

The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria
Matt Cicoria
The Behavioral Observations Podcast with Matt Cicoria is an interview-based show that features conversations with innovative scientists and practitioners in the field of Behavior Analysis. The podcast covers topics such as Autism, Functional Behavioral Assessment, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Functional Communication Training, Verbal Behavior, and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 9min
Improving knee surgery outcomes with positive reinforcement: Inside JABA Series 20
In the 20th installment of the Inside JABA Series, I'm joined by Drs. Brennan Armshaw, Manish Vaidya, and Sachen Mehta. As always, I'm also joined by JABA Editor in Chief, Dr. John Borerro. In this episode we discuss a fantastic paper that is out in the summer issue of JABA titled, “Surface electromyography-based biofeedback can facilitate recovery from total knee arthroplasty.” In brief, this study that examined a novel treatment approach for rehabilitating patients following knee replacement surgery. And guess what, they used simple behavioral techniques to radically improve physical therapy outcomes! Orthopedics is something that's been on my mind lately as I am recovering from a broken metacarpal bone in my hand. It's probably something of interest to others who have either had orthopedic problems themselves, or who have taken care of hose who have. However, even if you're not interested in orthopedics, I encourage you to really dig into this episode because it's just a great case study of applying our science to a novel problem that affects millions of people . As always, there are no advertisements in the Inside JABA Series shows, but I will mention that if you would like to get a CEU for listening to this episode an answering series of questions related to its content, you can find out how to do just that by clicking here. So if you would like to learn from your favorite podcast guests, especially while you're on the go, check out what we have to offer over. I should also mention that there are discounts available for multiple event purchases. I recently crunched some numbers and found out that CEU customers, on average, save almost $100 when they leverage these discount codes. Here are the links to resources mentioned in the podcast: Armshaw, Vaidya, and Mehta (2024). Surface electromyography-based biofeedback can facilitate recovery from total knee arthroplasty. Vaidya and Armshaw (2021). Surface electromyography and gamification: Translational research to advance physical rehabilitation. Inside JABA 9: Applied and Translational Research in Healthcare. The Institute for Behavior Science and Technology in Rehabilitation. Comprehensive Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. Brennan's WVU faculty page and LinkedIn. Manish's LinkedIn page.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 20min
BOP REWIND: A Constructional Approach for Solving Behavioral Challenges, with Claire St. Peter
Hey everybody I hope you're having a great summer so far, or whatever season it happens to be whenever you listen to this episode. Some of the things I've been doing recently is going back through the behavioral observations archives and giving episodes a second or third listen. One of those episodes was Session 193 that I published in July 2022, and my guest was Dr. Claire Saint Peter. In that episode we talked about the constructional approach, as it were, and how it relates to solving behavior problems. This topic has been getting a lot of attention lately. When I was at ABAI in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, I attended several talks on the constructional approach, which prompted me to listen to this episode again. And when I did listen to this episode for a second time I felt that there were so many really helpful pieces of information that I wanted to republish it. What I did with this episode is essentially started after the part in which Claire talked about her background and getting into behavior analysis. Now if you want to go back and listen to that story, and I think it is a good story by the way as it's a bit of a microcosm of the history of applied behavior analysis, you can certainly do so. However, for the purposes of brevity, I decided just cut out that introductory section so the overall experience is a bit more focused, especially for those of us who are listening to this for a second, third, or fourth time. With that said, I really hope you listen to this episode and it's entirety there are so many great nuggets have information. Although we talk about the application of the constructional approach to a student in a school setting, I am sure that you will make connections to all sorts of applications. I will also make this episode eligible for a continuing education unit, as I have been doing with many older episodes as well. So if you are looking to get caught up on your continuing education, go to behavioralobservations.com to see the nearly 60 episodes we have available for your continuing education. The last thing I'll say about this episode is that this is not the last thing I'll say about the constructional approach. I guess I'm saying that out loud for some accountability, because of said this before, but I want to have some other guests on to talk about this because I think it's an interesting way to look at behavior analysis and it's ability to address problems of social importance. Here are links to some of the resources we mentioned: The original Session 193 Claire's lab website Claire's Google Scholar Page Goldiamond (1974): Toward a constructional approach to social problems: ethical and constitutional issues raised by applied behavior analysis More Goldiamond: A Programming Contingency Analysis of Mental Health Layng (2009). The Search for an Effective Clinical Behavior Analysis: The Nonlinear Thinking of Israel Goldiamond Romano, St. Peter, Milyko, Mesches, and Foreman (2021). Incorporating Curricular Revision to Treat Escape-Maintained Behavior for Children with ADHD Mammacare Word of the Podcast Inside JABA 7: There's No Such Thing as a Bad Boy, with Pat Friman Session 158: Motivational Interviewing with Dr. Jim Murphy Friman (2021). There is no such thing as a bad boy: The Circumstances View of problem behavior Johnston, Pennypacker, and Green: Strategies and Tactics for Behavioral Research and Practice (note: Amazon Associates link). This podcast is brought to you by: How to ABA…The Bx Resource Membership saves you time, lends you support, and helps you keep up with your CEUs. It's a growing library of resources, materials, programs, datasheets, assessments, and how-to videos to help you tackle any ABA program with ease. It also includes live CEUs each month, live mentorship sessions, a full library of CEUs (60+, enough for recertification), and a community of fellow behavior professionals where you can ask questions when you need support. Join us at howtoaba.com/join. The New England Center for Children! I am beyond thrilled to partner with one of the oldest and well-respected ABA institutions to help them find staff to continue their mission of supporting individuals with Autism. Learn more about careers at NECC over at necc.org/jobs. The Behavioral Toolbox. thebehavioraltoolbox.com is a new education and training site that my colleagues Anika Costa and Dr. Paulie Gavoni and I have been working on for over two years. We have two courses available: our first course, Ready, Set, Consult! and our newly released course, When Not to FBA: 5 Quick Strategies for Improving Behavior in Classrooms. HRIC Recruiting. Barb Voss has been placing BCBAs in permanent positions throughout the US for just about a decade, and has been in the business more generally for 30 years. When you work with HRIC, you work directly with Barb, thereby accessing highly personalized service. So if you're about to graduate, you're looking for a change of pace, or you just want to know if the grass really is greener on the other side, head over to HRIColorado.com to schedule a confidential chat right away.

