The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria

This is a podcast about the field of Behavior Analysis. Each episode will feature an interview with a Behavior Analyst where we discuss a specific topic in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Some of these topics include functional behavioral assessment, treating severe behavioral disorders such as aggression and self-injurious behavior, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), behavioral ethics, autism treatment, parenting, and the history of Applied Behavior Analysis.

What is Facilitated Communication? BOP Rewind | Session 199/336 | Jason Travers 07/24/2026

What is Facilitated Communication? BOP Rewind | Session 199/336 | Jason Travers Welcome to Session 336 The Behavioral Observations Podcast. Well technically, this is actually Session 199, and I wanted to take a minute to explain why you're hearing a rebroadcast. This conversation with Dr. Jason Travers originally aired back in September of 2022, but I've decided it's worth bringing back because, unfortunately, the issues surrounding Facilitated Communication haven't gone away. In fact, if anything, they've become more relevant. Over the past several years, we've continued to see heartwarming news stories and viral social media posts featuring non-speaking autistic individuals who appear to be communicating through methods such as Facilitated Communication, the Rapid Prompting Method, or Spelling to Communicate. These stories are understandably compelling. We all want people with significant communication challenges to have access to effective ways to express themselves. The problem is that hope, by itself, isn't evidence. Facilitated Communication has been studied extensively for decades, and the scientific record is remarkably consistent. The evidence has repeatedly shown that the messages produced through FC originate with the facilitator, not the individual. Despite that, these practices continue to find new audiences under different names and in different settings. As behavior analysts—and really, as anyone who cares about helping people with disabilities—we have an obligation to evaluate interventions based on evidence, even when the conclusions are uncomfortable. That's especially true when the potential harms are so significant, not only for the individuals using these methods, but also for their families, educators, and support teams. I also think this episode serves as a useful foundation because I plan to cover this topic in greater depth over the coming months, along with other interventions that have gained popularity despite lacking scientific support. Rather than assuming everyone has heard this discussion before, I thought it made sense to revisit what I think is one of the clearest introductions to the topic. So whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or giving it another listen, I hope you'll pay particular attention to the history of Facilitated Communication, how it was scientifically evaluated, why those findings matter, and how Dr. Travers recommends discussing these issues with colleagues and families in a way that's both accurate and compassionate. Please note that I edited out the “how did you get into ABA segment,” so you can get right to the heart of the topic. I’ll include links to the original recording if you want to go back and hear more about Jason’s background. Here are the shownotes from the original broadcast: If your social media consumption is anything like mine, you've likely seen some as of late that report on non-speaking students - generally students with Autism - who are graduating from college, giving valedictorian speeches, and so forth. Unfortunately, what's often underpinning many of these cases is a form of Facilitated Communication, or FC for short. What is FC? Glad you asked! In today's episode, , Associate Professor at Temple University, joins me today to answer this very question (follow him on Twitter ). We covered the history of Facilitated Communication, the early scientific investigations that discredited this practice, FC's variants like the Rapid Prompting Method and Spelling to Communicate, where the practice of FC stands today, the harms that Facilitated Communication causes both users and caregivers, and how Behavior Analysts should both view and talk about these practices. Jason also provides the audience with a treasure trove of additional resources: Jason's and pages. The original . Jason's on Spelling2Communicate (use promo code PODCAST to save at checkout!). ASHA Policy Statements on and . Facilitated Communication—what harm it can do: Confessions of a former facilitator (). An Examination of the Role of the Facilitator in “Facilitated Communication” (). explained. (note: Amazon Associated link). (Amazon Associate Link); . . (Shane 1994; Amazon Associate Link). Sponsor shoutouts! . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! Safety-Care is a crisis prevention and de-escalation training program designed for professionals who support individuals with challenging behavior. More than 300,000 professionals have been trained in Safety-Care's evidence-based approach to recognizing early warning signs and responding with confidence. To learn more, visit . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/42206935

Conducta Verbal: Cultura, Contexto y Comunicación Funcional | BOP en ESP 18 con Janet Enriquez 07/14/2026

Conducta Verbal: Cultura, Contexto y Comunicación Funcional | BOP en ESP 18 con Janet Enriquez En este episodio, Miguel conversa con Janet sobre la conducta verbal desde una perspectiva práctica y cultural. A lo largo de la conversación, exploran por qué la conducta verbal sigue siendo una de las áreas más importantes —y a veces más incomprendidas— dentro del análisis de conducta y la educación. Janet comparte su trayectoria como latina, educadora, investigadora y líder en múltiples iniciativas dentro del campo, así como su experiencia trabajando con comunidades bilingües y culturalmente diversas. Juntos discuten conceptos fundamentales de la conducta verbal, diferencias entre el enfoque de Skinner y la lingüística tradicional, y cómo la motivación, la función y el contexto transforman la manera en que entendemos la comunicación. El episodio también aborda temas esenciales como el acceso a formación en español, los retos de trabajar con herramientas centradas en el inglés y la necesidad de desarrollar prácticas verdaderamente culturalmente responsivas. Además, conversan sobre iniciativas en América Latina, mentoría para nuevos analistas de conducta, investigación aplicada y el futuro de la conducta verbal en comunidades hispanohablantes. Una conversación profunda, accesible y relevante para analistas de conducta, educadores, terapeutas, estudiantes y familias interesadas en comprender la comunicación desde una perspectiva más funcional, humana y contextualizada. Verbal Behavior: Culture, Context, and Functional Communication In this episode, Miguel speaks with Janet about verbal behavior from a practical and cultural perspective. Throughout the conversation, they explore why verbal behavior continues to be one of the most important — and sometimes misunderstood — areas within behavior analysis and education. Janet shares her journey as a Latina educator, researcher, and leader across multiple initiatives in the field, as well as her experience working with bilingual and culturally diverse communities. Together, they discuss foundational concepts in verbal behavior, differences between Skinner’s approach and traditional linguistics, and how motivation, function, and context shape the way we understand communication. The episode also addresses key topics such as access to verbal behavior training in Spanish, challenges associated with English-centered tools and terminology, and the importance of culturally responsive practices. In addition, they discuss initiatives across Latin America, mentorship for emerging behavior analysts, applied research, and the future of verbal behavior within Spanish-speaking communities. A thoughtful, accessible, and highly relevant conversation for behavior analysts, educators, therapists, students, and families interested in understanding communication through a more functional, humane, and contextualized lens. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/42069025

Essential for Living in Action: Building Meaningful Skills Through Everyday Events | Session 334 with Kristina Montgomery and Emily Beal Wilkinson 06/30/2026

Essential for Living in Action: Building Meaningful Skills Through Everyday Events | Session 334 with Kristina Montgomery and Emily Beal Wilkinson Many behavior analysts have experienced the frustration of teaching a skill successfully in one setting only to discover that it doesn't transfer to the situations where it actually matters. In this episode, I sit down with and of Victory Academy to discuss how Essential for Living (EFL) and event-based teaching can help bridge that gap. Kristina and Emily share their professional journeys into behavior analysis and describe how discovering Dr. Patrick McGreevy's Essential for Living framework reshaped their approach to supporting learners with limited skill repertoires. Rather than focusing on isolated skill acquisition, EFL prioritizes the development of functional, meaningful skills that improve quality of life and increase independence. A major focus of our conversation is event-based teaching, an instructional approach that embeds learning opportunities within naturally occurring and highly meaningful activities. From gardening and cooking to operating school cafés and participating in role-playing activities, Kristina and Emily explain how these experiences allow practitioners to teach multiple skills simultaneously while creating natural sources of reinforcement. We also discuss: How Kristina and Emily first discovered Essential for Living and why it resonated with their clinical experiences. Why traditional skill-building approaches sometimes fail to produce meaningful generalization. The concept of "stacking" activities to address multiple goals through a single event. Examples of event-based teaching activities including gardening, cooking, cafés, and community-based experiences. A detailed case study illustrating the transition from VB-MAPP-style programming to contextual, event-based instruction. How literacy, communication, social, and adaptive skills can be embedded within meaningful activities. The role of natural reinforcement in improving learner engagement. Their innovative health and wellness program designed to teach tolerance for medical and dental procedures. How desensitization training can reduce the need for sedation, restraint, and other restrictive practices. The collateral benefits these programs create for families and healthcare providers. Research questions related to contextual instruction, assessment, staff satisfaction, and BCBA training. Advice for newly certified behavior analysts on professional development and values-based practice. This episode will be especially valuable for behavior analysts, special educators, and anyone supporting individuals with significant support needs who are looking for practical ways to make instruction more meaningful, functional, and socially significant. Resources discussed in this episode: Dr. Patrick McGreevy (see Pat's previous BOP episodes !) and the concept of activity stacking Session 218 with Event Based Teaching (save with code BOP20) Essential for Living (save with code BOP20) Sponsor Shoutouts . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! Safety-Care is a crisis prevention and de-escalation training program designed for professionals who support individuals with challenging behavior. More than 300,000 professionals have been trained in Safety-Care's evidence-based approach to recognizing early warning signs and responding with confidence. To learn more, visit . The Behavioral Toolbox International. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, . If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a colleague and leaving a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/41907450

Beyond 80% Correct: Rethinking Mastery Criteria in ABA: Session 333 with Sarah Richling & Dan Fienup 06/12/2026

