Aba Inside Track

We had so much fun talking with Danielle Yang about the potential of tabletop role-playing games as a component of behavior analytic skill acquisition treatment from a research perspective. But in case that wasn't enough to give you a sense of what such an ABA session could look like, Danielle returns to run Rob and school psychologist/BCBA, Matt Carter, through a demo session of RPGs as a framework for teaching mindfulness and denial tolerance. Will Matt and Rob learn to be more flexible? Or will the impassable mushroom village be their doom? Interested in learning more about this topic? Danielle offers a deeper-dive course into the use of RPGs in treatment and skill planning. You can also join her Discord to chat with other RPG/ABA practitioners.

A kobold approaches! He's looking for someone to help him with his social skills to gain greater friends at the taverns. Do you roll for behavior analysis clinical skills? Or attack him with your +2 broadsword? While we've definitely discussed role-playing activities in training contexts, recent years have seen a huge increase in interest in gamification in learning a variety of skills. One area of research is in the use of tabletop role-playing games in therapeutic and clinical settings. But is there any research to back up the hype? This week we're joined by active RPG player clinical user, Danielle Yang, to dive into the research base as we work to answer the question: could the use of RPGs in treatment be considered behavior analytic? Interested in learning more about this topic? Danielle offers a deeper-dive course into the use of RPGs in treatment and skill planning. You can also join her Discord to chat with other RPG/ABA practitioners. And keep your eye out for a bonus episode this month where we'll b

UNLOCKED from our Patreon page, it's the "The Science of Consequences" Book Club! Interested in more Book Clubs? Want to vote on what we read next? Feeling FOMO at getting this a full year late? Wish your 2.5 CEs for listening to the episode were FREE??? Join us on Patreon to get all of our episodes a week early, access to these bonus episodes, plus other goodies. As a follow-up from our episode on storytelling, we our Winter 2024 Book Club explored Dr. Susan Schneider's 2012 opus, The Science of Consequences, as an example of taking the hugely important concept of learning through consequences and making it understandable to the wider public. But hey, while she was at it, why not explain how consequences impact evolution, or gene expression, or social improvement strategies. And add multiple examples of how consequences work in labs and the natural environment across a wide range of human and non-human species. And make it fun to read! But before our crack Book Club squad dives into the nitty gritty of the

ROB: I have behavior analysis and this book to thank for my growth as a human being and for helping me to understand how so many of the harms of the modern Republican party--a party I voted consistenly for until 2016--have led us to the cruel, fascistic situations we find ourselves here in American under the Trump administration. Yet despite the recent killings in Minnesota, some portion of U.S. citizens still consider Trump and his jackbooted thugs worth supporting. Hopefully at least all of our listeners are disgusted and outraged at the actions of the President. If not listen to our discussion of Murray Sidman's still timely "Coercion and Its Fallout". I don't think a person with any knowledge of the science of human behavior could read this important work and not be utterly apoplectic at the unethical garbage spewed by the White House and its staff. And, if you're already mad as hell about the state of America, you'll be DOUBLE-MAD!! But have more succinct words as to how things could and should be better

Heeeeeey, it's Rob's birthday. Time to pick this month's theme! Maybe it's the near decade's worth of podcasting, but this February, Rob decided that his impeding aging anniversary should also receive celebration in the form of "OOPS! All Rob picked articles". So, given carte blanche to talk about anything in the world of ABA, what did he choose? Well, first, he took the week off while we unlock last year's Winter Book Club on "The Science of Consequences" with a bonus interview with author Dr. Susan Schneider (interested in 2.5 CEs for free? Upgrading to the $10 level on Patreon is your answer). After that, he brings special guest, Danielle Yang, to the table to learn about the state of therapeutic role-playing games and how your weekly D+D game could be added into your ABA services. And finally, because it's been far too long and is one of the most mind-blowingly awesome procedures in his 20 years in the field, Rob brings back the Preschool Life Skills for a record-breaking THIRD time! The best part about R

Finally, after nearly 10 years, it's the changing criterion design's time to shine! While often seen as the little brother to our more robust experimental designs, this week we discuss when the changing criterion could be your design of choice in research and practice and look at some of the more convincing cases of how the little step-wise graph that nobody liked should really be a key player in your visual display toolbox. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Klein, L.A., Houlihan, D., Vincent, J.L., & Panahon, C.J. (2017). Best practices in utilizing the changing criterion design. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 10, 52-61. doi: 10.1007/s40617-014-0036-x De Luca, R.V. & Holborn, S.W. (1992). Effects of a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule with changing criteria on exercise in obese and nonobese boys. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 25, 671-679. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-671 Brady, M.P., Kearney, K.B., Downey, A., Torres, A., & McDougall, D. (20

