In this episode of the Inside JABA Series podcast, we dive into a fascinating discussion on health-related routines for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Katie McHugh, Dr. Claudia Dozier, and Editor-in-Chief Dr. John Borrero share insights from their recent study, Synchronous Reinforcement Schedules Promote Tolerance of Health-Related Routines for Adults with Disabilities.

The conversation explores how synchronous reinforcement schedules—where reinforcement occurs in real time alongside behavior—can improve tolerance for essential routines like toothbrushing, bathing, wearing medical devices, and more. The research team highlights case studies, methodological considerations, and the broader implications for clinical practice.

Key Topics Covered

• ✅ Synchronous reinforcement schedules and why they may be more effective (and preferred) than delayed reinforcement.

• ✅ Applications for health routines such as toothbrushing, bathing, mask-wearing, GPS bracelets, helmets, and pulse oximeters.

• ✅ Collaborative service delivery with nursing and medical professionals.

• ✅ Challenges in participant consent and maintaining experimental control.

• ✅ Importance of measuring both behavioral outcomes and affective states.

• ✅ Future research directions, including reinforcer assessments, continuous vs. discontinuous schedules, and maintaining treatment effects.

Next Steps and Future Directions

• Editorial updates for broader keyword usage to increase accessibility outside of behavior analysis.

• Comparing graduated exposure with contingent vs. synchronous reinforcement interventions.

• Implementing more systematic preference and reinforcer assessments in future studies.

• Exploring hybrid approaches (e.g., combining graduated exposure with synchronous reinforcement).

• Collecting more comprehensive data on participant affect and treatment integrity.

Resources & References

• Dr. Dozier's lab website.

• Dr. Dozier's KU faculty page.

• KU ABS online and on-campus graduate programs.

• DeLeon, I. G., Hagopian, L. P., Rodriguez-Catter, V., Bowman, L. G., Long, E. S., & Boelter, E. W. (2008). Increasing wearing of prescription glasses in individuals with mental retardation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 137–142.

• Diaz de Villegas, S. C., Dozier, C. L., Jess, R. L., & Foley, E. A. (2020). An evaluation of synchronous reinforcement for increasing on-task behavior in preschool children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 53(3), 1660–1673.

• Hardesty, E. M., Lerman, D. C., & Hardee, J. L. (2023). A comparison of synchronous and noncontingent stimulus delivery on task engagement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(3), 664–673.

• Leslie, S. C., Dozier, C. L., Kamlowsky, M. E., McHugh, C. L., Diaz de Villegas, S. C., & Kanaman, K. C. (2024). Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in young children. Behavioral Interventions, 39(1), 1–29.

• McHugh, C. L., Dozier, C. L., Diaz de Villegas, S. C., & Kanaman, N. A. (2022). Using synchronous reinforcement to increase mask wearing in adults with developmental disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 55(4), 1157–1171.

• Williams, D. C., & Johnston, J. M. (1992). Continuous versus discrete dimensions of reinforcement schedules: An integrative analysis. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 58(1), 205–228.

• Ellis, E. M., Ala’i-Rosales, S. S., Glenn, S. S., Rosales-Ruiz, J., & Greenspoon, J. (2006). The effects of graduated exposure, modeling, and contingent social attention on tolerance to skin care products with two children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27(6), 585–598.

• Halbur, M., Kodak, T., McKee, M., Carroll, R., Preas, E., Reidy, J., & Cordeiro, M. C. (2021). Tolerance of face coverings for children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 600-617.

• Richling, S. M., Rapp, J. T., Carroll, R. A., Smith, J. N., Nystedt, A., & Siewert, B. (2011). Using noncontingent reinforcement to increase compliance with wearing prescription prostheses. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 44(2), 375-379.

• Stark, L. J., Allen, K. D., Hurst, M., Nash, D. A., Rigney, B., & Stokes, T. F. (1989). Distraction: Its utilization and efficacy with children undergoing dental treatment. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 22(3), 297-307.

