Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

What can studying perspective taking tell us about relationships, dating violence, and the experiences of neurodivergent people?

In this episode, Ben sits down with Ashley Rodrigues, a graduate student in Western University’s School and Applied Child Psychology program and lab manager with the Living Organisms Learning Lab. Ashley describes how her early experiences seeking mental-health support helped shape her interest in psychology, school-based services, and research with neurodivergent people. 

The conversation centres on Ashley’s research examining perspective taking and dating-violence-related outcomes among post-secondary students with ADHD, autism, and neurotypical participants. She explains emotional perspective taking through a Relational Frame Theory lens and describes how the study moves beyond self-report by using a behavioural perspective-taking task. 

Ashley also walks Ben through the evolving findings from the project and some important cautions around interpreting differences between groups. They discuss social communication, working memory, social desirability, masking, literal interpretation of questions, heterogeneity within autism, and the possibility that measurement itself can influence apparent differences. 

The conversation becomes personal as Ashley discusses being diagnosed with both ADHD and autism at age 22 following earlier explanations centred on anxiety and related concerns. She and Ben explore what lived experience can bring to clinical relationships and research, particularly when people's experiences do not fit conventional expectations of how neurodivergence presents. 

Finally, Ashley shares what happened when she presented this work very early in her graduate career at an Ontario behaviour analysis conference. What began with uncertainty about whether she belonged turned into productive interdisciplinary conversations and a poster award. 

Contact Ashley

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyvrod/

Links

Living Organisms Lab

https://www.livingorganismslearninglab.ca/

For another perspective on autism, relationships, and interpersonal violence, listen to my conversation with Amy Pearson about autistic lived experience, masking, relationships, and her research into intimate partner violence and abuse. 

🎧 The Hidden Cost of Masking: Autism, Identity and Authenticity with Dr. Amy Pearson

Dr. Don Togade came to behaviour analysis through a deeply personal journey, one that began with trying to better understand himself.

Don and Ben explore how that journey now shapes the way he teaches future behaviour analysts, from mindfulness, gratitude, and self-monitoring to cultural humility, feedback, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They also discuss AI, professional regulation, Mindful Seeds, and what Don sees as perhaps the most meaningful outcome of his career: becoming a kinder person.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mIe-KuWHadQ

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.5 Learning

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Links

George Brown Polytechnic School of Behavioural Science

If you’d like to continue exploring themes from this conversation:

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Ben Reiman sits down with Indigenous educator, consultant, speaker, and entrepreneur Len Pierre. Grounding the discussion in his Coast Salish identity and his roots in Katzie First Nation, Len shares his journey of cultural reclamation, receiving his ancestral name, and learning to navigate both Indigenous and colonial worlds.

Len explores the history and teachings of Katzie territory, the importance of language revitalization, and the role of community in identity, healing, and belonging. He discusses how Indigenous worldviews challenge Western assumptions about individualism, perfectionism, privilege, trauma, and leadership. 

The conversation also examines reconciliation in contemporary Canada, the distinction between reconciliation and conventional DEI initiatives, and why meaningful change must move at the speed of trust rather than the speed of institutions. Len shares lessons from building Len Pierre Consulting, supporting organizations on their reconciliation journeys, and helping people understand that Indigenous peoples are not defined by trauma but by generations of strength, resilience, and wisdom.

Whether you work in education, healthcare, social services, leadership, or want to deepen your understanding of Indigenous perspectives, this episode offers a thought-provoking and hopeful exploration of how relationships, culture, and community can help us all navigate today's challenges.

If this conversation with Len Pierre resonated with you, we encourage you to explore more Indigenous voices featured on Behaviour Speak. These episodes offer diverse perspectives on reconciliation, Indigenous rights, leadership, disability, community wellness, allyship, and social justice. Together, they provide a deeper understanding of the lived experiences, strengths, knowledge systems, and leadership of Indigenous peoples across Canada. 

Dr. Tibetha Kemble

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/what-are-you-willing-to-lose-settler-colonialism-and-reconciliation-with-dr-tibetha-kemble/

Katisha Paul

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/one-heart-one-mind-indigenous-sovereignty-climate-leadership-and-the-future/

Raven Lacerte

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/raven-lacerte-ending-gender-based-violence-one-conversation-at-a-time/

Grant Bruno

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-37-the-realities-of-autism-in-first-nations-communities-in-canada-with-grant-bruno-phd/

Behaviour Speak has featured many Indigenous guests over the years, including scholars, advocates, practitioners, Elders, activists, and community leaders. To browse the full collection of Indigenous-focused episodes, visit:

🔗 https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/indigenous-voices

These conversations reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives, reminding us that Indigenous peoples are not a single story. They are diverse nations, communities, cultures, and knowledge keepers whose voices continue to shape conversations about reconciliation, social justice, health, education, disability, leadership, and belonging

What happens when community, culture, behavioural science, and public health intersect?

