Relevant Links:

Access your CEU Certificate by filling out THIS form.

Join our fast-growing BCBA Community by signing up HERE.

Are you a BCBA looking for a job? Apply HERE.

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Ever wondered how a BCBA can carve out a niche working with high-complexity cases involving teens and adults?

Heather Gonzalez offers a unique perspective and shares the invaluable lessons she's gathered throughout her career.

Key Questions Explored in the Episode:

• What are the challenges and rewards of working with adults and teens in ABA therapy?

• How do Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET) compare in practical settings?

• What role do creativity, flexibility, and continuous learning play in ABA practices?

• How can feedback from autistic self-advocates shape more effective interventions?

Summary of the Conversation:

Heather Gonzalez chronicles her career path, beginning with her transition into ABA and ultimately focusing on adults with complex behavioral challenges. She compares DTT and NET thoughtfully, spotlighting each method’s strengths, weaknesses, and best-use scenarios. Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes that flexibility, creativity, and openness to new perspectives are indispensable in ABA practice. She encourages practitioners to learn from autistic self-advocates and highlights strategies for collecting data that don’t compromise the natural flow of sessions. Throughout the discussion, the theme of continuous growth stands out as she shares practical tips for blending structured, research-backed methods with more organic, person-centered approaches.

About The Guest:

Heather Gonzalez is both a BCBA and BCBAD, recognized for her specialized work with high-intensity and high-complexity cases in Arizona. With a wealth of experience under her belt, she has established herself as a sought-after expert and advocate for flexible, creative, and evidence-based ABA practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Choose the Right Method: Understanding when to apply DTT or NET can drastically improve client outcomes.
2. Stay Flexible: Having a variety of techniques at your disposal allows you to tailor interventions to each individual’s needs.
3. Value Continuous Learning: Ongoing professional growth and open-mindedness to new ideas enrich ABA interventions.
4. Embrace Creativity: Innovation in data collection and play-based methods can enhance engagement and skill acquisition.
5. Listen to Self-Advocates: Feedback from individuals who have lived experiences helps refine practices for better client rapport and results.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Guest Background

• 01:23 – Journey into the Field of ABA

• 02:49 – Starting a New Company and Finding a Niche

• 04:05 – Challenges and Rewards of Working with Adults

• 04:23 – Deep Dive into DTT and NET

• 07:14 – Pros and Cons of DTT and NET

• 13:03 – Balancing Creativity and Data in ABA

•...

Relevant Links:

Access your CEU Certificate by filling out THIS form.

Join our fast-growing BCBA Community by signing up HERE.

Are you a BCBA looking for a job? Apply HERE.

Episode Summary:

How can we help children identify and manage their emotions effectively?

In this episode of My BCBA Life, Penina from Circle Care Services is joined by Yasmine, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and special education teacher, to explore the critical skill of teaching self-regulation. Yasmine shares her expert insights on fostering emotional awareness, creating a supportive environment, and engaging both parents and behavior technicians in the learning process.

• Why is teaching self-regulation a vital skill for children?
• How can BCBAs and parents collaborate to foster emotional growth?
• What practical strategies and tools can help prevent meltdowns?

In this episode, Yasmine discusses the critical role of teaching self-regulation skills to children, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and management. She provides actionable strategies for identifying triggers, using antecedent interventions, and incorporating visual aids to help children navigate their emotions. The episode also highlights the significance of teamwork between BCBAs, parents, and behavior technicians to create a holistic approach to emotional development. Yasmine concludes with practical examples and the reminder that the right environment is key to successful self-regulation.

Yasmine is a dedicated BCBA and special education teacher with years of experience helping children develop self-regulation skills. Her dual roles allow her to combine classroom expertise with evidence-based behavioral strategies, providing a well-rounded approach to emotional learning.

1. Teaching children to identify emotions is the foundation of self-regulation.
2. Creating a supportive environment prevents emotional triggers and meltdowns.
3. Collaboration between BCBAs, parents, and BTs ensures consistency and success.
4. The Zones of Regulation framework offers a structured approach to emotional awareness.
5. Visual aids and daily check-ins are simple but powerful tools for emotional growth.

00:00 Welcome to My BCBA Life

01:08 Meet Yasmine: From Teacher to BCBA

02:59 Balancing Teaching and BCBA Responsibilities

04:53 Managing Chaos: Tips and Strategies

08:13 Self-Care and Mental Health

11:42 Introduction to Self-Regulation

14:44 Teaching Self-Regulation Techniques

27:13 Zones of Regulation Explained

30:00 Daily Check-ins and Emotional Awareness

30:24 Techniques for Identifying Emotions

32:23 Teaching Self-Regulation Strategies

35:11 Preventing Meltdowns with Antecedent Interventions

35:41 Understanding Triggers and Environment

38:44 Collaborating with Parents and BCBAs

42:34 Practical Examples

Relevant Links:

Access your CEU Certificate by filling out THIS form.

Join our fast-growing BCBA Community by signing up HERE.

Are you a BCBA looking for a job? Apply HERE.

Episode Summary:

Have you ever wondered how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles extend beyond therapy and can transform your daily life?

Sarah Pearson, a BCBA from New Jersey, shares her incredible journey from special education teacher to board-certified behavior analyst. She dives deep into the transformative power of ABA therapy—how it impacts both clients and practitioners and how you can apply its principles in your personal and professional life for better results.

In this episode, Sarah shares how her early struggles in the classroom led her to pursue a master's degree in ABA.

She discusses how she used ABA therapy to address challenges both in the classroom and in her personal life. The conversation covers key ABA principles, including reinforcement and its everyday applications, particularly in parenting and personal growth. Sarah also highlights the power of ACT in both professional and personal development, emphasizing the need for BCBAs to build strong communities for support and growth. Listeners gain valuable insights into how behavioral principles can improve both their professional practices and personal interactions.

About The Guest:

Sarah Pearson is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) based in New Jersey. She began her career as a special education teacher before pursuing her passion for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With years of hands-on experience, Sarah is committed to helping clients and families by using ABA to solve real-life problems. Her insights into ABA’s applications in parenting, conflict resolution, and personal development make her an invaluable resource for those in the field.

Key Takeaways:

1. ABA therapy principles are not only for therapy sessions—they can be applied to everyday life, including parenting, conflict resolution, and stress management.
2. Reinforcement is a powerful tool in shaping behavior, both in clients and in everyday interactions.
3. ACT techniques can enhance ABA practice, especially when dealing with conflict and stress.
4. Building a community of BCBAs can provide professional support and foster personal growth.
5. ABA can help us understand developmental milestones and adjust our strategies to promote growth effectively.

Time Stamps:

• 00:00 Transition to ABA Therapy
• 03:09 Classroom Challenges and ABA Solutions
• 06:07 Defining ABA Therapy
• 11:03 Applying ABA Principles in Daily Life
• 18:29 Understanding Reinforcement
• 29:44 Diving into Parenting Experiences
• 30:33 Behavioral Insights in Parenting
• 32:27 Real-Life Examples and Challenges
• 35:22 The Role of ABA in Parenting
• 38:29 Understanding Developmental Milestones
• 41:25 Handling Conflict with ACT
• 46:06 Applying ACT in Everyday...