About the Guests

• Dr. Catherine (Katie) McHugh – Researcher focused on health-related routines and intervention strategies for adults with disabilities.

• Dr. Claudia Dozier – Expert in reinforcement schedules and their applications across populations.

• Dr. John Barrero – Current JABA Editor-in-Chief and behavior analyst contributing to dissemination and accessibility of applied research.

In Session 309, I welcome Dr. Lyndsy Coffield, Director of Client Success at Apollo Behavior, to share her unique journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and her groundbreaking work training law enforcement officers on autism awareness.

Dr. Coffield’s path into ABA began with an undergraduate degree in speech pathology, later becoming an RBT and eventually a BCBA. Today, she oversees intake and marketing at a growing clinic network in Georgia while also dedicating her research to improving police interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum.

This episode explores the intersection of ABA careers, autism, and law enforcement training, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with bridging these worlds.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode Entering the ABA Field

• Dr. Coffield’s journey from speech pathology to becoming a BCBA.
• Her leadership role at Apollo and overseeing client success in a multi-clinic system.

Understanding Law Enforcement Culture

• Why credibility matters when teaching law enforcement officers about autism.
• Parallels between gaining parents’ trust in ABA and gaining officers’ trust in training.

Police Academy Experiences

• Dr. Coffield’s firsthand experiences at a Citizens Police Academy: ride-alongs, call centers, and unit training.
• Surprising insights into the hidden volume of crime and emergencies in her community.

Autism and Law Enforcement Training

• Common challenges officers face when interacting with individuals on the spectrum.
• Misinterpretations—such as stimming being mistaken for drug use—and how they can escalate situations.
• Practical strategies: slowing down, assessing intent, and waiting for backup when needed.

Applying Behavior Analysis to Autism Training

• How ABA principles help officers understand and support autistic individuals.
• Tips for officers: allowing response time, keeping safe distances, and recognizing autism traits.
• The Blue Envelope Project and other community initiatives improving interactions.

De-Escalation Training in Action

• A success story from Salem, NH, where effective autism training helped officers de-escalate high-risk encounters.
• Why calm, compassionate approaches make a lasting impact in policing.

Body Camera Footage as a Training Tool

• Dr. Coffield’s dissertation analysis of 10 body cam videos involving autistic individuals.
• Key officer behaviors that worked: patience, spacing, and communication.
• Why both lecture-based training and Behavioral Skills Training (BST) are equally effective.

Ongoing Autism and Law Enforcement Research

• Insights from Dr. Cofield’s dissertation (available on PubQuest).
• The need for additional studies and real-world ride-along experiences.
• Encouragement for ABA professionals to get involved in police training efforts.

Why This Conversation Matters

The intersection of autism, ABA, and law enforcement is a critical area where misunderstandings can have serious consequences. Dr. Cofield’s research and practical training insights provide a roadmap for safer, more empathetic, and more effective police interactions with autistic individuals.

Whether you’re an ABA professional, law enforcement officer, or advocate for the autism community, this episode offers practical takeaways and inspiration to make a difference.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Lyndsy's Dissertation
• The Blue Envelope Project
• Careers at Apollo Behavior
• Lyndsy's appearance on The Beyond the Science Podcast

This episode is brought to you by the following sponsors:

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years.
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here.
• The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In.
• The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise here

Episode Overview

In this episode, sleep expert Emily Varon returns to the Behavioral Observations Podcast to share her deep expertise in sleep improvement—especially within the autism community. Drawing from 15 years of experience, Emily emphasizes personalized approaches, the role of wearable technology, and the importance of sensitivity when discussing sleep challenges with families. She also discusses new research on screen time and its true impact on sleep latency, offering insights that can reshape how behavior analysts approach sleep-related interventions.

Key Topics Covered

Personalized Sleep Strategies

• Why one-size-fits-all sleep advice doesn’t work.

• How Emily uses wearables like the Oura Ring to identify sleep patterns and triggers.

