Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

What does it take to grow a profession in real time? In this episode, Reema Jubran shares an inside look at the development of behaviour analysis in Jordan—from career pathways to regional collaboration. We explore why many practitioners are committing to ABA long-term, how supervision and credentialing pathways are evolving, and the role informal networks play in connecting clinicians across the Arab world. Despite limited in-person opportunities, a strong and growing professional community is emerging—one built on shared learning, collaboration, and a clear desire for more connection. This episode highlights both the progress being made and the opportunities ahead.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/I37_sgeNbes

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

Contact Reema Jubran

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reema-jubran-81534351/

Links

Anahuna Jordan

https://www.instagram.com/anahuna_jo?igsh=NGhwemFpcTM0Z3M2

Check out these conversations for more on Behaviour Analysis in the Gulf Region:

Episode 238: Behaviour Analysis in Bahrain

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-238-behaviour-analysis-in-bahrain-with-ingy-alireza-med-ms-bcba/

Episode 149 Behaviour Analysis in Saudi Arabia

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

Episode 94: Behaviour Analysis in Lebanon and Qatar

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-94-behaviour-analysis-in-lebanon-and-qatar-with-rola-el-annan-med-bcba/

Episode 15: Behaviour Analysis in Egypt

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-15-behaviour-analysis-egypt-with-radwa-eltanab-msc-bcba/

In this powerful episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Oliver Roschke and John Wooderson of Constructional Solutions to explore how the constructional approach can transform positive behaviour support.

Together, they unpack how many PBS systems—particularly within highly regulated environments—have drifted toward risk management, compliance, and behaviour reduction, often losing sight of the original aim: improving quality of life.

Oliver and John challenge the field to move away from a pathological orientation focused on “problem behaviours” and instead ask a much more human question:

What does this person want their life to look like?

The conversation explores:

This episode is both a critique and an invitation: to build systems, services, and supports that center autonomy, meaningful outcomes, and human dignity.

Key takeaway:

ontinuing 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

Contact Oliver and John:

Constructional Solutions

https://constructionalsolutions.com.au/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-roschke-5ba05074/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wooderson-6257798a/

Links:

The Constructional Approach Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr

Articles and Books Referenced:

Wooderson, J. R., Roschke, O., Fox, R. A., & Hayward, B. A. (2026). Moving from a pathological to a constructional approach to positive behaviour support in Australian disability services. Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/23297018.2026.2644354

Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., Sailor, W., ... & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behavior support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of positive behavior interventions, 4(1), 4-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/109830070200400102

Donnellan, A. M., LaVigna, G. W., Negri-Shoultz, N., & Fassbender, L. L. (1988). Progress without punishment: Effective approaches for learners with behavior problems. Teachers College Press.

Goldiamond, Israel (1974). Toward a Constructional Approach to Social Problems. Behavior and Philosophy 2 (1):1.

Special Series on The Constructional Approach

This episode is the fourth installment in our ongoing series on the constructional approaches in behaviour analysis. I encourage you to check out the first three episodes. If you are new to this topic, Episode 250 is a great place to start 

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-257-a-compassionate-approach-to-exposure-therapy-with-danielle-cohen/

Episodes on Positive Behaviour Support

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-23-person-driven-positive-behaviour-support-for-traumatic-brain-injury-with-dr-kate-gould-dpsych/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-43-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-1/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-44-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-2/

In this episode, Ben speaks with Rahma Farah, Ikram Buralle, Suaad Jama, and Nasteya Mahamoud of the Somali Behaviour Analysis Association, a growing, community-led initiative focused on expanding autism awareness and behaviour analytic services for Somali populations. Drawing from their experiences across Somalia and the diaspora, the group shares the realities of introducing ABA in a region where awareness of autism is still emerging, stigma remains a significant barrier, and access to trained professionals is extremely limited. Through advocacy, education, and community-building, they are working to lay the foundation for sustainable, culturally relevant services—while also inspiring the next generation of Somali behaviour analysts.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0BATtF526HA