Beyond 80% Correct: Rethinking Mastery Criteria in ABA: Session 333 with Sarah Richling & Dan Fienup How do we determine when a learner has truly mastered a skill? In behavior analysis, performance criteria such as "80% correct across two sessions" have become nearly ubiquitous. Yet despite their widespread use, many practitioners may be surprised to learn that these criteria have relatively little direct empirical support. In this episode, I'm joined by Drs. Sarah Richling and Dr. Daniel Fienup to discuss the history, research, and practical implications of mastery criteria in applied behavior analysis. Drawing on their independent lines of research, Sarah and Dan examine how different criterion levels influence skill maintenance and why behavior analysts should think carefully about what constitutes meaningful mastery. We begin by defining the terminology surrounding mastery and performance criteria and explore several important dimensions that are often overlooked, including criterion level, criterion frequency, supplementary variables, and units of analysis. The conversation then turns to the origins of the commonly used 80% and 90% thresholds. Although these criteria appear throughout ABA training and practice, Sarah and Dan explain that their widespread adoption may owe more to tradition than to empirical validation. We also discuss findings from their research comparing 50%, 80%, and 90% mastery criteria. Their studies suggest that higher performance criteria may produce stronger maintenance outcomes under some conditions, but they emphasize that practitioners should resist the temptation to adopt a new universal rule. Along the way, we explore: The distinction between mastery criteria and performance criteria. Why "80% correct" became so common in ABA. Historical influences from early behavior analytic and educational research. Research comparing 50%, 80%, and 90% mastery criteria. The relationship between mastery criteria and long-term maintenance. Why some behaviors may require near-perfect performance. The importance of considering the natural environment when setting performance standards. How units of analysis can affect instructional decision making. The risks of relying on aggregated data when teaching multiple skills. Generalization, maintenance, and supplementary variables. Lessons from Precision Teaching regarding fluency and functional mastery. Why performance criteria should be individualized rather than universally prescribed. Research opportunities for practitioners and graduate students interested in instructional design. Throughout the discussion, Sarah and Dan make a compelling case for moving beyond inherited rules and toward a more individualized, evidence-based approach to instructional decision making. Whether you're designing skill acquisition programs, supervising trainees, or simply curious about the assumptions that shape everyday practice, this episode offers a thoughtful examination of one of the most common—and least questioned—features of behavior analytic instruction. About the Guests Dr. Sarah Richling is a Clinical Associate Professor at Auburn University and serves as Director of Auburn's Master's Program in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has more than two decades of experience as a practitioner, researcher, and educator, with interests spanning instructional design, performance criteria, and effective teaching practices. Dr. Daniel Fienup is a behavior analyst and researcher whose work has focused on instructional variables that affect skill acquisition, maintenance, and educational outcomes. His research on mastery criteria has helped clarify the relationship between performance standards and long-term retention of learned skills. Resources Mentioned in This Episode . The use of performance criteria for determining “mastery” in discrete-trial instruction: A call for research. . A Preliminary Analysis of Mastery Criterion Level: Effects on Response Maintenance. . Establishing Performance Criteria for Skill Mastery. . Creating a reference range of common problem behaviors and replacement behaviors in neurotypical children. . Comparing skill acquisition under different stimulus set sizes with children with autism spectrum disorder: A replication. Conditioning Books as Reinforcers: How to Increase Reading Engagement in Young Children: . Sponsor Shoutouts! . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! Safety-Care is a crisis prevention and de-escalation training program designed for professionals who support individuals with challenging behavior. More than 300,000 professionals have been trained in Safety-Care's evidence-based approach to recognizing early warning signs and responding with confidence. To learn more, visit . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/41624690

Helping Complex Kids Thrive Through Practical Behavioral Parenting Strategies: Jenny Demark, Linda Reinstein and Conrad Leung | Session 332 05/27/2026

Helping Complex Kids Thrive Through Practical Behavioral Parenting Strategies: Jenny Demark, Linda Reinstein and Conrad Leung | Session 332 In this episode, I’m joined by , , and to talk about their new book, . These are clinicians who’ve spent years working directly with families dealing with everything from emotion regulation challenges, to childhood anxiety, to severe behavioral challenges, and what I liked about this conversation is that it stayed extremely practical throughout. We spent a lot of time talking about their “Prepare, Teach, Motivate” framework, and how parents and professionals can think more systematically about helping kids build resilience and coping skills rather than just reacting to challenging behavior in the moment. Along the way, we discussed: Why some children require more intentional and consistent parenting approaches than others. How to build stronger relationships with kids who engage in challenging behavior. The importance of following a child’s interests to create meaningful connection. Screen time struggles and how to reduce device dependence without escalating conflict. Emotion regulation strategies for children with frequent outbursts. Why many young children struggle to generalize skills learned in traditional talk therapy. The role of parental accommodation in maintaining anxiety and avoidance. Practical approaches to school refusal and helping kids gradually face difficult situations. Why parent coaching is often more effective than focusing exclusively on the child in therapy. The importance of self-care for parents and practitioners alike. I think this episode will be especially valuable for behavior analysts, school professionals, clinicians, and of course parents trying to support kids with more complex behavioral and emotional needs. Related links and resources: . . (a must-follow parenting IG account!). Sponsoring this episode: . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! The Behavioral Toolbox International. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, . /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/41441500

Supporting Individuals With Severe Problem Behavior Through Collaboration: Session 331 with Ben Seifert 05/14/2026

Supporting Individuals With Severe Problem Behavior Through Collaboration: Session 331 with Ben Seifert In Session 331, I sat down with to talk about some of the most challenging — and important — work happening in applied behavior analysis today: supporting individuals with severe problem behavior. Ben shared his journey into the field, beginning with his early experiences at Lindamood-Bell and later at under the mentorship of Carl Sundberg and others who helped shape his clinical perspective. Along the way, we discussed what originally drew him toward working with clients who many providers often avoid, and why he remains deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to meaningful, compassionate support. We spent a good amount of time talking about trends in the ABA marketplace, including the growing difficulty families face when trying to access services for older learners or individuals with significant behavioral challenges. Ben offered thoughtful commentary on how insurance systems, staffing pressures, and private equity may be influencing the types of services many organizations are willing to provide. Ben also shared several fascinating clinical stories that highlight the importance of long-term relationship building, careful observation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. One particularly memorable discussion centered around learning to identify subtle behavioral indicators of physical discomfort that would have been easy to miss in a traditional assessment framework. Toward the second half of the conversation, we shifted into supervision, staff training, and burnout prevention. Ben made a compelling point that supervisors should think of new staff members almost like new learners — people who require shaping, reinforcement, feedback, and support rather than immediate criticism when challenges arise. We also talked openly about clinician mental health, psychological safety within organizations, and the importance of creating environments where people can ask for help. Finally, Ben shared advice for newly certified BCBAs, including the importance of collaboration, humility, and learning from the frontline staff who often know clients best. This was a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation that I think clinicians, supervisors, and graduate students alike will get a lot out of. In this episode, we discuss: Ben’s path into behavior analysis Early mentorship experiences at BACA His early career experiences at the What led him to found Why severe problem behavior services are becoming harder to access Insurance and marketplace pressures affecting clinical care The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration Clinical case examples involving subtle behavioral indicators Long-term relationship building with clients and families Supervision strategies for supporting RBTs and frontline staff Staff burnout and mental health Advice for newly certified BCBAs Reach out to Ben on , or follow Collaborate ABA in ! Sponsor shoutouts! . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! The 2026 . This conference is designed for the educators, administrators, and staff who support students' behavioral health, social-emotional needs, and behavioral challenges. Both in-person and online attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues and learn innovative, evidence-based approaches to supporting children in school settings. It’s taking place in Tumwater, WA and virtually via BehaviorLive on 5/29/26. I have the honor of presenting the keynote address, and there are many other great topics that will be discussed throughout the day, so I hope to see you there! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/41291525

Supporting Health and Wellness in Developmental Disabilities: Session 330: Brandon May, Maggie Pavone, and Kate Heersink 04/25/2026

Supporting Health and Wellness in Developmental Disabilities: Session 330: Brandon May, Maggie Pavone, and Kate Heersink In this episode, I’m joined by Drs. and , and 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 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. 🔑 Key Takeaways Health behaviors (movement, nutrition, hydration) are behavior—and can be addressed using behavior-analytic principles Many professionals feel underprepared to support these areas without a structured framework Embedding interventions into natural environments (e.g., day programs) increases feasibility and sustainability Simple systems (token boards, wearable data, clear goals) can support meaningful behavior change Effective programming in this area requires flexibility, creativity, and ongoing data-based decision making 🧩 Why This Matters Individuals with developmental disabilities are often at higher risk for health-related issues tied to sedentary behavior and diet. At the same time, these are areas that don’t always receive systematic attention in programming. This is one place where behavior analysis can have a meaningful impact on long-term quality of life. 📚 Resources Mentioned Prior episode with Brandon (: What is Behavioral Sports Psychology?) Researchers mentioned: . Effects of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule with changing criteria on exercise in obese and nonobese boys Sponsors . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! . If you want to take control of your health and fitness, start by getting the data you need with the Whoop Strap. And by using , you'll get your first month free! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/41014040

Train Smarter, Not Harder: Heart Rate Zones, VO2 Max, and Better Fitness: Session 329 with Nick Green 04/08/2026

Train Smarter, Not Harder: Heart Rate Zones, VO2 Max, and Better Fitness: Session 329 with Nick Green In Session 329, I’m joined once again by , Ph.D., BCBA-D, who’s been doing some really interesting work at the intersection of fitness and behavior science. In this episode, Nick walks us through the basics of heart rate training zones and why simply “working out” isn’t always enough. We talk about the general recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, but more importantly, how to make sure that time is actually spent in the right zones—particularly Zones 2 through 4—where you’re going to see real cardiovascular benefits. From there, we get into VO2 max, what it is, why it matters, and how you can measure or estimate it—even without access to a lab. Nick also shares some practical training strategies, including the , which is a structured way to improve cardiovascular fitness through intervals of high-intensity work followed by recovery. As you might expect, we also spend a good amount of time talking about behavior. Why is it so hard for people to stick with an exercise routine? What gets in the way? And how can we apply behavior-analytic principles to improve adherence? Nick makes a compelling case for the role of planning and accountability. One of the things he’s seen in his coaching practice is that when people invest in structured support, they’re much more likely to follow through. We talk about how environmental variables, scheduling, and clear contingencies can make or break a fitness routine. This was a really practical conversation—whether you’re a behavior analyst looking to apply these principles to your own life, or just someone trying to get a little more consistent with exercise. If you’re interested in working with Nick or learning more about his coaching services, be sure to check out his website, which you can find in the resource list below: (Nick's website; check out his courses !) Nick on BehaviorFit's Nick's previous BOP Interviews: , , and . The effects of exergaming on physical activity among inactive children in a physical education classroom. . Decreasing bouts of prolonged sitting among office workers. Sponsor Shoutouts! . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. . Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click to learn how! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/40777520

