What does it take to grow an ABA practice while creating tools that transform the way we assess and support learners? In this conversation with Dr. Anika Hoybjerg, CEO of ABA Education Center and co-creator of The MOTAS assessment, we explore her inspiring journey in the field and the innovations she is bringing to ABA.

Anika shares how her early experiences in Special Olympics and school psychology shaped her perspective and how personal connections to autism led her to open one of Utah’s largest ABA centers. She also takes us inside the creation of The MOTAS, a comprehensive assessment tool designed to build independence and self-advocacy for learners of all ages. From teaching digital safety to fostering self-advocacy in IEP meetings, The MOTAS provides a framework that goes beyond basic life skills to prepare individuals for real-world success.

If you are looking for fresh ideas on assessment, practical strategies for promoting independence, and inspiration from a leader who balances compassion with innovation, this episode is for you.

What’s Inside:

• How personal experiences shaped Anika’s path into ABA
• The story behind opening and expanding ABA Education Center
• Why The MOTAS was created and how it fills gaps left by other assessments
• Practical ways to teach independence and self-advocacy skills
• Insights on blending neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and ABA practice

Mentioned In This Episode:
ABA Education Center
Measuring What Matters: Meaningful Outcomes with the MOTAS Assessment CEU Event
HowToABA.com/join
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram

Hard conversations are part of ABA practice, whether it is addressing a parent’s concerns or coaching a staff member. These moments can feel stressful, yet when handled with empathy and clarity, they can actually build trust and strengthen relationships.

In this episode, we share practical ways to approach these discussions with confidence, compassion, and purpose. You will learn why avoiding them often makes problems grow, how soft skills like active listening and humility can shift the tone, and strategies to set boundaries while keeping collaboration strong. We also touch on current research in compassionate ABA and humble behaviorism, showing why these skills are essential for effective practice.

What’s Inside:

• Why avoiding tough talks can hurt client progress
• How soft skills create better professional connections
• Tips for balancing honesty, respect, and confidence

Mentioned In This Episode:

HowToABA.com/join|
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Episode 133: The BST Model – Behavioral Skills Training

Being a skilled BCBA isn’t just about assessments and behavior plans. It’s also about human connection. In this episode, we dive into the soft skills that elevate clinical practice, from building trust with caregivers to using plain language and active listening. We explore what compassionate care really looks like in everyday interactions and share personal stories, practical examples, and lessons learned from years in the field.

The conversation also covers the power of empathy, body language, and cultural humility, as well as how self-awareness and flexibility can improve both your outcomes and your relationships. Whether you're leading a team, supporting a family, or sitting with a child during a tough moment, this episode reminds us that compassion and competence go hand in hand and that showing up with kindness can make all the difference.

What’s Inside:

• Practical ways to build trust through plain language and active listening
• Why soft skills like empathy and flexibility matter just as much as data
• How self-awareness can strengthen both your relationships and outcomes

Mentioned In This Episode:

HowToABA.com/join
How to ABA on YouTube
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
Join our CEU Event: Compassionate Competence