Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

What happens when community, culture, behavioural science, and public health intersect? In this inspiring conversation, Ben Reiman sits down with sisters Ruaa Hassaballa and Ithar Hassaballa, two behavioural scientists whose journey began in Sudan and evolved into careers dedicated to health equity, systems change, community engagement, and global health. The sisters share how their upbringing in Sudan, immigration to the United States, and the influence of parents rooted in teaching, anthropology, and service shaped their understanding of humanity, resilience, and collective care. They discuss the values that continue to guide their work, including curiosity, integrity, community, and cultural humility. The conversation explores how behavioural science extends far beyond individual behaviour change and can be applied to entire communities and systems. Through stories from diabetes prevention, Ebola response efforts, COVID-19 equity initiatives, global health leadership, and maternal health work, Ruaa and Ithar illustrate why trust, relationships, and lived experience are essential ingredients for meaningful change. Listeners will also discover how community members serve as experts in their own lives, why cultural humility may be more powerful than cultural competence, and what it takes to create conditions where individuals and communities can truly thrive. This episode is a masterclass in systems thinking, health equity, behavioural science, and the power of listening. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Gc0T_tU6Pw Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Links Ithar Hassaballa https://www.linkedin.com/in/ithar-hassaballa/ https://communityhealth.ku.edu/people/ithar-hassaballa-mph-phd-who-fellow https://common-ground-advisors.com/ Ruaa Hassaballa https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruaa-hassaballa/ KU Center for Community Health and Development https://communityhealth.ku.edu/ Dr. Stephen Fawcett https://communityhealth.ku.edu/people/stephen-b-fawcett-phd Hzssaballa Omar Hassabala https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/tangled-roots-exhibition-2020 https://youtu.be/O4mVCfPfVDQ?si=U4t_jdwxH-QrY53y   Research Discussed Phori PM, Fawcett S, Nidjergou NN, Silouakadila C, Hassaballa R, Siku DK. Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation of the COVID-19 Response in the Africa Region. Health Promotion Practice. 2023;24(3):432-443. doi:10.1177/15248399221095524   Munodawafa, D., Moeti, M.R., Phori, P.M. et al. Monitoring and Evaluating the Ebola Response Effort in Two Liberian Communities. J Community Health 43, 321–327 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-017-0425-5 Fawcett S, Holt C, Solar-Hormazabal O, et al. Equity Lens Protocol: Reflecting on Harms From the COVID-19 Response and Mitigation Strategies Implemented in a Local Public Health System. Health Promotion Practice. 2024;25(4):526-530. doi:10.1177/15248399231173702   Watson-Thompson, J., Hassaballa, R.H., Valentini, S.H. et al. Actively Addressing Systemic Racism Using a Behavioral Community Approach. Behav. Soc. Iss. 31, 297–326 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-022-00101-6    

In this conversation, Dr. Amy Pearson shares her personal and professional journey in autism research, discussing her experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic individual and the impact of her lived experience on her research. She explores the challenges of navigating the academic landscape as an autistic researcher, the importance of neurodiversity affirming practices, and the need for a shift from deficit-based models to a more inclusive understanding of autism. The discussion highlights the ethical considerations in autism research and the significance of aligning research with the values of the autistic community. This conversation delves into the perceptions of autistic individuals, particularly focusing on the experiences of non-speaking individuals and the biases that exist within neurotypical perspectives. It explores the complexities of family dynamics, the importance of support for individuals with high needs, and the reflections on ABA tutoring experiences. The discussion also addresses the concept of masking in autism, its implications, and the challenges of navigating social expectations while striving for authenticity. In this conversation, Amy Pearson and Ben Reiman explore the evolving understanding of authenticity, the significance of stimming in autistic identity, and the complexities of relationships within the autistic community. They discuss misconceptions surrounding autistic intimacy, the portrayal of neurodivergent relationships in media, and the critical issue of intimate partner violence faced by autistic individuals. The conversation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of autistic experiences and the importance of fostering acceptance and support in relationships. In this conversation, Amy Pearson discusses the complexities of autistic experiences, particularly in relation to interpersonal violence, emotional well-being, and the importance of support systems in research. She highlights the need for awareness of red flags in relationships, the intersection of autism with menopause, and the influence of key figures in autism research. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating autistic experiences while advocating for systemic changes to improve the lives of autistic individuals Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h9UUG0zr1f4 Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Links Amy Pearson  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-pearson-359b83303/ https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/amy-pearson/ Links and Resources Authoring Autism by M. Remi Yergeau  https://www.dukeupress.edu/authoring-autism Dr. Pearson's Amazing Colleagues Mentioned Kieron Rose https://theautisticadvocate.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-rose-38574b55/ Felicity Sedgewick https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicity-sedgewick-32a55015b/ Sarah Douglas https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-douglas-9a57951b6/ Nicole Renehan https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/nicole-renehan/ Sarah Cassidy https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/psychology/people/sarah.cassidy Damien Milton https://www.kent.ac.uk/school-of-psychology/tizard/people/1419/milton-damian Sarah King https://www.saraking.online/research Krysia Waldock https://www.linkedin.com/in/krysia-waldock/ Liz Pellicano https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/47716-elizabeth-pellicano Research Discussed Pearson A, Rose K, Mitchell A, et al. “It’s Not a Physical Prison but You Can’t Get Out.” How Autistic Adults Make Sense of the Experience of Intimate Violence and Abuse. Autism in Adulthood. 2026;8(3):360-372. doi:10.1089/aut.2024.0145  

