ABA has often been seen as a field rooted in compliance: sit still, follow directions, and finish the task. But is that really the foundation for meaningful progress? We believe the future of ABA lies not in control, but in connection. In this conversation, we reframe what it means to support learners with compassion, trust, and respect.

We share why focusing on relationships first creates lasting change and how boundaries can be set with kindness instead of fear. You’ll hear stories from our own families, like navigating curfews with teenagers, that show the power of mutual respect over punishment. We also break down how approaches like Dr. Gregory Hanley’s Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment highlight safety, trust, and dignity as the true starting point for learning.

Instead of teaching “compliance” as a first skill, we explore what it looks like to prioritize happy, relaxed, and engaged learners. Because when learners feel safe and connected, they’re far more willing to take risks, build skills, and grow with us.

What’s Inside:

• Why compliance-focused approaches can miss the bigger picture
• How to build trust before placing demands
• Practical strategies for setting boundaries with kindness
• The shift from control to connection in compassionate ABA

Mentioned in This Episode:
Hanley's Skill-Based Treatment Explained: A Practical Guide for Educators
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Reassessments often sneak up on us, and it can feel like just another box to check. But when used well, they are one of the most powerful tools we have to make sure our programming is meaningful and effective. In this conversation, we explore how progress monitoring and reassessment work hand in hand and why they should never feel like wasted time.

We share stories from our own experiences as BCBAs and parents, where skipping reassessment led to missed progress and frustration. It is a reminder that stepping back from the day-to-day details allows us to see the bigger picture: Are the skills we are targeting still relevant? Has the learner mastered more than our programs reflect? Or do we need to break things down further to move forward?

We also discuss when to reassess, whether it is at regular intervals, during IEP seasons, or when progress has plateaued, and how those conversations can keep teams aligned on meaningful goals. Progress monitoring gives us session-by-session insights, while reassessment offers that essential zoomed-out view of a learner’s overall trajectory.

What’s Inside:

• Why reassessments are more than a formality
• How progress monitoring drives effective programming
• When to schedule reassessments: timelines vs learner needs
• Using reevaluations to keep goals meaningful and relevant

Mentioned In This Episode:

Episode 082: BCBA Collaboration Tips
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What does it mean when the work you love starts leaving you drained or detached? That’s the reality of burnout, and in the field of ABA, it’s more common than we think. In this conversation, we look at how self-compassion can be one of the strongest defenses against burnout and why it doesn’t mean you care any less about your job.

We break down what burnout really is, how to spot the early signs, and why recognizing it as a signal, not a failure, is key. You’ll hear how strategies like job crafting, building mentoring relationships, and rethinking self-care can help you restore balance and resilience.

From practical shifts in your daily routine to reconnecting with your values, we share ways to protect your energy and rediscover joy in your work. Burnout may be common, but it does not have to stay that way.

What’s Inside:

• Defining burnout and how to recognize the signs.
• Compassionate ideas to mitigate burnout professionally and personally.

Mentioned In This Episode:
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Play with Purpose: Integrating ESDM and Naturalistic Teaching in Autism Intervention

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