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Functional communication and replacement language are important skills to work on with learners. Are you incorporating appropriate protests into these teachings? Here, we cover what appropriate protests are and some of the best ways to include this skill in our programs.
How to incorporate appropriate protests into teachingsWhy it’s important to teach protests to our learnersDifferent approaches to teaching protests
We discuss the reasons why teaching protests is so important and how to break down our teaching into multiple steps. We also talk about the different ways to teach appropriate protesting, recording triggers, and how to teach learners how to tolerate situations where “no” isn’t an option.
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Appropriate Protests Download -
Leila Farshchian is the CEO of ABA Toolbox, a comprehensive practice management software system for agencies, schools, and private ABA practices that provide services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Leila is a Certified Special Educator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 27 years of experience working with children with autism and special needs. Since 1997, she has used ABA methods for the treatment of learners with ASD in school, home, and community settings. Leila has designed curricula, conducted workshops, counseled families, and directed small and large teams of educators to provide treatment in public schools and home settings.
Here, Leila shares her career journey and how she ultimately came to create ABA Toolbox. She covers all of the features of the ABA Toolbox program, including data collection, onboarding, and more. We also discuss the importance of value-based care, how ABA Toolbox can help professionals overcome on-the-job challenges, and advice for newly minted BCBAs.
On Thursday, November 12th, at 12pm EST, Leila is joining us on a webinar focused on value-based care. For more information and to sign up, head to our website!
How Leila developed ABA Toolbox and the problems it solvesDetails of our upcoming webinar with LeilaAdvice for new BCBAs
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Leila Farshchian on LinkedIn -
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Let's face it, one-to-one ABA is awesome, but it's not realistic forever and ever. We really want our learners to start paying attention, responding and learning in group situations. Therefore, at some point we need to practice some whole group instruction. Here, we cover how to do it and how to come up with the best way to initiate and facilitate whole group instruction.
How to initiate and facilitate whole group instructionBenefits of choral respondingHow to incorporate direct instruction
In this discussion, we define whole-group instruction and talk about the benefits of choral responding. We also discuss why groups are so beneficial for younger kids, how to have more experienced learners model new skills, and how to incorporate direct instruction techniques.
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Direct Instruction Programs -
In order for children to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks, they need good executive functioning skills. Many children with autism and other developmental delays lack these critical skills that come naturally to other kids. Here, we discuss how to teach executive functioning skills effectively to our learners. Executive functioning skills include time management, emotional control, working memory, and task initiation.
When it comes to executive functioning, the earlier we can introduce these skills to our learners the better. We break down the various skills so they’re easier to teach. In many cases, we teach our kids valuable life skills, but it’s important to build in the foundation of executive functioning so they’re more successful. We also talk about visual and auditory memory, setting up the right situations to teach skills and introduce concepts, and more.
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Examples of executive functioning skills and why they’re importantThe importance of including executive functioning when teaching basic life skillsHow to set up the right situations to teach skills and introduce concepts
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Teachers have so much to manage in their roles. As BCBAs, how can we support them and gain their buy in without adding more to their plates? Here, we discuss the importance of respecting a teacher’s classroom and how to pair yourself with positive reinforcement. It’s also important to start small and identify something you can help them with as a quick win.
We discuss how to incorporate a teacher’s values and what they want for their classroom. This will help you create meaningful goals. Our conversation also includes how to be mindful of your body language, how to incorporate an easy-to-follow data collection system, and why modeling strategies yourself helps obtain teacher buy in.
How to pair yourself with positive reinforcementHow to choose an easy-to-follow data collection methodWhy modeling strategies yourself creates buy-in
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A member of our Bx Resource membership community raised a question about teaching receptive language skills, specifically receptive labels, as the strategies she tried weren’t working. Here, we cover how to teach receptive language skills and discrimination to our learners. We go over the steps to take when building a receptive language program, starting with finding things that are meaningful to our learners.
How to teach receptive language skills The importance of teaching across categoriesHacks to overcome program challenges
We discuss the importance of teaching across categories and how to mix things up so our learners don’t get stuck. We also talk about how to customize programs for different types of learners and hacks we’ve used to overcome challenges.
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Receptive Labels Data Sheet -
All ABA programs require us to take data, but what does that mean? The data we collect is only worth something when it’s properly analyzed. Once we have a program in place for our learners, it’s important to ensure that we’re using the information we collect to make data-based decisions. Here, we discuss how to make the best data-based decisions to achieve progress.
How to make data-based decisions to ensure progress How to analyze trends and identify issuesHow to ensure data collection accuracy
When we look at data, we’re looking for trends so we can troubleshoot programs and ensure success for our learners. We also look at reasons why data is stagnant, including scheduling issues and consistency in running programs. Here, we touch on what to look for in the data so you get the full story. We also discuss how to ensure data collection accuracy.
In last month’s CEU, we covered how to choose the right data collection method to uncover what we want to know. In October’s CEU, we’re doing a deep dive into how to supervise ABA programs and make data-based decisions. It will be held on Thursday, October 10th, at 12pm EST. Head to our website to sign up!