Conditioning Books as Reinforcers: How to Increase Reading Engagement in Young Children: Inside JABA 26 04/02/2026

Conditioning Books as Reinforcers: How to Increase Reading Engagement in Young Children: Inside JABA 26 Episode Summary In this episode, I'm joined by , , and Lilian Morales to discuss their recent paper in JABA, . In this episode, we explore how books can function as powerful reinforcers for young children, especially in early learning and ABA contexts. We discuss how to identify when books are actually reinforcing, how to condition books as reinforcers if they’re not already, and practical strategies for incorporating them into teaching and behavior support. Key Topics Covered 1. What Makes Something a Reinforcer? Reinforcers are defined by their effect on behavior—not by intention A book is only a reinforcer if it increases the likelihood of a behavior Preference ≠ reinforcement (must test it) 2. Are Books Naturally Reinforcing? For some children: yes (especially those with strong interest in stories, visuals, or routines) For others: books may be neutral or even aversive Depends on learning history and prior pairing 3. Conditioning Books as Reinforcers Pair books with already-established reinforcers (e.g., attention, snacks, praise) Make reading interactive and engaging (voices, movement, pointing, questions) Start with short durations and build up tolerance/enjoyment Follow the child’s lead (let them turn pages, choose books, etc.) 4. Embedding Books into Teaching Use books as part of discrete trial or natural environment teaching Reinforce responses with brief access to a favorite book Incorporate targets into reading (labeling, WH questions, listener responding) Use repeated readings to build fluency and predictability 5. Expanding Reinforcer Repertoires Why it matters: reduces reliance on edibles or screens Books are portable, social, and developmentally beneficial Helps build early literacy and joint attention skills 6. Common Mistakes Assuming all kids like books Using books too long as a reinforcer (loses value) Not rotating or updating book options Ignoring signs of disengagement 7. Practical Tips Keep a small “high-value” book rotation Use novelty strategically Observe what aspects the child enjoys (pictures, repetition, sensory elements) Track what actually increases responding Takeaways Books can absolutely function as reinforcers—but only if conditioned or preferred Pairing and engagement are key to building their value Using books as reinforcers supports both behavior change and language development Resources . Conditioned Observation of Books and Accelerated Acquisition of Textual Responding by Preschool Children. Teachers College program. Teachers College program. . A comparison of parental attention and preferred items during tummy time: A consecutive controlled case series evaluation. D. Ross & R. Douglas Greer (Eds.). (2025). . The . Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (). /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/40716775

Comportamiento, espacio y algoritmos: Análisis de la conducta recargado, BOP en Español 17 con Alejandro León 03/20/2026

Comportamiento, espacio y algoritmos: Análisis de la conducta recargado, BOP en Español 17 con Alejandro León Comportamiento, espacio y algoritmos: Análisis de la conducta recargado En este episodio de Espacio y Comportamiento, conversa con sobre una dimensión del comportamiento que históricamente ha sido poco explorada en nuestro campo: el espacio. Más allá de medir cuándo ocurre una conducta o cuántas veces se presenta, esta conversación propone mirar dónde ocurre, cómo nos movemos en el ambiente y cómo los patrones de acercamiento, alejamiento y trayectoria espacial organizan el comportamiento. Alejandro comparte su recorrido poco convencional desde la ingeniería y las matemáticas hacia la psicología científica y el análisis de la conducta, así como el papel clave que tuvo la experimentación, la interdisciplinariedad y la creatividad metodológica en su carrera. A lo largo del episodio exploramos cómo herramientas modernas como la visión por computadora, el análisis tridimensional del movimiento, los algoritmos matemáticos y las bioseñales (como la variabilidad cardíaca en tiempo real) están permitiendo un “análisis de la conducta recargado”: fiel a sus principios, pero expandido por nuevas tecnologías. La conversación aterriza estos conceptos en aplicaciones prácticas para contextos clínicos, educativos y de investigación, mostrando cómo analistas de conducta —sin convertirse en ingenieros— pueden empezar a integrar el análisis espacial, colaborar con otras disciplinas y mejorar la evaluación, el diseño de ambientes y la prevención de riesgos. Un episodio inspirador para la comunidad latinoamericana y global, que demuestra que es posible innovar, producir ciencia de alto impacto y dialogar con otras disciplinas desde nuestra región hacia el mundo. Behavior, Space, and Algorithms: Behavior Analysis Reloaded In this episode of Space and Behavior, Miguel Avila sits down with Alejandro León to explore a dimension of behavior that has long been overlooked in our field: space. Rather than focusing only on when behavior occurs or how often it happens, this conversation invites us to examine where behavior unfolds, how organisms move through environments, and how spatial patterns of approach, avoidance, and trajectories organize behavior over time. Alejandro shares his unconventional journey from engineering and mathematics into scientific psychology and behavior analysis, highlighting the role of experimental work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and methodological creativity. The episode dives into how modern tools—such as computer vision, three-dimensional motion tracking, mathematical algorithms, and physiological signals like real-time heart rate variability—are making it possible to study behavior in ways that were unimaginable during the time of Watson, Thorndike, or Skinner. The result is a “reloaded” behavior analysis: conceptually rigorous, yet technologically expanded. Listeners will also hear concrete examples of how spatial data and bio-signals can inform functional assessment, environmental design, intervention planning, safety, and early detection of behavioral patterns—without requiring clinicians to become engineers. This episode is both practical and inspirational, especially for researchers, students, and practitioners in Latin America and beyond, showing that meaningful innovation in behavior analysis can emerge locally while achieving global scientific impact. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/40557265

The 2025 Verbal Behavior Conference Panel Discussion: Session 326 03/11/2026

The 2025 Verbal Behavior Conference Panel Discussion: Session 326 Thanks for joining me for Session 326 of The Behavioral Observations Podcast. This episode was recorded live at the 2025 Verbal Behavior Conference, where I had the honor of moderating the annual panel discussion. If you haven't attended a previous Verbal Behavior Conference, you're in luck, because the next one is coming up in just a few short weeks. The will be held on March 26th and 27th, and it will be preceded by a full day workshop. If you've listened to the show for any length of time, you've heard my go on about how unique this conference is. If not, please indulge me for a moment. The is unlike any other event because each presenter gives two talks across the two days of the conference. This provides them opportunities to dive deeper into their subject matter, which gives audience members so much more information to improve their practice with. If you attend in person, you'll have numerous opportunities to interact directly with the speakers too. Whether that's between sessions getting coffee, grabbing lunch in the nearby cafe, or at the poster sessions, you're probably going to have a chance to pick their brains. If you can't be there in person, BehaviorLive provides a top-notch virtual experience. I'd also say that the VBC has a very consistent and engaged online community too, to the point of me being able to recognize many online attendees' names having seen their chat commentaries for the past few years. For this year, the VBC is pulling out all the stops by hosting a discussion with Drs. Patrick McGreevy and Mark Sundberg, where they will talk about how to decide whether a learner should continue with VB-MAPP-like learning objectives, or transition to a functional curriculum, such as Essential for Living. Thanks for indulging me, back to this episode... This panel dives into some of the most pressing clinical and practical questions facing practitioners today — from navigating difficult conversations with parents to the nuanced intricacies of mand training, motivating operations, and supporting learners with limited reinforcers. Whether you are a seasoned BCBA, or an aspiring behavior analyst, this episode is packed with the kind of insight you're just not going to get anywhere else. Featured Panelists • • • • • • • Topics Covered in This Episode Transitioning from Language Acquisition to Functional Skills Curricula The Momentary Nature of Motivating Operations Mand Training with Learners Who Engage in Self-Stimulatory Behavior Working with Learners Who Have Very Limited Reinforcers Pre-Requisite Skills for Learning More Complex Forms of Verbal Behavior Instructional Control Pre-Requisites for Teaching Echoic Repertoires Challenges of Conducting Clinical Research in Verbal Behavior Supporting Learners from Bilingual Households Sponsor Shoutouts! The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. While the live event has come and gone, it is available on-demand through BehaviorLive. . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/40402595

Developing Rapport and Sustaining Motivation in Autism Treatment: Session 325 with Alice Shillingsburg 02/23/2026

Developing Rapport and Sustaining Motivation in Autism Treatment: Session 325 with Alice Shillingsburg In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alice Shillingsburg about her work on rapport building and pairing procedures in applied behavior analysis for children with autism. We explore how building therapeutic rapport goes beyond simply “liking someone,” emphasizing the importance of establishing trust and engagement to facilitate learning, especially when tasks are challenging. Alice explains the nine-stage pairing protocol she developed and highlights how careful timing, observation, and reinforcement choices can make pairing effective. We discuss the significance of observing children’s approach behaviors to understand their preferences and keep therapy engaging, as well as how instructional fading can gradually increase task difficulty without creating aversive experiences. During our conversation, we took a quick sidebar to talk about the upcoming Verbal Behavior Conference. This is a conference like none other. Whether you participate online or make the short drive to Austin, you'll be treated to very in-depth talks about generative learning for individuals with Autism and related disabilities. Learn more and . We also dive into practical applications — how pairing and instructional procedures can be adapted in real-world therapy settings, while still maintaining their effectiveness. Alice talks about data collection strategies for engagement and behavior, including the importance of tracking approach behaviors, avoidance, and other signals of a child’s readiness. Finally, we consider the sustainability of pairing procedures over time and potential directions for future research, including investigating methods of instructional fading and tracking gestural communication development in children with autism. Resources Mentioned . Rapport Building and Instructional Fading Prior to Discrete Trial Instruction: Moving From Child-Led Play to Intensive Teaching . A Structured Intervention to Increase Response Allocation to Instructional Settings for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Increasing social approach and decreasing social avoidance in children with autism spectrum disorder during discrete trial training Sponsor Shoutouts The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. It’s taking place virtually through BehaviorLive on March 5th, 2026, and will be available on-demand for those who can’t make it on the day of the event. . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/40198270