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 24min
BOP en Español 10: Los altos y bajos al establecer el análisis de conducta en Guatemala con Jessie Arroyave
En este episodio tenemos la oportunidad de conocer la trayectoria de Jessie Arroyave, la primera BCBA de Guatemala. Jessie publicó un artículo en la revista Behavior Analysis in Practice, en el que habla de los altos y bajos al tratar de dar los primeros pasos para el establecimiento del análisis de conducta en Guatemala. Ella decidió tomar el camino difícil de regresar a su país después de formarse en Estados Unidos a pesar de los múltiples obstáculos. ¿Qué estamos haciendo para apoyar a profesionales como Jessie? Lo que sé es que con nuestra ayuda o sin ella, su compromiso y dedicación están intactos. Tenemos mucho que aprender de su ejemplo. The ups and downs of establishing behavior analysis in Guatemala with Jessie Arroyave In this episode we have the opportunity to learn about the career of Jessie Arroyave, the first BCBA in Guatemala. Jessie published an article in the journal Behavior Analysis in Practice, in which she talks about the ups and downs of trying to take the first steps toward establishing behavior analysis in Guatemala. She decided to take the difficult path of returning to her country after training in the United States despite multiple obstacles. What are we doing to support professionals like Jessie? What I know is that with or without our help, her commitment and dedication are intact. We have much to learn from her example.