While completing a functional behavior assessment is an ethical requirement before engaging in behavior change programming, only a minority of BCBAs consistently do this. And since many of the barriers to completing FAs revolve around seemingly insurmountable (and ethical concern of) risks to clicents, wouldn't having a more structured way to assess the risk of an FA and more quickly review mitigating factors provide a potential solution to these problems? Well, that's exactly what Dr. Stephanie Peterson and her former students Dr. Rebecca Eldridge and Dr. Neil Deochand thought when they developed their Functional Analysis Risk Assessment Decision Tool. This week, as voted on by our Patrons, how to complete a risk assessment before starting your functional analysis from the people at the forefront of this research. This episode is available for 1.0 ETHICS CEU. Patrons at the $5 and up levels can get that CEU for FREE! Just head on over to our Patreon Page. Articles discussed this episode: Wiskirchen, R.R., D

Hey, everbody. Due to a last minute technology crisis, we've needed to push up the launch of our new website...to right now! Please listen to this short drop to hear about some of the differences you might see. Some of the functionality will be rolling out through today and tomorrow so you may end up at our old site as we update links and fix bugs. To go directly to the new site, visit abainsidetrack.thinkific.com. Our regular website URL will be pointing there in the next few days too. Any problems? Please let us know as soon as you can at abainsidetrack@gmail.com

When working with clients to support their behavior change goals, does it ever feel like you're the one doing all the convincing that the change is worth the effort? Rather than spending your energy cajoling clients that your plan is "right", wouldn't it be better to support their own belief in engaging in behavior change? Well, that's just what motivational interviewing techniques can do. And since this well-studied process is only just getting interest in behavior analysis, we're joined this week by Dr. Monica Gilbert, clinical psychologist, mental health counselor, AND BCBA, to get a crash course of the basics of how motivational interviewing can improve communication between clinicians and clients to boost your therapeutic alliance building skills into overdrive. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Gilbert, M. (2025). How to stop talking and start communicating with motivational interviewing: Building effective partnerships with caregivers: A practical guide f

Enjoy a short preview of our latest full-length Book Club episode.  Want to hear the whole thing and get 2.0 CEs for FREE? Subscribe to our Patreon today at the premium $10+ levels for that plus other bonuses! Could this best-selling self-help book actually be the best introduction to behavior analysis for a mainstream audience? Though many of us expected James Clear's "Atomic Habits" to share some lightly-spiced tips for changing behaviors, we were all impressed with the level of research and personalization that Clear put into his program for analyzing and building new behavioral habits. From a basic belief that doing a little bit of something good is better than nothing, Clear lays out some important, real-world examples of analyzing your own ABCs and sprinkles in some acceptance practice to explain an actionable series of steps to create lasting behavior change with in the areas of most significance to you. But don't take our word for it…or do, but only after a full two-hour discussion of our thoughts and

Happy New Year, everyone! We kick off the (almost) 10th year of ABA Inside Track with a review of our recent holiday activities then get right back into our podcast research discussion with a bevy of amazing guests. First up we delve into the new (for behavior analysts) work of motivational interviewing with Dr. Monica Gilbert. Then we have three-guests-for one with Dr. Stephanie Peterson, Dr. Rebecca Eldridge, and Dr. Neil Deochand to learn about risk assessment and their development of the FARADT tool. Then we take pity on the least popular experimental design, the changing criterion, by giving it its own episode. Still not enough learning for your behavior analytic resolutions? Why not head over to the Stone Soup online conference with a $20 discount. Just register with the code ABAIT26 and enjoy a whole day of learning. Articles for January 2026 Motivational Interviewing w/ Dr. Monica Gilbert Gilbert, M. (2025). How to stop talking and start communicating with motivational interviewing: Building effectiv

If you've never been to the Stone Soup online conference, you've been missing out. It's a full day of amazing speakers hitting all the topics you want to hear about. And, as a special discount for ABA Inside Track listeners, use the code ABAIT26 to get $20 off your registration. See you there in the chat!

We wrap up another year with our podcasting buddy, Matt Cicoria, from Behavioral Observations by looking at some of our favorite ABA trends of 2025 as well as discussing some of our most listened to episodes and opining on how we're both about to enter a full decade of behavior analytic podcasting. Plus a whole bunch of other seasonal rigamarole and foofarra. But NO POLITICS! Happy Holidays to all! See you in 2026.    

Since the 1970s the scientific field has been steadily improving in its use of meaningful consent practices. But how are we doing when it comes to the related practice of gaining client assent? This week we discuss the similarities and differences between both and take a pulse check as to how behavior analysis is doing to ensure only the best of practices when it comes to benefiting our clients whether in the research lab or clinic setting. If you think of assent practices as just willingness to enter the classroom, you definitely need to listen to this episode. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Mead Jasperse, S.C., Kelly, M.P., Ward, S.N., Fernand, J.K., Joslyn, P.R., & van Dijk, W. (2025). Consent and assent practices in behavior analytic research. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 826-841. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00838-5  Flowers, J. & Dawes, J. (2023). Dignity and respect: Why therapeutic assent matters. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 16, 913-920. do