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

Contact The Somali Behaviour Analysis Association:

LinkTree:

https://linktr.ee/sbaaofficial?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=9fde82a3-2e24-452b-93b8-4267f277df5d

Website:

https://somalibehaviouranalysisassociation.org/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/somali-behaviour-analysis-association/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sbaa.official

Ikram Buralle:

LinkedIn

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

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ikramtalksbehavior/

Rahma Farah

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahma-farah-92084b120/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/prospering_minds_consultancy/

Website:

https://prosperingmindsconsultancy.co.uk/

Suaad Jama

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/suaa.aad/

Nasteya Mahamoud

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasteya-mahamud-548241184/

Links:

Dhoodaan

https://www.instagram.com/dhoodaan_/

Three related episodes of Behaviour Speak, which I think you might find really interesting, would be:

Episode 232: Behaviour Analysis in Sudan

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-232-behaviour-analysis-in-sudan-with-salma-abdelrahmanabdalla-med-iba-qba/

Episode 218: Behaviour Analysis in Morocco

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-218-behavior-analysis-in-morocco-with-mina-el-qalli-qasp-s-iba/

Episode 198: Behaviour Analysis in the UK  (featuring Rahma Farah!)

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-198-the-evolution-of-behavior-analysis-in-the-uk-with-rahma-farah-and-rochelle-gray/

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Ben sits down with Dr. Setareh (Star) Moslemi, an Iranian behaviour analyst whose journey into the field of ABA was shaped by displacement, loss, and a profound sense of responsibility. Growing up in Iran as a member of the Baháʼí Faith, Star experienced systemic barriers to education and opportunity. At 16, her family made the difficult decision to leave Iran in search of a future where she and her siblings could access education. Shortly after arriving in Turkey, her father—who had risked everything to make that journey possible—passed away. That experience became a defining moment. In this conversation, Star reflects on how her father’s sacrifice, her identity, and her lived experience shaped her path into behaviour analysis—and her ongoing mission to expand autism support for Farsi-speaking families, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing services.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zv8EL4imMjg

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

Contact Star:

Website:

https://www.behaviortalkwithstar.com/

Faculty Page at University of North Texas

https://pahs.unt.edu/behv/bao/faculty-staff.html

Danaa School on IG

https://www.instagram.com/school.danaa/

ABA Talk With Star Podcast (ای بی ای تاک با ستاره)

https://abatalkwithstar.buzzsprout.com/

Socials

https://www.instagram.com/dr.setareh.moslemi/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/setareh-dehghani-moslemi-phd-bcba-d-b1b904327/

Two other episodes, which I think you might find really interesting, would be:

Episode 239: Supporting Refugee and Migrant Students Amid Climate and War-Induced Displacement with Dr. Diana Diaków 

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-239-supporting-refugee-and-migrant-students-amid-climate-and-war-induced-displacement-with-dr-diana-diakow/

Episode 240: Voices From Gaza:  Understanding War Trauma with Dr. Iman Farajallah

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-240-voices-from-gaza-understanding-war-trauma-with-dr-iman-farajallah/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Dr. Monica Gilbert to unpack what’s often missing in behaviour analysis: true engagement. While clinicians are trained in evidence-based interventions, many still struggle with caregiver buy-in, staff engagement, and sustained change. Dr. Gilbert argues the issue isn’t the science—it’s the conversation. Drawing from her work in clinical psychology and behaviour analysis, she introduces motivational interviewing (MI) as more than a technique—it’s a way of being. From understanding ambivalence to aligning with a client’s stage of change, this conversation challenges the compliance mindset and replaces it with collaboration, autonomy, and meaningful partnership. If you’ve ever felt like your interventions “should work” but aren’t landing—this episode is your missing piece.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Tqu1-iFtMws

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

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/

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

Contact Dr. Gilbert

https://drmonicagilbert.com/

Crystal Minds Psychological Services

https://cmpstherapy.com/owner-profile

Links:

