Shows
ABA on TapFeeding, Eating and Meal Time Behavior with Dena Kelly Part ISend us a textABA on Tap is proud to present an interview with Dena Kelly. (Part I)Dena Kelly, LPC, BCBA, LBS is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience improving children’s eating behavior and quality of life through evidence-based interventions. Founder of Focused Approach, Dena develops ABA-based feeding programs and trains professionals and caregivers nationwide. She has presented at major conferences such as ABAI and FABA and continues to advance the field through education and advocacy. Dena has led feeding programs in both clinical and mu...2025-05-0450 minABA on TapApplied Behavior Analysis and Early Childhood Development with Maggie Haraburda, Part IISend us a textPart 2 of 2ABA on Tap is proud to spend some time with Maggie Haraburda, founder and director of Unfurling Littles, a unique treatment center combining ABA with best practices in Early Childhood Education. Neurodiversity Affirming and rooted in compassionate care; this center takes an approach to supporting children of all neurotypes that is play-based and child-led. Unfurling Littles was created out of a desire to do better for neurodivergent children and create a model of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that is not implicated in causing harm. Maggie believes that "Th...2025-04-2753 minABA on TapApplied Behavior Analysis and Early Childhood Development with Maggie Haraburda, Part ISend us a textPart 1 of 2ABA on Tap is proud to spend some time with Maggie Haraburda, founder and director of Unfurling Littles, a unique treatment center combining ABA with best practices in Early Childhood Education. Neurodiversity Affirming and rooted in compassionate care; this center takes an approach to supporting children of all neurotypes that is play-based and child-led. Unfurling Littles was created out of a desire to do better for neurodivergent children and create a model of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that is not implicated in causing harm. Maggie believes that "Th...2025-04-201h 42ABA on TapThe Autistic Behavior Analyst: Michelle Zeman and Safe Space Applied Behavior Analysis Part IISend us a text(Part 2 of 2)--ABA on Tap is proud to pour Michelle Zeman's brew. Michelle is known to the world as 'The Autistic Behavior Analyst' and she is the proud, and esteemed host of 'Safe Space--The ABA Podcast.' Michelle has experience in everything any BCBA is well versed in, except she also has the personal experience. She discusses her early intervention prior to insurance mandates for autism treatment Michelle experienced a treatment model largely based on 'parent training' She took her early experiences to college and ultimately decided to work in Applied B...2025-04-1351 minABA on TapThe Autistic Behavior Analyst: Michelle Zeman and Safe Space Applied Behavior Analysis Part ISend us a text(Part 1 of 2)--ABA on Tap is proud to pour Michelle Zeman's brew. Michelle is known to the world as 'The Autistic Behavior Analyst' and she is the proud, and esteemed host of 'Safe Space--The ABA Podcast.' Michelle has experience in everything any BCBA is well versed in, except she also has the personal experience. She discusses her early intervention prior to insurance mandates for autism treatment Michelle experienced a treatment model largely based on 'parent training' She took her early experiences to college and ultimately decided to work in Applied B...2025-04-061h 01ABA on TapIDEA, IEPs and ABA with Matthew Storey, Esq. Part IISend us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Matthew Storey, Esq. (Part 2 of 2)Matt became a special education attorney because he saw firsthand the struggles his family went through navigating the education system. Matt's goal has always been to put parents on equal footing with schools and provide effective representation. In this episode, we discuss all matters from procedural rights, to the intent of IDEA from its origin, to the current state of affairs. Matt shares his very up close and personal experience with the notion of disability and adds h...2025-03-3056 minABA on TapIDEA, IEPs and ABA with Matthew Storey, Esq. Part ISend us a textABA on Tap is proud to present Matthew Storey, Esq. (Part 1 of 2)Matt became a special education attorney because he saw firsthand the struggles his family went through navigating the education system. Matt's goal has always been to put parents on equal footing with schools and provide effective representation. In this episode, we discuss all matters from procedural rights, to the intent of IDEA from its origin, to the current state of affairs. Matt shares his very up close and personal experience with the notion of disability and adds h...2025-03-231h 01ABA on Tap🚀 Mastering ABA Business & Technology: Practice