Resilience Is a Skill — Raising Capable Kids in a Fragile World: Session 324 with Paulie Gavoni and Steve Ward 02/13/2026

Resilience Is a Skill — Raising Capable Kids in a Fragile World: Session 324 with Paulie Gavoni and Steve Ward In Session 324, Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Steve Ward join me to discuss what resilience actually looks like from a behavior science perspective — and why many well-intentioned adult responses can unintentionally teach avoidance instead of persistence. We center our conversation around their book, , which reframes resilience not as a personality trait or motivational slogan, but as a set of learnable repertoires shaped by the environments adults design We talk about: Why resilience is a behavioral repertoire, not a mindset or personality trait The hidden ways adult anxiety shapes children’s learning environments How overprotection and pressure both undermine skill development Designing “successful struggle” so kids contact reinforcement for effort Everyday moments — homework, sports, emotional setbacks — as resilience practice The adult’s role as guide, not rescuer or drill sergeant Teaching recovery instead of avoidance Scaling challenges to build confidence and persistence Why discomfort is information, not danger This discussion emphasizes practical decision-making: how small changes in adult behavior can create conditions where children learn to try again, persist longer, and experience the satisfaction of overcoming something difficult. Whether you’re a practitioner, educator, or parent, this episode highlights how resilience is built through repeated opportunities to struggle safely — and why those opportunities matter more than we often realize. Resources mentioned: Paulie and Steve's (course) : The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science Paulie's : A Procedural Variation on Traditional Extinction The Four Leadership Hats: Applying Behavioral Science to Leadership and Supervision () : A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Population : Client Assent in Behavior Analysis: Balancing Autonomy and Clinical Progress (Ethics CE available) Sponsor shoutouts The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. It’s taking place virtually through BehaviorLive on March 5th, 2026, and will be available on-demand for those who can’t make it on the day of the event. . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/40104330

Building Clinical Excellence in Autism Services: How Apollo Trains and Supports RBTs and BCBAs - Session 322 01/30/2026

Building Clinical Excellence in Autism Services: How Apollo Trains and Supports RBTs and BCBAs - Session 322 In this episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I’m joined by , founder of , and , Vice President of Clinical Operations, to talk about what it really takes to build and sustain clinical excellence in autism services. We discuss Apollo’s decision to launch in Georgia, their highly selective hiring process, and how values alignment plays a central role in building their culture. Kim and Kristen share how Apollo approaches training differently — including a four-week RBT onboarding program that exceeds certification requirements and a structured mentorship model for BCBAs. The results are notable, with 99% of Apollo's RBTs passing their exams on the first attempt! Even more impressive is that 84% of Apollo-trained BCBAs pass their exam on the first attempt too. Compared to the current average pass rate that hovers around 52-54%, that's simply amazing! We also dig into how Apollo defines and measures clinical excellence, including the use of norm-referenced assessments, family feedback, progress toward less restrictive environments, and ongoing data analysis to improve training and service delivery. This conversation is especially relevant for BCBAs, clinical leaders, and practice owners who are thinking seriously about how to scale services without sacrificing quality — and how to design systems that support clinicians, families, and long-term outcomes. If this sounds like a great work environment to you, and you'd like to learn more, . Related BOP Episodes: : Apollo CSS 8 with Kristen Vaughn All previous BOP episodes This podcast is brought to you by: The School Behavioral Solutions for Special Educators & Behavior Analysts. is a one-day, high-impact professional convening that brings together experienced practitioners and leaders from across education and behavior science to share what actually works in schools. Rather than relying on theory divorced from practice, this conference features presenters who actively operate within classrooms, districts, research settings, and state-level systems. Behavior analysts, educators, researchers, and system leaders come together to examine behavior change from multiple levels of impact — adult behavior, decision-making, values, and the systems that shape outcomes. It’s taking place virtually through BehaviorLive on March 5th, 2026, and will be available on-demand for those who can’t make it on the day of the event. : A thriving ABA practice depends on systems that actually support your team, not slow them down. If you’ve struggled with software that’s buggy, hard to navigate, or offers little support when you need it most, you’re not alone. That’s why so many practices are switching to Office Puzzle. Go to to learn more! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39941185

Entrenamiento de Habilidades Conductuales: BOP en Español 16 con Maria Sanchez 01/27/2026

Entrenamiento de Habilidades Conductuales: BOP en Español 16 con Maria Sanchez En este episodio, Miguel conversa con , una profesional con un impacto notable en la formación de analistas de conducta en España y Latinoamérica. La charla gira en torno al Behavioral Skills Training (BST) o Entrenamiento de Habilidades Conductuales: qué es, cómo se aplica en la práctica y por qué sigue siendo una de las herramientas más efectivas para entrenar tanto a profesionales como a familias. María comparte su recorrido profesional, que comienza en Inglaterra en un centro para niños con autismo y evoluciona hacia su trabajo en PECS, donde encontró su vocación inesperada en la supervisión y formación de otros profesionales. Trabajó en la capacitación de profesionales en Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica y España, observando de primera mano el poder transformador de la comunicación aumentativa, especialmente en niños no verbales que comienzan a desarrollar estructuras de lenguaje más complejas. Durante la pandemia, y tras el cierre inicial en Italia, María reinventó su práctica y creó , un proyecto de formación remota para garantizar que profesionales en regiones aisladas pudieran acceder a entrenamientos RBT e IBT de calidad. Desde entonces, ha formado a cientos de estudiantes a través de clases sincrónicas, colaboraciones con centros en Latinoamérica y sesiones a distancia altamente prácticas. Miguel y María profundizan en el procedimiento BST —instrucciones, modelado, juego de roles y retroalimentación—, explorando cómo implementarlo eficazmente con adultos, cómo dar feedback específico sin sobrecargar, y cómo equilibrar correcciones con reconocimiento positivo. También dialogan sobre las ventajas y desafíos de entrenar a distancia, la importancia ética de proteger la privacidad de clientes y familias, la necesidad de fomentar ambientes de aprendizaje seguros y empoderadores, el rol del telehealth en la generalización de habilidades y las demandas formativas reales en España y Latinoamérica, donde muchos profesionales tienen apenas una o dos horas semanales para cumplir con las 40 horas requeridas. Antes de cerrar, María ofrece consejos esenciales para quienes están en el campo del análisis de conducta, subrayando la importancia del trabajo en equipo, la práctica deliberada y la humildad profesional. BOP in English: BST with María Sánchez In this episode, Miguel speaks with , a professional with a remarkable impact on the training of behavior analysts across Spain and Latin America. The conversation centers on Behavioral Skills Training (BST)—what it is, how it is applied in practice, and why it remains one of the most effective tools for training both professionals and families. María shares her professional journey, which began in England at a center for children with autism and later led her to her work with PECS, where she unexpectedly discovered her passion for supervision and professional training. She provided training to professionals in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, and Spain, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of augmentative communication, especially in nonverbal children who begin developing more complex language structures. During the pandemic—and after the initial shutdown in Italy—María reinvented her practice and created , a remote training project designed to ensure that professionals in isolated regions could access high-quality RBT and IBT training. Since then, she has trained hundreds of students through synchronous classes, collaborations with centers across Latin America, and highly practical remote sessions. Miguel and María dive into the *BST procedure—instructions, modeling, role play, and feedback—*discussing how to implement it effectively with adults, how to provide specific feedback without overwhelming, and how to balance corrections with positive reinforcement. They also explore the advantages and challenges of remote training, the ethical importance of protecting client and family privacy, the need to foster safe and empowering learning environments, the role of telehealth in skill generalization, and the training demands faced in Spain and Latin America, where many practitioners have only one or two hours per week to complete the required 40 hours. Before wrapping up, María shares essential advice for those in the field of behavior analysis, emphasizing teamwork, deliberate practice, and professional humility. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39899195

The Four Leadership Hats: Applying Behavioral Science to Leadership and Supervision — Session 321 with John Guercio 01/15/2026

The Four Leadership Hats: Applying Behavioral Science to Leadership and Supervision — Session 321 with John Guercio In this episode, I’m joined by John Guercio for a wide-ranging and practical conversation about leadership through a behavioral lens. John and I dig into what it actually means to lead in applied behavior analysis, especially when so much of the existing leadership literature is vague, mentalistic, or disconnected from observable behavior. We start by talking about the need to operationalize leadership in behavioral terms and explore the four leadership hats developed by : leading, training, coaching, and managing. We break down what each of these roles looks like behaviorally, how they function across time, and why effective leaders need to move flexibly between them rather than relying on a single style. A major theme of the episode is the role of positive reinforcement in leadership. John shares real-world examples from his OBM coursework and his work at Cornerstone Behavioral Services, highlighting how difficult—but necessary—it can be to shift away from punitive and avoidance-based management strategies. We discuss why punishment often “works” in the short term, why leaders continue to rely on it, and how reinforcement-based leadership creates better outcomes for both staff and organizations. We also spend time unpacking the distinction between leadership and management. John reflects on his own strengths and limitations, describing how he focuses on vision and direction while intentionally surrounding himself with strong managers who excel at systems, logistics, and follow-through. This leads to a powerful discussion about positional authority, seniority, and the myth that leadership status entitles people to treat others poorly. Throughout the episode, we return to the importance of psychological safety, consistent feedback, and emotional regulation in leadership roles. John shares practical strategies for navigating tough conversations, including how to balance empathy with accountability, how to manage staff expectations, and how to avoid letting emotion drive professional communication (including when not to send that email). We also talk through concrete tools and exercises for improving leadership practice, such as symbolic problem-solving activities to surface unspoken team issues, written acknowledgment systems, and using assessment tools like the Performance Diagnostic Checklist to guide supervision and coaching. John closes by sharing future directions for developing empirically grounded management assessment tools, along with a preview of his upcoming work and conference presentations. This is a practical, honest conversation for anyone supervising staff, leading teams, or trying to build reinforcing, values-consistent organizations in human services. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode for Adult Services (the 'bridge' course too!) . Leader reward behavior and subordinate satisfaction and performance Stone Soup Conference (use code PODCAST26 at checkout) . The Performance Diagnostic Checklist—Human Services John's appearances : Psychological Safety in the Workplace (Supervision CEU!) Additional Books, Articles, and Ideas Discussed on Amazon . Leadership from an Operant Perspective . The Human Side of Enterprise . The Measure of a Leader . Leading Apple With Steve Jobs: Management Lessons From a Controversial Genius . The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 30th Anniversary Edition . How to Say Anything to Anyone . Crucial Conversations (Third Edition): Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High Sponsor shoutouts! : A thriving ABA practice depends on systems that actually support your team, not slow them down. If you’ve struggled with software that’s buggy, hard to navigate, or offers little support when you need it most, you’re not alone. That’s why so many practices are switching to Office Puzzle. Go to to learn more! . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26 . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39750410