MI For Change Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFSGrj1w5MPjTQpEN4Vi5?si=159a5e5e7c8b4855'

https://a.co/d/0h6wOGcn

MINT:

https://motivationalinterviewing.org/

Article on The Transtheoretical Model: 

Prochaska, J. O., & Velicer, W. F. (1997). The transtheoretical model of health behavior change. American journal of health promotion : AJHP, 12(1), 38–48. https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-12.1.38

For more conversations on approaches towards buy-in and collaboration check out these two episodes:

Episode 71: The Magic Of The ACT Matrix

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-71-the-magic-of-the-act-matrix-with-mary-penrice-edmondson-ms-bcba-tina-long-med-bcba-and-monica-peters-mads-bcba/

Episode 20:  Consulting in Group Homes Using ACT

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-20-consulting-in-group-homes-using-act-with-monica-peters-mads-bcba/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben sits down with Hong Chun Tan and Alexa Goh to explore the rapid development of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in Malaysia. What began as parent-led initiatives has evolved into a coordinated national effort—complete with certification pathways, university programs, and a growing professional community.

Hong and Alexa share the behind-the-scenes story of forming the Malaysia Association for Behaviour Analysis (MABA), developing national standards, launching the first graduate-level ABA program in Southeast Asia, and introducing the MCBA (Malaysia Certified Behaviour Analyst) credential.

They also discuss the cultural, logistical, and ethical considerations of building ABA infrastructure in a unique regional context—and what other countries can learn from Malaysia’s approach.

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/

Contact:

Alexa Goh

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

Hong Chun Tan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hong-chun-tan-msc-bcba-qba-mcba-lba-dha-doh-a6ab7567/

Links:

MABA (Malaysia Association for Behaviour Analysis)

https://m-aba.com/

Sunway University ABA Program

https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/faculty-of-medical-and-life-sciences/courses/master-of-applied-behaviour-analysis\

SEA ABA Conference, where professionals are coming together to shape the future of ABA in Southeast Asia.

https://seaaba.org/

Related Episodes:

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-241-behaviour-analysis-in-the-philippines-with-razelle-kaye-castillo-bcaba-kristine-gomez-ma-bcba-kathryn-mendoza-ma-ed-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-211-the-florida-child-welfare-behavior-analysis-services-program-with-han-leong-goh-phd-bcba-d-lba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/incorporating-filipino-values-in-behavioral-health-with-dr-pauline-tolentino-pablo-dbh-bcba/

What happens when there are no autism services in your country? In this episode, Ben speaks with Maxcia Williams, a parent, advocate, and behaviour technician in the Turks & Caicos Islands, about her journey raising a son with autism in a system that didn’t yet exist—and how she helped build one. From navigating stigma and cultural myths to founding the Hope Foundation for Autism Awareness, Maxcia shares what it means to move from isolation to impact. This conversation explores culturally responsive care, workforce challenges in small communities, and the power of caregiver-led change. At the heart of the episode is Israel—Maxcia’s son—whose journey into self-advocacy, homeschooling, and authorship reminds us that autism is not a limitation, but a different path.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZqhcnZnjN4I

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

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

Contact Maxcia

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxcia-williams-ibt-ados-2-administrator-1b735a77/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/maximalicious/

The Elephant Rooms - (The clinic Maxcia works in)

https://theelephantrooms.com/team/

Links:

What Happens Next?  by Isreal Rigby

https://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-Next-Isreal-Rigby-ebook/dp/B0CTZV63ZM

Caribbean Association for Behaviour Analysis

https://caribbeanba.org/leadership/

The Black Association of Behavior Analysts

https://babainfo.org/

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

To learn more about behaviour analysis in the Caribbean, check out these interviews:

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-97-bridging-the-gap-culturally-responsive-telehealth-and-behavior-analysis-with-kimberly-woolery-ms-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/epiosde-187-culturally-grounded-autism-training-for-black-parents-with-camille-proctor/