Management, Data Collection, & Growth Strategies with Suzanne Juzwik, BCBA | ABA on Tap (Part II)Send us a textThe landscape of Applied Behavior Analysis has transformed dramatically over the last decade—from how we collect data to how we run our businesses. In this illuminating conversation, Dan and Mike welcome Suzanne Juzwick, BCBA and founder of Innovation Moon, who shares her unique perspective on the technological evolution reshaping our field.Suzanne's journey from special education teacher to ABA technology consultant offers a fascinating window into how the profession has grown. After witnessing the significant impact of ABA in her classroom, she pursued more education and her board certification, and eve...2025-03-1651 minABA on Tap🚀 Mastering ABA Business & Technology: Practice Management, Data Collection, & Growth Strategies with Suzanne Juzwik, BCBA | ABA on Tap (Part I)Send us a textThe field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is evolving at breakneck speed—from practice management (PM) and data collection software to CRM platforms and value-based care models. To stay ahead, ABA professionals must adapt, innovate, and leverage technology to sustain their businesses.In this must-listen episode of ABA on Tap, Dan and Mike sit down with Suzanne Juzwik, MA, BCBA—CEO of Innovation Moon and an expert in ABA business operations, EHR software & technology selection, and financial sustainability...2025-03-101h 01ABA on TapGOOD JOB! Dr. Becky and Salient Reinforcement EffortSend us a textABA on Tap has discussed the ever ubiquitous 'Do This!' as a discriminative stimulus. And of course, once the child imitates correctly, you say "GOOD JOB!" as the standard, overly used and potentially ineffective consequence, dare we say 'reinforcement.' In this episode, Mike and Dan brew over an article from Dr. Becky Kennedy (see link below). Dr. Becky advises parents to reconsider the use of 'good job' as a response to indicate satisfaction with a child's behavior. She provides great insight that is applicable to any parent and child d...2025-02-031h 07ABA on Tap2024 Year in ReviewSend us a textHappy New Year! ABA on Tap says 'thank you' for all your support over the last 5 seasons. We offer a 'Year in Review' for 2024 to revisit all the great tasting 'brews' we offered. Enjoy!All ABA on Tap brews pair well with cerebration. SO--if you are ready to enjoy the benefits of Magic Mind and boost your brain performance, please use the following link and use the discount code AOT to receive 20% off your purchase, and 56% off a subscription.https://www.magicmind.com/aot 2025-01-171h 44ABA on TapCrisis Management and Applied Behavior Analysis--Special Guest Kim Warma from Pro-ACT, Inc.Send us a textIn this episode we are excited to have a discussion with Kim Warma, the President of Pro-ACT, Inc. Pro-ACT is a widely used crisis management curriculum that is implemented in various settings, from schools, to hospitals, to group homes/residential facilities, and many more. Dan and Mike have experience utilizing the Pro-ACT curriculum, with Dan training the principals for over 10 years for multiple ABA companies, and can both personally vouch for its value with increasing safety and improving company culture. Under continuous development since 1975, Pro-ACT has evolved over the past 50 years co...2024-11-111h 21ABA on TapArtificial Intelligence, RBTs, BCBAs and Treatment Plans--Special Guest Michael Gao from Alpaca HealthSend us a textAI has been injected into every aspect of our lives and its been a fast and furious deployment. While the speed of the technology is enticing, it quickly raises questions about the individuality and client specificity of AI output, especially for essential artifacts like medical notes. While medical notes are a well-known nightmare to ABA providers---lengthy, confusing, seemingly meant to confound and confuse, and clearly installed to defer payment wherever possible--they also serve a very important purpose for clinicians, who truly use them to document procedure, protocol and progress. Enter Michael Gao from...2024-10-2859 minABA on TapClinical Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis--Special Guest Jennifer Fitzpatrick, CPABA ConferenceSend us a textThese days, there is no shortage of controversy over ABA treatment. The neurodivergent community, at least specific outspoken members within, often make general claims about ABA, calling it 'evil' and 'abusive.' Experienced and devoted practitioners beg to differ. Enter Jennifer Fitzpatrick and her efforts in organizing and successfully hosting the inaugural CPABA Conference for 2024. Her intent was to bring together professionals from both sides of the discussion to posit the role of ABA in medical treatment, specifically for autistic individuals. This was recorded prior to