In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Vinokurov, an inspiring autistic self-advocate, behavior specialist, and advocate for neurodiversity. Diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, Michelle has made it her mission to support and empower the neurodiverse community throughout her life and career.

Michelle earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2022, and now works full-time as a behavior specialist for a public school district. There, she collaborates with educators to create individualized behavior plans for neurodiverse students, enhancing their quality of life and fostering inclusive learning environments.

In addition to her work in the school district, Michelle plays a key role at Full Spectrum ABA, where she serves as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant (BCaBA), blogger, and Co-Director of the Autism Inclusion Program. She also runs The World of Autism blog, where she shares her experiences growing up with autism, advocates for the neurodiverse community, and highlights the voices of fellow advocates and changemakers.

Join us for an insightful conversation about navigating life with autism, advocating for inclusion, and the power of individualized support in education and beyond.

In this episode of Safe Space: The ABA Podcast, host Michelle sits down with Maria Capiris, owner of Piece by Piece Billing Solutions, LLC, to discuss the often-complicated world of ABA billing. Maria, an expert in billing for ABA therapy, created the "New Provider Toolkit" to help new and smaller practices navigate the complex billing landscape. Maria shares her journey of developing the toolkit, the key challenges she faced, and the crucial topics every new ABA provider should understand to keep their billing accurate and efficient.

Throughout the conversation, Maria delves into common billing pitfalls, including the impact of modifiers on reimbursement rates, the importance of credentialing across different insurance carriers, and the critical role of verifying insurance benefits. She also covers how to effectively manage claim denials, the significance of billing primary and secondary insurance in the correct order (including the "birthday rule"), and the benefits of outsourcing billing to streamline processes. Maria offers practical advice for providers, along with recommendations for software tools that can make a big difference in workflow efficiency.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand ABA billing, avoid common mistakes, and ensure consistent cash flow in their practice. Plus, Maria gives us a glimpse into future resources and updates to the toolkit that will continue to support providers in their billing journey.

In this inspiring episode of Safe Space: The ABA Podcast, we chat with Monica, the founder and BCBA behind Creative Minds ABA Services Inc., a practice that is redefining the way we approach Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Monica’s innovative and compassionate approach goes beyond traditional ABA therapy by focusing not just on behaviors but also on the emotional states, thoughts, and individuality of each child. Through her unique Happy Relaxed Engaged (HRE) model, she empowers children to thrive in environments that are tailored to foster growth and development.

Monica shares how her personal experiences and passion for underserved communities have shaped her practice, particularly in supporting Medicaid families who face financial challenges. Creative Minds is dedicated to providing neurodiversity-affirming care, helping marginalized families access essential services, and offering support that extends far beyond therapy—including assistance with utilities, groceries, and community outreach.

In this episode, we dive into how Creative Minds creates a whole child approach, balancing ABA therapy with empathy, while also offering valuable supervision for other BCBAs. Monica discusses the importance of collaboration with other professionals, including SLPs, OTs, and sensory integration therapists, to create a truly integrated care model.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of giving back, the need for neurodiversity-affirming practices, and how one woman’s vision is making a tangible impact in the lives of children and families in marginalized communities.

In Episode 17 of Safe Space, host Michelle Zeman, MA, BCBA, LBA (@theautisticbehavioranalyst), explores the critical ethical considerations surrounding feeding interventions for children with autism with Valori Neiger, an Autism Feeding Specialist. Feeding difficulties are prevalent in the autism community, affecting up to 80% of children on the spectrum. Despite this high incidence, there is a significant shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who specialize in this vital area.

Valori shares her experiences from her early work in the FA lab and feeding clinic, illustrating how these settings shaped her interest and understanding of feeding challenges. The episode delves into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, the latest advancements in positive reinforcement strategies, and the concept of food flexibility—an essential goal in addressing feeding issues for children with autism.

Join us for this insightful discussion, where you’ll learn about practical strategies and ethical considerations in feeding interventions. Don't miss your chance to earn 1.0 free Ethics CEU—be sure to listen for the two code words!

Resources & Links:

• Valori Neiger's Website: Autism Feeding Specialist
• Valori Neiger's Instagram: @autismfeedingspecialist

In Season 2, Episode 16 of Safe Space, host Michelle Zeman, MA, BCBA, LBA (@theautisticbehavioranalyst), welcomes Carly Donnelly, MEd, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA, for an insightful discussion on Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and its intersection with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Carly, one of only 500 SLP-BCBAs worldwide, brings her unique perspective as both a professional and an autistic individual. Her expertise in AAC, complex communication needs, and GLP provides a fresh look at how neurodiversity-affirming approaches can reshape ABA practices.

In this episode, Carly shares her journey, from her autism diagnosis to how GLP has influenced her communication and language development. The conversation delves into the cognitive processes behind GLP, the challenges of aligning ABA practices with neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and how traditional views of language development are being challenged by the work of researchers like Marge Blanc and Alexandria Zachos.

Listeners will also hear Carly’s thoughts on the criticisms of GLP within the ABA community and her advocacy for alternative forms of evidence, like naturalistic studies and clinical observations. Tune in to discover how Carly envisions the future integration of GLP in ABA frameworks and her advice for neurodivergent BCBAs looking to create more inclusive practices.

