Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, I speak with Zornitsa Ivanova, the first board certified behaviour analyst living and working in Bulgaria.

Zornitsa shares her journey from special education and child psychology into applied behaviour analysis (ABA), and what it has been like introducing evidence-based autism intervention in a country where the field barely existed a decade ago.

From translating ABA resources into Bulgarian to helping train the next generation of practitioners, Zornitsa is helping build the foundation for behaviour analysis in Eastern Europe.

If you’re interested in global behaviour analysis, autism services, or the international expansion of ABA, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what it takes to grow a field from the ground up.

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/MDgZN7MROEY

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BACB: 0.5 Ethics

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Contact

Zornitsa Ivanova at ABA Bloom

Е-mail    [email protected]

Website https://www.ababloom.bg

Facebook: ABA Bloom

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561684086944

Links:

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

Applied Behavior Analysis - Bulgaria

https://www.facebook.com/groups/279540052761953/

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 242: Behaviour Analysis in Moldova with Olga Sirbu

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-242-behaviour-analysis-in-moldova-with-olga-sirbu-bcba-lba-iba/

Episode 234: Behaviour Analysis in Croatia and Montenegro with Rea Vuksan

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-234-behaviour-analysis-in-croatia-montenegro-with-rea-vuksan-mads-scid-bcba-iba/

Episode 215 : Behaviour Analysis in Turkiye with Dr. Buket Kısaç Demiroğlu

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

Episode 208: Behaviour Analysis in Greece with Stefania Zampanka

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-208-behavior-analysis-in-greece-with-stefania-zampanka-msc-bcba/

Episode 175: Autism in Serbia with Marija Čolić

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-175-autism-in-serbia-with-dr-marija-colic/

This episode is a special compilation recorded at the 2025 Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis Conference, where I had the chance to sit down with four outstanding poster presenters whose work represents the next wave of thinking in our field.

From mapping service access across Ontario using statistical modelling… to advancing cultural responsiveness in ABA… to examining bilingual instruction and innovative approaches to teaching safety skills — these conversations highlight how emerging scholars are pushing behaviour analysis forward in meaningful, practical ways.

This episode is presented by our founding university partner, Western Education — home to the Doctor of Education in the Field of Applied Behaviour Analysis — a program designed for experienced professionals ready to lead in clinical practice, research, and systems-level change.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/1l0_uH6Iqdk

Follow us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behaviourspeak

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

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

Contact:

Qiduo He

https://www.linkedin.com/in/qiduo-he-75008a269/

Erin Williamson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamson-erin/

Charlotte May

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-may-behavioural-psychology-57507126a/

Kaysia Nedjelski

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

En el episodio de hoy, me complace darle la bienvenida nuevamente a Jessie Arroyave del Episodio 201: Análisis del comportamiento en Guatemala como presentadora invitada, entrevistando a Elizabeth López Miranda, analista del comportamiento y patóloga del habla y el lenguaje con licencia de Argentina. Esta conversación es nuestro tercer episodio presentado por invitadas que presenta entrevistas en otros idiomas y nuestra segunda entrevista en español. ¡Espero que disfrutes aprendiendo sobre todo lo relacionado con el análisis del comportamiento en Argentina con Elizabeth y Jessie!

In today's episode, I'm excited to welcome back Jessie Arroyave from Episode 201: Behaviour Analysis in Guatemala as a guest host, interviewing Elizabeth López Miranda, a behaviour analyst and licensed speech-language pathologist from Argentina.  This conversation is our third guest-hosted episode featuring interviews in other languages, and our second interview in Spanish.  I hope you enjoy learning about all things behaviour analysis in Argentina with Elizabeth and Jessie!

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BACB: 1.0 Ética/Ethics

IBAO: 1.0 Cultura/Cultural

QABA: 1.0  Ética/Ethics

CBA: 1.0  Diversidad Cultural/Cultural Diversity

Contacto/Contact 

Elizabeth López Miranda

Website

https://www.theabateam.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/abatteam/

https://www.instagram.com/eli._lopezmiranda_/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Conductaverbal

ABA Argentina

https://aba-argentina.com.ar/miembros/

Jessie Arroyave

Contact Jessie Arroyave

[email protected]

https://cima.gt

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cimaguatemala/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-arroyave-323753b2/

In this conversation, Dr. Iman Farajallah shares her profound experiences and insights as a psychologist working with trauma, particularly in war zones like Gaza. She discusses her personal background, the impact of war trauma on children, and her efforts to give a voice to those affected. The conversation also touches on the challenges of mental health support in Gaza and the concept of complex continuous trauma, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian population. This conversation delves into the profound and complex trauma experienced by the population of Gaza, particularly focusing on the impact on children. The discussion highlights the continuous nature of trauma, the intergenerational effects, and the parallels with other marginalized communities. Dr. Farajallah shares insights from her work training first responders and supporting refugees, as well as her personal journey of healing through spirituality.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-yxX3XhmWYU

Follow us!