In this special role-reversal episode, Dr. Asmahan Saleh Khalil returns—this time as host—to interview Behaviour Speak’s own Ben Reiman. Marking five years and close to 300 conversations, Ben reflects on the unexpected evolution of the podcast—from a simple networking idea to a global platform amplifying diverse voices in behaviour analysis. Together, they explore: The origins and evolution of Behaviour Speak What global conversations revealed about access, equity, and culture Common challenges across countries in building ABA services The impact of Ben’s late ADHD diagnosis Why cultural humility and self-reflection are essential in practice The “missing link” in ABA training: working with people The role of motivational interviewing and the constructional approach What’s next—including multilingual episodes and global expansion This is a deeply personal and reflective conversation about growth, discomfort, and the power of listening across cultures.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/GMwTUnOWYoQ

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

Links:

CBI Consultants

https://www.cbiconsultants.com

Asmahan Saleh Khalil

https://drasmahan.com/about/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.asmahan.sk/

Dr. Monica Gilbert

https://drmonicagilbert.com/

MI for Change Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/1RFSGrj1w5MPjTQpEN4Vi5?si=9393ff06f5244066

Ben's First Interview with Danni Reid

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-1-racism/

Interview with Ben's BCBA Supervisor

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-18-values-based-supervision-and-mentorship-with-hilary-mcclinton-med-bcba/

Interview with Dr. Rocío Rosales

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-30-a-conversation-with-dr-rocio-rosales-phd-bcba-d/

Interview with Alia Yasir

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-145-behavior-analysis-in-pakistan-with-alia-yasir-bcaba-iba/

Corina Jimenez-Gomez and Lauren Beaulieu Cultural Responsiveness Research

Beaulieu, L. and Jimenez-Gomez, C. (2022), Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Self-assessment. Jnl of Applied Behav Analysis, 55: 337-356. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.907

April is MENA Heritage Month - Check out these episodes for FREE CEUs!

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-243-culturally-responsive-behaviour-analysis-in-the-united-arab-emirates-with-amina-maliki-med-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-240-from-the-frontlines-civilian-stories-of-war-and-resilience-with-dr-iman-farajallah/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-238-behaviour-analysis-in-bahrain-with-ingy-alireza-med-ms-bcba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-232-behaviour-analysis-in-sudan-with-salma-abdelrahmanabdalla-med-iba-qba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-228-the-nubian-egyptian-behaviour-analyst-with-nehal-siam-mped-bcba-rba-ont/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-218-behavior-analysis-in-morocco-with-mina-el-qalli-qasp-s-iba/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-215-behavior-analysis-in-turkiye-with-dr-buket-kisac-demiroglu/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-200-safeguarding-vulnerable-children-in-the-arab-world-with-dr-asmahan-saleh-khalil/

 Check out these episodes on the Constructional Approach!

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-257-a-compassionate-approach-to-exposure-therapy-with-danielle-cohen/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/

In this episode, Ben sits down with Danielle Cohen to explore Constructional Exposure Therapy (CET)—an emerging, compassionate approach grounded in the constructional framework of behaviour analysis. Rather than focusing on eliminating fear or escape behaviour, CET identifies the behaviour the person needs to access meaningful outcomes—and systematically teaches it in a way that maintains choice, assent, and low distress throughout. Danielle shares how this approach: - Reframes reinforcement through the lens of critical consequences - Uses shaping with negative reinforcement in a practical, ethical way - Prioritizes multiple pathways to success (and genuine assent) - Allows learners to opt out—without stopping progress Through powerful case examples—including supporting a learner through a blood draw and teaching independent nail clipping in under an hour—this episode highlights what’s possible when we truly align effectiveness with compassion.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jjk7LrWWM1Y

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

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/

Contact

Danielle on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-cohen-bcba-0a247a213/

Links:

Facebook group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr

Article on CET: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Awab-Abdel-Jalil-2/publication/373767631_TOWARD_A_CONSTRUCTIONAL_EXPOSURE_THERAPY/links/64fb1cd510813375f267dc4e/TOWARD-A-CONSTRUCTIONAL-EXPOSURE-THERAPY.pdf

Exposure therapy literature review: Abdel‐Jalil, A., Baldwin, J. N., & Leaf, J. B. (2024). Exposure‐based treatments for fear and reactivity to medical procedures: A systematic review of the literature with implications for research and practice. Behavioral Interventions, 39(3), e2010.