• Note: check this out if you want to see if the Whoop Strap is a wearable technology is for you.

• The role of self-reflection and data tracking in improving sleep.

Sleep Hygiene in the Autism Community

• Sleep as a primary reinforcer and the role of environmental variables.

• Key elements of good sleep hygiene: consistent schedules, avoiding late-night exercise, and structured bedtime routines.

• How these strategies apply equally to neurotypical and autistic individuals, with additional sensitivity for pre-existing diagnoses.

Screens, Blue Light, and Sleep Latency

• The evolution of research on blue light and melatonin suppression.

• Insights from Michael Gradizar’s 2024 study showing only a minor, non-significant delay in sleep onset from screens.

• Why user behavior matters more than blue light itself—and how behavior analysts can address it.

Sleep Research Gaps in Autism

• The distinction between medical and non-medical sleep researchers.

• Why more targeted studies in autism are needed, despite data collection challenges.

• Behavioral tendencies—rather than autism itself—as key factors in sleep disruption.

Screen Time, Social Media, and Self-Regulation

• How apps are designed to maximize engagement and reinforce continued use.

• The impact of device removal on children’s emotions and behavior.

• Differences in personality and susceptibility to “dopamine hits” from scrolling.

Children’s Sleep and Screen Time Variability

• Why short shows like Bluey may help some kids wind down, while disrupting others.

• Understanding sleep architecture and how disruptions affect mood and regulation.

• Real-world examples of activities (like bedtime reading) that can unintentionally delay sleep.

Approaching Sleep Conversations with Families

• The importance of avoiding yes/no questions about sleep problems.

• Asking open-ended questions about sleep satisfaction.

• Building trust with families so they feel comfortable prioritizing sleep interventions.

Next Steps for Listeners

• Special Offer: Use coupon code BXOB10 for 10% off The Sleep Collective course at readysetsleep.com.

• For BCBAs:

  • Replace checkbox-style questions with open-ended ones about sleep satisfaction.

  • Approach all autism-related cases assuming there may be underlying sleep challenges.

• For Families:

  • Evaluate how screen time may be affecting your child’s sleep quality and onset.

  • Assess whether your current bedtime routines are truly effective.

Links & Resources

• The Sleep Collective Course – Save 10% with code BXOB10

• Emily's first appearance on the BOP in Session 247

• Michael Gradisar’s 2024 study on screen time and sleep latency

• Learn more about Emily Varon’s work at readysetsleep.com

• Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker

 

Huge thanks to the following sponsors who keep the lights on!

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. 
• The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In.
• Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!

In this episode of the Behavioral Observations Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brady Phelps, about a topic that has perplexed, and perhaps captivated both mainstream Psychology as well as pop culture: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Our wide-ranging conversation explored the intersection of behavior analysis, mental health, and trauma, with a special focus on how we can understand DID through a scientific, behavioral lens.

Brady’s Career Journey

Brady shared how he discovered behavior analysis almost by accident as an undergrad at Utah State University, under the mentorship of Carl Cheney. After a long academic career, Brady retired in 2021 but remains actively involved in the field. He’s currently developing an Experimental Analysis of Behavior (EAB) toolkit with Dr. Steve Eversole at Behavior Development Solutions, and he's also writing a textbook on learning and behavior designed to be accessible to 20-year-olds.

Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder Behaviorally

We dove deep into Brady's research on DID, originally published in 2000. His goal was to approach DID from a behavior-analytic perspective, not through traditional psychoanalytic theory. As we discussed, DID has evolved from being characterized by dramatic behavioral shifts to more subtle, self-reported identity disruptions. Brady argued that the identities themselves are better understood as reified constructs—products of distorted tacting that contacts reinforcement—rather than discrete psychological entities.

Trauma, Dissociation, and Behavioral Function

Brady emphasized the importance of not dismissing trauma reports, while also cautioning against assuming trauma automatically leads to DID. We talked about avoidance behaviors, escape contingencies, and how dissociation might function as a response to overwhelming experiences. He brought up examples like Cotard’s Syndrome to show how distorted tacting can manifest in extreme ways.

