In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I chat with Patrick Faga, behavior scientist and co-founder of FirstWork, about how technology is transforming discrete trial training (DTT) and behavior analysis. Patrick shares how his experiences as a behavior technician inspired the creation of FirstWork, a direct lesson delivery platform designed to simplify DTT while maintaining its core flexibility and personalization.

Key Topics:

• What is FirstWork? Patrick explains how FirstWork streamlines DTT by digitizing lesson delivery, eliminating the need for physical flashcards, and integrating reinforcement systems within a tablet-based platform.
• Balancing Tech and Human Connection: Patrick discusses how technology like FirstWork enhances the teacher or technician’s ability to connect with learners by removing time-consuming manual tasks.
• Affordances and Constraints of Technology: Learn about the unique advantages FirstWork offers, such as real-time feedback and customizable programs, as well as thoughtful consideration of its limitations and learner fit.
• Improving DTT Outcomes: How FirstWork leverages concept formation, critical and variable features, and automated data collection to promote generalization and support goal achievement.
• Impact on Teams and Organizations: Patrick dives into how FirstWork benefits ABA teams by saving time, reducing costs, and improving the consistency of lesson delivery, making it a game-changer for both practitioners and learners.

Key Takeaways:

• Technology doesn’t replace teachers or technicians—it enhances their ability to focus on the learner by automating repetitive tasks.
• DTT, often misunderstood as overly rigid, becomes more dynamic and engaging when integrated with tools like FirstWork.
• FirstWork’s customizable features ensure lessons are tailored to each learner, while the platform's reinforcement system motivates participation and strengthens autonomy.

Keywords: Discrete Trial Training, ABA, Behavior Analysis, Technology in ABA, DTT Platforms, Reinforcement Systems, Behavior Technician Tools, Concept Formation, Generalization, Patrick Faga, FirstWork

Connect with Patrick and FirstWork:

• Website: FirstWork
• Email: [email protected]
• FirstWork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstworkapp/
• Patrick Faga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickfaga
• Instagram: @firstworkapp

Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t miss more inspiring conversations about innovation in ABA. Subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for insights, tools, and strategies to elevate your practice. Visit Sidekick Learning for more resources on fieldwork supervision and professional development.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Matt Harrington, founder of the Behaviorist Book Club, to explore the essential role of research literacy in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Mathew shares his journey from clinical work to developing resources that help behavior analysts access and apply research effectively. He introduces practical frameworks, like his "Key Places Framework," designed to make research more accessible and actionable for busy practitioners.

Key Topics:

• The Research-to-Practice Gap: Matt discusses the challenges behavior analysts face in keeping up with rapidly evolving research and how this gap impacts clinical quality.
• Key Places Framework: An innovative approach for quickly navigating and extracting relevant information from research articles, enabling clinicians to save time and make informed decisions.
• Overcoming Barriers to Research Access: Practical tips for accessing essential ABA journals, handling paywalls, and making time for continued learning.
• Importance of Research Literacy in Supervision: Why developing research literacy is crucial for new clinicians and how supervisors can support this skill.
• Bootcamps and Courses: Insights into Matt's educational programs at the Behaviorist Book Club, including his "Pathways" bootcamp for intensive learning in severe behavior reduction.

Key Takeaways:

• Accessing and applying ABA research doesn’t have to be daunting. Matt's frameworks empower clinicians to efficiently find and use research, fostering better clinical outcomes.
• Research literacy is an essential skill for behavior analysts, not only to improve intervention efficacy but also to build confidence in clinical decision-making.
• Supervisors play a crucial role in developing research literacy and critical thinking skills in new behavior analysts, preparing them for long-term success in the field.

