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In this episode, Michelle sits down with Bailey Payne, BCBA, to talk about what truly helps complex kids and their families when behavior feels overwhelming and unclear. They explore why behavior is rarely simple, why traditional approaches often fall short, and how real change begins by adjusting the environment—not trying to fix the child.

Bailey shares a practical, family-centered perspective on behavior analysis, emphasizing alignment, sustainability, and trust over rigid protocols.

Bailey shares:

• Why behavior isn’t random. Complex behavior often has multiple causes that can shift quickly, making simple explanations ineffective.
• Why environment comes first. How we give directions, offer choices, and structure daily life matters before addressing behavior itself.
• The limits of traditional ABA. Clinic-based models, high turnover, and poor fit can leave families frustrated and unheard.
• Why parents should trust their gut. If an approach feels wrong or unsustainable, it’s okay to move on.
• Why older kids are overlooked. Support often drops after early childhood, leaving teens and young adults without meaningful services.
• What in-home support looks like for teens. Life skills like shopping, budgeting, work readiness, and independence become the focus.
• A shift in goals. The aim isn’t compliance—it’s autonomy and quality of life.
• Why noticing the good matters. Focusing on strengths changes how children see themselves and how families interact.

Quote to tape on the fridge:

“If it doesn’t feel right or sustainable, trust your gut.”

👤 About Bailey Payne

Bailey Payne is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst providing in-home services and school consultation with a focus on family values, independence, and practical skill-building. She is especially committed to supporting teens and young adults, a group often underserved in behavioral care.

She is also the creator of Behavior Breakthrough, a framework that helps parents and educators understand and support behavior through environmental change.

🔗 Connect with Bailey Payne

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.baileypayne.com
🎵 TikTok: behaviorbreakthrough
📸 Instagram: behavior_breakthrough
📘 Facebook: Behavior Breakthrough with Bailey Payne