Rethinking Diagnostic Criteria for DID

We discussed research into amnesiac barriers, such as the Concealed Information Test, which shows people might learn something even if they claim not to remember it. These findings, Brady suggested, should prompt a re-evaluation of how DID is diagnosed, particularly the differences between the Post-Trauma Model and the Social-Cognitive Model—the latter of which emphasizes social reinforcement and therapist influence in shaping alternate identities.

Therapy Techniques and Reinforcement Contingencies

Brady detailed how some therapists use techniques like “roll calls” or even suggesting names to clients in session. While these methods may sound extreme, they reflect how therapist behavior can inadvertently reinforce identity fragmentation. We also discussed Robert Kohlenberg’s 1973 study on behavioral repertoires, which demonstrated how social reinforcement shaped client behavior across different identity presentations.

The Sybil Case and Media Influence

We revisited the infamous Sybil case, which helped popularize DID in the 20th century. Despite being exposed as fraudulent, Sybil’s story continues to shape public and clinical views of the disorder. We also talked about more recent media portrayals—from TikTok to a 2023 Scientific American article—and how social media can reinforce the performance of alternate identities, especially among vulnerable populations.

Behavior Analysis in Mental Health

Brady and I wrapped up with a discussion on how behavior analysts can contribute to mental health conversations. He encouraged new BCBAs to collaborate with non-behavioral colleagues while staying rooted in behavioral principles. Above all, he emphasized balancing empathy with scientific rigor—understanding people without falling into speculative mentalism.

Show Notes and Resources

• Brady (2025). Dissociative Identity Disorder: An Analysis of the Behaviors and Contingencies
• Brady (2000). Dissociative Identity Disorder: The Relevance of Behavior Analysis
• Kohlenberg (1973). Behavioristic approach to multiple personality: A case study
• Wakatama (2024). Court allows witness with dissociative identity disorder to give evidence in multiple personalities
• Explore the EAB Toolkit at Behavior Development Solutions
• Lester (2023). A New Therapy for Multiple Personality Disorder Helps a Woman with 12 Selves
• Who was Sybil? The true story behind her multiple personalities

•  

📢 Sponsor shoutouts:

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. 
• The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In.
• The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise here

 

Dr. John Guercio returns to the Behavioral Observations Podcast for his third appearance, bringing his extensive experience and fresh insights into the world of adult services in behavior analysis. In this episode, John and Matt discuss the vital, yet often overlooked, field of supporting adults with autism and other developmental disabilities—particularly those with severe behavioral challenges.

They explore:

• John’s new leadership role at The Arc of the Ozarks
• The Applied Behavior Analysis Center
• The development of a new adult-specific RBT training program
• His latest book on staff training in adult service settings
• Key findings from his recent research on enhancing data collection in residential facilities
• The systemic and practical challenges of working in group homes and ISLs

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Guercio emphasizes the importance of dignity, choice, and inclusion, and provides practical strategies for training and retaining staff who work in high-demand settings.

🧠 About the Guest:

Dr. John Guercio is the Vice President of Crisis Services and ABA Services at The Arc of the Ozarks. He has over three decades of experience in adult services and is a published researcher, trainer, and advocate for ethical and effective behavioral interventions for adults. Dr. Guercio is also the author of the Staff Training Manual: Staff Training Strategies for Adult Service Settings, and co-creator of a new 40-hour RBT training program specific to adult services.