Keywords: ABA, Behavior Analysis, Research Literacy, Behaviorist Book Club, Key Places Framework, Clinical Quality, Research-to-Practice Gap, Severe Behavior Reduction, ABA Supervision

Connect with Matt:

• Website: www.behavioristbookclub.com
• Free Resource: Solving Clinical Challenges with Research - Free CEU course covering the Key Places Framework and research finding techniques.
• Facebook: ABA Cafe

Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more insights and interviews with experts in behavior analysis. Visit www.sidekicklearning.net for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities!

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Navigating School-Based ABA and Supervision with Jennifer Spilewski

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I’m joined by Jennifer Spilewski, a BCBA with over 20 years of experience working in school-based settings. Jennifer shares her unique journey from being a special education teacher to becoming a district-level BCBA, offering valuable insights into how behavior analysts can navigate the school environment while providing effective supervision.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning to School-Based ABA: Jennifer’s journey from special education to ABA, and how her experiences shaped her role as a BCBA in schools.
• Supervision in Schools: The challenges and opportunities in providing supervision to those working in schools, from teachers to paraprofessionals, and how supervisors can offer meaningful support.
• Collaboration with Teachers: Why building strong relationships with teachers and other staff is essential for successful behavior intervention and data collection.
• Adapting ABA Practices in Schools: How to apply ABA principles like reinforcement, data collection, and behavior intervention planning in varied school settings, including inclusion and resource classrooms.
• Unrestricted Activities in School Settings: Creative strategies for accruing fieldwork hours in school environments, such as working with PBIS systems and teaching behavior analytic principles to staff.

Key Takeaways:

• School-based BCBAs often work with adults (teachers, paraprofessionals) more than directly with students. Jennifer highlights the importance of teaching others how to implement behavior analytic strategies.
• Flexibility and creativity are crucial for adapting ABA principles to different school settings, such as modifying reinforcement systems for different age groups or classroom environments.
• Building relationships with school staff is critical for successful behavior intervention and ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders.
• The transition from being a classroom teacher to a school-based BCBA requires adjusting to working across multiple schools and handling more complex layers of collaboration and administration.

Keywords: School-Based ABA, Behavior Analysis, Supervision, Teacher Training, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Data Collection, Special Education, Behavior Plans, Fieldwork Supervision, Jennifer Spilewski

Connect with Jennifer:

• website: www.sidekicklearning.net
• email: [email protected]

Upcoming Event: Jennifer will be presenting a live CEU event on October 28, 2024, titled “Consult, Collaborate, Empower: Tools for School-Based Coaching.” The event will focus on practical tools for BCBAs working in school settings, and all proceeds will support disaster relief efforts. Learn more and register here.

Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more expert insights and innovative practices in ABA supervision. Visit Sidekick Learning for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Podcast Episode: Collaboration in School-Based ABA with Bailey Payne

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sit down with Bailey Payne, a BCBA and educator with vast experience in school-based ABA. We dive into how she transitioned from clinical work to focusing on supporting schools and teachers through behavior analytic strategies. Bailey also shares insights from her recently published book, which focuses on making ABA principles accessible to teachers and parents.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning to School-Based ABA: Bailey shares her experience shifting from clinical practice to working in schools and the importance of maintaining scope of competence.
• Challenges in Schools: We discuss how privacy laws, funding issues, and limited resources impact the ability to implement ABA strategies in public schools.
• Building Rapport: Bailey emphasizes the importance of building relationships and gaining teacher buy-in when implementing ABA principles in classrooms.
• Collaborative Approaches: Why effective collaboration between BCBAs and teachers is crucial, and how valuing each other’s expertise can lead to better outcomes for students.
• ABA Dissemination: Bailey’s passion for making ABA principles accessible, her approach to disseminating ABA through training and her book, and how her experiences as a single mom and educator influenced her work.

Key Takeaways:

• School-based ABA requires flexibility, humility, and the ability to navigate a complex educational ecosystem.
• Collaboration with teachers is key, and understanding the cultural and practical realities of the classroom is essential for success.
• Data collection and practical strategies need to be digestible and accessible for parents and teachers, which is a major focus of Bailey’s new book.

