What happens when parents request trauma-informed care, but the BCBA doesn’t practice it? BCBA Ruby discusses how to navigate this delicate situation by listening to parents, explaining your approach, offering alternatives, and staying open to learning. Learn how to ensure the best care for the child, even when practices differ.

What happens when a parent doesn’t believe in trauma-informed care? BCBA Ruby discusses how to navigate differing views on trauma and behavior analysis while keeping the child’s best interest at the heart of your practice. Learn how to open the conversation, provide examples, and support families through education and empathy.

Trauma-Informed ABA is an approach that takes into account an individual’s history of trauma, ensuring that interventions are compassionate, empathetic, and supportive. In this blog, BCBA Ruby explains why trauma-informed practices matter, how they help create a safe environment, build trust, and improve outcomes for individuals with a trauma history. Learn strategies to incorporate trauma-informed practices in ABA and why it’s crucial for behavior analysts to consider the emotional needs of their clients.

It’s tough when parents aren’t responding to your emails as a BCBA. The silence can bring feelings of uncertainty, worry for your client, and frustration. But with patience and persistence, you can navigate this challenge and find ways to re-establish open communication. This blog explores the emotions behind non-responsive parents and strategies for improving communication.

Time-outs are a common strategy used in parenting and teaching, but they need to be used with care. While they can be effective in some situations, if not implemented thoughtfully, they can have unintended negative effects. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use time-outs effectively, why they might not always be the best choice, and share some alternative strategies to help guide positive behavior without creating power struggles. The key is understanding the root cause of the behavior and ensuring that any intervention used is appropriate and supportive.

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.

4o mini