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Join Our Next CEU! -
Jenna Mazzillo is a BCBA and the owner of the Instagram and TikTok accounts of ABA Naturally. She’s a special education teacher with 13 years of experience and has also served as a CSE Chairperson, instructional coach, and District Behavior Analyst. Jenna specializes in applying the principles of behavior analysis to classroom settings and implementing evidence-based practices to support all types of learners.
How Jenna developed ABA NaturallyWhat teachers need to know about ABACommon parenting challenges
Through ABA Naturally, Jenna helps parents and teachers understand behavior. Here, she walks us through her background and what led her to develop her Practical Parenting course. Jenna shares the inspiration behind her amazing social media accounts and how she highlights real-world examples with her own children. We also discuss what teachers need to know about ABA, the importance of avoiding technical jargon, and some of the common challenges parents face.
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ABA Naturally on Instagram -
Dr. Cody Morris is the executive producer and host of the Behavior Analysis in Practice Podcast. He’s also the Graduate Program Director of Psychology at Salve Regina University, and his clinical focus is improving the practice of behavior analysis.
Cody’s research has been published in prominent behavior analytic journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, and the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management. Additionally, Cody is the director of the executive board for the Rhode Island Association for Behavior Analysis.
Here, we talk to Cody about the challenges faced by ABA professionals and where they come from. Cody shares insights into how our field is in a growth stage and what improvements need to be made to help new BCBAs entering the field. We also discuss the importance of assent and how to properly obtain it, examples of assent in action, and advice for newly minted BCBAs.
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Common challenges faced by ABA professionals and suggestions for improvementThe importance of assent and how to obtain itAdvice for newly minted BCBAsMentioned In This Episode:
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Behavior Analysis in Practice-The Podcast -
We’re featuring some of our fellow OG podcasters that have been around for many years—our friends from the ABA Inside Track Podcast! Here, Diana, Robert, and Jackie share all about their backgrounds and how their journeys led them to where they are today. They also share what inspired them to start the podcast and how it’s grown over the years.
Challenges for new BCBAs entering the fieldThe importance of mentorshipRecommended resources for BCBAs
The team shares the challenges they’ve seen among new grads getting started in the field of ABA. They discuss the changes the field has experienced since they’ve entered the field and how they impact new BCBAs. Our discussion with the team also includes overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of formal and informal mentorship, and recommended resources for BCBAs.
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ABA Inside Track Podcast -
Dr. Saul Axelrod is a professor emeritus of education at Temple University. His major interests include applying behavior analysis principles to behavioral problems exhibited by people with disabilities and increasing the academic development of children living in poverty.
All about Saul’s career journey and how he landed in behavior analysis.How can we bridge the gap between the research side and clinical side of ABA?Thoughts on expanding the field of ABA beyond ASD.
Dr. Axelrod has served on the editorial boards of several journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, the Journal of Behavioral Education, and Behavior Modification. He has written numerous journal articles and book reviews. He is the author or editor of Behavior Modification for the Classroom Teacher, Behavior Analysis and Treatment, and How to Improve Classroom Behavior.
In 2006, Dr. Axelrod was the first recipient of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Michael Hemingway Award for Distinguished Service to Behavior Analysis. In 1991, he was elected a fellow of the American Psychological Association. In 2007, he was elected a fellow of the Association for Behavior Analysis. In 2009, he received Florida State University’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, Distinguished Educator category.
Here, Dr. Axelrod shares his career journey and how he got into the world of behavior analysis. We discuss bridging the gap between the research side and the clinical side of ABA, how the field has changed since Saul’s career began, and expanding the field beyond ASD.
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Once you complete the assessment process, it’s time to set up programs for your learners. Here, we dive into how to know whether a program is effective and how to measure progress. As ABA professionals, we take data collection seriously. However, sometimes we might get stuck in determining the data’s purpose, how much data to collect, and what to do with all of the information.
How to measure progress in ABA programsHow to choose the right data collection methodInformation on our upcoming CEU
The important thing is to figure out what we want the data to tell us and how to make it meaningful. We discuss data collection methods in different environments, how to troubleshoot and adjust to ensure a program’s success, and more.
On September 12th at 12pm ET, we’re hosting the CEU event Measuring Progress for ABA Programs: From Baseline through Mastery. Join us to learn about many different data collection methods and how to choose the best one for your learners and programs. Save your seat at the link below.
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Register for our upcoming CEU event! -
Schools require IEPs, or individual education plans, for all students who receive special education services. Here, we discuss how BCBAs should approach the IEP process. We start by defining an IEP, which is essentially a contact between the parents and the school. It outlines what happens throughout the school year and how the student is best supported.
The goal of the IEP is to give the child access to the general education curriculum and for them to be the most successful in the least restrictive environment. We discuss how to include accommodations and modifications, the importance of introducing a replacement skill when reducing behaviors, how to best support parents, SMART goals, and more.
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The definition of an IEP and its goals for a studentHow to include modifications and accommodationsThe role of a BCBA in the IEP processMentioned In This Episode:
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Choosing the Right Data Collection Methods
Episode 141: IEP Advocacy with Annie McLaughlin -
Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni is a renowned behavior scientist and leader and has significantly influenced human performance and organizational leadership for nearly 30 years. He’s a director at PCMA, a keynote speaker, and a WSJ and USA Today best-selling author. Specializing in organizational behavior management, Dr. Paulie addresses critical issues in education with a direct, solution-focused approach grounded in behavioral science. He advocates for high performing, engaging environments, extending his influence beyond education.
Why it’s important to get buy-in from teachers and staff Tips for BCBAs transitioning into leadership positionsDr. Paulie’s 5 step process for accurate and honest assessments
Here, Dr. Paulie shares all about his background and his journey to where he is today. He shares his insights into looking at organizational dynamics through a behavioral lens and the similarities between ABA and OBM. We also discuss the importance of creating buy in from teachers when adhering to behavior plans, the power of internal motivation and values-based systems, tips for BCBAs transitioning into leadership positions, and more.
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Book – Quick Wins!: Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement
Book - Positional Authority Ain't Leadership -
In school, we learned all about ABA theory and principles, but we may not have learned how to write individualized ABA programming. Many of us wind up in supervision or post supervision not knowing how to choose programs after an assessment and write them so students make real progress. Here, we show you how to choose meaningful programs that include teaching across operants for optimal success.
How to choose meaningful programs and teach across operantsHow to use multiple targets at onceInformation on our next live CEU event
We discuss the purpose of assessments and why it’s important to take a step back to identify skills, challenges, and what’s meaningful to our learners and their families. We also discuss how to figure out what’s appropriate to teach, using multiple targets at a time, and information on our upcoming CEU event.
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Join our next CEU event! -
ABA is a data-driven and evidence-based field. The 7 dimensions of ABA are the core principles that ensure effectiveness in each treatment plan. As BCBAs, we had to memorize these 7 dimensions for our exam, but it may have been a while since you last revisited them. Here, we recap each dimension and show you how to apply them in your own ABA programs.
The 7 dimensions of ABA are applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, conceptually systematic, effective, and generality. Our walkthrough of each dimension includes real-world examples so you can picture them in action in your own practice with your learners.
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The importance of using the 7 dimensions of ABA in practiceA walkthrough of the 7 dimensionsHow to use the 7 dimensions with your learnersMentioned In This Episode:
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Must-Have ABA Programs -
Teaching body parts is an essential skill we must teach our learners. They get hurt just like we do, but often have difficulty expressing when and where they are in pain. Here, we dive into some of the best ways to teach body parts. Sometimes, problem behaviors are a result of our learners being in pain but not being able to explain it. We need to make sure that we’re looking at what they’re trying to tell us and not letting their behaviors cover up their physical needs.
The importance of teaching body parts to learnersWhat to consider when starting a body parts teaching programHow to teach pain through play and modeling
The first step is for our learners to name their own body parts and we start by helping them receptively identify them. Then, we move on to labeling those body parts. We discuss how to begin the teaching process and what to consider for each particular learner. We also discuss how to avoid overgeneralization, how to teach body parts to mastery, and how to teach pain through play.
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Free Body Parts Program -
We turn to crisis intervention plans when our learners show severe problem behavior that could cause harm to themselves or others. Here, we dive into how to best implement a crisis intervention plan and why practicing the associated skills is so important.
How to define crisis intervention and when it's appropriateWhy a crisis isn’t a teachable momentWhen to reinforce lower-level negative behaviors
We start by defining crisis intervention and discuss some of the underlying reasons for challenging behavior. We also discuss why a crisis isn’t a teachable moment, how being proactive can prevent a crisis in the future, and reinforcing lower-level negative behaviors.
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Applying Universal Protocol Cheat Sheet -
Our main goal when working with our learners is that they make progress and become as happy and independent as possible. Here, we discuss how to choose meaningful goals to help them succeed. The BCBA code of ethics talks about assessments and says that, as professionals, we must implement them before we design any behavior change intervention. However, while many assessments are amazing tools, they shouldn’t take the place of curriculum. It’s important to focus on the big picture and choose the appropriate assessment for the learner.
We discuss the importance of building relationships with students and families to get a feel for the skills a learner needs in the long run. We also discuss how to incorporate a learner’s preferences, the importance of choosing goals in preschool, and teaching across operants.
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How to choose meaningful goals for our learnersHow to incorporate a learner and family’s preferencesThe importance of teaching across operantsMentioned In This Episode:
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Register for our upcoming CEU Event -
Many of our learners struggle with rigid behavior and showing flexibility, which is part of the diagnostic criteria for autism. This can impact the lives of our learners in a negative way, but fortunately, there are ways to help them overcome these struggles. Here, we discuss the best ways to incorporate teaching flexibility into our programs.
How to incorporate teaching flexibility in our programsHow to determine whether rigid behaviors are normal or problematicHow to be mindful of anxiety when targeting rigid behaviors
We start by defining rigidity and flexibility and how to determine when rigid behaviors are normal or problematic. We talk about how to obtain ascent and buy-in, how to work through healthy stress and discomfort, being mindful of anxiety when targeting rigidity, and more.
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Tolerating Transitions - Se mer