In this inspiring conversation, Ben Reiman sits down with sisters Ruaa Hassaballa and Ithar Hassaballa, two behavioural scientists whose journey began in Sudan and evolved into careers dedicated to health equity, systems change, community engagement, and global health.

The sisters share how their upbringing in Sudan, immigration to the United States, and the influence of parents rooted in teaching, anthropology, and service shaped their understanding of humanity, resilience, and collective care. They discuss the values that continue to guide their work, including curiosity, integrity, community, and cultural humility.

The conversation explores how behavioural science extends far beyond individual behaviour change and can be applied to entire communities and systems. Through stories from diabetes prevention, Ebola response efforts, COVID-19 equity initiatives, global health leadership, and maternal health work, Ruaa and Ithar illustrate why trust, relationships, and lived experience are essential ingredients for meaningful change.

Listeners will also discover how community members serve as experts in their own lives, why cultural humility may be more powerful than cultural competence, and what it takes to create conditions where individuals and communities can truly thrive.

This episode is a masterclass in systems thinking, health equity, behavioural science, and the power of listening.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0Gc0T_tU6Pw

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Ithar Hassaballa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ithar-hassaballa/

https://communityhealth.ku.edu/people/ithar-hassaballa-mph-phd-who-fellow

https://common-ground-advisors.com/

Ruaa Hassaballa

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruaa-hassaballa/

KU Center for Community Health and Development

https://communityhealth.ku.edu/

Dr. Stephen Fawcett

https://communityhealth.ku.edu/people/stephen-b-fawcett-phd

Hzssaballa Omar Hassabala

https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/tangled-roots-exhibition-2020

https://youtu.be/O4mVCfPfVDQ?si=U4t_jdwxH-QrY53y

Research Discussed

Munodawafa, D., Moeti, M.R., Phori, P.M. et al. Monitoring and Evaluating the Ebola Response Effort in Two Liberian Communities. J Community Health 43, 321–327 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-017-0425-5

Watson-Thompson, J., Hassaballa, R.H., Valentini, S.H. et al. Actively Addressing Systemic Racism Using a Behavioral Community Approach. Behav. Soc. Iss. 31, 297–326 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-022-00101-6

In this conversation, Dr. Amy Pearson shares her personal and professional journey in autism research, discussing her experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic individual and the impact of her lived experience on her research. She explores the challenges of navigating the academic landscape as an autistic researcher, the importance of neurodiversity affirming practices, and the need for a shift from deficit-based models to a more inclusive understanding of autism. The discussion highlights the ethical considerations in autism research and the significance of aligning research with the values of the autistic community. This conversation delves into the perceptions of autistic individuals, particularly focusing on the experiences of non-speaking individuals and the biases that exist within neurotypical perspectives. It explores the complexities of family dynamics, the importance of support for individuals with high needs, and the reflections on ABA tutoring experiences. The discussion also addresses the concept of masking in autism, its implications, and the challenges of navigating social expectations while striving for authenticity. In this conversation, Amy Pearson and Ben Reiman explore the evolving understanding of authenticity, the significance of stimming in autistic identity, and the complexities of relationships within the autistic community. They discuss misconceptions surrounding autistic intimacy, the portrayal of neurodivergent relationships in media, and the critical issue of intimate partner violence faced by autistic individuals. The conversation emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of autistic experiences and the importance of fostering acceptance and support in relationships. In this conversation, Amy Pearson discusses the complexities of autistic experiences, particularly in relation to interpersonal violence, emotional well-being, and the importance of support systems in research. She highlights the need for awareness of red flags in relationships, the intersection of autism with menopause, and the influence of key figures in autism research. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating autistic experiences while advocating for systemic changes to improve the lives of autistic individuals

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h9UUG0zr1f4

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

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Links

Amy Pearson 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-pearson-359b83303/

https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/amy-pearson/

Links and Resources

Authoring Autism by M. Remi Yergeau 

https://www.dukeupress.edu/authoring-autism

Dr. Pearson's Amazing Colleagues Mentioned

Kieron Rose

https://theautisticadvocate.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieran-rose-38574b55/