the conference, but publication held till now.2024-10-211h 13ABA on TapThe Behavior Influencer--Special Guest Kendall Ryndak SameulSend us a textABA on Tap is proud to host a very special guest brewer, The Behavior Influencer herself, Kendall Ryndak Samuel. Kendall shares her incredible story and her clear objective to make ABA accessible and ever relevant. She discusses her use of ABA in sports training, as well as her daily contact with a mass of followers on social media. Kendall also takes time to elaborate on her idea behind writing and publishing 'Talk Behavior to Me: The Routledge Dictionary of the Top 150 Behavior Analytic Terms and Translations,' her highly anticipated, soon to be...2024-09-021h 15ABA on TapModels of Disability--Make That ChangeSend us a textIn this brewing session, despite a wealth of choices, Dan and Mike focus on the basic ingredients in looking at a medical model in comparison to a social model. As behavior analysts, it's easy to see the stakeholder as the principal agent for change, and overlook our impetus for changing behavior, the surrounding environment. Models of disability take this as their basic kernel for debate. As is the final resolution in most binary discussions, Mike and Dan agree that it's not one model over the other, it's both models working in collaboration. This...2024-08-041h 03ABA on TapEmpirically Validated Treatment Part IISend us a textThe terms 'empirically validated' and 'evidence-based' get thrown around a lot, specifically in describing the prospects of any given medically-based treatment. ABA is no stranger to the phrasing and enjoys a prominent place on the list of such treatments--namely the top of the list. This, however, does not mean that treatments without empirical validation may not hold some evidence or use. And to much dismay, empirically validated approaches are not always implemented successfully. In fact, even evidence based approaches can fall short due to human error.This is part 2 of this d...2024-07-011h 09ABA on TapEmpirically Validated Treatment (Revised)Send us a textThe terms 'empirically validated' and 'evidence-based' get thrown around a lot, specifically in describing the prospects of any given medically-based treatment. ABA is no stranger to the phrasing and enjoys a prominent place on the list of such treatments--namely the top of the list. This, however, does not mean that treatments without empirical validation may not hold some evidence or use. And to much dismay, empirically validated approaches are not always implemented successfully. In fact, even evidence based approaches can fall short due to human error.In this dense and tasty b...2024-06-041h 11ABA on Tap3 Pie Squared and ABA Business LeadersSend us a textABA on Tap is proud to present a very special, super tasty, full-bodied brew for this episode. It is our honor to host Stephen and April Smith from the 3 Pie Squared--ABA Business Leaders podcast. Dan and Mike were extremely grateful to have appeared as guests on their podcast in November of 2023. Stephen and April cover a variety of topics all under the umbrella of ethically and fiscally sound ABA practice. Their courses and consultation services have proven instrumental to hundreds, if not thousands, of ABA professionals across North America. You can...2024-04-221h 39ABA on TapA Parent's PerspectiveSend us a textSuper craft brew for this episode. Dan and Mike take time to interview a parent, Jess, with her own, very unique experience with ASD and ABA intervention. Jess is a sole-provider with two young children, her youngest on the spectrum. She lends her insight and experiences regarding sibling rivalry, managing extended family attitudes about disability and services, as well as making herself available for said services. Jess gives an honest account of her struggles and better yet, provides an encouraging message for parents given her outcomes. Sip a nice and easy...2024-03-251h 03ABA on Tap'7 Things to Do When You Lose Patience' Parenting Article ReviewSend us a textContinuing with the parenting brew, Dan and Mike lean yet again on a recipe from Jeremy Brown and Autism Parenting Magazine (link below). As was the case with the first two episodes of the season, the article provides a perfect blend of basic ingredients for cool, crisp and balanced parenting. This episode reviews all tips and strategies outlined in the article and expands to parenting in general, acknowledging that parents with autistic children may face unique situations well outlined by the author. An easy brew for all to enjoy--crisp, clean and...2024-03-111h 00ABA on Tap'11 Things Not To Do With An Autistic Child' Part IISend us a textJeremy Brown, author of "11 Things Not To Do With An Autistic Child," an insightful article easily found online, provides so much to contemplate. that Dan and Mike pulled a second brew from his basic ingredients. To be honest, they simply take ingredients 6-11 from the list for this particular concoction. ABA on Tap is thankful for the author's parenting insight and uses an ABA filter to continue exploring the 'Do' aspect, while honoring the parenting gems in the article. This is a light and refreshing blend, 'thanks' to Jeremy Brown and h...2024-02-201h 01ABA on Tap"11 Things Not to Do with An Autistic Child"--Article ReviewSend us a textWelcome to Season 5 of ABA on Tap! In an effort to bring more support directly to parents, as well as ABA professionals, Mike and Dan kick off the season with an article review (link below). Right in line with the objective, an article from a parenting magazine about 'what not to do' with autistic children is reviewed for this brew. As has been the recipe on ABA on Tap, whenever Dan and Mike here 'don't', they automatically ponder the 'do' portion of such a recommendation. This episode takes advantage of an excellent resource...2024-02-041h 02ABA on TapYear in Review 2023Send us a textIt has been an incredible run for ABA on Tap in 2023! Mike and Dan take a moment to recap all our discussions and themes. They give some hints about what is to come in season 5. Most importantly, Mike and Dan give THANKS! to all of you out there who collaborate with us and support the show in any way. ABA on TAP appreciates YOU!Enjoy this well-rounded ale and CHEERS to the new year and season 5 of ABA on Tap. Always analyze responsibly.Support the show🔥 Enjoy...2024-01-081h 06ABA on TapABA and SchoolsSend us a textABA is often seen as home-based in terms of its service location. While this may at times extend to the premise of 'community,' the procedures and protocols can appear very similar from place to place. However, just like behavior, the environment can have a substantial influence on how ABA can be practiced and implemented. One particular environment that presents clear constraints to practice is a classroom environment on a school campus. That is to say, there are clear guidelines, rules and expectations that point to one set of acceptable behaviors, with little...2023-11-271h 04ABA on TapABA in Crisis IISend us a textMike and Dan continue to bubble and brew over the challenges in the field of ABA intervention, and specifically the undervalued role of the RBT. They provide impressions and personal tales regarding their own professional transition from possibly the best reimbursement rates in the history of ABA intervention to a new outfit where said rates will be slashed by 60% and now match the rest of the field. Considering the premise that an RBT can make a more consistent and predictable living working at a fast food restaurant, ABA on Tap continues to examine...2023-10-231h 06ABA on TapABA in CrisisSend us a textPrivate equity has entered the ABA services game with great fervor, making a tremendous impact on the field as a whole. In this episode, Mike and Dan take a close look at some 'crisis' elements created by the infusion of private equity and an aim to generate revenue, at times at the expense of the quality of services and client outcomes. At the same time, it can be discerned that ABA practitioners had developed some less than desirable habits prior to private equity, but certainly exacerbated now by the focus on fiscal health...2023-08-271h 06ABA on TapRBT--Person or Service?Send us a textContinuity of quality service might be one of the most important aspects of treatment with successful outcomes. Quality can refer to a number of variables including a strong rapport between client (and family) and clinicians, built over time with a steady progression of engaging and reinforcing sessions. While case managers are part of this quality service, it is inevitably the registered behavior technicians (RBTs) who share the most time and encounters with client and family. often in the family home. Hence, the reality of turnover of staff, or perhaps the necessity for 'time-off...2023-07-311h 05ABA on TapVisual Structure and SupportSend us a textFrom vertically-oriented wall schedules to PECS to token and choice boards--ABA practitioners love their so-called 'visuals'. In this brewing session, Mike and Dan dissect the idea of these strange technologies to understand what is meant by 'visual,' especially if all parties involved are 'sighted' individuals. Taking the ideas of joint attention and naturalistic strategies, Dan and Mike are able to boil it down to the difference between what can be easily accessed visually in the environment, versus more artificially driven, icon-based, laminated squares.So, grab your favorite libation, turn off...2023-06-2659 minABA on TapAutism Acceptance and ABASend us a textIn observation of Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, Mike and Dan examine a