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

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

Contact:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-iman-farajallah-psyd-6aa190149/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.imanfarajallah3658

Links: 

My Life Is a War: Voices of Traumatized Palestinian Children under Israeli Occupation

https://www.amazon.ca/Life-War-Traumatized-Palestinian-Occupation/dp/B0D378QVCX

Gaza's Children: Innocence Lost - 8 min video with some of the interviews by Dr. Farajallah with children in Gaza 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4T5NxztIfw&t=1s

The Invisible Wounds of Palestinian Children

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/the-invisible-wounds-of-palestinian-children

Interview on Al Jazeera

https://www.aljazeera.com/video/the-stream/2024/1/9/how-does-the-war-on-gaza-affect-mental-health-of-palestinian-children

Interview on CBC 

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/1.7053750

Articles by Dr. Farajallah

Farajallah I. Health and mental health services in Gaza: A system under siege. Anatolian Clin. 2024;29(Special Issue on Gaza):22-3. 

Farajallah, Iman. Continuous Traumatic Stress in Palestine: The Psychological Effects of the Occupation and Chronic Warfare on Palestinian Children. World Social Psychiatry 4(2):p 112-120, May–Aug 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/wsp.wsp_26_22 

Farajallah I. Behind the Rubble: Psychological trauma of wars and human rights abuses on women and children in Gaza. Anatolian Clin. 2024;29(Special Issue on Gaza):119-36. 

Farajallah, I. (2018). Children of War: Psychological Impacts of War and Postwar Trauma on the Palestinian Children in the Gaza Strip (Doctoral dissertation, Sofia University).

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 232: Behaviour Analysis in Sudan with Salma Abdelrahmanabdalla

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

Episode 197: Understanding Moral Injury with Dr. C. Richard Spates

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-197-understanding-moral-injury-with-dr-c-richard-spates/

Episode 191: Behaviour Analysis in Belarus with Анна Калиновская, M.A., BCBA, IBA (Hanna Kalinouskaya)

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/behaviouranalysis-in-belaruswith-hannakalinouskaya-bcba-iba/

Episode 184 Behaviour Analysis in Ukraine with Alla Moskalets

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-184-behavior-analysis-in-ukraine-with-alla-moskalets/

Episode 176: Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health with Dr. Janice Parker

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-176-religion-spirituality-and-mental-health/

Episode 139: Threads of Hope: Addressing Trauma Amid War and Civil Discord with Sawsan Razzouk, M.A., BCBA

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-139threads-of-hope-addressing-trauma-amid-war-and-civil-discord-with-sawsan-razzouk-ma-bcba/

Episodes 31 and 32: Special Series on Supporting Refugees from Ukraine Episode 1 and 2 

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-31specialseries-onsupporting-refugeesfromukraine-episode-1coordinating-supports-forrefugee-families-ofchildrenwithdisabilities-with-sophie/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-32specialseries-onsupporting-refugeesfromukraine-episode-2tipson-providing-directsupport-toukrainianrefugee-families-with-autistic-children/

We’re back with Episode 2 in our Special Series on The Constructional Approach. In this conversation, Madhura Deshpande discusses various aspects of behavioural analysis, focusing on the transition of clients to adult settings, the effectiveness of constructional approaches in medical procedures, and the importance of active participation in achieving rapid results. She emphasizes the need for proper staff training, ethical collaboration in behavioural pharmacology, and the significance of recognizing and building on existing repertoires to improve client outcomes. The discussion also touches on the development of an app to track medication effects and the challenges faced in staff turnover within the field.

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

BACB: 1.5 Learning

Follow us!

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

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

Contact

LinkedIn:

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

Proactive Behaviour Analysts :

https://www.pactba.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pactba/

https://www.instagram.com/proactiveba/

Links:

The Constructional Approach Website

https://theconstructionalapproach.com/

The Constructional Approach Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957

The Institute for Applied Behavior Science at Endicott College

https://www.endicott.edu/academics/schools/institute-for-applied-behavioral-science

Special Series On The Constructional Approach on Behaviour Speak

Episode 250: The Constructional Approach:  A Primer with Awab Abdel-Jalil

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

Articles and Books Discussed

Deshpande, M., Cauchi, J. & Gerhardt, P. The SAFER Tool: Promoting Independence and Safety in Sexual Education for Individuals with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Sex Disabil 43, 32 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-025-09909-7

Deshpande, M., Weil, L., Renshaw, E., Duyile, L., & Cox, D. J. (in review). Bridging behavioural pharmacology and behaviour analysis: A guide to developing practical medication data collection tools for practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice.