Special guest, Denisha Gingles, returns to the show to update our perceptions of good leadership with a decidedly non-Western traditional mindset of culturally responsive practices. For example, did you know that some cultures appreciate a greater sense of unity from their leaders? Apparently one giant know-it-all doesn't necessarily make for the best boss—looking at you, American CEOs! Learn how embracing a more diverse workforce can also benefit goals of meaningful mentorship and growth in our field with some examples from the medical world and how much we really should learn from rugby. This episode is available for 1.0 CULTURAL (ETHICS) CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Sriram, V., Atwal, A., & McKay, E.A. (2024). Exploring aspects of mentoring for black and minoritised healthcare professionals in the UK: A nominal group technique study. BMJ Open, 14. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-089121 Kemzang, J., Bekolo, G., Jaunky, S., Mathieu, J., Contant, H., Oguntala, J., Rahmani, M., Louisme, M.C., Medina, N.

In our newest episode in our Tutorial series, we're joined by special guest (and SLP), Judy Southey to get the ABCs of PECS. Like, did you know saying, "Hand me a PEC" demonstrates a total misunderstanding of the acronym? Or, more importantly, the steps involved in training the usage of PECS for increasing verbal behavior? What comes first, second, last and what common misconceptions about PECS can interfer with the development of functional language? More questions, we've got the answers! This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Robertson, M. & Harris, T. (2024, December 30th). How to best determine if an autistic individual is using an effective communication system. Autism Spectrum News. https://autismspectrumnews.org/how-to-best-determine-if-an-autistic-individual-is-using-an-effective-communication-system Wannapaschaiyong, P., Vivattanasinchai, T., & Wongkwanmuang, A. (2025). Predictors of successful Picture Exchange Communication System training in childr

Much like the amount of time the New England sun stays up, enjoy a short preview of what's coming out in the darkest days of December on the podcast. This month we've got three special guests including SLP, Judy Southey leading us through the new "How To" all about PECS; Denisha Gingles to lead us through a discussion of leadership practices in ABA, and Matt Cicoria leading us into the new year by reviewing what happened in ABA in 2025 in our yearly special episode. And, to round things out, a discussion about exactly what makes up assent practices. Yule love it all! Articles for December 2025 Tutorial: PECS with Judy Southey Robertson, M. & Harris, T. (2024, December 30th). How to best determine if an autistic individual is using an effective communication system. Autism Spectrum News. https://autismspectrumnews.org/how-to-best-determine-if-an-autistic-individual-is-using-an-effective-communication-system Wannapaschaiyong, P., Vivattanasinchai, T., & Wongkwanmuang, A. (2025). Predictors of successfu

So, we already covered safety skills on land. But what about safety in the water? Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in children and those numbers increase significantly for autistic children. In this episode we review the research on how to teach water safety skills. Would you believe, a lot of them include teaching how to swim? That plus other skills that every child should learn and the most effective ways to teach them. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Martin, C. & Dillenberger, K. (2019).  Behavioural Water Safety and Autism: a Systematic Review of Interventions. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 6, 356-366. doi: 10.1007/s40489-019-00166-x Levy, K. M., Ainsleigh, S. A., & Hunsinger-Harris, M. L. (2017). Let's go under! Teaching Water Safety Skills using a behavioral treatment package. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 52, 186-193. doi: 10.1177/215416471705200208 Tucker, M. & In

In this episode we're delving back into the world of OBM with special guest Dr. Doug Johnson. And after giving us a crash course in meaningful instrucitonal design, Dr. Johnson discusses many of the ways that meaningful teaching can leverge amazing business trainings. Shockingly tons of video and flashy graphics don't actually make your new employee orientation webinar good. There are rules about this kind of stuff, and Dr. Johnson points out some of the most important ones. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Johnson, D.A. (2021). The foundations of behavior-based instructional design within business. In Houmanfar, R.A., Fryling, M., & Alavosius, M.P. (Eds.), Applied behavior science in organizations. (pp. 65-80). Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003198949-3 Johnson, D.A., Li, A., McCalpin, A.L., & Laske, M.M. (2024). The advancement of training within business using behavior-based instructional design. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 44, 150-1

Could it be? Could Jackie's option for Listener Choice actually have won the poll? I guess everybody really wants to learn more about the challenges involved in moving from one activity to the next. So, in this episode, that's exactly what we'll review. Are there good treatment options when putting down the iPad and joining an arts and crafts activity leads to tears? How can we even pinpoint where and why the transition chain is breaking down? Put down your JABA and head on over to your phone to find out. This episode is available for 1.0 LEARNING CEU. Articles discussed this episode: Waters, M.B., Lerman, D. C., & Hovantez, A. N. (2009). Separate and combined effects of visual schedules and extinction plus differential reinforcement on problem behavior occasioned by transitions. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 309-313. doi: 10.1901/jaba.2009.42-309 Pálsdóttir, E.D., Magnússon, A.F., & Sveinbjörnsdóttir. (2024). An experimental analysis of task refusal: A comparison of negative reinforcemen