Punishment procedures in ABA are often misunderstood and misused. In this blog, BCBA Ruby breaks down what punishment really means in ABA, why it's sometimes misapplied, and how to use it effectively and ethically. Learn how to balance punishment with positive reinforcement, why understanding the root cause of behaviors is key, and how to ensure your approach is always beneficial to those you're working with. Read on for some essential tips on using punishment procedures the right way!

Negative reinforcement is frequently misunderstood as punishment, but it’s actually a technique designed to increase desired behaviors. In this blog, we break down the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment, explain how negative reinforcement works to shape behavior, and highlight common misconceptions to help you use it more effectively in your practice.

Positive reinforcement is at the heart of modern ABA practices. Rather than focusing on punishment, we celebrate and reward desired behaviors, helping individuals build confidence, motivation, and lasting change. In this blog, we explore the power of positive reinforcement and how it fosters an environment of trust, collaboration, and growth. Whether it’s through verbal praise, token systems, or preferred activities, positive reinforcement creates a cycle of success for both individuals and therapists alike.

Person-centered planning is revolutionizing the way we approach therapy, focusing on the individual's preferences, goals, and needs. Learn how this collaborative, empowering process can lead to more meaningful, effective outcomes for individuals with autism.

Today, we take a moment to honor the individuals with autism who have been wronged by the earlier practices of ABA. Recognizing the harm done in the past, we commit to creating a future where compassionate, ethical, and respectful practices are at the heart of every intervention.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling when a child reaches their first milestone. It’s a mix of joy, pride, and gratitude as you witness their hard work pay off. In this blog, I share what it feels like as a BCBA to celebrate those first moments of success—and why they are so worth the effort.

Today, April 2nd, marks Autism Awareness Day, a day to reflect on how far we’ve come in understanding autism while recognizing the work that still needs to be done. Learn about the history of this important day and how we can all make a positive impact by spreading awareness and taking action.

As we approach April 2nd, Autism Awareness Day, let’s reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive world. It’s a day to celebrate the unique strengths of individuals with autism, support their families, and take action for lasting change. Let’s embrace this day and keep pushing for a world where every individual on the spectrum can thrive.

Summer is almost here, and with it comes a chance to balance fun with therapy. In this blog, I share tips for parents on how to prepare for summer therapy, keep things engaging, and maintain progress while also enjoying the season. It’s all about creating a summer full of fun, growth, and success!

Noticing signs of autism in your child can be overwhelming, but early detection and intervention make a significant difference. Learn the steps to take if you suspect your child may be showing signs of autism, including recognizing key behaviors, consulting your pediatrician, and seeking professional evaluation and therapy services.

The countdown to Autism Awareness Month begins! Starting today, I’ll be sharing 5 ways to get involved, raise awareness, and take action in support of the autism community. Let’s celebrate the incredible talents of individuals with autism, support families, and advocate for greater inclusion throughout the month of April.

As a BCBA, having RBTs and BTs leave your team can be a difficult emotional experience. This blog explores the feelings of frustration, guilt, and concern that come with staff turnover. Learn how to navigate these challenges, reflect on what can be improved, and find hope in the process of building a stronger team. Keep moving forward—your leadership makes a difference!

Supporting a BT who’s struggling with the RBT exam requires patience, encouragement, and a tailored approach. It’s not about getting frustrated or giving up—it’s about adapting, offering new resources, and being there for them through the highs and lows. Your support as a supervisor is key in helping them build the confidence they need to succeed.

Remember, success is not always a straight line. Together, you can help your BT stay motivated, improve their skills, and eventually pass the exam. Keep showing up for them, and they’ll show up for their clients—and for themselves.

Until next time, stay supportive, stay patient, and keep helping them grow!

If you’ve been struggling to pass the RBT exam, don’t lose hope. In this blog, I offer encouragement, practical tips, and motivation to help you push forward. Failing is part of the journey, and with each attempt, you're getting closer to your goal. Remember, the path to success isn't always linear, but your dedication will pay off. Keep going—you’ve got this!

The Competency Assessment is a crucial tool in behavior analysis supervision, used to evaluate the skills and knowledge of supervisees like RBTs and BCBA candidates. This blog explores why competency assessments are important for ensuring high standards, identifying knowledge gaps, and supporting ethical practice. Learn how to effectively integrate competency assessments into your supervision process to enhance professional growth and improve client outcomes.

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The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) is the non-profit organization responsible for certifying behavior analysts and setting high standards in the field of behavior analysis. In this blog, I explain what the BACB is, its role in ensuring ethical and competent practice, and how it helps behavior analysts maintain professionalism and growth. Whether you're considering a career in behavior analysis or are just curious, understanding the BACB is key to appreciating the standards that guide our practice.

As a BCBA, I believe that teachers are essential in identifying early signs of autism. The M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) is a powerful tool that helps spot developmental concerns in toddlers. In this blog, I’ll share why it’s important for teachers to familiarize themselves with this checklist and how it can foster collaboration with parents to ensure early intervention and support for children at risk for autism. Learn more about the M-CHAT-R here.

The M-CHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised) is a 20-item screening tool designed for toddlers aged 16-30 months to help identify early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Completed by parents or caregivers, this checklist focuses on behaviors related to communication, social skills, and play. While not a diagnostic tool, the M-CHAT-R serves as an early indicator, guiding further evaluation if necessary.

Collaboration between BCBAs and OTs is essential for helping children develop skills in behavior, self-regulation, motor coordination, and daily living tasks. When we combine behavioral strategies with sensory-based interventions, we can create more effective, well-rounded therapy plans. Read on to learn how BCBAs and OTs can work together for better outcomes!