In this conversation, Madonna Bonny shares her journey from her early experiences in Georgia to becoming a BCBA and opening her own center in Georgia. She discusses the evolution of autism services in Georgia, the importance of parent involvement, and the role of the International Behaviour Analysis Organization (IBAO) in supporting ABA development. Madonna highlights the barriers faced in the ABA field, shares success stories from her practice, and reflects on the cultural dynamics of working with families in Georgia. She emphasizes the need for continued training and support for behaviour analysts and the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families.

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/

Contact

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madonna-bonny-38993a45/?isSelfProfile=false

Links:

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 242: Behaviour Analysis in Moldova with Olga Sirbu, BCBA, LBA, IBA

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-242-behaviour-analysis-in-moldova-with-olga-sirbu-bcba-lba-iba/

Episode 229: Behaviour Analysis in Kyrgyzstan with Dr. Anastasiia Iun

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-229-behavior-analysis-in-kyrgyzstan-with-dr-anastasiia-iun/

Episode 215 : Behavior Analysis in Turkiye with Dr. Buket Kısaç Demiroğlu

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

Episode 184 Behaviour Analysis in Ukraine with Alla Moskalets

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-184-behavior-analysis-in-ukraine-with-alla-moskalets/

In this conversation, Awab Abdel-Jalil discusses the evolution and significance of the constructional approach in behavior analysis. Awab Abdel-Jalil is the Associate Vice President of Applied Research at Upstate Caring Partners in Utica, NY, and a doctoral candidate at Endicott College under the mentorship of Dr. Joe Layng. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context, the role of ascent in learning, and the scrutiny faced by ABA, which can lead to positive changes. Awab shares his personal journey into the field, the influence of mentorship, and the legacy of Israel Gold Diamond. He also addresses common misunderstandings of nonlinear contingency analysis and highlights the growing resources available for practitioners. The conversation concludes with insights into future directions in constructional therapy and the importance of harnessing negative reinforcers in practice.

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

BACB: 1.5 Learning

Follow us!

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

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

Contact

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/awab-abdel-jalil-64541a196/

Upstate Caring Partners:

https://www.upstatecp.org/

The Institute for Applied Behavior Science at Endicott College

https://www.endicott.edu/academics/schools/institute-for-applied-behavioral-science

Links:

The Constructional Approach Website

https://theconstructionalapproach.com/

The Constructional Approach Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700952357829957

Claire St. Peter on The Behavioral Observations Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5NLz4wfAT9paQfzvut11K1

Articles and Books Discussed

Abdel-Jalil, A., Linnehan, A. M., Yeich, R., Hetzel, K., Amey, J., & Klick, S. (2023). Can there be compassion without assent? A nonlinear constructional approach. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00850-9

 Goldiamond, I. (2002). Toward a constructional approach to social problems: Ethical and constitutional issues raised by Applied Behavior Analysis. Behavior and Social Issues, 11(2), 108-197. https://doi.org/10.5210/bsi.v11i2.92 (Original work published in 1974).

Goldiamond, I. (1984). Training parents and ethicists in nonlinear behavior analysis. In R. F. Dangel & R. A. Polster (Eds.), Parent training: Foundations of research and practice (pp. 504–546). Guilford.  

Layng, T. V. J., & Abdel-Jalil, A. (2022). Toward a constructional exposure therapy. Advances in Cognitive Therapy, Fall, 8–11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373767631_TOWARD_A_CONSTRUCTIONAL_EXPOSURE_THERAPY

Layng, T. V. J., Andronis, P. T., Codd III, R. T., & Abdel-Jalil, A. (2022). Nonlinear contingency analysis: Going beyond cognition and behavior in clinical practice. Routledge. 

Liden, T. A., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2024a). Constructional parent coaching: A collaborative approach to improve the lives of parents of children with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00944-y

Linnehan, A. M., Abdel-Jalil, A., Klick, S., Amey, J., Yeich, R., & Hetzel, K. (2023). Foundations of preemptive compassion: A behavioral concept analysis of compulsion, consent, and assent. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00890-1 

Scallan, C. M., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2023). The constructional approach: A compassionate approach to behavior change. Behavior Analysis in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00811-2  

Wilder, D. A., Ingram, G., & Hodges, A. C. (2021). Evaluation of shoe inserts to reduce toe walking in young children with autism. Behavioral Interventions, 37(3), 754–765. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1860

Books coming this summer: 

Today, I’m joined by Eliana Pozzi — a behaviour analyst, autistic self-advocate, parent, and the founder of ABA en Casa. Eliana’s journey into Applied Behaviour Analysis didn’t begin in a clinic or a graduate program, but at home — shaped by her lived experience as an autistic woman and as a mother to her daughter, Sienna, who experiences autism and ADHD.

