Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis can be a challenging yet rewarding class, pushing your knowledge to new levels. Here’s what I wish I knew before taking it, and some advice for navigating the course with success.

Behavioral Consultation can be an eye-opening and rewarding course, but it’s also challenging and demands a lot of thought. Here’s what I wish I had known before diving in, and some advice for anyone who’s considering it.

Taking "Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis" as part of my grad school journey was a pivotal experience, but there were a few things I wish I had known before diving in. From understanding the foundational concepts to managing the workload, here's what I learned the hard way and what I wish I had been more prepared for.

In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), understanding the difference between non-verbal and non-vocal communication is essential for effective intervention. While both refer to forms of communication that don't involve traditional speech, they each serve different purposes. This post will break down these two concepts and share strategies on how to implement them in your practice.

In behavior analysis, processing time is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in how effectively individuals learn and interact. Whether it’s a child learning a new skill or an adult processing feedback, understanding and respecting processing time can lead to better outcomes. In this post, I’ll dive into what processing time really means, why it’s important, and how to be more mindful of it in everyday practice.

Heyyy BCBA Ruby here! 👋

April is a special month, isn’t it? It's Autism Awareness Month—a time when we all come together to celebrate the beautiful spectrum of individuals with autism. It’s a month full of awareness campaigns, community events, and resources aimed at shining a light on the challenges and triumphs of those living with autism. But as the month draws to a close, I want to remind you of something super important: Autism awareness and support don’t stop when April ends.

Awareness Shouldn’t Have an Expiry Date

For many of us in the field of ABA, April is a reminder of the work we do every day, but it’s also a time to push for more awareness and advocacy. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the month—wearing blue, attending events, and talking about the importance of inclusion—but once May rolls around, the urgency can fade. This is where we, as professionals, friends, and family members, need to step up and keep the momentum going.

Autism isn’t something that is only relevant for 30 days. It’s a lifelong journey for those on the spectrum and for those who love and support them. So, as April ends, don’t forget the lessons, the stories, and the voices that you heard during this time. Remember that every day is an opportunity to increase understanding and create a more inclusive world.

It’s About More Than Just Awareness

Awareness is the first step, but it’s not enough on its own. The real change happens when that awareness translates into action. Whether you’re an educator, therapist, parent, or community member, your role doesn’t end with awareness—it’s about what you do with that knowledge.

Here are a few ways we can continue the work beyond April:

• Advocate for Access to Services: Every person with autism deserves access to quality services, and we can advocate for those services by speaking up. Whether it’s making sure that children have access to early intervention programs or helping adults access vocational training, we all play a role in pushing for equitable opportunities.

• Foster Inclusive Communities: Creating inclusive spaces, both in schools and in the workplace, allows individuals with autism to thrive. It’s about being mindful of their needs, whether that’s through sensory accommodations, social support, or just being open-minded.

• Focus on Individual Strengths: We all know that each individual with autism is unique. Rather than focusing solely on the challenges, let’s take the time to highlight strengths and talents. Let’s create opportunities for those on the spectrum to showcase their gifts, whether it's through art, music, technology, or something else entirely.

• Continue Educating: There is still so much to learn about autism. Stay curious, continue educating yourself and others, and stay up-to-date on new research and strategies. The more we learn, the better equipped we are to support those with autism.

Celebrate the Progress, Big and Small

We often get caught up in the big milestones, but it’s so important to celebrate the small victories as well. Whether it’s a child saying their first word, an adult finding their voice in the workplace, or a teenager learning to navigate social situations with more confidence, these moments matter. It’s the steady progress that shapes the larger journey.

Inclusion is Key

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that inclusion isn’t just about the individuals with autism—it’s about all of us. By embracing the diversity of people on the spectrum, we all grow. We learn patience, empathy, resilience, and the importance of celebrating differences. So, let's make sure that we continue to embrace inclusion in every part of our lives, not just during Autism Awareness Month.

Moving Forward

As April comes to a close, don’t put the conversation on the backburner. This work isn’t seasonal—it’s ongoing. And while it’s fantastic that we have a month dedicated to raising awareness, it’s crucial that we carry that energy forward and keep working towards a future where autism acceptance is the norm, not the exception.

So let’s make a pact to keep the conversation going. Let’s advocate for access to services, support inclusive communities, focus on individual strengths, and, above all, keep learning. Because when we all do our part, the world becomes a more inclusive place for everyone, every day of the year.

Until next time, keep advocating, keep learning, and remember: Autism Awareness Month may end, but the journey continues.

Ruby Ladrido, signing off! 💙

When choosing a Master's program in ABA, it wasn't just about the curriculum for me — it was about finding a place where I could connect with mentors and have support when the going got tough. After seeing how much my supervisor thrived after attending Ball State University, I knew it was the right choice for me. In this post, I’ll share why I picked Ball State and how having that connection to my supervisor made all the difference in my journey.

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.