Differential Reinforcement in ABA to Shape BehaviorSwallow a Pill freebie

When you hear the term “BST model,” what comes to mind? Typically, we think of staff training or social skills, but in ABA, we can use it for so much more. Here, we cover the various applications of behavioral skills training in more detail. The more you can practice a scenario in a calm, relaxed environment, the better prepared you are to handle it when it comes up in real life. We discuss the four distinct parts of BST: instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. We sometimes forget how valuable practice is, so we spend time talking about the importance of rehearsal. We also cover how to incorporate reinforcement and feedback and provide some real-world examples of BST in action.What’s Inside:How to use BST outside of staff training and social skills.The importance of rehearsal, or practice.How to incorporate reinforcement.Mentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramBlog – What is Behavioral Skills Training (BST)Bx Blueprint

One of the first things we teach our learners is requesting, or manding. As ABA professionals, it’s important to know why teaching manding is important as well as the best ways to do it, especially with beginner learners. If you’ve ever traveled to another country that doesn’t speak your language, the first thing you’ll want to learn is how to get your basic needs met. Teaching manding is similar in this way, and here we dive into how to best approach it.Teaching requesting leads to further expressive and receptive language development. When you teach a learner how to get their basic needs met, it lays a good foundation and also reduces negative behaviors. We walk through manding terminology and how to work with non-verbal learners. We also discuss how manding and shaping go together, how to incorporate manding into a session, and more.What’s Inside:Why you should begin with teaching manding around basic needs.How to teach manding to non-verbal learners.How to incorporate manding into a session.Mentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramTransfer Trial VisualVideo: How to Increase Mean Length of Utterance (MLU)

Starting a small business in ABA can be a challenge. Here, we provide useful tips to reduce overwhelm and make the process run smoothly. Many of us spend the majority of our ABA education learning job-related skills, but we’re not always equipped with the business knowledge needed to run our own clinics. Owning a business is stressful at times, but it’s also extremely rewarding to be your own boss. Business owners are often short on time and wear many hats, but it pays to be organized and delegate when you can. We start by covering time management and discussing some techniques you can put in place to cut down on stress. Using a calendar, delegation, and saying no to things that take you off task help you take your time back. We talk about how to put the right systems in place, like organizational charts, training, and onboarding programs. We also discuss setting intentions and how to keep yourself on track with your long-term goals.  What’s Inside:Practical tips for starting and growing an ABA businessHow to better manage your timeHow to stay on track with long-term goalsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramCEU Event: How to Scale Your ABA Business Without Burning Out

2023 was an awesome year full of amazing experiences. As we close out the year, we wanted to share everything How to ABA has done through a year in review. One of the most significant things we did was launch our Bx Blueprint, which is a series of videos for paraprofessionals and RBTS. It’s 20 hours of content and it’s perfect for RBTs looking for extra certification for their jobs. It’s also great for onboarding staff and helping them get acclimated to their roles.One of our major goals at How to ABA is to make your jobs just a little bit easier because we’re in the field doing those jobs as well. We have so much in store for 2024. We’re also in the process of launching another course on executive functioning with Dr. Alan Schnee. Here, we also talk about the guests we’ve had on the podcast this year, the CEUs we’ve offered, and more.What’s Inside:Our launch of the Bx Blueprint and how it can helpOur collaboration with Dr. Alan Schnee on a new courseA recap of our guests and offered CEUsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram