What does it take to build and advance a profession while simultaneously running a busy clinical practice, leading a national organization, and completing a PhD?

In this episode, Ben Reiman welcomes Niesha Illingworth for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state—and future—of behaviour analysis in Australia. Drawing on nearly twenty years of clinical experience, Niesha reflects on how the profession has evolved, the ongoing challenges surrounding public perception of ABA, and the importance of strong professional leadership during periods of significant policy change.

The conversation explores Australia's unique model of professional self-regulation, the work of ABA Australia to strengthen certification and public trust, and the opportunities and challenges created by changing disability funding systems. Niesha also discusses her doctoral research evaluating the Balance Program, an innovative parent-implemented early intervention designed to prevent the development of severe problem behaviour before it begins.

Beyond systems and policy, Ben and Niesha examine culturally responsive practice, supporting Indigenous families, collaboration across professions, and why effective advocacy is becoming an increasingly important skill for behaviour analysts. Throughout the conversation, Niesha demonstrates how science, compassion, and systems thinking can work together to improve outcomes for children, families, and the profession itself.

Check out Behaviour Analysis In The First Nation Communities of Australia with Deb Fernando

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-148-behaviour-analysis-in-first-nation-communities-of-australia/

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hs5gjgQLMxg

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

BACB: 1.0 Ethics

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Contact Niesha Illingworth

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/niesha-illingworth-516859141/

Bright Eyes Clinic

https://beei.com.au/

Links:

Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia

https://auaba.com.au/

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

The Balance Program

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-3-parent-coaching-with-esdm-and-the-balance-program-with-maria-sample-ma-bcba/

Family Centred PBS

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

The Constructional Approach

Madhura Deshpande

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

Oliver Roschke and John Wooderson

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/beyond-behaviour-reduction-reclaiming-the-constructional-approach-in-pbs-with-oliver-roschke-john-wooderson/