Keywords: School-Based ABA, Behavior Analysis, Collaboration, Teacher Training, Special Education, Public Schools, Data Collection, Bailey Payne, Applied Behavior Analysis, Scope of Competence, ABA Dissemination

Connect with Bailey:

• Facebook: Behavior Breakthrough with Bailey Payne
• Instagram: @behavior_breakthrough
• Website: www.baileypayne.com
• Book: Behavior Breakthrough available now for pre-order!

Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more insights and interviews with experts in behavior analysis. Visit www.sidekicklearning.net for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities!

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Allyson speaks with Nicole Shallow, a behavior analyst and sleep consultant based in Vancouver, Canada. Nicole shares her journey into the world of behavioral sleep consulting and the critical role of understanding the underlying physiological factors affecting sleep. They explore how behavior analysts can expand their scope to address sleep issues, how to stay within one's scope of competence, and why collaboration with medical professionals is essential.

Nicole provides valuable insights into the assessment process, the connection between sleep and other issues like gastrointestinal problems, and the importance of building strong, individualized sleep plans for clients.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Nicole’s journey into sleep consulting and behavior analysis, starting as a Behavior Interventionist and specializing in sleep through mentorship.
• How sleep is often a symptom of broader physiological or environmental issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or stress.
• The importance of understanding sleep physiology and when to refer to medical professionals.
• Behavioral strategies for addressing common sleep issues and building individualized sleep interventions.
• Tips for behavior analysts wanting to expand their scope of competence into new areas, such as sleep.
• Collaboration with parents and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to sleep interventions.
• The need for more research in the field of behavior analysis on sleep, given the current limitations of small sample sizes.
• How Nicole integrates ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) principles and soft skills when supporting families through sleep challenges.

Actionable Step:
For practitioners interested in expanding their skills into sleep consulting, start by reviewing behavioral sleep medicine research and completing a relevant CEU. Nicole suggests getting mentorship in sleep consulting to ensure competency in addressing more complex sleep issues.

Resources Mentioned:

• Nicole Shallow - Your Behavior Gal
• Hanley’s Sleep Assessment Tool
• Behavior Live (for CEs related to sleep)
• LinkedIn (for networking and mentorship opportunities)

Connect with Nicole:

• Instagram: @yourbehaviorgal
• Website: Your Behavior Gal

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Building a successful sleep intervention requires understanding not only behavioral factors but also physiological and environmental components.
• Collaboration with parents and other professionals is essential to creating sleep plans that work for each family.
• Behavior analysts can broaden their scope and contribute to more comprehensive care by specializing in areas like sleep.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

In this episode, I sit down with Claire Gallagher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and founder of Atlas Behavioral Consultants, to discuss her unique focus in behavioral gerontology and how applied behavior analysis (ABA) can improve the lives of aging adults with neurocognitive impairments, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

We're fortunate to also have her on our BCBA team here at Sidekick! We dive into how her work connects to the importance of ABA supervision and the development of pivotal skills that behavior analysts need to succeed in subspecialties like gerontology.

Episode Highlights:

• Claire’s journey from working in autism services to finding her passion in aging care.
• What behavioral gerontology is and how ABA can be applied to address age-related challenges.
• The importance of non-pharmacological interventions in managing behaviors in older adults.
• How Claire’s company, Atlas Behavioral Consultants, provides caregiver training to apply behavior analysis strategies, emphasizing how these skills can be generalized across settings.
• The connection between ABA supervision and subspecialties: Claire discusses how supervision should help trainees explore diverse areas of practice beyond autism, emphasizing rapport building, pivotal skills like assessment and intervention, and continuing education in different fields.
• Strategies for BCBA supervisors to help trainees broaden their scope of competence, equipping them to practice in various settings, including gerontology.

Episode Takeaways:

• How strong ABA supervision can prepare behavior analysts for emerging subspecialties.
• Claire’s advice on mentoring and sourcing continuing education to develop expertise in behavioral gerontology.
• Why supervisors should focus on teaching core ABA skills that apply to a range of populations and settings.