Felicity Sedgewick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicity-sedgewick-32a55015b/

Sarah Douglas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-douglas-9a57951b6/

Nicole Renehan

https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/nicole-renehan/

Sarah Cassidy

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/psychology/people/sarah.cassidy

Damien Milton

https://www.kent.ac.uk/school-of-psychology/tizard/people/1419/milton-damian

Sarah King

https://www.saraking.online/research

Krysia Waldock

https://www.linkedin.com/in/krysia-waldock/

Liz Pellicano

https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/47716-elizabeth-pellicano

Pearson A, Rose K, Mitchell A, et al. “It’s Not a Physical Prison but You Can’t Get Out.” How Autistic Adults Make Sense of the Experience of Intimate Violence and Abuse. Autism in Adulthood. 2026;8(3):360-372. doi:10.1089/aut.2024.0145

What if the most important skill in behaviour analysis isn't a technical skill at all? In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman sits down with BCBA and PhD candidate Preeti Vogel to discuss compassionate care, cultural responsiveness, and the crucial role these skills play in effective behaviour support. Drawing on over a decade of experience working across India and Australia, Preeti shares how her professional journey shaped her understanding of behaviour analysis and ultimately influenced her research agenda.

The conversation explores the Multi-Element Behaviour Support (MEBS) framework and its constructional approach to improving quality of life through meaningful skill development rather than focusing solely on behaviour reduction. Preeti explains how MEBS incorporates comprehensive assessment, proactive supports, reactive strategies, mediation, implementation planning, and social validity into a cohesive framework.

Ben and Preeti also dive into Preeti's published research examining the effects of remote training on functional assessment interviewing skills, cultural responsiveness, and compassionate care. The discussion highlights practical strategies practitioners can use immediately, including active listening, empathy-based responding, collaborative goal selection, and culturally responsive assessment practices. The episode concludes with a discussion about cultural humility, practitioner self-reflection, and Preeti's ongoing doctoral research examining self-monitoring tools to improve compassionate and culturally responsive practice across multiple service-delivery contexts

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Preeti Vogel on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/preeti-vogel-2a3a3588/

Centre For Positive Behaviour Support

https://cpbs.com.au/

Multi Element Behaviour Support (MEBS)

https://iaba.foundation/ppbs

Vogel, P., Kurumiya, Y., Mahoney, A. et al. Teaching Practitioners in Australia Culturally Responsive and Compassion-Based Functional Assessment Interviewing Skills. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01121-5

Behaviour Speak Series On Constructional Approaches In Behaviour Support

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/constructional-behaviour-analysis

In this episode, Ben sits down with behaviour analyst and entrepreneur Sara Silsilah to discuss her remarkable journey from Saudi Arabia to Columbia University and back again. Sara shares how a chance encounter during a university fire drill led her into the field of autism and behaviour analysis, and how her grandmother's lifelong commitment to supporting children with disabilities shaped her values and career path.

The conversation explores the evolution of ABA practice, the importance of autistic voices, assent-based treatment, relationship-building, family systems, supervision, and professional humility. Sara challenges clinicians to move beyond rigid protocols and embrace a more collaborative, compassionate, and individualized approach to care.

She also shares lessons learned from launching Seeds of Knowledge, her vision for improving autism services in Saudi Arabia, and why quality treatment requires rigorous standards, meaningful supervision, and strong therapeutic relationships.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.5 Ethics

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Sara Silsilah on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-silsilah-phd-bcba-d-4820051bb/

Seeds of Knowledge

https://theseedsofknowledge.com/

ABAI Saudi Arabia Chapter

https://iba.abainternational.org/2025/11/18/aba-saudi-arabia-2025-annual-report/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-149-behaviouranalysis-in-saudi-arabia-with-dr-shahad-alsharif/

In this episode, Ben Reiman speaks with Pragya Shrestha Pradhan, a parent, founder, advocate, and behaviour analyst working to expand autism and ABA services in Nepal. Pragya describes how her daughter Avaani’s autism diagnosis introduced her to a world of limited services, long waitlists, and cultural stigma around disability. That experience eventually led her to training in India, involvement in parent education, the founding of Avaani Foundation, and later her certification as a behaviour analyst. 

