On this episode of the #dobetter podcast, Joe and Megan discuss Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Advocacy. The episode starts with a historical perspective of the training and experiences each of them encountered over their time in the field. We hope this episode serves as one example of the journey neurotypicals might take in better understanding autism self-advocacy and neurodiversity. Joe and Megan share their committed actions relating to this topic. We encourage listeners to share theirs as well!
Like the show? Please subscribe and leave a review to help us grow!
Recommended Instagram to Follow:
@autisticats
@the.bilingual.bcba
@diary_of_a_reformedbcba
Recommended Difficult Discussions on this topic:
Cardgate
Toilet Training
Research 
Including Autistic Perspectives
Recommended Podcasts on this topic:
Various episodes of Autism Knows No Borders
Beautiful Humans Episodes:
Intersectionality of the Reform ABA Movement
ABA Reform Part 1
ABA Reform Part 2

S2 E8: Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Advocacy

A professional development initiative for behavior analysts

Science

This is a reboot of our 2nd ever episode on the divide between Verbal and Relational Frame Theory. Enjoy! 

VB vs RFT Reboot

In this episode, Joe and Dr. Megan interview Iveth who is a BCBA practicing as a woman's empowerment coach. Iveth explains her journey with Somatic Movement and how it can affect how we understand ourselves and our clients. 


Follow Iveth on Instagram:
@empowerwithiveth
@emotionawareaba 


Links Shared in the Show:
Youtube Video on Healing Trauma: https://youtu.be/FKrCe9fHsSc?si=o-njPb_t8Gwhc8jk


Body Keeps the Score Book: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748


It Didn't Start with You Book: https://www.amazon.com/Didnt-Start-You-Inherited-Family/dp/


YouTube Video on Somatic Therapy TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/UU7eSxcBhpM?si=54rjTfOfmJvivOjg


Social Emotional Resources Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18UcU8OXFwyEEjRGAXvxxaxSu_cIriMJIUs4QqYegqqs/edit?usp=drive_link


Emotional Regulation Website: www.gozen.com 


Summary of Podcast from Fathom:

 Somatic movement focuses on internal bodily experiences rather than just external movement.
 Ignoring body signals starts early in childhood and continues into adulthood.
  Connecting with your own body helps you better understand client needs.
  Emotions drive behavior, so addressing emotions prevents problem behavior.
  There is fear around incorporating new practices into ABA, but we must be open to grow.


  Somatic means relating to the body. Somatic movement is moving in a way where the intention is on internal bodily experiences rather than just external movement.
  Our bodies hold wisdom for how to heal and regulate, but we are trained to ignore internal signals from a young age.
  Somatic movement can be any movement motivated by an internal experience, even just using the bathroom when needed.


  Iveth has been a BCBA since 2020 but experienced burnout from constant stress.
  She took a break to travel and discovered somatic movement and nervous system regulation.
  This was the missing piece - connecting her mind and body. She uses somatic practices daily now.


  As a coach, Iveth identifies "can't do vs won't do" problems. If it's a "won't do" due to fear, she helps clients connect with their body to release the fear.
  With clients with autism, she gets curious about the function of behaviors like tantrums. She explores what feelings drive the behaviors and teaches coping skills through movement.


  Books like The Body Keeps the Score and It Didn't Start With You.
  Connecting with your own body is the best resource.


  Emotions drive behavior but are often ignored in ABA. We should teach body awareness and movement for regulation.
  There is fear of incorporating new practices into ABA, but we must have cultural humility and synthesize knowledge.








Do Better Podcast Live Feb 27th, 2024 - Somatic Movement with Iveth

In this episode of the Do Better Podcast, Dr. Megan and Joe discuss goals and words for 2024 with members of the Do Better Community. What's your word for 2024?
Podcast Summary from Fathom:

 Both Megan and Joe are focused on improving their health, routines, and productivity in 2024.
 Having an extensive list of health/self-care goals can be overwhelming and counterproductive. It's better to focus on 1-3 key goals at a time.
  Choosing a "word of the year" and integrating it into your life (like a password) can help focus intentions.
  Tools like planners, journals, and apps can help build habits and routines, if used consistently.
  Planning for obstacles and challenges in advance leads to better follow-through. The WOOP method (Wish, Outcome, Obstacles, Plan) is a helpful framework.


  Megan went on a cruise and is now trying to establish routines and new habits, but feels overwhelmed by their extensive list of 30+ health/self-care goals. They got a planner to track habits and routines.
  Joe is focused on productivity, planning, leadership, and being more disciplined in health habits like diet and exercise. They uses a "High Performance Planner".
  They discussed how having too many goals creates cognitive load and makes it hard to build consistent habits. It's better to focus on 1-3 high priority goals first.


  Joe uses "brain dumping" at night to reduce cognitive load. Megan's new planner helps their plan and track goals.
  Nicole shared that choosing a "word of the year" helps focus intentions. Joe's word is "disciplined".
  Writing goals down repeatedly (like in a password) keeps them top of mind. Vision boards also help visualize goals.
  Time blocking is useful but can be hard for dynamic jobs. Planning for obstacles in advance helps overcome challenges.


  Teaching supervisees methods like WOOP to plan for obstacles can set them up for real world success.
  They will revisit leadership strategies for behavior analysts in a future episode.


  Megan will confirm if their word of the year is "organized" in the next episode.
  They will interview Callie and discuss leadership strategies in future episodes.
  Next live podcast recording is February 27th at 12pm EST.






Do Better Pod Live Recording Jan 23, 2024: Goals and Words for 2024

In this episode from Dec 12th, 2023, Dr. Megan and Joe discuss Soft Skills in Behavior Analysis. Let us know which resources you have found helpful for teaching Soft Skills. 
Show Notes:

 Do Better podcast will switch to monthly live recordings instead of weekly in 2024.

 Goal is to have all live content on the same day/time each month so people can plan for it.

  Next recording will be a special session on motivational interviewing with Callie on 12/19.



  Soft skills like listening and cultural humility weren't taught much in grad school but are critical.

  Important for behavior analysts to listen to families without judgement and understand their perspectives.

  Compassion, empathy, collaboration, and perspective taking are key soft skills.

  There can be issues when expectations around "professional" interaction aren't neurodiversity affirming.

  Resources mentioned:

  Compassionate listening courses

  Book "25 Essential Skills for Behavior Analysts"

  Stoic philosophy (Ryan Holiday)

  ACT training

  Books by Aubrey Daniels and Brene Brown

  Trainings and Books by Denny Reed

  ChatGPT and Goblin AI tools







Do Better Pod Live - Soft Skills

In this Live recording from Dec 5th, 2023, Joe and Dr. Megan discuss which Social Media Instagram Accounts influence their practices and why. Let us know if you have any accounts you would recommend! 
Podcast Show Notes:

 Callie Plattner to join on December 19th to discuss motivational interviewing.

 Suggestions needed for new topics to add to the podcast topic wheel.



  Megan discussed favorite Instagram accounts that inform ABA practice:

  Kids Create Ed - gives fun ideas for parents and kids, e.g. family clean-up time triggered by Alexa timer

  Big Life Journal - building resilience, persistence, grit

  Connected Parenting - gentle parenting strategies

  Mr. Chazz - education and parenting topics



  Joe discussed his favorite Instagram accounts:

  Kaylin Hartrow - autistic advocate, gives advice and perspectives on autism

  Ryan Holiday - author on stoicism, teaches focusing on controllables

  The Tired Dad - shorts on being an intentional, present father









S2 E8: Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Advocacy

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