The Importance of Hard and Soft Skills in ABA Practice: Session 320 with Tiffany Kodak and Landon Cowan 01/07/2026

The Importance of Hard and Soft Skills in ABA Practice: Session 320 with Tiffany Kodak and Landon Cowan In Session 320, I sit down with Landon Cowan and Tiffany Kodak to talk about an area of behavior analysis that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: professional (or “soft”) skills. We spend a lot of time in our field teaching and refining technical, clinical, or “hard” skills—and for good reason. But far less time is devoted to the interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills that ultimately determine how effective we are as clinicians, supervisors, and collaborators. In this conversation, Landon and Tiffany share their research aimed at identifying, defining, and measuring these professional skills, along with some eye-opening findings about where skill gaps exist. 🔍 What We Cover in This Episode How hard skills differ from professional (soft) skills in behavior analysis Why professional skills are so difficult to define, measure, and systematically teach How Landon and Tiffany developed a comprehensive professional skills survey for behavior analysts The challenges of survey design, including question format, length, readability, and pilot testing Results from a survey completed by 189 ABA supervisors, including: Which skills supervisees demonstrate most frequently Which skills supervisors rate as most important for career advancement A significant gap between the importance of problem-solving skills and how often they’re actually demonstrated Why solution-based problem identification and independent problem solving emerged as key areas for improvement A surprising finding that many supervisors report feeling confident teaching these skills despite identifying major skill deficits How Behavioral Skills Training (BST) can be used to effectively teach professional skills Why the field needs clearer operational definitions and better data collection to build a stronger literature base Practical advice for BCBA trainees and early-career BCBAs around self-assessment, feedback, and ongoing professional development 🎯 Key Takeaways This episode reinforces something many of us already suspect: professional skills matter—a lot. In many cases, they’re just as important (if not more important) than technical expertise when it comes to supervision, leadership, and long-term success in the field. Developing these skills requires intentional training, honest self-reflection, and a commitment to continuous learning. My hope is that this conversation helps push our field toward doing a better job of teaching, measuring, and valuing the skills that make behavior analysts more effective in the real world. Resources and Links Dr. Kodak's at Marquette University. Dr. Cowan's . . Professional Skills for Behavior Analysts: A Survey on the Proficiency and Importance of Hard and Soft Skills. . The Training Experiences of Behavior Analysts: Compassionate Care and Therapeutic Relationships with Caregivers. . Compassionate Care in Behavior Analytic Treatment: Can Outcomes be Enhanced by Attending to Relationships with Caregivers? (use promo code PODCAST26 to save at registration). . Clinical Interviewing. . Training supervisors to provide performance feedback using video modeling with voiceover instructions: A replication. Sponsor shoutouts! : A thriving ABA practice depends on systems that actually support your team, not slow them down. If you’ve struggled with software that’s buggy, hard to navigate, or offers little support when you need it most, you’re not alone. That’s why so many practices are switching to Office Puzzle. Go to to learn more! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39644840

2025 Year in Review: Session 319 with ABA Inside Track 12/31/2025

2025 Year in Review: Session 319 with ABA Inside Track Don’t adjust your podcast player folks, you have the right show. Welcome to Session 319 of the Behavioral Observations Podcast. If you’ve been listening for a bit, you know what’s coming. If you’re new to the show however, first, welcome and thanks for listening. Every year, I team up with my friends from the ABA Inside Track Podcast to do a Year In Review episode. We’ve tinkered with the format over time, but for this one, we talk briefly about the trends and issues that we thought were important in 2025. From there, we discussed some of the most downloaded shows from our podcasts this year and speculate as to why these ones resonated so much. We close the show talking about how both of our shows are turning 10 years old very soon. So we look back on what we’ve learned over a decade of podcasting! Today’s episode is brought to you by, · . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! · . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. · This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! · . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at . Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39572150

Smarter Study Strategies Using Cover, Copy, and Compare: Session 318 with Sarah Frampton 12/10/2025

Smarter Study Strategies Using Cover, Copy, and Compare: Session 318 with Sarah Frampton In this episode, I sit down with , who conducts research on, amongst other things, improving how we teach, learn, and organize information using behavior-analytic strategies. We explore her career journey, her research on graphic organizers and the Cover, Copy, Compare (CCC) strategy, and the broader implications for stimulus equivalence, educational technology, and effective teaching. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Sarah’s unconventional path led her from economics and psychology into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Why note-taking and structured learning strategies, like CCC, matter for retaining and applying complex information. How stimulus equivalence principles can enhance learning beyond direct instruction. Insights from Sarah’s research combining CCC with graphic organizers, including practical takeaways for educators and learners (see ). How visual learning tools and educational technology can improve engagement and retention. Strategies for training learners to use these approaches independently and effectively. Highlights From Our Conversation: Sarah’s Path Into ABA Sarah shares how a thesis requirement and a Craigslist job posting led her to ABA, including formative experiences working with Dr. Alice Shillingsburg at the . These experiences sparked her interest in efficient, broadly applicable learning strategies. Why Note-Taking Strategies Matter We discuss the value of graphic organizers and the Cover, Copy, Compare (CCC) strategy: Graphic organizers visually display relationships between concepts. CCC is a structured, active-response method that strengthens memory, similar to flashcards. Sarah emphasizes how behavior-analytic techniques can support higher-order thinking processes often considered “cognitive.” CCC and Stimulus Equivalence Sarah walks through stimulus equivalence with clear examples, showing how teaching certain relations can produce broader learning without direct instruction. She also highlights a study where CCC and graphic organizers helped learners prepare for tests—even under intentionally challenging conditions. Graphic Organizers in Action Key findings from Sarah’s research: Learners who drew more structured organizers performed better. Teaching organizer use during test conditions did not hinder performance. Visualizing relationships among stimuli predicted task success. Training Learners to Use These Strategies Sarah outlines her training sequence, including pre-tests, video instruction, practice with familiar material, and application to abstract stimuli. A core goal was strategy generalization—ensuring learners could apply CCC to new material independently. Fig. 1 from Frampton, et al. (2025) Fig. 2 from Frampton, et al. (2025) Research Findings Most participants quickly mastered abstract relations and passed post-tests after brief training. Notably, all participants used the CCC strategy—some even more meticulously than required. Educational Technology, Engagement, and Mediation Participants reported the educational technology intervention was easy to use and helpful, contrasting with high dropout rates in similar studies. Sarah also describes how participants naturally used private verbal behavior, such as naming stimuli or creating stories, to aid learning. Visual Learning Tools in ABA We discuss the broader application of visual supports—graphic organizers, flashcards, handwriting—and their role in enhancing learning efficiency for both adults and children with autism. Looking Ahead Sarah previews her upcoming presentation at the , covering generative learning and assessment tools. We also explore how collaboration and community can reduce burnout and increase long-term job satisfaction in ABA in the "advice for the newly-minted" segment. Resources & Links : BiDirectional Naming with Caio Miguel. : Verbal Behavior and Relational Frame Theory, with David Palmer and Josh Pritchard. . A Preliminary Procedure for Teaching Children with Autism to Mand for Social Information. . The effects of a training package to teach note taking on the formation of equivalence classes. Sponsor shoutouts! : A thriving ABA practice depends on systems that actually support your team, not slow them down. If you’ve struggled with software that’s buggy, hard to navigate, or offers little support when you need it most, you’re not alone. That’s why so many practices are switching to Office Puzzle. Go to to learn more! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! MindBodyBehavior’s . If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. to learn more! This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39354095

Eye Contact and AI in ABA Treatment: Session 317 with Francesca degli Espinosa 11/29/2025

Eye Contact and AI in ABA Treatment: Session 317 with Francesca degli Espinosa In Session 317, I sit down with Dr. Francesca Delia Espinoza to revisit one of the most foundational—but often misunderstood—topics in behavior analysis: eye contact. We explore why eye contact shouldn’t be treated as a simple objective, but instead understood within its broader social and developmental context. Francesca explains how eye contact is better re-framed as "eye-looking," and why behavior analysts need a strong conceptual foundation for evaluating when, how, and why to teach it. We discuss her recent paper in Perspectives on Behavior Science, which encourages practitioners to analyze the controlling variables behind eye contact rather than relying on rote teaching procedures. We then shift into the role of eye contact in autism development and early intervention. Francesca discusses how deviations in gaze behavior can influence a child’s learning trajectory, and why early, naturally occurring social contingencies can make such a significant difference. We also touch on the potential aversiveness of eye contact for some individuals, and how to navigate that ethically and effectively. Our conversation expands into related research on social media, gaze avoidance, and how adults and children with autism engage differently with eye-related cues online. Francesca also talks about her Substack newsletter, “What Darwin Taught Me,” which blends behavioral science with accessible and engaging writing. From there, we explore her creative work in conceptual fiction, including her “Aura” series from her Substack Newsletter — a not-too-distant science-fiction world where behavior analysts work alongside AI systems that analyze sessions, generate programs, and support day-to-day clinical tasks. This leads us into a broader discussion about the role of AI in applied behavior analysis, including its promises, limitations, and the importance of preserving hands-on clinical expertise. Francesca describes one of the short stories in the Aura series about behavior analysts who travel to developing countries, only to realize their reliance on technology becomes a liability when the systems fail. It’s a striking reminder that behavior change happens in real time, and nothing replaces skilled human interaction. We close by reflecting on how emerging technologies—AI, automation, and digital platforms—might shape the future of ABA for better or worse. Resources and References Mentioned: Francesca’s Substack: “What Darwin Taught Me” () . Shaping Social Eye Contact in Children With Autism Via Telehealth: A Parent-Implemented Intervention : “What Is Wrong With Daily Life in the Western World?” : Session 181 with Francesca Degli Espinosa : Session 238 with Francesca Degli Espinosa . Ready Player One (pro tip: skip the movie, read the book) Sponsor Shoutouts! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! MindBodyBehavior’s . If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. to learn more! . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at . Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39204450

