It started off easy, didn’t it? Grad school felt manageable at first, and you were on top of things. But now, the assignments are piling up, the pressure is growing, and it feels like you’re sinking. You’re questioning if you can keep going or if maybe quitting would be easier. If this sounds familiar, know that you're not alone. BCBA Ruby shares how to push through the difficult moments when grad school starts to feel impossible — and why quitting isn’t the answer.

Starting grad school to become a BCBA can feel like a dream come true... until the weight of it all hits you. The endless readings, the pressure to perform, and the feeling that you might not be cut out for it — if you’re going through it, you’re not alone. In this post, BCBA Ruby opens up about the overwhelming start of grad school, reminding you that struggling in the beginning is a normal part of the process. You’ve got this — take it one step at a time.

Feeling burnt out as a BCBA is real, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. In this blog, I dive into the signs of burnout and offer actionable steps to regain your balance. From practicing self-care to setting healthy boundaries, discover how you can refresh your mindset and improve your overall well-being. Burnout doesn’t have to be permanent—take small steps toward a more sustainable and fulfilling career today!

Discover the Empowering Your Student’s Journey bundle from ABA MadeEZ! This comprehensive resource includes 175 customizable IEP goals, perfect for supporting students with diverse needs. At just $29.99, it's an affordable, practical tool that helps create inclusive, personalized learning experiences, making it easier for teachers to meet each student’s unique needs. Take your IEP process to the next level and empower your students to succeed. Check it out here.

Kelly Baird is the founder of Black Women in Behavior Analysis Appreciation Day (BWIBAAD), a distinguished Behavior Analyst, Clinical Trauma Specialist, and advocate for individuals with IDD & MI. As the Cofounder and President of MOBBAC, she works to increase diversity in ABA and leads TAP (The ABA Pathfinders) to expand inclusive ABA programs. Kelly's dedication extends to supporting clinicians and promoting trauma-informed care, autism support, and prosocial behavior. She also believes in the power of collaboration to bring positive change to the field.

At the BWIBAAD Conference 2025, a powerful example was shared about how some assessments in ABA don’t reflect the diverse cultural realities of Black children. One example involved brushing a child's hair, which didn’t consider protective hairstyles. This made me realize the importance of cultural competence in our field. In this blog, I discuss how we can adapt our assessments, educate ourselves, collaborate with families, and review current tools to ensure we're providing inclusive and accurate care to all children we serve.

Cultural competence in ABA is essential for delivering personalized, respectful, and effective care. BCBA Ruby discusses why it matters, how it enhances trust with families, and strategies to incorporate cultural sensitivity into therapy. Embrace diversity to build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.

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.