Episode 335 - Role Playing Games in Behavior Analysis w/ Danielle Yang
Release Date: 02/18/2026
ABA Inside Track
Thanks to our awesome listeners, we're bringing ANOTHER Listener Choice episode out a bit early because folks can't wait to revisit a discussion of ABA and public policy. This time we're focusing on the licensure process for behavior analysts: How it happened, what we learned, and what comes next to ensure the health and growth of the field. Probably need to start with getting better press than some around . And, it wouldn't be an episode on relevant ABA policies without Dr. Bill Ahearn! Listen in and learn how to be part of the solution! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING/General...
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We were so excited to take the trip back up to Utica, NY for the 3rd , hosted by Dr. Erik Jacobson and his team at . And the conference did not disappoint. In this extra-long bonus episode, we spend some time remembering our favorite moments regarding the definition of compassion and the place of PFA-SBT in today's ABA before diving into over an hour's worth of great poster discussion with a slew of excellent presenters. Honestly, I think it's our biggest poster segment ever! Come for the Utica greens, stay for the updated treatment discussions. CCC 2026 truly did "make shift happen." Thanks...
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As the summer hits the beginning of the end, we're taking a few minutes to reflect on all of our vacation fun. And what better way to share one of our favorite 2026 vacations than to do an entire bonus episode reviewing our trip to Utica, New York. More specifically, our trip to the hosted by . And, for ABA Inside Track, nothing says vacation like amazing speakers, street audio poster sessions, and scintillating conversations about the state of behavioral treatment. Next, we supplement your beach reading time with last year's Book Club episode on the trauma treatment bestseller "The Body...
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A quick update on some required CE changes coming in September to make sure everyone has plenty of time to get ready. TL; DL - If you want to earn CEs for listening to a given episode, go IMMEDIATELY and listen on to avoid needing to double listen.
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Returning to the show with a in tow, we're joined by Dr. Denise Ross and Dr. Doug Greer to talk all about the research behind teaching reading and reading comprehension skills, as put into their edited work, . We go deep into the foundations of reading instruction, from learning units in the strategic science of teaching planning arenas to classroom management and books as conditioned reinforcers in the "helping kids actually enjoy the process of books" arenas. And that's before decoding, teaching metaphors, and scaling instruction to the classroom and into upper education. Plus some of your...
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While behavior analysts might think themselves immune to falling into poor practices when supporting students in public schools, don't forget that we too are sensitive to the contingencies of our environment. And when those environments are using statistically higher rates of punishment in the form of harsh discipline practices for females of color... This week we're joined by special guest, Dr. Mawule Sevon to discuss the research on this terrible trend, how behavior analysts might inadvertantly support its promulgation by responding to assessment and observation requests, and what our field...
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After 10 years of podcasting, we decided that if we were going to do an ethics episode for Guest Month, we'd go big. And you can't get much bigger when talking about ethics in behavior analysis than himself. We dive into the formation of the ethical codes we know, love, and follow, hearing on-the-ground stories from Dr. Bailey as to what went well and what...could have gone better in preparing behavior analysts for ethical challenges we face every day and the challenges of the near future. Plus, stories from the ! Make sure to listen through this episode thoroughly because if Dr. Bailey has...
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Since we've done about 100 episodes pointing out the general lack of preparedness of BCBAs leaving grad school and jumping right into public school work, it'd be pretty mean of us not to have some episodes where we tell you HOW to prepare. And this week we have special guests, Dr. Kristin Foley and Dr. Fina Robertson, doing just that. We cover some of the basics as to how to make friends with teachers and administrators rather than alienating them with your behavior analytic jargon before discussing specific reflection and action steps needed to ensure not just competence in your work, but...
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As July heat makes its way to New England, we're staying inside with the AC on and a bevy of exciting guests in the studio. That's right: It's GUEST MONTH! Nothing but episodes featuring amazing guests. First we kick things off by reviewing how to get ready for the new school season with Dr. Kristin Foley and Dr. Fina Robertson sharing their work on preparing behavior analysts to work effectively and ethically in schools. Next shares his unique and masterful perspective on ethical behavior from the past to the future! Turning back to schools, we learn from how to look for and plan against...
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Some of us struggle going to the doctor. Some of us shrink in terror at the sight of nail clippers. But when individuals with histories of avoiding medical care need help learning to tolerate these necessary procedures, what treatments can we use? This week we head to the doctor's office with a review of a broad spectrum of articles discussing teaching medical toleration. Let's just say Amazon isn't the only group putting together big packages we're excited to see. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2009.09.001 doi:...
info_outlineA kobold approaches! He's looking for someone to help him with his social skills to gain greater friends at the taverns. Do you roll for behavior analysis clinical skills? Or attack him with your +2 broadsword?
While we've definitely discussed role-playing activities in training contexts, recent years have seen a huge increase in interest in gamification in learning a variety of skills. One area of research is in the use of tabletop role-playing games in therapeutic and clinical settings. But is there any research to back up the hype? This week we're joined by active RPG player clinical user, Danielle Yang, to dive into the research base as we work to answer the question: could the use of RPGs in treatment be considered behavior analytic?
Interested in learning more about this topic? Danielle offers a deeper-dive course into the use of RPGs in treatment and skill planning. You can also join her Discord to chat with other RPG/ABA practitioners. And keep your eye out for a bonus episode this month where we'll be demoing just HOW a tabletop RPG could be used in a clinical setting.
This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU.
Articles discussed this episode:
Arenas, D.L., Viduani, A., & Araujo, R.B. (2022). Therapeutic use of role-playing game (RPG) in mental health: A scoping review. Simulation and Gaming, 53, 285-311. doi: 10.1177/10468781211073720
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.