Making ABA Research Matter: Practical Dissemination Strategies for Behavior Analytic Scholars, Inside JABA 25 11/19/2025

Making ABA Research Matter: Practical Dissemination Strategies for Behavior Analytic Scholars, Inside JABA 25 Episode Overview In this special episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I had the honor of celebrating the 25th installment of the . This one was particularly meaningful because it also marks the final appearance of Dr. John Borrero in his role as Editor-in-Chief of . I invited John to reflect on his three-year tenure—what he learned from reading an enormous volume of manuscripts, how his thinking evolved, and why adapting our language is essential if we want behavior analysis to reach broader audiences. From there, we transitioned into an informative conversation with from Emory University. Nate’s recent work focuses on how we can better disseminate applied behavior analysis, not just distribute it. His paper, , has already shifted how I think about how our field packages and shares research. In this episode, Nate walked us through actionable strategies for increasing the reach and impact of our work. Key Topics Covered in This Episode 1. John Borrero’s Reflections from the Editor’s Chair John looked back on his three years as Editor-in-Chief, and I asked him what surprised him most. He talked about: How important clear, accessible language is for dissemination Why behavior analysts must evolve how we communicate without losing our scientific roots Efforts to make JABA papers more accessible through translated articles What it’s like to manage a massive editorial workflow and team 2. The Real Difference Between Dissemination and Distribution Nate clarified something that—and I’ll admit—I hadn’t always thought deeply about: there’s a big difference between making your work available and ensuring your work is actually used. Nate described it like: Distribution = scattering seeds Dissemination = preparing the soil so they actually grow He also explained why early-career researchers often focus on distribution out of necessity, and how we can transition to more deliberate dissemination strategies over time. 3. Scholarship as an Operant Class Nate walked me through the framework behind his recent paper. He described scholarly behavior as something shaped by contingencies—just like anything else. We talked about: How individual and systemic consequences shape publishing choices Why some of the most high-impact papers come from individuals rather than large labs Concrete strategies we can use to increase the visibility and influence of our work 4. Boundary Encounters and Second-Generation Innovations I asked Nate about how ideas move between disciplines, and he introduced the concept of boundary encounters. We discussed: Incoming vs. outgoing boundary encounters How second-generation innovations help behavior analysis reach audiences outside our traditional spaces Why these interactions are essential if we want ABA to have a broader societal impact 5. Expanding Our Methodological Toolkit We took a deep dive into methodology and talked about the strengths of single-subject designs—as well as their limitations. Nate made a compelling case for: When behavior analysts should consider Randomized Control Trials, implementation science, or mixed methods Why diversifying methodologies helps us answer questions that matter to educators, policymakers, and grant reviewers What we lose when we rely exclusively on traditional single-subject approaches 6. Participatory Action Research and Social Validity I asked Nate to explain participatory action research, and he shared a powerful example involving first responders and families in crisis situations. He emphasized: The importance of involving stakeholders early How PAR elevates social validity and context Why many federal funders now expect qualitative or participatory components How behavior analysts can begin building these skills, even if it feels unfamiliar 7. Measuring Our Impact More Effectively We also explored how to know whether dissemination is working. Nate and I discussed: Bibliographic network analysis Alt-metric measures The importance of citing intentionally to strengthen high-quality scholarship within the field 8. Nate’s Advice for New BCBAs To close the episode, I asked Nate what he’d tell new behavior analysts entering the field. He encouraged them to: Read widely—far beyond behavior-analytic journals Become conversant in different research methods Build collaborations with experts in qualitative, mixed, and implementation-science approaches Think functionally about their own scholarly and professional behavior 9. Resources Mentioned in this Podcast . Translating the Covenant: The behavior analyst as ambassador and translator . Science is getting harder to read . A half century of scalloping in the work habits of the United States Congress . Abundance . Clinical Outcomes of Behavioral Treatments for Pica in Children with Developmental Disabilities . Evaluating the function of Applied Behavior Analysis: A bibliometric analysis : How to Disseminate Behavior Analytic Technologies (CEU available!) and If you’re passionate about increasing the influence of behavior analysis—whether through research, writing, teaching, or practice—this episode offers clear, functional guidance for how to do it. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/39092665

Trauma-Informed Behavior Analysis, A Guide for BCBAs: Session 315 with Gabi Morgan and David Adams 10/31/2025

Trauma-Informed Behavior Analysis, A Guide for BCBAs: Session 315 with Gabi Morgan and David Adams Thanks for joining me in Session 315 of The Behavioral Observations Podcast. In this episode, I spoke with Drs. and to dive deep into trauma-informed behavior analysis. Gabi brings her 30-year journey in the field—from undergrad roots to professorship at —while David shares his evolution from child and family therapy to clinical psychology, with a heavy focus on foster and adoptive parenting. Both guests are passionate about closing the divide between trauma therapy and behavioral strategies, and they credit mentors like for lighting the way. We kick things off by unpacking what trauma really means. In doing so, as a content warning, please be aware that we do make general references to a variety of traumatic and adverse experiences. Having said that, David walks us through : the event, the experience, and the effects. It's not the event itself that defines trauma—it's the individual's response. He introduces "adverse conditioning experiences" as a behavior-analytic twist on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), spotlighting how negative associations get wired in through conditioning. From there, we contrast PTSD and complex PTSD. Same core symptoms (intrusive thoughts, avoidance, etc.), but complex PTSD adds prolonged exposure and three extra layers: impaired self-worth, rocky relationships, and emotional dysregulation. Gabi drives home a critical point: folks with developmental disabilities are at higher risk for trauma but often fly under the diagnostic radar. We need to get better at spotting trauma-related behaviors in this population. Screening, Brain Science, and Practical Strategies Screening is a big theme. We all agree behavior analysts aren't formally trained in assessment, but we have to be aware of how this is done. Gabi loves the Child Health and Development Institute's (CTS), and the (Mass CANS) tool. David then nerds out on the neurobiology: trauma affects the amygdala (hypervigilance), hippocampus (memory glitches), hypothalamus (stress gone haywire), and frontal lobe (decision-making on the fritz). Enter the "amygdala hijack"—when fear short-circuits rational thought. Bottom line? Kids in fight-or-flight aren't in a teachable moment. Safety and calm have to come first. We close the show with actionable takeaways: risk-benefit analyses for every intervention (especially with histories of food neglect), "" (empathy + withholding reinforcers), and the six pillars of trauma-informed care (safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, cultural competence). TIC isn't a "hyphenated" ABA—it's the whole framework. Advice for new BCBAs? Seek trauma training, question "business as usual," and be the stable adult in a kid's chaotic world. Empathy, creativity, and reducing fear are your superpowers. Additional Resources Sponsor Shoutouts! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise . This is one of the best values in the online conference space. I'm actually going to be one of the speakers at this year's event, along with a great cast of other characters you're probably familiar with. Save on your registration by using promo code PODCAST26! MindBodyBehavior’s . If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. to learn more! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25. The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/38862375

Supporting Schools in Hawaii with the Care Project: Session 314, Live from HABA 2025 10/25/2025

Supporting Schools in Hawaii with the Care Project: Session 314, Live from HABA 2025 If you follow Behavioral Observations on , you might recall that I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to the 20th Annual conference to give the closing Keynote Address. I could devote an entire podcast episode to talking about all the wonderful people I met, the fun experiences I had, and the amazing sights I was able to take in. One of the biggest highlights though, was the opportunity to sneak in the following conversation I had with a panel of employees from Hawaii's Department of Education. It turns out that the State of Hawaii is doing some innovative work in bringing to bear specific behavioral technologies to improve the supports provided to children in school settings. This work is organized into a large scale endeavor that they have named . This panel consisted of Alysha Kim, Dodi Pritchett, Joshua Hoppe, and Sherene Hajiro. And before getting any further into this introduction, I want to thank my friends Katie Croce and Jamie Salter from , for not only nudging us to have this conversation, but for also financially supporting it with a generous donation to the HABA. Here's what we talked about: The ways in which the Hawaii Department of Education differs from other state DOEs. The specific problems the CARE project was designed to address. The mindset shift from responding to preventing problem behavior. The DOE's collaboration with and . Specific case studies of successful interventions. How the DOE is collecting data for research purposes. The challenges of scaling these interventions in the face of staff turnover. How they turned the term "PFA/SBT" into a verb. How they see these types of supports evolving over time. Sponsor shoutouts! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at . Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! MindBodyBehavior’s . If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. to learn more! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25, led by Dr. Emily Kerwin and Gina Zecchin-Tirri from All Points Behavior (formerly The Carbone Clinic). The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/38778710

Client Assent in Behavior Analysis: Balancing Autonomy & Clinical Progress, Session 313 with Cody Morris 10/13/2025