The conversation covers autism awareness in Nepal, the challenges of developing ABA services where trained professionals are scarce, the importance of parent training, and the difficulty of implementing intervention within extended family systems. Pragya also discusses collaboration with other professionals, concerns about ABA being offered without proper training or supervision, and her vision for university-level behaviour analysis education and future service development in Nepal. 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iD5UjGWmrOE

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Pragya Pradhan on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pragya-shrestha-pradhan-003406181/

Avaani Foundation

https://www.avaanifoundation.org/

Autism Care Nepal Society

https://autismnepal.org/

Related Episodes:

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-204-autism-advocacy-in-pakistan-with-shumyla-noreen-bcaba-iba/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben welcomes Mei-Hua Li, BCBA-D and speech-language pathology clinical fellow, for a discussion that sits at the intersection of behaviour analysis, communication, and cultural responsiveness. Drawing from her unique dual training in applied behaviour analysis and speech-language pathology, Mei-Hua explores how collaboration between BCBAs and SLPs can improve outcomes for autistic individuals and others with communication needs.

The conversation examines AAC and speech-generating devices, language development, aphasia, apraxia, and verbal behaviour, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary practice. Mei-Hua shares practical examples of how behavioural assessment and intervention can complement speech and language expertise to create more effective, individualized support plans.

A major focus of the episode is culturally responsive care. Mei-Hua discusses her work with Chinese and Chinese-American families, the influence of Confucian values such as filial piety, and the importance of cultural humility when delivering services. She offers concrete strategies for working effectively with interpreters, understanding family perspectives, addressing stigma surrounding autism, and building trust through meaningful collaboration. 

The episode concludes with a look at Mei-Hua's work with Chinatown Child Respite Care, a nonprofit supporting Chinese-speaking immigrant families of neurodivergent children through respite services, community building, education, and advocacy.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/msdfio-VbuA

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Chinatown Respite Care

https://www.chinatownrespite.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chinatown.respite/

Articles Referenced

Masters, C., Robinson, D., Faulkner, S., Patterson, E., McIlraith, T., & Ansari, A. (2019). Addressing Biases in Patient Care with The 5Rs of Cultural Humility, a Clinician Coaching Tool. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34(4), 627–630. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4814-y

Moreno, G., Wong-Lo, M., Short, M., & Bullock, L. M. (2014). Implementing a culturally attuned functional behavioural assessment to understand and address challenging behaviours demonstrated by students from diverse backgrounds. Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties, 19(4), 343–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2013.860682

Related Episodes:

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/building-culturally-responsive-family-centred-pbs-for-chinese-immigrant-families-chloe-wang/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Dr. Olivia Hird-Partlow offers a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about ABA across the lifespan. Originally from Canada and now based in Maryland, Olivia Hird-Partlow describes her path into ABA through early training at Kennedy Krieger, her work across clinics, homes, schools, and residential settings, and her current teaching role at McDaniel College, where she teaches ABA courses within a master’s program in human services. 

A major focus of the episode is the gap in ABA training and services for adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, dementia, and other age-related needs. Dr. Hird-Partlow explains how many ABA programs and funding structures continue to emphasize children, while adults and aging populations often require thoughtful behavioural support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to quality of life.

The conversation explores what it means to support adults in ways that preserve autonomy, consent, dignity, and independence. Olivia Hird-Partlow discusses the importance of recognizing behavioural changes as possible indicators of pain, memory loss, grief, changes in routine, medical concerns, or communication needs. She also emphasizes that intervention plans should not simply be implemented mechanically, but should be adjusted based on the person’s changing abilities, preferences, and lived experience. 

Listeners will also hear a rich discussion of aging in place, caregiver stress, family communication, and the emotional realities of supporting aging parents, grandparents, and relatives. Olivia shares personal examples from her own family, including the importance of maintaining familiar routines, environments, smells, furniture, and family connections when possible. 

The episode also highlights Dr. Hird-Partlow’s work through Relentless Alliance, where she provides consultation, coaching, training, and support for adults with disabilities and adults experiencing dementia or aging-related changes. She also discusses her dissertation work on the practical functional assessment with adults and in schools, as well as her interest in building more research and training around ABA with adults.

This conversation is essential listening for behaviour analysts, caregivers, educators, residential support staff, clinicians, students, and anyone interested in compassionate behavioural support across the lifespan.

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P-K_8gIxLpA

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Learning

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

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Connect with Olivia

Relentless Alliance

https://relentlessalliance.app/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-hird/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/olivia_hird_partlow/

Links

Sisters On Da Mic Podcast

https://sistersondamic.buzzsprout.com/

DMV ABBA

https://www.dmvabba.org/

Related Episodes:

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-236-the-intersection-of-aging-and-behaviour-analysis-with-jacqueline-pachis-ma-ms-bcba-and-nehal-siam-mped-bcba-rba-ont/