Connect with Claire: Website: Atlas Behavioral Consultants
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Claire Gallagher

Get Claire's Recommended Resources for Behavioral Gerontology (podcasts, articles, books, organizations)

Keywords: Behavioral Gerontology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Aging Care, Dementia, Caregiver Training, Non-Pharmacological Interventions, ABA Supervision, BCBA, Supervision Competencies, Atlas Behavioral Consultants

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Guest: Dominique Shorter Taylor, BCBA, Founder of Dom the BCBA Mom and Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting

Actionable Steps Based on the Episode:

For Behavior Analysts:

1. Identify Personal Biases: Reflect on your own biases and how they might affect your work with clients. Make a habit of self-assessment to ensure you’re providing culturally responsive care.
2. Engage with Families: Ask families about their values, preferences, and how they feel about the diagnosis. Use this information to tailor interventions that are meaningful and feasible for them.
3. Provide Compassionate Supervision: Approach your supervisees with the same empathy and support you offer your clients. Create a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and development.
4. Balance Work and Family: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate you and communicate your needs to your employer and family.

For Those Interested in Dissemination:

1. Choose the Right Platform: Identify a dissemination channel that aligns with your strengths and interests, whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, writing, or podcasting.
2. Create Consumable Content: Ensure your content is easily understandable and accessible to your target audience. Use everyday language and relatable examples to explain ABA concepts.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback from your audience. Positive reinforcement from viewers can motivate you to continue sharing valuable content.
4. Be Authentic: Share your unique perspective and experiences. Authenticity resonates with people and can make your dissemination efforts more impactful.

Resources Mentioned:

• Fong, E. H., Catagnus, R. M., Brodhead, M. T., Quigley, S., & Field, S. (2016). Developing the cultural awareness skills of behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(1), 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-016-0111-6
• Autism on the Seas: autismontheseas.com

Contact Information:

• YouTube: Dom the BCBA Mom
• TikTok: Dom the BCBA Mom
• Instagram: Dom the BCBA Mom

Closing Thought: Dominique encourages behavior analysts to embrace cultural responsiveness, prioritize family and self-care, and find authentic ways to disseminate ABA knowledge. By doing so, we can make ABA more accessible and impactful for the diverse communities we serve.

Thank You Note: Thank you for listening to In the Field, the ABA Podcast. Visit sidekicklearning.net for more resources and continuing education opportunities. Please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast to help empower more professionals in the ABA community. Join us next week for more insights on fostering quality supervision in ABA.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Guest:

Angie Pickering is the founder of Tracker!, a tool designed to simplify supervision and documentation for ABA professionals. Angie's experience with supervision led her to create Tracker, aiming to streamline the documentation process and support both trainees and supervisors in meeting compliance requirements effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Supervision Requirements:
  • Minimum of 20 hours and maximum of 130 hours per month.
  • At least four contacts per month, with one observation with a client.
  • 5% of total hours must be supervised.
  • 50% of supervised hours must be one-on-one, no more than 50% in group settings, and group settings cannot exceed 10 people.
  • Minimum of 60% of hours must be unrestricted.
• Concentrated Supervision:
  • Requires six contacts per month.
  • 10% of total hours must be supervised.

Compliance and Best Practices:

• Tracker's built-in compliance monitor helps ensure all requirements are met.
• Daily documentation is important to avoid drift.
• UDS, monthly, and final verification forms should be stored securely for seven years.

Unrestricted vs. Restricted Hours:

• Unrestricted hours include activities that BCBAs would do, such as assessments and designing interventions.
• Restricted hours are more direct client implementation of plans.
• Importance of accruing unrestricted hours throughout the supervision period to be well-prepared for the BCBA role.

Advocacy and Communication:

• Trainees should feel empowered to communicate their needs and ensure they're getting comprehensive supervision.
• Organizations benefit from investing in their trainees and creating intentional supervision experiences.

