The How to ABA Podcast

Navigating hard conversations is essential in behavior analysis, as it builds trust and strengthens relationships. Avoiding these discussions can hinder client progress. The importance of soft skills like active listening and empathy is emphasized, showing how they can transform interactions. Personal stories illustrate the power of candid communication. Strategies for providing constructive feedback and maintaining clarity are shared, focusing on problem-solving and creating a positive atmosphere to support collaboration amidst challenges.

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 listeningWhy soft skills like empathy and flexibility matter just as much as dataHow self-awareness can strengthen both your relationships and outcomesMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Join our CEU Event: Compassionate Competence

Labels such as 'non-verbal' and 'low-functioning' can significantly shape perceptions of learners. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using compassionate, strengths-based language in education. You’ll hear about the Pygmalion Effect, highlighting how our words influence student outcomes. The conversation advocates for flexible teaching methods, recognizing individual learning styles, and focusing on quality of life. Practical strategies for goal writing and collaborating with families are shared, emphasizing the need to respect each learner's unique potential.

Is “non-compliance” really the problem, or just a reflection of our own expectations? Here, we unpack one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in ABA: non-compliance. We explore why this label can mask important context, such as unmet needs, skill deficits, or valid self-advocacy. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we may need to ask better questions: What are we asking the learner to do? Why? And is it truly necessary?We share practical strategies for rethinking how we define, document, and respond to refusal, from replacing vague language in session notes to setting boundaries with kindness. You’ll also hear how cultural values, family expectations, and adult bias can shape how “compliance” is perceived and why collaboration, communication, and compassion should lead the way. If you’ve ever questioned how to balance boundaries and autonomy, this conversation will give you fresh tools and confidence.What’s Inside:Why “non-compliance” might not mean what you think it doesHow to shift from power struggles to skill-building and cooperationTips for writing objective, bias-free treatment plansMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Cooperation Over Compliance Video Series

Teaching social skills doesn’t always stick, but what if we could make it both effective and engaging? In this conversation, we explore how pairing Behavioral Skills Training (BST) with video modeling can create more meaningful, lasting social skill development. We break down how these two evidence-based strategies work together, walking through each phase of BST and showing how video can supercharge the process, especially for visual learners.We also share practical insights from our own experiences, like how using self-video during the feedback phase helps learners reflect, laugh, and grow without overwhelm. Plus, we cover the importance of keeping it simple: targeting one clear skill at a time, praising successes, and building confidence through positive reinforcement. Whether you're a therapist, teacher, or parent, this episode offers smart, doable ways to level up your social skills teaching toolkit.What’s Inside:How to use BST and video modeling when teaching social skillsReal-world insights from our own experiences with video modelingWhy it’s important to keep your approach simpleMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram BST and Video Modeling 

For Lorena and Roberto Germán, teaching isn’t just about content; it’s about connection. In this episode, they share how their work through Multicultural Classroom transforms how educators approach professional development, cultural responsiveness, and student-centered instruction. With decades of experience in classrooms and school leadership, they break down what it means to move from theory to practice. Lorena and Roberto offer real strategies that help educators navigate bias, build stronger relationships, and create learning environments where all students feel seen.We also explore the tension between data and humanity, the impact of cultural context in behavioral support, and why celebrating non-tested wins matters just as much as academic outcomes. From honoring student voice to recognizing implicit bias, Lorena and Roberto challenge educators and behavior analysts alike to reflect deeply and act intentionally. Whether you're in a classroom, consulting in schools, or leading professional development, this episode offers tools and insights to help you practice with more awareness, care, and impact.What’s Inside:How Lorena and Roberto’s work through Multicultural Classroom is transforming educatorsThe impact cultural context has in behavioral supportTools and insights to bring more awareness into your practiceMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Multicultural Classroom WebsiteMulticultural Classroom on InstagramMulticultural Classroom on TikTokMulticultural Classroom on YouTube

Are social skills groups a powerful way to build real-life connections, or just another artificial setting that doesn’t translate beyond the session? In this episode, we dive into the debate, weighing the pros and cons of group-based instruction. Drawing from years of experience, we explore what makes these groups succeed, where they fall short, and why context, individual goals, and generalization matter more than any set curriculum.We discuss why some learners thrive in structured social settings while others need more natural, individualized approaches. From parent expectations to learner preferences, emotional regulation challenges, and the importance of staff involvement, we unpack what it really takes to make a social group effective. Whether you’re running a center-based program or supporting students in a classroom, this episode is packed with honest insights to help you decide when and how to use social skills groups…and when to rethink them entirely.What’s Inside:The pros and cons of group-based instructionWhy some learners thrive in structured social settings and others don’tTips to help you decide when and how to use social skills groupsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Join the BX Resource Community

For over 20 years, Model Me Kids has helped learners build real-world social skills through evidence-based video modeling. We sat down with founder Sue Klein to explore how it all began, from cutting out magazine clippings and mailing DVDs to launching a fully customizable streaming platform used by educators, therapists, and families across the country. Sue shares the origin story of Model Me Kids, the thinking behind its peer-led, real-life video format, and how it’s evolved to support learners of all ages and abilities.We also dive into the teaching strategies that make video modeling so effective, like clear visual storyboards, built-in repetition, and role-play opportunities, and how the new data tracker will make progress easier to monitor and share. Whether you're working with preschoolers, teens, or young adults, Model Me Kids provides practical, engaging tools to help learners build confidence and social understanding in everyday life. Want to try Model Me Kids yourself? Use promo code ABA25Plus for 25% off! What’s Inside:How and why Sue created Model Me KidsWhy video modeling is an effective teaching strategyA walkthrough of the features included in Model Me KidsMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Model Me Kids Website

Have you ever written a social skills goal that looked great on paper but didn’t lead to real-life success? In this conversation, we dive into how to create meaningful social skills goals that build genuine connection, confidence, and independence. We explore why social skills aren't one-size-fits-all and how to align goals with each learner’s personality, preferences, and values—whether that means navigating a busy store, joining a classroom routine, or connecting over a shared interest.We also share common mistakes to avoid (like rote teaching and checklist-style goals) and offer practical strategies like values-based assessments, role-play, video modeling, and meaningful data collection. Whether you're working with verbal or non-verbal learners, young kids or teens, we show you how to build social goals that make a real impact on their terms, in their world.Need more support? Join our next CEU event, How to Approach Social Skills Like a Behavior Analyst, on July 10th. Click the link below for more details!What’s Inside:How to create meaningful, impactful social skills goalsHow to align goals to each unique learnerCommon mistakes to avoidMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Join Our Next CEU Event

Ever wonder how playful moments like peekaboo or a silly song can support meaningful progress in young children with autism? Here, we explore sensory social routines and how the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) uses them to build engagement, communication, and joint attention through everyday play. These simple, predictable routines can become powerful teaching tools when paired with a child’s natural interests.We share what these routines are, why they work, and how we use them to follow a child’s lead while embedding teaching moments. From chasing games to puzzle play, we offer real-life examples and practical tips to spark connection, shape behavior, and celebrate small wins at home or in therapy. With the right strategies, even the smallest interactions can lead to big developmental breakthroughs.What’s Inside:An overview of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)How to use ESDM routines in teachingReal-life examples and practical tips for working with learnersMentioned In This Episode:HowToABA.com/joinHow to ABA on YouTubeFind us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram Play-Based Tip Sheet Episode 106: ABA Assessments