📚 Resources & Links:

• John's Behavioral Relaxation Training episode (CEU available!)
• The paper we discussed: Guercio, et al. (2025): Blending Staff Preference Assessments and Contingent Reinforcement to Enhance Data Collection in a Residential Facility for Adults with Severe Aggressive Behavior
• Reid and Parsons (2006): Motivating Human Service Staff
• Open Future Learning Facebook page
• The Performance Diagnostic Checklist
• Daniels and Bailey (2016). Performance Management
• 17 Therapeutic Communication Skills
• Dr. Karyn Harvey, Trauma-Informed Supports for People with IDD
• Dr. Paulie Gavoni: Positional Authority Ain't Leadership
• Dr. John Austin on Results (Supervision CEU available)
• Dr. Amy Edmonson: The Fearless Organization
• Reid (1992). The need to train more behavior analysts to be better applied researchers

📢 Sponsor shoutouts:

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. 
• HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years.
• Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!
• The inaugural ABA CON CEU cruise, which launches on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas from February 16–20, 2026. Learn more about this cruise here

 

En este episodio, conversamos con el Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez —analista de conducta, BCBA® e IBA®— sobre un proceso fascinante, aunque poco comprendido aún por muchos analistas de conducta, en la adquisición del lenguaje: el naming bidireccional.

A través de una charla accesible y llena de ejemplos, exploramos qué es el naming, cómo se relaciona con conceptos fundamentales del análisis de conducta, y por qué su presencia (o ausencia) puede marcar una diferencia sustancial en el desarrollo de lenguaje complejo. Hablamos de su relevancia tanto en contextos naturales como escolares, su papel como cúspide conductual, y los procedimientos que han demostrado inducir esta habilidad cuando no está presente.

José también comparte hallazgos de su propia investigación y experiencia, reflexiones personales como padre y profesional, y consejos valiosos para analistas de conducta que trabajan con población con dificultades en el desarrollo del lenguaje.

Bidirectional Naming with Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez

In this episode, we talk with Dr. José Alberto Monseco Gómez —Behavior Analyst, BCBA®, and IBA®— about a fascinating yet still under-appreciated process in language acquisition among many behavior analysts: bidirectional naming. Through an accessible and example-rich conversation, we explore what naming is, how it connects to foundational concepts in behavior analysis, and why its presence (or absence) can make a significant difference in the development of complex language. We discuss its relevance in both natural and educational settings, its role as a behavioral cusp, and the procedures shown to induce this skill when it is missing.José also shares insights from his own research and clinical experience, personal reflections as a parent and professional, and valuable advice for behavior analysts working with individuals facing challenges in language development.

Welcome back to the Inside JABA series—this is Episode 23, and it's a must-listen for anyone interested in using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to improve safety in school settings.

In this episode, Dr. Jeannie Donaldson and Gabriela Gomes join Dr. John Borrero and me to discuss the paper, "Effects of differential reinforcement and time-out on the unsafe playground behavior of young children" (note: first author, Elizabeth Linton unfortunately was not able to join us).

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Playground Safety Statistics: The surprisingly high rates of injury during recess and why this matters.
• Behavior-Analytic Interventions: A review of previous ABA research focused on playground safety and injury prevention.
• Reinforcement vs. Time-Out: Pros, cons, and ethical considerations when using these strategies in natural environments.
• Study Design and Results: How the researchers implemented the intervention, what the data showed, and how students responded—both behaviorally and emotionally.
• Participant Choice & Social Validity: Insights into student preferences and recess enjoyment.
• Implications for Schools: How schools and practitioners can implement similar interventions and where the research should go next.

As you can see below, the intervention package was quite effective:

📜 Subscribe to JABA

Want access to cutting-edge research like this? Subscribe to The Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and stay informed on the latest evidence-based practices.

📚 Resources & Research Mentioned:

• Linton, Gomes, and Donaldson (2025). Effects of differential reinforcement and time-out on the unsafe playground behavior of young children.
• Donaldson, et al. (2013). Effects of a reduced time-out interval on compliance with the time-out instruction.
• Chotto, Linton, and Donaldson (2024). Direct and indirect effects of and preferences for feedback during the Good Behavior Game in elementary classes.
• Heck, et al. (2001). Decreasing children's risk taking on the playground.
• Schwebel, et al. (2006). The Stamp-in-Safety Program: A Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Behaviors that Can Lead to Unintentional Playground Injury in a Preschool Setting.
• Peltier, et al. (2023). Effects of and preference for student- and teacher-implemented good behavior game in early elementary classes.