What if the most important skill in behaviour analysis isn't a technical skill at all? In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman sits down with BCBA and PhD candidate Preeti Vogel to discuss compassionate care, cultural responsiveness, and the crucial role these skills play in effective behaviour support. Drawing on over a decade of experience working across India and Australia, Preeti shares how her professional journey shaped her understanding of behaviour analysis and ultimately influenced her research agenda. The conversation explores the Multi-Element Behaviour Support (MEBS) framework and its constructional approach to improving quality of life through meaningful skill development rather than focusing solely on behaviour reduction. Preeti explains how MEBS incorporates comprehensive assessment, proactive supports, reactive strategies, mediation, implementation planning, and social validity into a cohesive framework. Ben and Preeti also dive into Preeti's published research examining the effects of remote training on functional assessment interviewing skills, cultural responsiveness, and compassionate care. The discussion highlights practical strategies practitioners can use immediately, including active listening, empathy-based responding, collaborative goal selection, and culturally responsive assessment practices. The episode concludes with a discussion about cultural humility, practitioner self-reflection, and Preeti's ongoing doctoral research examining self-monitoring tools to improve compassionate and culturally responsive practice across multiple service-delivery contexts   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Ethics IBAO:  1.0 Cultural QABA: 1.0 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Links Preeti Vogel on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/preeti-vogel-2a3a3588/ Centre For Positive Behaviour Support https://cpbs.com.au/ Multi Element Behaviour Support (MEBS) https://iaba.foundation/ppbs Preeti's Article Vogel, P., Kurumiya, Y., Mahoney, A. et al. Teaching Practitioners in Australia Culturally Responsive and Compassion-Based Functional Assessment Interviewing Skills. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01121-5 Behaviour Speak Series On Constructional Approaches In Behaviour Support https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/constructional-behaviour-analysis  

In this episode, Ben sits down with behaviour analyst and entrepreneur Sara Silsilah to discuss her remarkable journey from Saudi Arabia to Columbia University and back again. Sara shares how a chance encounter during a university fire drill led her into the field of autism and behaviour analysis, and how her grandmother's lifelong commitment to supporting children with disabilities shaped her values and career path. The conversation explores the evolution of ABA practice, the importance of autistic voices, assent-based treatment, relationship-building, family systems, supervision, and professional humility. Sara challenges clinicians to move beyond rigid protocols and embrace a more collaborative, compassionate, and individualized approach to care. She also shares lessons learned from launching Seeds of Knowledge, her vision for improving autism services in Saudi Arabia, and why quality treatment requires rigorous standards, meaningful supervision, and strong therapeutic relationships. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.5 Ethics IBAO:  1.5 Cultural QABA: 1.5 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.5 Cultural Diversity Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Links Sara Silsilah on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-silsilah-phd-bcba-d-4820051bb/ Seeds of Knowledge https://theseedsofknowledge.com/ ABAI Saudi Arabia Chapter https://iba.abainternational.org/2025/11/18/aba-saudi-arabia-2025-annual-report/ Behaviour Analysis in Saudi Arabia with Dr. Shahad Alsharif https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-149-behaviouranalysis-in-saudi-arabia-with-dr-shahad-alsharif/

In this episode, Ben Reiman speaks with Pragya Shrestha Pradhan, a parent, founder, advocate, and behaviour analyst working to expand autism and ABA services in Nepal. Pragya describes how her daughter Avaani’s autism diagnosis introduced her to a world of limited services, long waitlists, and cultural stigma around disability. That experience eventually led her to training in India, involvement in parent education, the founding of Avaani Foundation, and later her certification as a behaviour analyst.  The conversation covers autism awareness in Nepal, the challenges of developing ABA services where trained professionals are scarce, the importance of parent training, and the difficulty of implementing intervention within extended family systems. Pragya also discusses collaboration with other professionals, concerns about ABA being offered without proper training or supervision, and her vision for university-level behaviour analysis education and future service development in Nepal.  In This Episode Pragya Shrestha Pradhan’s journey from parent to professional Avaani’s diagnosis and early intervention experience Autism awareness and stigma in Nepal The founding and growth of Avaani Foundation Cultural considerations in ABA and parent training Challenges with limited professionals and access to services Collaboration with schools, families, therapists, doctors, and universities The need for culturally responsive ABA models in Nepal Building local capacity through education, supervision, and training Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iD5UjGWmrOE Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Ethics IBAO:  1.0 Cultural QABA: 1.0 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Links Pragya Pradhan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pragya-shrestha-pradhan-003406181/ Avaani Foundation https://www.avaanifoundation.org/ Autism Care Nepal Society https://autismnepal.org/ Related Episodes: Autism Advocacy in Pakistan with Dr. Shumyla Noreen https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-204-autism-advocacy-in-pakistan-with-shumyla-noreen-bcaba-iba/