What began as a deeply personal search for understanding and support evolved into a powerful mission: to make ABA accessible, culturally responsive, and truly useful for families. Through ABA en Casa, Eliana challenges the idea that behaviour-analytic knowledge should be locked behind credentials. Instead, she centers parents as capable, thoughtful change agents — especially within Spanish-speaking and culturally diverse communities.

In this conversation, we talk about private events, emotions, and the limits of focusing only on observable behaviour — particularly for nonverbal children whose internal experiences are often misunderstood or overlooked. Eliana shares how the environment shapes behaviour, why compassion and logic matter in teaching, and how community can reduce isolation for parents navigating complex systems.

Much of Eliana’s advocacy and education lives on Instagram, where she connects with thousands of families through @abaencasa, translating behavioural concepts into practical, relatable tools rooted in real life. You can also explore her work at abaencasa.com and learn more about her professional journey on LinkedIn.

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

BACB: 2.0 Ethics

Follow us!

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

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

Contact:

Eliana Pozzi/ABA en case

https://www.instagram.com/abaencasa/reels/

https://www.abaencasa.com/about

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

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Behaviour Speak: Latino Voices

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/latino-voices

In this conversation, Kent Corso, a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified behaviour analyst, discusses the critical issue of suicide prevention. He emphasizes the importance of organizational behaviour management and the role of behaviour analysts in addressing suicidal behaviours. The conversation explores the PROSPER model for proactive suicide prevention, the significance of cultural context, and the need for community involvement and training for first responders. Misconceptions about suicide and mental health are also addressed, highlighting the necessity for a more nuanced understanding of these issues.

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

BACB: 1.5 Learning

Follow us!

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

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

Contact:

Dr. Kent Corso

https://ncrbehavioralhealth.com/about

PROSPER  (Click this link to find the next training!)_

https://www.prospertogether.net/

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 105: Suicide Prevention with Autistic Individuals with Lauren Pagliara and Susan Tirella

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-105-suicide-prevention-with-autistic-individuals/

This special episode of Behaviour Speak is hosted by Zhanna Kalieva and recorded entirely in the Kazakh language, creating space for a culturally grounded conversation led by local voices.

Zhanna is joined by Madina Imanova, a behaviour analyst and parent whose journey into applied behaviour analysis began after her son was diagnosed with autism. What started as a search for scientifically supported approaches became a pathway into professional training, advocacy, and supporting other families navigating autism in Kazakhstan.

In this conversation, Madina shares insights into the current autism landscape in Kazakhstan, including increasing diagnosis rates, the shortage of internationally trained behaviour analysts, and the critical role of early intervention. Together, Zhanna and Madina explore the emotional realities families face following diagnosis, the impact of stigma and delayed acceptance, and the importance of building inclusive supports within schools and kindergartens.

This episode reflects The Behaviour Speak Podcast’s commitment to elevating local perspectives, honouring lived experience, and expanding global conversations about behaviour analysis through culturally responsive dialogue.

Listener note: This episode is recorded in Russian

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/

Contact:

Жанна Калиева (Zhanna Kalieva)

https://zhannakalieva.com/

https://www.instagram.com/zhanna.kalieva.aba/

https://www.youtube.com/@zhannakalievaaba

https://www.tiktok.com/@zhannakalievaaba

https://www.threads.com/@zhanna.kalieva.aba

Мадина Иманова (Madina Imanova)

https://www.instagram.com/madina.imanova/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/madina-imanova-a40556391/

Links:

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 242:  Behaviour Analysis in Moldova with Olga Sirbu

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-242-behaviour-analysis-in-moldova-with-olga-sirbu-bcba-lba-iba/

Episode 234: Behaviour Analysis in Croatia and Montenegro with Rea Vuksan

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-234-behaviour-analysis-in-croatia-montenegro-with-rea-vuksan-mads-scid-bcba-iba/

Episode 229: Behaviour Analysis in Kyrgyzstan with Dr. Anastasiia Iun

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-229-behavior-analysis-in-kyrgyzstan-with-dr-anastasiia-iun/

Episode 216: Behaviour Analysis in Slovenia with Maja Simnjanovski

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-216-behavior-analysis-in-slovenia-with-maja-simnjanovski/

Episode 191: Behaviour Analysis in Belarus with Hanna Kalinouskaya

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-191-behaviour-analysis-in-belarus-with-hannakalinouskaya-bcba-iba/

Episode 184: Behaviour Analysis in Ukraine with Alla Moskalets

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-184-behavior-analysis-in-ukraine-with-alla-moskalets/