🎓 Earn CEUs for Listening

All Inside JABA episodes are available for CEU credit! Click here to purchase and earn your CEUs.

Michal Pollack joined me to discuss how she uses her training in Behavior Analysis to help her with her personal health and fitness goals.

Michal is a Clinical Director at Apollo Behavior. In this episode, we talk about:

• How she got her start in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• How she found her way to Apollo, and what she enjoys about working there.
• How she realized that getting fit doesn't require playing team sports, or being an athlete more generally.
• How spending time abroad during a gap year motivated her to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
• How going to the gym regularly helped her improve her emotional wellbeing.
• How she developed grocery shopping habits that helped her eat healthier meals.
• How she doesn't weigh herself frequently, and the rationale for this practice.
• We both talk about the pros and cons of wearable devices, and how I use The Whoop Strap (note, this is an affiliate).

I want to make clear that during this podcast, it's important to note that neither of us are health or fitness professionals. We're not attempting to provide specific advice for listeners that's outside of our scopes of expertise.

Instead, a better framing of this episode is to consider this a conversation between two BCBAs talking about how they apply behavior-analytic principles in their own lives.

As such, if you're looking to make changes to your fitness, please consider working with a credentialed professional, with the input of your primary care provider.

You can follow Michal on TikTok or LinkedIn here and here. If you'd like to learn more about working at Apollo, you can read about them here.

Articles and resources mentioned:

• Camp and Hayes (2012). Assessing and Increasing Physical Activity.
• Donaldson and Normand (2009). Using goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback to increase calorie expenditure in obese adults.
• Hustyi, Normand, and Larson (2013). Behavioral assessment of physical activity in obese preschool children.
• The aforementioned Whoop Strap.

This podcast is brought to you by:

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. 
• HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years.
• Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!
• Apollo Behavior. If these Apollo Series podcasts have you wondering about what it's like to work there, check out their current job openings in the greater Atlanta area and beyond!

Behavior Analysis Meets Artificial Intelligence

In the second installment of Behavioral Observations' Frontera Series on AI, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sydney Holmes, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and master’s level psychologist.

Sydney is also the Clinical Product Lead at Frontera, where she’s helping bridge the gap between behavior analysis and artificial intelligence in some really exciting ways.

Did you miss the first Frontera Series interview with CEO and Founder, Amol Deshpande? Check it out here!

We covered everything from using AI tools for clinical work and content creation, to how machine learning is reshaping supervision, diagnostics, and parent support.

From Marine Biology to Behavior Analysis

Sydney has a unique background. She started in marine biology and eventually found her way to psychology and behavior analysis. Today, she’s at the forefront of tech innovation in her role at Frontera, where she combines clinical insight with product development.

What is Digital Phenotyping?

One of the more fascinating parts of our conversation was about digital phenotyping. Frontera is using AI to analyze real-world video data in order to track, measure, and interpret client behavior—helping clinicians make faster, more informed decisions.

Teaching AI to Understand Behavior

Sydney described the challenges of teaching machines to detect nuanced behaviors like crying or vocal stereotypy. It takes close collaboration between BCBAs and engineers to develop AI tools that are truly clinically useful.

Enhancing Diagnostics and Supervision with AI

We talked about how Frontera is helping BCBAs with autism diagnostics, supervision, and quality assurance through smart automation. Their platform supports more efficient monitoring of RBT sessions and helps maintain fidelity to treatment protocols.

Real-Time RBT Session Review and Feedback

Frontera’s video tools allow for recording of every RBT session, making it possible to provide objective, real-time feedback. The goal is to support staff in a way that’s consistent and non-punitive, which aligns with what we know about effective supervision.

Improving Parent Engagement with Mobile Apps

Sydney also discussed how their mobile app allows caregivers to submit short videos of their interactions with their child. This enables BCBAs to provide timely, video-based coaching and collect meaningful data outside of traditional session settings.

