Celebrating Parents: Be Proud of Your Progress from May 2025
Parenting a child with autism is full of challenges, but it’s also full of triumphs. As we head into June 2025, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the amazing things parents have done. From advocating for your child to celebrating the small wins, you should be so proud of your dedication. Here’s why you deserve to celebrate your hard work today and every day!
Why Ignoring Rapport in ABA is a Mistake You Can't Afford to Make
In Applied Behavior Analysis, building rapport isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for success. Whether you’re working with clients, parents, or your team, strong relationships lay the foundation for progress and trust. In this blog, we’ll explore why skipping rapport can lead to resistance, burnout, and stalled progress—and how making the effort to build trust will set everyone up for success. 💙
The Importance of Clear Program Instructions for RBTs/BTs: Why BCBAs Can't Skip This Step
As a BCBA, it’s your responsibility to write detailed program instructions that set RBTs/BTs up for success. But when programs are left vague or incomplete, it leads to confusion, inconsistencies, and frustration. In this blog, we’ll dive into why clear, well-structured program instructions are crucial for client progress and how skipping this step affects everyone involved. If you're a BCBA, don't rush through your programs—and if you're an RBT/BT, make sure you're advocating for the guidance you need to do your best work. 💡
What If You Don’t Like Your BCBA as an RBT?
Let’s be honest—not every BCBA-RBT relationship is a perfect match. Maybe you feel unsupported, unheard, or like you’re not getting the supervision you need. If you’re struggling with your BCBA, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you have options! In this blog, we’ll talk about the red flags to watch for, steps you can take to improve the situation, and when it might be time to seek a new supervisor. Because you deserve guidance that helps you grow, not supervision that holds you back. 💡💙
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
Professional Issues in ABA is a course that goes beyond the science of behavior and dives into the ethical, legal, and professional challenges behavior analysts face. Here’s what I wish I knew before taking it, and how to prepare for the difficult, but essential, topics covered.
Common Mistakes New BCBAs Make (and How to Avoid Them!)
Becoming a BCBA is exciting—but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming. From complicated treatment plans to time management struggles, new BCBAs often face challenges that no grad program fully prepares you for. In this blog, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes new BCBAs make and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Learn from my experiences (and plenty of trial and error) so you can step into your BCBA role with confidence! 💡✨
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Supervision & OBM (3 Credits)
Supervision & OBM are crucial parts of the BCBA journey, but they can be overwhelming if you're not fully prepared. Here’s what I wish I knew before taking this course and how you can set yourself up for success.
The Prerequisites for Applying to an ABA Grad Program: What You Need to Know
Thinking about pursuing a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? There are key prerequisites you should be aware of to make your application stand out. Let’s dive into the steps and qualifications you’ll need before applying to an ABA graduate program.
The Importance of Neurodiversity-Affirming ABA Practices
ABA is evolving, and one of the most important shifts is the move toward neurodiversity-affirming practices—but what does that actually mean? Instead of focusing on compliance or “fixing” behaviors, we need to prioritize communication, autonomy, and meaningful skill-building that respects and empowers neurodivergent individuals. In this blog, I’ll break down what neurodiversity-affirming ABA looks like, why it matters, and how we can all do better as clinicians. Let’s create ABA that truly supports, not suppresses! 💡💙
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Introduction to Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders
When you’re studying Applied Behavior Analysis, understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential. But there's so much more to the diagnosis than I first realized. Here's what I wish I knew before diving into "Introduction to Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders" and how it prepared me for the work I do today.
Red Flags to Watch for in an ABA Supervisor
Your BCBA supervision experience can shape the kind of clinician you become—but what if your supervisor isn’t helping you grow? From lack of guidance to ethical concerns, some red flags could signal it’s time to rethink your supervision. In this blog, we’ll break down the warning signs of a poor ABA supervisor and what to do if you spot them. Don’t let bad supervision hold you back—know your worth and get the experience you deserve! 🚩✨
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Field-Based Experience in Autism (3 Credits)
Field-Based Experience in Autism sounds like a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, but it can be a lot more challenging than expected. Here’s what I wish I knew before diving in, from managing the emotional aspects to understanding the importance of real-world experience in shaping your career as a BCBA.
What to Do If You Get Rejected by an ABA Grad Program
Rejection from an ABA grad program can feel like a setback, but it's not the end of the road. Here’s how to handle it and stay motivated on your journey toward becoming a BCBA.
What I Wish I Knew About Interventions and Treatments for Persons with Autism (3 Credits)
Taking a course on interventions and treatments for autism can be eye-opening, but it's also filled with layers of complexity. Here's what I wish I knew before diving into this subject—it’s not just about learning techniques; it’s about understanding the individuals behind the interventions and truly appreciating the vast range of strategies we can use to support them.
What to Do When Parents Aren’t Happy with Their BCBA
It can be tough when parents express dissatisfaction with their BCBA. Here’s how to navigate the situation with empathy, professionalism, and a focus on finding a solution that benefits everyone.
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Research Methods for Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
Research Methods for Behavior Analysis is more than just understanding how to design experiments—it’s about learning how to critically analyze and conduct research that shapes the future of the field. Here’s what I wish I knew before diving into this course and how to tackle its complexities.
BCBA Must Read: For the Love of Autism
I’m sharing a book that really moved me—For the Love of Autism: Stories of Love, Awareness, and Acceptance on the Spectrum by Tamika Lechee Morales. After meeting Tamika and learning about her mission with the Autism Hero Project, I couldn’t wait to dive into this collection of real-life stories. It gave me a deeper understanding of autism from the parents’ perspective, and some of the stories even brought me to tears. This book has shaped my view on advocacy and the importance of empathy in our work as BCBAs.
BCBA Must-Read: The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur
Looking for a daily dose of inspiration and self-reflection? As a BCBA, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle, but The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur by John Jantsch has become an essential part of my morning routine. With daily reflections and journal prompts, it helps me stay grounded, focused, and aligned with my values. If you're looking to boost your mindset and leadership in the ABA world, this book is a must-read!
Why BCBA and SLP Collaboration Is Essential for Success
When BCBAs and SLPs collaborate, the child benefits immensely. Here’s why the partnership between these two professionals is so important and how it can make all the difference in therapy.