Concept analysis on assent: Linnehan, A.M., Abdel-Jalil, A., Klick, S. et al. Foundations of Preemptive Compassion: A Behavioral Concept Analysis of Compulsion, Consent, and Assent. Behav Analysis Practice (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1

Another paper on compassion and assent: https://www.maracalearning.com/assets/can-there-be-compassion-without-assent_-a-nonlinear-constructional-approach.pdf

To learn more about the constructional approach, check out the first two episodes in our series

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-250-the-constructional-approach-a-primer-with-awab-abdel-jalil/

Episode 252: Applications of the constructional approach with Madhura Deshpande

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/

Behaviour analysis is often associated with clinical work in autism and developmental disabilities. But what happens when the science is applied to entire institutional systems?

In this episode, Valeria Pascale discusses her interdisciplinary work applying behaviour analysis inside Italian maximum-security prisons.

Drawing on her background in law, psychology, and neuroscience, Valeria developed a pilot project that introduced a token economy and self-monitoring system designed to reduce aggression, property destruction, and self-injury among incarcerated individuals. The intervention was intentionally simple, low-cost, and replicable—so prison staff could maintain it after the research team left.

The results were powerful. Participants quickly engaged with the program, began tracking their own behaviour, and reported improved relationships with one another. By the end of the project, many inmates requested that the program continue because they felt it was helping them communicate and manage conflict more effectively.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Valeria also shares her plans for a second prison study examining behavioural relaxation training and anxiety reduction among incarcerated individuals.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behaviour analysis is not limited to any single population—it is a science of behaviour that can inform complex social systems.

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/XzVBBhzqI3s

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/

Contact

Valeria Pascale at ABA For Disability

https://abafordisability.it/en/home/

https://www.facebook.com/abafordisability/

https://www.instagram.com/abafordisability/

Valeria on LinkedIn

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

Links:

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

SABA Grant

https://saba.abainternational.org/grants/international-development-grant/valeria-pascale/

University of Salerno Legal Sciences

https://corsi.unisa.it/scienze-giuridiche-88610/en/home

Articles Discussed:

Pascale, V., Pritchard, J.K., C., F.P. et al. The Effects of a DRO and Self-Monitoring Program on Prisoners in an Italian Prison. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). (Open Access)  https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01045-0 

Pascale, V., Guercio, J. M., & Cesaro, C. (2024). Implementation of interaction style training and comprehensive staff instruction in a community-based residential setting: Expanding the influence of applied behavior analysis in Italy.Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 24(1), 44–55. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000283

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 33: Addressing Substance Use Disorders, Poverty, and AIDS Prevention Using Behavioural Science with Dr. Shrinidhi Subramanium

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-33-addressing-substance-use-disorders-poverty-and-aids-prevention-using-behavioural-science-with-dr-shrinidhi-subramaniam-phd-bcba-d/

Episode 40: Applications of Behaviour Science to Foster Care, Runaways, The Unhoused, and Bullying with Kimberly Crosland Ph.D., BCBA-D

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-40-applications-of-behaviour-science-to-foster-care-runaways-the-unhoused-and-bullying-with-kimberly-crosland-phd-bcba-d/

Episode 110: Contingency Management with Dr. Bethany Raiff

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-110-contingency-management-with-dr-bethany-raiff/

Episode 135: Addressing Human Trafficking With Behaviour Analysis with Arturo Garcia

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-135-addressing-human-trafficking-with-behavior-analysis/

Episode 205: Transfoming Health Care Through Behaviour Analysis with Dr. Andressa Sleiman, Ph.D., BCBA-D

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/transforming-health-care-through-behavior-analysis-with-dr-andressa-sleiman-phd-bcba-d/