very poignant and sharp criticism of ABA intervention strategies (link is below). Reviewed exactly as published on the website 'autisticscienceperson.com,' the current brew integrates several points of disapproval, as written by an author that identifies as autistic. While ABA on Tap welcomes a deep analysis of ABA itself and has entertained several detractors before, this particular point of contention presents a bit differently. Mike and Dan are able to diligently identify validity in the author's concern, and more...2023-05-081h 08ABA on TapParenting StylesSend us a textBeginning with one of the most foundational ingredients available for this brew, Mike and Dan lean on hearty handfuls of Diana Baumrind's nominal research on parenting styles from back in the 1960s. Fresh off a healthy pour on 'Parent Education,' it makes perfect sense for the behavioral brew to examine styles of parenting. Many new flavors and 'hints' of different aromas have surfaced over the years---including terms like 'collaborative parenting', or the seemingly harsher but likely misconstrued 'commando parenting.' At the end of the day, Mike and Dan make a case...2023-03-191h 30ABA on TapRevisiting '40 Hours' ft. Jennifer StephensSend us a textABA on Tap is proud to introduce Jennifer Stephens, a BCBA and clinical counselor, in this latest installment of our behavioral brew. Jennifer is owner/operator of the Stephens Consulting Group in Kentucky and also a long time listener of ABA on Tap. She took inspiration from our inaugural episode 'Why 40-hours?' and has graciously agreed to join as a guest and continue the conversation. In this episode, you will hear more about considerations toward recommendation of levels of service as affected by client availability, fiscal motives as well as research-driven, empirical...2023-03-1358 minABA on TapReciprocal ImitationSend us a textIn considering traditional approaches to ABA intervention and the importance of imitation as a key building block in learning, you have probably heard the directive (discriminative stimulus) 'Do This' as an essential part of so-called non-verbal imitation programs. In this episode, Mike and Dan take some time to examine the premise of non-verbal imitation, its role in more traditional approaches as well as available adaptations to take this practice from the 'lab to living room.' Using the procedures as outlined in published research, this brew encourages an update to these imitation procedures t...2023-02-191h 06ABA on TapABA and PolicingSend us a textFor this brew, Dan and Mike take time to incorporate some recent events with policing and the challenges faced by said institutions in providing training and support. Given current discussions and criticism of ABA methods and treatment, your hosts draw comparisons and parallels between the ideas of ABA intervention and policing as it relates to behavior management to preserve an acceptable 'peace' in the process, but perhaps more importantly, the goal of protecting and serving. Using the model of parenting styles to create a connection between the levels of authoritarianism appropriate to either e...2023-02-061h 05ABA on TapParent EducationSend us a textParents are an integral part of any successful ABA-based intervention protocol. The simple fact is, given a least restrictive level of services, parents should be enjoying a much greater amount of time with their children than the ABA provider is spending. Historically, this has seen a very necessary and natural evolution, moving from the idea of parent 'training' in ABA methods, to the more modern inception discussed here--parent education about ABA principles as they are actively included in all aspects of so-called intervention. More importantly, a constant flow of information on a variety...2023-02-0558 minABA on TapBehavioral PediatricsSend us a textABA has essentially become synonymous with treatment of ASD, and medically speaking, nothing else despite a wide-array of possibilities. Insurance mandates have now existed in many states across the United States for 10 or more years, but are specific to ABA as a recommended treatment for ASD. In this episode, Mike and Dan guide us through the idea of 're-specialization' for the ABA field, toward greater utility. Specifically, as inspired by Patrick Friman's 2010 publication on bringing ABA to the mainstream, expanding the utility of applied behavior analysis into a primary care role, while preserving...2022-11-2700 minABA on TapDe-escalationSend us a textWhat goes up must come down--after a two-part series on the idea of an 'escalation cycle,,' Dan and Mike could only follow up with a discussion on de-escalation. In this follow-up episode, Dan and Mike continue to utilize the notion of 'crisis' or 'assaultive' behavior and its management as a means to better understand and elucidate strategies for addressing day-to-day challenging behavior. While the behavior being emitted by the client or child is often the focus of intervention, perhaps a more important variable is the behaviors or stimuli active around that person...2022-11-061h 02ABA on TapEscalation Cycle Part IISend us a textAs promised, a continuation of the discussion on the escalation cycle as filtered through the idea of crisis and so-called 'assaultive' behavior, and further how this model can be aptly utilized in considering challenging behaviors from day to day. While we often consider the child or person emitting the undesired behavior, Dan and Mike take time to include the responder as an active, and integral variable in the environment.Grab a few more ice cubes, freshen up your drink and take another sip of this tasty libation. And of course, always...2022-09-271h 01ABA on TapEscalation Cycle Part ISend us a textIn this episode, Dan and Mike tackle a very important and dense topic--the idea of a cycle of escalation as it pertains to behavior management. Starting from the perspective of crisis management, specifically considering a familiar and widely-recognized system like 'Pro-Act,' the premise is to consider not just the outward behavior itself, but perhaps more importantly, the internal antecedents and correlates from a brain and behavior perspective. In this first portion of a multi-part series on escalation, your hosts walk through important factors in autonomic arousal, as well as the work of...2022-09-261h 01ABA on TapRethinking Maladaptive BehaviorSend us a textAs ABA professionals, we are often called upon to reduce the occurrence of so-called 'maladaptive' behaviors. Terms like protest, tantrum, elopement or escape are all too common though they don't provide clean description of the behavior or its function. Often times, what we mean is that a child or client spent a certain amount of time crying, for example, and suddenly we run the risk of missing the adaptive value of an instinctive and reflexive behavior. While we don't want our clients to 'cry' extensively, we can't simply cite the emission of such...2022-08-161h 04ABA on TapJointly Attend to Verbal BehaviorSend us a textFollowing the two part series on Joint Attention, Dan and Mike extend the discussion to include verbal behavior. Dan takes a lead to expand and make an important distinction between verbal and vocal behavior. Herein comes a strong connection with joint attention given that eye gaze and pointing for example, are both fundamentally sound verbal behaviors. While at times we focus on the vocalization or words, we must pay close attention to all communicative behaviors. Sit back, jointly attend to our vocal behavior and always analyze responsibly.And if...2022-06-1259 minABA on TapJoint Attention Part IISend us a textThe brew continues in Joint Attention Part II. Mike and Dan review research on the correlation between joint attention, imitation, language development (verbal/vocal behavior) and play. From this, they focus on a specific research-based method designed to promote joint attention--namely following a point (both proximal and distal) as well as gaze shift, then leading others with point and gaze shift. The idea of joint attention as a constant mode of presentation, along with contingent imitation and linguistic mapping, in creating a dynamic, child-directed, play-based environment is elaborated. This allows for more and...2022-04-121h 01ABA on TapJoint Attention Part ISend us a textBetter late than never, Mike and Dan kick off the 3rd season of ABA on Tap. Thank you all out there for your continued support and listenership. In an effort to advance the 'lab to living room' approach, Mike and Dan give a historical account of their current practices in early intervention. Given that these particular programs take a 'preventative' edge in their purpose and objective, the idea of blending ABA technologies and methodologies with best practices in Early Childhood Education takes the forefront. Young children in these early intervention programs, a...2022-04-1245 minABA on TapCollaborative Treatment, Part IISend us a textMike and Dan discussed collaboration with SLP and OT. Now they explore current and prospective efforts with psychiatric care, use of medication from said psychiatric care, as well as future efforts in primary medical care, an 'off-label' use of ABA, per the current treatment model. ABA provision and related data could easily provide a wealth of information to treatment with medication, addressing side-effect management and possible enhancement of treatment effects, given fidelity to both medication and ABA treatments. So, take your recommended dose of ABA on Tap in this ameliorating episode, preferably with a...2021-12-2055 minABA on TapCollaborative Treatment, Part ISend us a textBehavior encompasses a wide range of activity from talking, to moving around to just about anything that makes us animate as human animals. Yet ABA is often quickly boiled down to the 'bad behavior' science, addressing the tantrums, excessive crying, dropping to the ground, self-injurious behavior, etc. This general overview can be so pervasive that we can easily forget the need for other professionals to get a child to sit down and attend, both super important learning behaviors, not misbehaviors, that ABA attends to readily. Hence, there is an active collaboration that should...2021-11-1147 minABA on TapStrange TechnologiesSend us a text"Let's make some visuals" or "that child would benefit from sensory" are two commonly heard phrases in ABA intervention yet they sound strange and overall lack meaning. In this episode, Mike and Dan take time to explore technologies like 'sensory,' 'visuals', social stories, tangible/edible reinforcement and more. These technologies were adapted with good intent, no doubt, but over the years have lost their power and purpose due to user error or the like. Many may be part of outdated premises in ASD or may be suppositions that have been outright debunked...2021-07-2655 minABA on TapIs Alfie Kohn's Assessment of ABA Accurate?Send us a textReady to learn more and engage in philosophic doubt, Mike and Dan take on a recent opinion published by the well-known education writer, Alfie Kohn. Kohn lends an eloquent criticism of ABA, pointing to recent meta-analyses that aim to question, if not eliminate, any socially significant effects and benefits of ABA-based interventions, as used with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for example. Kohn's arguments are carefully examined, credited where deserving, and aptly corrected in an effort to preserve their value, while rectifying errors in terms. That said, ABA has a wealth of empirical...2021-04-0153 minABA on TapAntecedent Based StrategiesSend us a textThe brew continues to mature as Mike and Dan evolve the discussion naturally into the next flavor, antecedent based strategies. Given ABA has been driven largely by a consequence base, the discussion leads into how to prepare for certain behaviors ahead of time, knowing they are actively being emitted. The idea becomes not to preempt or avoid the behavior, but to prepare for it in terms of learning potential toward the next time the same circumstance arises. In this manner, consequence approaches are fortified, given the effort to redirect the behavior prior to...2021-01-0746 minABA on TapDifferential ReinforcementSend us a textWelcome to Season 2 of ABA on Tap--Happy New Year! Mike and Dan jump right back in where they left off. Following the natural progression and discussion thus far, they happen upon differential reinforcement in order to promote a more multivariate application of ABA than seems the norm. Given the perpetuation of 3-part contingencies, the so-called ABCs of behavior, ABA in practice is often an amalgam of single, linear contingencies as opposed to a dynamic evocation of many behaviors subject to shaping and differential reinforcement in a more naturalized environment. As always, the quest...2021-01-0743 minABA on TapABA ClichésSend us a textAfter entertaining Chloe's criticisms and doing so seriously, Dan and Mike take a chance to explore ABA clichés--all those little overused misconceptions and stereotypes we hear out in our daily work about why ABA doesn't work. All the while, ABA touts empirical validation. How do we reconcile between what is proven and the possibility of user-error--how does ABA work for many and yet have such a vocal opposition? What are the grievances and which are legitimate? Which grievances are more based on misunderstanding and user-error? Sit back, relax and sip on something go...2020-12-031h 01ABA on TapCriticisms of ABA Part IISend us a textDan and Mike take time to reflect further on criticisms of ABA as lent by Chloe Everett in her TedTalk, The Problem with Applied Behavior Analysis (https://youtu.be/pCqEb0aG7tg). More importantly, in part II of this episode, they respond on said criticisms. Lastly, future directions and changes to ABA practice are discussed, from the lab to the living room. Sit back, relax, enjoy and always analyze responsibly.Support the show🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your...2020-10-1548 minABA on TapCriticisms of ABASend us a textWhile ABA rightfully touts empirical validation, social validity may not always reflect as strongly. One need not go further than Google to find a plethora of harsh criticism against ABA. Such a vocal critic is found in Chloe Everett and her TEDTalk entitled "The Problem with Applied Behavior Analysis" (https://youtu.be/pCqEb0aG7tg). Chloe is a well-spoken young woman who shares her experience