7 Common BCBA Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting your career as a BCBA can be exciting, but it’s easy to stumble if you don’t know the common pitfalls. In this conversation, we unpack the biggest mistakes new BCBAs make and how to avoid them so you can build confidence, create meaningful programs, and set yourself and your clients up for success.

We talk about why skipping a thorough assessment can derail your programming, how to choose the right assessment tool for each learner, and why focusing on compassion over compliance makes all the difference. You’ll also hear why building relationships with families and caregivers is just as important as data collection and how slowing down to connect can make your sessions more effective.

If you’re new to the field or mentoring someone who is, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you avoid common traps and focus on what truly matters—creating lasting impact through thoughtful, compassionate practice.

What’s Inside:

• The most common BCBA mistakes (and how to prevent them)
• How to choose assessments that truly fit your learner’s needs
• Why compassion and relationship-building are key to success

Mentioned in This Episode:

Episode 219: Choosing the Right Assessment: Practical Tips for BCBAs
Flexible Application of ACT in Parent Training, Staff Supervision, and Client Support
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How to ABA on YouTube
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