Client Assent in Behavior Analysis: Balancing Autonomy & Clinical Progress, Session 313 with Cody Morris In Session 313, Dr. Cody Morris from , and the newly re-launched podcast (please also see ), joins me to dive into a topic that has merited quite a bit of discussion in Applied Behavior Analysis. These days, you pretty much have to be living under a rock in ABA circles to not have noticed the increased focus on assent practices in treatment programming. Cody is one of the preeminent authorities on this topic, and in this episode, we talk about the definitions of assent, how assent has been conceptualized in other fields, and how it applies to the work we do as Behavior Analysts. In doing so, we review Cody's article, , which was published in the winter 2024 issue. Long story short, if you're looking for a nuanced discussion on this topic that avoids binary, black and white conceptualizations, you've come to the right place. Here's a deeper dive into what we discussed: Assent in Behavior Analysis: Cody's research on assent—a concept similar to consent but applicable to individuals without legal authorization to consent for themselves. Assent involves four critical features: legal status, giving permission, adequate information, and the ability to withdraw permission. This concept is essential for involving clients in therapeutic decisions, particularly those with communication differences or developmental disabilities. Client Assent in Therapeutic Settings: The discussion covers the historical roots and practical applications of assent in behavior analysis. Cody clarifies that assent is a specific strategy for involving clients in treatment decisions, not an all-or-nothing requirement. He addresses the challenges of obtaining accurate verbal assent from clients with complex communication needs and recommends using multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences. Assent Procedures in Research: An examination of assent procedures in behavior analytic research, including the distinction between free choice and fair choice. The episode explores how researchers and clinicians can minimize undue influence and coercive contingencies while arranging fair choices and creating socially acceptable outcomes. Balancing Clinical Progress and Client Autonomy: Cody discusses the critical balance between making clinical progress and giving clients independence and autonomy. He explains that while some procedures are necessary and non-negotiable, there are often opportunities to involve clients in decisions about their treatment, such as choosing the time of day or setting for therapeutic activities or medication management. Implementing Assent in Practice: The episode addresses nuances and limitations of implementing client assent in behavioral therapy, emphasizing that assent should be balanced with clinical progress. Cody highlights the dangers of overgeneralizing procedures without individualizing treatment and encourages a broader approach to maximizing client involvement in therapeutic decisions. Challenges in Assent Assessment: A discussion on the challenges and limitations of developing simplified decision-making tools (like checklists) for assessing client assent. Cody emphasizes the need for nuanced clinical judgment due to insufficient research and recommends that researchers take small, focused steps in studying specific aspects of assent. Resources & References . Participant assent in behavior analytic research: Considerations for participants with autism and developmental disabilities. . Balancing the right to habilitation with the right to personal liberties: The rights of people with developmental disabilities to eat too many doughnuts and take a nap. : Improving Health Routines for Adults with Disabilities Using Synchronous Reinforcement Strategies (CEU available!). : ABA Strategies for Safer Playground Behavior (CEU available!). : Response to Name Interventions for Staff and Caregivers (CEU available!). . Cumulative Record. . Further evaluation of the accuracy of reinforcer surveys: A systematic replication. . Takeaways for Practitioners Assent is one tool within a larger framework of client-centered services, not the sole focus of treatment Incorporate clients in as many meaningful decisions as possible throughout treatment, distinguishing between necessary procedures and flexible choices Use multiple sources of information when assessing client preferences, especially for individuals with complex communication needs Balance clinical progress with client autonomy and independence Avoid overgeneralizing or rigidly following assent procedures without individualizing treatment Take a nuanced, clinically-informed approach to client involvement in therapeutic decisions This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: • Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out! • MindBodyBehavior’s Certified Health Coach Program. If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Better still, podcast listeners can save $$$ by using the code BOP10 at check out. Click here to learn more! • HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. • Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! • The 2026 Verbal Behavior Conference! Taking place March 26–27, 2026, in Austin, Texas, or livestream and on-demand on BehaviorLive. Presenters will include Drs. Mark Sundberg, Patrick McGreevy, Caio Miguel, Alice Shillingsburg, Sarah Frampton, Andresa De Souza, and Danielle LaFrance will share how Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior can guide the assessment and treatment of generative learning challenges in children with autism and other developmental disabilities. And don’t miss the special pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, March 25, led by Dr. Emily Kerwin and Gina Zecchin-Tirri from All Points Behavior (formerly The Carbone Clinic). The discounted early-bird registration price is only available for a limited time, so get your ticket right away! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/38566600

From Amazon to Autism Care: AI Powered Tools for ABA and Diagnostics: Frontera Series on AI with Grant Sickle 09/25/2025

From Amazon to Autism Care: AI Powered Tools for ABA and Diagnostics: Frontera Series on AI with Grant Sickle In this episode of The Behavioral Observations Podcast, I talk with , former Amazon product leader and current head of product at , a company building AI-powered platforms to improve autism care. Grant shares how his team is developing and tools to shorten waitlists, streamline reporting, and support clinicians in delivering more efficient ABA therapy. We also discuss how Frontera’s app enables HIPAA-compliant behavior tracking, parent engagement, and asynchronous supervision — while addressing the issue of . This conversation highlights both the promise and the challenges of using AI in clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of clinician oversight, robust validation, and feedback loops. Grant also shares insights from Frontera’s home-based pilot program, which helps parents capture real-world behavior data to support better generalization and treatment planning. Whether you’re a BCBA, RBT, parent, or researcher, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, autism care, and ethical ABA practice. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Frontera is building AI-driven assessment and diagnostic tools for autism care Why clinician oversight remains critical in AI-powered healthcare solutions Insights into fraud prevention in ABA therapy using videographic evidence and facial recognition How home-based video tracking is supporting behavior generalization and parent engagement The challenges of adoption among BCBAs versus RBTs and parents Future directions for AI in ABA, including outcome measurement and identifying autism subpopulations Amazon's founder used to find and correct problems Links to Related Resources The inaugural Frontera Series interview with Founder, AI, and the Future of Clinical Tools with Follow Frontera on and An overview of in ABA Why Jeff Bezos' is publicly available /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/38358535

Culturally Sensitive Approaches to ABA Treatment: Session 311 09/17/2025

Culturally Sensitive Approaches to ABA Treatment: Session 311 In Session 311, I sit down with Christina Nylander and Leah Hussain from to talk about culturally sensitive approaches to Autism intervention. We dive into three case studies that show how flexible, individualized care can make a huge difference in building the rapport that's so important in our clinical work. Along the way, we share strategies for gaining parent buy-in, supporting bilingual language development, and using AAC devices to help children communicate more effectively with their families. Here’s what we cover: The parent training shift when cultural sensitivity and rapport-building are prioritized. Christina and Leah’s bilingual language development success stories, including Spanish- and Russian-speaking families. The role of AAC devices in improving communication, and one of these case studies progressed to no longer needing this technology. My random thoughts on video documentation and other creative methods to communicate client progress to stakeholders. Throughout the discussion, we reflect on the importance of balancing clinical recommendations with cultural and educational values. It’s not just about treatment plans—it’s about building trust, respecting families’ perspectives, and helping kids thrive in ways that feel authentic to them. Sidenote: If you want to learn about what it's like to work at Apollo, or check out their open positions, . Key Takeaways Cultural sensitivity builds stronger collaboration with families. Bilingual and AAC strategies can unlock communication progress. Showing progress through videos and creative methods strengthens parent engagement. Individualized parent training, including in multiple languages, increases accessibility. If you’re a BCBA, ABA therapist, or behavioral health professional, I think you’ll find this conversation full of practical ideas for making your work more effective—and more meaningful. Bilingual & Dual‑Language Interventions – Impact of language on behavior treatment outcomes. – Extending Functional Communication Training to Multiple Language Contexts in Bilingual Learners with Challenging Behavior. . On Bilingualism: Why and How to Teach Two Languages to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cultural Responsiveness, Humility & Systemic Equity in ABA . Building a Social Justice Framework for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in  ABA. . Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Research and practice. ABA Effectiveness & Need for Cultural Inclusion . Efficacy of Interventions Based on Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta‑Analysis. . Efficacy of Applied Behavioural Intervention in Preschool Children with Autism for Improving Cognitive, Language, and Adaptive Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Bonus resources , by Sommers-Flanagan and Sommers-Flanagan (note 1: I know it's expensive, but older versions may be cheaper; note 2: this is an Amazon Associates link). (the AAC tech that was discussed in the show). Looking for a pod-based CEU on this topic? Check out: . Sponsor Shoutouts! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! Our newest sponsor: MindBodyBehavior’s . If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. to learn more! . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at . Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/38256960

Improving Health Routines for Adults with Disabilities Using Synchronous Reinforcement Strategies: Inside JABA 24 08/28/2025

Improving Health Routines for Adults with Disabilities Using Synchronous Reinforcement Strategies: Inside JABA 24 In this episode of the Inside JABA Series podcast, we dive into a fascinating discussion on health-related routines for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Katie McHugh, Dr. Claudia Dozier, and Editor-in-Chief Dr. John Borrero share insights from their recent study, Synchronous Reinforcement Schedules Promote Tolerance of Health-Related Routines for Adults with Disabilities. The conversation explores how synchronous reinforcement schedules—where reinforcement occurs in real time alongside behavior—can improve tolerance for essential routines like toothbrushing, bathing, wearing medical devices, and more. The research team highlights case studies, methodological considerations, and the broader implications for clinical practice. Key Topics Covered ✅ Synchronous reinforcement schedules and why they may be more effective (and preferred) than delayed reinforcement. ✅ Applications for health routines such as toothbrushing, bathing, mask-wearing, GPS bracelets, helmets, and pulse oximeters. ✅ Collaborative service delivery with nursing and medical professionals. ✅ Challenges in participant consent and maintaining experimental control. ✅ Importance of measuring both behavioral outcomes and affective states. ✅ Future research directions, including reinforcer assessments, continuous vs. discontinuous schedules, and maintaining treatment effects. Next Steps and Future Directions Editorial updates for broader keyword usage to increase accessibility outside of behavior analysis. Comparing graduated exposure with contingent vs. synchronous reinforcement interventions. Implementing more systematic preference and reinforcer assessments in future studies. Exploring hybrid approaches (e.g., combining graduated exposure with synchronous reinforcement). Collecting more comprehensive data on participant affect and treatment integrity. Resources & References Dr. Dozier's . Dr. Dozier's . . . Increasing wearing of prescription glasses in individuals with mental retardation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 137–142. . An evaluation of synchronous reinforcement for increasing on-task behavior in preschool children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1660–1673. . A comparison of synchronous and noncontingent stimulus delivery on task engagement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(3), 664–673. . Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in young children. Behavioral Interventions, 39(1), 1–29. . Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(4), 1157–1171. . Continuous versus discrete dimensions of reinforcement schedules: An integrative analysis. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 58(1), 205–228. . The effects of graduated exposure, modeling, and contingent social attention on tolerance to skin care products with two children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27(6), 585–598. . Tolerance of face coverings for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 600-617. . Using noncontingent reinforcement to increase compliance with wearing prescription prostheses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(2), 375-379. . Distraction: Its utilization and efficacy with children undergoing dental treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 22(3), 297-307. About the Guests Dr. Catherine (Katie) McHugh – Researcher focused on health-related routines and intervention strategies for adults with disabilities. Dr. Claudia Dozier – Expert in reinforcement schedules and their applications across populations. Dr. John Barrero – Current JABA Editor-in-Chief and behavior analyst contributing to dissemination and accessibility of applied research. /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/38002175