Advice for Behavior Analysts Embracing AI

Her advice for clinicians? Stay curious but skeptical, lean into collaboration, and look for ways to use technology to enhance—not replace—the human side of behavioral healthcare.

Learn More

To learn more about Frontera’s tools and mission, visit frontera.health. You can also connect with Sydney and the team on LinkedIn and other social platforms.

Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast. If you found this conversation helpful, be sure to subscribe and share it with a colleague!

When it comes to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), much of the focus is often placed on data collection, program goals, and measurable outcomes for the child. But what about the parents? Supporting caregivers is a critical, and sometimes overlooked, component of effective ABA services. In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Valencia Harper, a seasoned clinician from Apollo Behavior, to talk about her thoughtful approach to working with families.

Long-time listeners may remember Valencia from our Apollo Case Study Series, where she and her colleagues discussed mentoring new practitioners. This time around, we shifted gears to focus on her insights into caregiver collaboration—and the conversation did not disappoint.

From Smoothies to Strategy: Valencia’s Journey

Valencia opened up about her own career beginnings, including a memorable (and messy) first day involving a smoothie spill. That moment, though humbling, marked the start of a journey that led her to become the confident and effective BCBA she is today.

Through years of experience, she has developed a deep appreciation for the unique challenges parents face—and a toolkit for meeting them with empathy, clarity, and respect.

What Parents Really Need from ABA Providers

Throughout the episode, Valencia shared key insights into how BCBAs can better support the families they serve. Here are a few highlights from our discussion:

1. Listening Builds Rapport

Rather than jumping into solutions, Valencia emphasizes the power of active listening. Parents often come to the table with a wealth of experience and emotion. Taking time to truly hear them builds trust and sets the tone for collaboration.

2. BCBAs Don’t Have to Know Everything

It can be tempting to feel like we have to have all the answers. But Valencia reminds us that being transparent about what we don’t know—while showing a commitment to learning—can strengthen relationships rather than weaken them.

3. Prioritize Parental Concerns

Instead of sticking strictly to what the data says, Valencia encourages clinicians to take parent priorities seriously. If bedtime battles or sibling conflicts are top of mind for the family, addressing those concerns can lead to more engagement and faster progress.

4. Clarify ABA Jargon

Parents may struggle with technical terms or misunderstand the purpose of certain procedures. Valencia discusses how breaking things down into digestible language helps reduce frustration and builds empowerment.

5. Combat Learned Helplessness

Some caregivers come into services feeling defeated or disconnected. Valencia talks about how to gently challenge that mindset and offer small, achievable strategies that rebuild parental confidence.

6. Teach How to Set Limits

Supporting families doesn’t stop with behavior plans. Valencia shares tips for coaching parents on how to set clear, developmentally appropriate limits without escalating the situation.

7. Responding to "We've Already Tried That"

This common phrase can be frustrating for clinicians, but Valencia reframes it as an opportunity to validate parents’ experiences and reintroduce strategies with better context or support.

Inside Apollo’s Approach to Caregiver Training

Valencia also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how Apollo Behavior structures its caregiver support. From structured training sessions to informal check-ins, their model integrates parent collaboration as a core component of service delivery—not an afterthought.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

If you're looking to dive deeper into the themes we discussed, here are a few recommended reads and links from the show:

• Apollo Behavior
• Valencia Harper on LinkedIn
• Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns, and Defiance to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children―An Essential Guide for Caregivers of Children from Infancy to Age Eight.
• Managing Meltdowns and Tantrums on the Autism Spectrum.
• Clinical Interviewing, 7th Edition.
• AIM: Accept, Identify, Move.

This podcast is brought to you by:

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• CEUs from Behavioral Observations. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here. 
• The Behavioral Toolbox. Check out our courses for school-based and other behavioral professionals, including our newest one, Motivational Interviewing: Getting Educator Buy-In.