#213: The Importance of Soft Skills with DeTerrence Allen

DeTerrence Allen, a dedicated behavior scientist, comes from a family of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, including his wife. His passion for ABA is rooted in a heartwarming “love story” for the field. A dynamic speaker, DeTerrence recently delivered an inspiring talk on soft skills at the Black Men of Behavior Analysis Conference.

So, what are soft skills? DeTerrence highlights critical communication skills rooted in kindness and respect, understanding the function behind your words, and ensuring you’ve built rapport with those you engage with. Soft skills are essential for effective collaboration and creating meaningful change.

Passing the BCBA exam is just the beginning. DeTerrence emphasizes the importance of continuing to learn and refine your approach. For new BCBAs, he advises seeking out supportive supervisors and mentors, building a professional network, and having regular discussions with colleagues. ABA also needs to be thoughtfully defined across different contexts, as its application varies.

To connect with DeTerrence Allen and learn more about soft skills and professional growth in ABA, visit his LinkedIn profile. He’s passionate about supporting clinicians in their development and helping them thrive in the field.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What are soft skills?
• The importance of building rapport for communication.
• How new BCBAs can increase soft skills.

Mentioned In This Episode:

DeTerrence Allen on LinkedIn
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