In Season 2, Episode 15 of Safe Space, host Michelle Zeman, MA, BCBA, LBA (@theautisticbehavioranalyst), sits down with Daniel Zimmerman, M.S., BCBA, IBA, LBA, founder of da Vinci NCR Services LLC in Hawai'i. Together, they explore the integration of Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR) and assent-based reinforcement programming in ABA. Daniel shares his experiences implementing Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) through a trauma-assumed lens in Hawai'i, emphasizing how trauma-informed care enhances ABA outcomes. The conversation also covers the enhanced choice model and the need for flexibility in behavioral programming, blending methods like AIM, NCR, and assent-based approaches.

Additionally, we are excited to share the work of Daniel’s colleague, Martin Slyngstad, an Autistic RBT in Santa Clara, who is also an activist, business owner, author, athlete, DJ, and more. While Martin could not join us for this episode, his contributions to the field and advocacy work are remarkable.

Resources & Links:

• da Vinci NCR Services LLC (Hawai'i)

• Martin Slyngstad’s Website

da Vinci NCR Services LLC is actively seeking compassionate sponsors to support the development of their direct service model and events like the U.S. Autism Show in Hawai'i. For more information, visit their site.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on trauma-informed care, enhanced choice models, and the future of NCR and assent-based reinforcement in ABA!

In this episode of Safe Space, we sit down with Jake Watson, BCBA and certified expert in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), to explore how his passion for behavior analysis extends beyond traditional settings. Jake shares the pivotal moments that sparked his interest in OBM and the challenges he faced early in his BCBA career, including navigating high turnover and ineffective processes in a clinical setting.

He reveals how he restructured RBT training and onboarding processes, transforming organizational culture and staff retention. Jake also discusses the unique challenges of applying OBM principles in diverse environments like daycares, the Air Force, and NASA. He offers valuable insights into the integration of systems, processes, and performance, and how these tiers drive meaningful change in any organization.

As a co-founder of Avenue Behavior Consulting, Jake shares the story behind starting his own business and the value of expanding the use of ABA beyond autism and education. We also delve into his role as a university lecturer, shaping the next generation of OBM professionals.

Tune in to discover the future of OBM in both the ABA field and broader organizational settings, and learn how Jake is advocating for the power of a behavioral lens in improving organizations across sectors. Don’t forget to connect with Jake through email or LinkedIn after the show!

In this episode of Safe Space, host Michelle Zeman sits down with Amanda Lombardo to discuss Illinois' groundbreaking grant initiative aimed at shifting how schools manage challenging behaviors. Amanda shares insights on the proactive, trauma-informed approach being implemented, which moves away from traditional methods like timeout and restraint. They explore the motivations behind this grant, success stories from schools, and the vital role of training programs like Ukeru. The conversation also touches on the APERS assessment tool and partnerships with the Illinois State Board of Education, as well as a new initiative to develop Registered Behavior Technician courses for paraprofessionals. Join us to learn more about how this program is shaping the future of behavioral supports in Illinois schools and how educators can get involved.

In this insightful episode of "Safe Space: The ABA Podcast," we dive deep into the world of assent-based practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our guest, a seasoned BCBA passionate about empowering learners, shares their journey into ABA and how a pivotal negative experience with non-assent practices shaped their commitment to fostering a more respectful and collaborative environment.

We explore the key principles that set assent-based practices apart from traditional ABA approaches, emphasizing the importance of honoring the learner's voice and choice. The episode covers practical strategies for creating environments that encourage assent, managing discomfort during challenging interactions, and the impact of social media and peer discussions on refining these practices.

Tune in to hear a powerful success story where implementing assent-based methods made a significant difference and gain valuable advice for new BCBAs and student analysts looking to incorporate these practices into their work. This episode is a must-listen for professionals promoting social significance and ethical practice in ABA.

Welcome to another episode of Safe Space, where we delve into the intersection of psychology and behavior analysis. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Dr. Lauryn Toby and Erica Ranade, the authors of Psychology Essentials for Behavior Analysts. We'll explore the inspiration behind this groundbreaking book and its comprehensive approach to integrating psychological principles into behavior analytic practice.

From child development to trauma-informed care, we'll discuss why these critical topics are essential for behavior analysts and how understanding them can transform practices.Ranade and Dr. Toby will shed light on how insights into child development can enhance behavior analytic methods and how incorporating trauma-informed care can make a significant difference in client outcomes.

We'll also dive into the historical context of ABA's separation from other psychological approaches, such as CBT, and discuss why bridging this gap is crucial for the field's evolution. Addressing the criticisms of ABA from the autistic community, they will share how the book tackles these concerns and proposes changes for a more inclusive and respectful practice.

Cultural responsiveness, psychotherapeutic techniques, and standardized assessment measures are also on the agenda. Discover how behavior analysts can use these principles to improve their practice and why they're vital for effective and respectful interventions.

For both newly credentialed behavior analysts and seasoned professionals, we'll highlight the book’s key sections and how they can support ongoing education and professional development. 

Tune in to gain insights into the future of ABA with psychological integration and learn how you can access Psychology Essentials for Behavior Analysts. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that promises to enrich your practice and broaden your understanding of the field.