Tips for Trainees and Supervisors:

• Trainees should ask about supervision structures during job interviews.
• Supervisors should be clear on what counts as restricted and unrestricted hours.
• Regularly reviewing and auditing activities can help maintain compliance and focus on necessary skills.

Favorite Part of Supervising:

• Angie enjoys seeing trainees gain confidence and become well-prepared for their BCBA roles.

Advice to New Supervisor Angie:

• Enjoy the journey, practice good self-care, and embrace the learning process.

Connect with Tracker:

• Website: fieldworktracker.com
• Instagram: studynotesaba_Tracker
• Email: [email protected]

Thank you for listening to In the Field, the ABA Podcast. Visit sidekicklearning.net for more resources and continuing education opportunities. Please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast to help empower more professionals in the ABA community. Join us next week for more insights on fostering quality supervision in ABA.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Guest Introduction: Courtney Domingue is the founder of Success Shaping and a BCBA supervisor. Success Shaping offers remote supervision, consulting supervision, and continuing education for BCBAs and trainees. Courtney emphasizes a well-rounded, flexible approach to ABA supervision.

Key Takeaways:

• Flexible Supervision Approach
• Importance of Multiple Perspectives
• Psychological Safety
• Continuous Learning
• Grassroots and Systemic Change
• Incremental Change

Connect with Courtney

• Success Shaping: successshaping.com
• Instagram: Success Shaping
• Facebook: Success Shaping

Resources

Download the guide from Success Shaping

Practical Tips for Supervisors:

• Be Present: Dedicate focused, undistracted time to your trainees, valuing their growth as much as your own professional tasks.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for and incorporate feedback from trainees to improve your supervision practices.
• Continuous Learning: Engage in professional development outside of your comfort zone to stay updated and empathize with the learning experiences of your trainees.
• Celebrate Incremental Changes: Recognize and celebrate small victories and progress in supervision, both in your trainees' growth and your own professional development.

Practical Tips for Trainees:

• Self-Reflection: Clarify your goals and what you seek in a supervision experience before choosing a supervisor.
• Seek Recommendations: Connect with others in the field and ask for recommendations or advice on finding quality supervision.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask potential supervisors about their philosophy, teaching style, and expectations to ensure a good fit.
• Leverage Networks: Use social media and professional networks to seek out additional learning opportunities and mentorship outside of your immediate supervision relationship.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.

Annie McLaughlin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) advocate. She supports other BCBAs in transitioning into the realm of IEP advocacy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Career Journey: Annie's path from special education teacher to BCBA and IEP advocate, emphasizing the diverse experiences that shaped her expertise.
• Effective Support: Importance of BCBAs understanding the educational system to better support parents in IEP meetings.
• Training Program: Development of the "Pivot into IEP Advocacy" program to educate BCBAs and related service providers on special education advocacy.
• Foundational Skills: Emphasis on collaboration, understanding special education literature, and continuous professional development as crucial skills for BCBAs.
• Practical Advice: Tips for BCBAs attending IEP meetings, such as understanding parents' needs, using educational language, and offering practical solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Burke and Goldman (2016) study on the five stages of IEP advocacy
• Pivot into IEP Advocacy program: IEPadvocacytraining.com

Contact Information:

• Instagram: IEP Advocate Annie
• Website: IEPadvocacytraining.com

Practical Tips for BCBAs:

• Understand parents' needs and support them by amplifying their voice during IEP meetings.
• Use educational language to communicate effectively in school settings.
• Learn regional and federal special education acronyms and terminologies.
• Follow your curiosity and passion to explore growth opportunities within and outside your organization.

Disclaimer:

BCBA®, BACB® [or any other BACB® trademark used] is/are registered to the Behavior Analytic Certification Board® BACB®. This website and products are not in any way sponsored by the BACB®.

All information and products are for educational purposes only.