Improving Autism and Law Enforcement Interactions through ABA: Session 309 with Lyndsy Coffield 08/20/2025

Improving Autism and Law Enforcement Interactions through ABA: Session 309 with Lyndsy Coffield In Session 309, I welcome Dr. Lyndsy Coffield, Director of Client Success at , to share her unique journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and her groundbreaking work training law enforcement officers on autism awareness. Dr. Coffield’s path into ABA began with an undergraduate degree in speech pathology, later becoming an RBT and eventually a BCBA. Today, she oversees intake and marketing at a growing clinic network in Georgia while also dedicating her research to improving police interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum. This episode explores the intersection of ABA careers, autism, and law enforcement training, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with bridging these worlds. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Entering the ABA Field Dr. Coffield’s journey from speech pathology to becoming a BCBA. Her leadership role at Apollo and overseeing client success in a multi-clinic system. Understanding Law Enforcement Culture Why credibility matters when teaching law enforcement officers about autism. Parallels between gaining parents’ trust in ABA and gaining officers’ trust in training. Police Academy Experiences Dr. Coffield’s firsthand experiences at a Citizens Police Academy: ride-alongs, call centers, and unit training. Surprising insights into the hidden volume of crime and emergencies in her community. Autism and Law Enforcement Training Common challenges officers face when interacting with individuals on the spectrum. Misinterpretations—such as stimming being mistaken for drug use—and how they can escalate situations. Practical strategies: slowing down, assessing intent, and waiting for backup when needed. Applying Behavior Analysis to Autism Training How ABA principles help officers understand and support autistic individuals. Tips for officers: allowing response time, keeping safe distances, and recognizing autism traits. The Blue Envelope Project and other community initiatives improving interactions. De-Escalation Training in Action A success story from Salem, NH, where effective autism training helped officers de-escalate high-risk encounters. Why calm, compassionate approaches make a lasting impact in policing. Body Camera Footage as a Training Tool Dr. Coffield’s dissertation analysis of 10 body cam videos involving autistic individuals. Key officer behaviors that worked: patience, spacing, and communication. Why both lecture-based training and Behavioral Skills Training (BST) are equally effective. Ongoing Autism and Law Enforcement Research Insights from Dr. Cofield’s dissertation (available on PubQuest). The need for additional studies and real-world ride-along experiences. Encouragement for ABA professionals to get involved in police training efforts. Why This Conversation Matters The intersection of autism, ABA, and law enforcement is a critical area where misunderstandings can have serious consequences. Dr. Cofield’s research and practical training insights provide a roadmap for safer, more empathetic, and more effective police interactions with autistic individuals. Whether you’re an ABA professional, law enforcement officer, or advocate for the autism community, this episode offers practical takeaways and inspiration to make a difference. Resources & Links Mentioned Lyndsy's Lyndsy's appearance on This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors: . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! . Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, . The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/37895010

Sleep, Autism, and Screen Time: Session 308 with Emily Varon 08/12/2025

Sleep, Autism, and Screen Time: Session 308 with Emily Varon Episode Overview In this episode, sleep expert Emily Varon returns to the Behavioral Observations Podcast to share her deep expertise in sleep improvement—especially within the autism community. Drawing from 15 years of experience, Emily emphasizes personalized approaches, the role of wearable technology, and the importance of sensitivity when discussing sleep challenges with families. She also discusses new research on screen time and its true impact on sleep latency, offering insights that can reshape how behavior analysts approach sleep-related interventions. Key Topics Covered Personalized Sleep Strategies Why one-size-fits-all sleep advice doesn’t work. How Emily uses wearables like the Oura Ring to identify sleep patterns and triggers. Note: check if you want to see if the Whoop Strap is a wearable technology is for you. The role of self-reflection and data tracking in improving sleep. Sleep Hygiene in the Autism Community Sleep as a primary reinforcer and the role of environmental variables. Key elements of good sleep hygiene: consistent schedules, avoiding late-night exercise, and structured bedtime routines. How these strategies apply equally to neurotypical and autistic individuals, with additional sensitivity for pre-existing diagnoses. Screens, Blue Light, and Sleep Latency The evolution of research on blue light and melatonin suppression. Insights from study showing only a minor, non-significant delay in sleep onset from screens. Why user behavior matters more than blue light itself—and how behavior analysts can address it. Sleep Research Gaps in Autism The distinction between medical and non-medical sleep researchers. Why more targeted studies in autism are needed, despite data collection challenges. Behavioral tendencies—rather than autism itself—as key factors in sleep disruption. Screen Time, Social Media, and Self-Regulation How apps are designed to maximize engagement and reinforce continued use. The impact of device removal on children’s emotions and behavior. Differences in personality and susceptibility to “dopamine hits” from scrolling. Children’s Sleep and Screen Time Variability Why short shows like Bluey may help some kids wind down, while disrupting others. Understanding sleep architecture and how disruptions affect mood and regulation. Real-world examples of activities (like bedtime reading) that can unintentionally delay sleep. Approaching Sleep Conversations with Families The importance of avoiding yes/no questions about sleep problems. Asking open-ended questions about sleep satisfaction. Building trust with families so they feel comfortable prioritizing sleep interventions. Next Steps for Listeners Special Offer: Use coupon code BXOB10 for 10% off The Sleep Collective course at . For BCBAs: Replace checkbox-style questions with open-ended ones about sleep satisfaction. Approach all autism-related cases assuming there may be underlying sleep challenges. For Families: Evaluate how screen time may be affecting your child’s sleep quality and onset. Assess whether your current bedtime routines are truly effective. Links & Resources Emily's first appearance on the BOP in study on screen time and sleep latency Learn more about Emily Varon’s work at , by Matthew Walker Huge thanks to the following sponsors who keep the lights on! . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, . . Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their , as well as their over at . Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/37779035

Dissociative Identity Disorder through a Behavior Analytic Lens: Session 307 with Brady Phelps 07/26/2025

Dissociative Identity Disorder through a Behavior Analytic Lens: Session 307 with Brady Phelps In this episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with , about a topic that has perplexed, and perhaps captivated both mainstream Psychology as well as pop culture: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Our wide-ranging conversation explored the intersection of behavior analysis, mental health, and trauma, with a special focus on how we can understand DID through a scientific, behavioral lens. Brady’s Career Journey Brady shared how he discovered behavior analysis almost by accident as an undergrad at Utah State University, under the mentorship of Carl Cheney. After a , Brady retired in 2021 but remains actively involved in the field. He’s currently developing an with Dr. Steve Eversole at , and he's also writing a textbook on learning and behavior designed to be accessible to 20-year-olds. Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder Behaviorally We dove deep into Brady's research on DID, originally published in 2000. His goal was to approach DID from a behavior-analytic perspective, not through traditional psychoanalytic theory. As we discussed, DID has evolved from being characterized by dramatic behavioral shifts to more subtle, self-reported identity disruptions. Brady argued that the identities themselves are better understood as reified constructs—products of distorted tacting that contacts reinforcement—rather than discrete psychological entities. Trauma, Dissociation, and Behavioral Function Brady emphasized the importance of not dismissing trauma reports, while also cautioning against assuming trauma automatically leads to DID. We talked about avoidance behaviors, escape contingencies, and how dissociation might function as a response to overwhelming experiences. He brought up examples like to show how distorted tacting can manifest in extreme ways. Rethinking Diagnostic Criteria for DID We discussed research into amnesiac barriers, such as the Concealed Information Test, which shows people might learn something even if they claim not to remember it. These findings, Brady suggested, should prompt a re-evaluation of how DID is diagnosed, particularly the differences between the Post-Trauma Model and the Social-Cognitive Model—the latter of which emphasizes social reinforcement and therapist influence in shaping alternate identities. Therapy Techniques and Reinforcement Contingencies Brady detailed how some therapists use techniques like “roll calls” or even suggesting names to clients in session. While these methods may sound extreme, they reflect how therapist behavior can inadvertently reinforce identity fragmentation. We also discussed Robert Kohlenberg’s 1973 study on behavioral repertoires, which demonstrated how social reinforcement shaped client behavior across different identity presentations. The Sybil Case and Media Influence We revisited the infamous Sybil case, which helped popularize DID in the 20th century. Despite being exposed as fraudulent, Sybil’s story continues to shape public and clinical views of the disorder. We also talked about more recent media portrayals—from TikTok to a 2023 Scientific American article—and how social media can reinforce the performance of alternate identities, especially among vulnerable populations. Behavior Analysis in Mental Health Brady and I wrapped up with a discussion on how behavior analysts can contribute to mental health conversations. He encouraged new BCBAs to collaborate with non-behavioral colleagues while staying rooted in behavioral principles. Above all, he emphasized balancing empathy with scientific rigor—understanding people without falling into speculative mentalism. Show Notes and Resources . Dissociative Identity Disorder: An Analysis of the Behaviors and Contingencies Brady (2000). Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Relevance of Behavior Analysis . Behavioristic approach to multiple personality: A case study . Court allows witness with dissociative identity disorder to give evidence in multiple personalities Explore the at Behavior Development Solutions . A New Therapy for Multiple Personality Disorder Helps a Woman with 12 Selves Who was Sybil? behind her multiple personalities 📢 Sponsor shoutouts: . Consider taking a of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to to check it out! . Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out . The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, . The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise /episode/index/show/behavioralobservations/id/37561555

The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria

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