as a 'patient' of ABA intervention given her diagnostic experience. In her talk, Chloe gives honest and useful criticism but also lends a number of misconceptions that warrant...2020-10-0947 minABA on TapABA on Tap: Q-ABA, Reopening to Never ClosedSend us a textABA on Tap excitedly welcomes our first guest ever to the podcast. Kadi Jones is a longtime practitioner and licensed BCBA residing and working in Arizona. Unlike some practitioners in California (e.g., your esteemed hosts Mike and Dan), Kadi has been practicing as usual throughout the entire pandemic thus far, delivering in-home ABA services and adapting essential safety parameters. We have spent some time examining new ideas learned from 'TeleHealth' delivery of ABA services. In this episode, we learn about safe in-home, ABA practice as we continually define risk-management and prevention of...2020-07-2653 minABA on TapABA on Tap: Lessons from QuarantineSend us a textAs people prepare to re-enter the workplace, having been 'sheltered-in-place,' ABA professionals, educators and parents alike are compelled to consider the past 4 months. What have we learned? Prior episodes have examined the exciting advancements made for our understanding of 'TeleHealth' as it pertains to ABA, especially as surfaced by quarantine. So as we contemplate re-opening our ABA services here in California--not all providers stopped in-home service--Dan and Mike lend some insight in an effort to optimize ABA services as well as the safety of the environments in which they are delivered. So...2020-07-0637 minABA on TapQ-ABA: Routinely Building SchedulesSend us a textAfter several weeks of working with parents and clients alike, all under quarantine, Dan and Mike offer points of relief for listeners learning to balance several roles under one roof. Specifically, today's pour is rich with redefining ingredients in our day to day routines and schedules. In order to soon arrive at a smooth and successful 'finish' to the day, parents are balancing professional duties on top of adapting to school at home. The episode offers various talking points and suggestions toward actively constructing and expanding adaptive routines such that the idea of...2020-04-2841 minABA on TapQ-ABA: Quarantine Screen TimeSend us a textQuarantine, or perhaps more accurately stated 'shelter in place,' has certainly put a new spin on our daily lives, to phrase it mildly. We find ourselves taking stock and placing new value on every day stimuli. In this episode, Mike and Dan work to redefine 'screen time' for parents now contending with school content, as well as for professionals considering aspects of stimulus control and socialization on this so-called 'social-media' platform. Where many weeks ago we clamored to limit screen time, we now find ourselves seeking better ways to apply it, if...2020-04-2845 minABA on TapQ-ABA: Practicing Under QuarantineSend us a textIn only their second published episode, Mike Rubio and Daniel Lowery are compelled to deal with quarantine and the current COVID-19 circumstance as they keep their distance and connect remotely. They posit many topics for discussion and consideration, covering new 'levels of service' in ABA during this era of social distancing, as well as suggesting many themes for future dialogue. Dan and Mike invite you to post your questions and comments. This is but the beginning of many discussions on what promises to be an important shift in ABA services. Though temporary, the...2020-04-0245 minABA on TapMore than 'MORE'Send us a textMike and Dan take you back to the beginning of ABA on Tap to share a studio out-take not published at the time of production. After some review, they have decided the information in this previously unreleased episode needs to be heard. In "More than MORE", a thorough discussion regarding the use of some 'starter' verbal behaviors like signing 'more', is presented. While helpful and exciting, such simple signs can often be overused and become overgeneralized, hindering progress in vocal and verbal behavior instead of promoting it. As always your comments and questions a...2020-02-1831 minABA on TapABA on Tap -- Why 40 Hours? (Inaugural Episode)Send us a textBehavior Analysts Mike Rubio and Dan Lowery kick off their podcast adventure by pouring a user-friendly, unfiltered, smooth and easy to consume discussion on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In this inaugural episode, Mike and Dan sort through the idea of 40-hours a week of in-home ABA treatment--a common pairing on the ABA treatment list for individuals (usually younger children) diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Pedagogy, professionalism and parenting alike are invited to toast and learn with Mike and Dan. Cheers! And remember, always analyze responsibly. Support the show🔥 En...2020-02-151h 08