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 33min
Leadership in Alternative Education Settings: Session 267 with Bruce Tinor
Dr. Bruce Tinor returns to the podcast for an informative conversation about his work as a principal at The Child and Career Developmental Center of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Long-time listeners will recall that Bruce originally joined me in Session 197. In this podcast, we talk all things alternative ed. Specifically, Bruce gives a quick review of how students find their way to his school, and in doing so, provides a mini-seminar in FAPE (and if you're not familiar with that acronym, you will be shortly). We talk about working in a multidisciplinary setting, how those related services are provided, improving academic skills as a behavioral intervention, and in general, what it's like to be a BCBA and a school principal. In many ways, this is a podcast about culture and leadership too. Bruce talks about his interview practices and how he supports teachers and staff throughout the day. We also talk about some of the unique Tier 1 and Tier 2 behavioral practices, how he makes new students feel welcome, his behavioral approach to social-emotional learning, and lots more. We close the podcast with what I thought was a really special discussion about Bruce being a role model. I don't want to spoil that part of the podcast here. You'll definitely want to listen to it for yourself, so I hope you check that part of the show out. Say 'hi' to Bruce on LinkedIn. Whole Group Responding (Interview with Dr. Bill Heward). Using Behavioral Contracts (Interview with Drs. Jill Dardig and Bill Heward). Back to School with PBIS (Interview with Elissa Johnson). How to Get Better Results (Interview with Dr. John Austin). Improving Classroom Management (Interview with Dr. Jeannie Donaldson). When Not to FBA: 5 Quick Strategies for Improving Behavior in Classrooms (asynchronous course from thebehavioraltoolbox.com). This podcast is brought to you by the following: How to ABA…The Bx Resource Membership saves you time, lends you support, and helps you keep up with your CEUs. It's a growing library of resources, materials, programs, datasheets, assessments, and how-to videos to help you tackle any ABA program with ease. It also includes live CEUs each month, live mentorship sessions, a full library of CEUs (60+, enough for recertification), and a community of fellow behavior professionals where you can ask questions when you need support. Join us at howtoaba.com/join. The New England Center for Children! I am beyond thrilled to partner with one of the oldest and well-respected ABA institutions to help them find staff to continue their mission of supporting individuals with Autism. Learn more about careers at NECC over at necc.org/jobs. ACE Approved CEUs from .... Behavioral Observations. That's right, get your CEUs while driving, walking your dog, doing the dishes, or whatever else you might have going on, all while learning from your favorite podcast guests! The Behavioral Toolbox. thebehavioraltoolbox.com is a new education and training site that my colleagues Anika Costa and Dr. Paulie Gavoni and I have been working on for over two years. We have two courses available: our first course, Ready, Set, Consult! and our newly released course, When Not to FBA: 5 Quick Strategies for Improving Behavior in Classrooms.

15 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 48min
What is Primary Care Behavioral Pediatrics? Session 266 with Chris McGinnis
Dr. Chris McGinnis discusses Primary Care Behavioral Pediatrics, debunking the Chemical Imbalance Hypothesis and addressing behavior challenges. He emphasizes caregiver adherence, trauma-informed care, and the shift towards evidence-based services in the field. The conversation also touches on parenting styles, educator involvement, and the importance of specialized training in pediatric care.

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 14min
Buffers That Protect Against Adverse Childhood Experiences: Session 265 with Camille Kolu
In this engaging conversation, Camille Kolu, a leading voice on trauma's impact and author of 'Providing Buffers, Solving Barriers,' shares her insights on protecting against adverse childhood experiences. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and supportive measures through personal anecdotes and research. Topics include strategies for work-life balance, enhancing life opportunities, and overcoming learned helplessness in children. Kolu also discusses practical courses for professionals, advocating for a customized approach to behavior analysis that prioritizes mental well-being.

12 snips
May 22, 2024 • 1h 5min
How Does Interviewer Behavior Influence Children's Responses? Inside JABA 19
Ray Joslyn, an assistant professor at West Virginia University, Milad Najafichaghabouri, a doctoral student specializing in ABA, and John Borrero, editor-in-chief of JABA, dive into how interviewer behavior impacts children's response accuracy. They discuss the nuances of question phrasing and its implications in educational and legal settings. The trio emphasizes the necessity of tailored interviewing techniques, especially for vulnerable populations, and highlights the critical role of replication studies in strengthening research validity.

May 20, 2024 • 2h 7min
El Análisis de Conducta en Venezuela: BOP en Español 9, con Corina Jimenez-Gomez, Mirari Elcoro y Amalix Flores
El Análisis de Conducta en Venezuela: Un legado finalmente reconocido con Corina Jimenez-Gomez, Mirari Elcoro y Amalix Flores No una, ni dos, sino 3 venezolanas rindiendo tributo al legado de Venezolanos en nuestra ciencia del análisis de conducta. Un legado del cual (siendo Venezolano) desconocía y que gracias a ellas tengo ahora el privilegio y orgullo de conocer y que será reconocido en nuestra comunidad a través del artículo que publicaron en la revista Behavior Analysis in Practice (Análisis de Conducta en la Práctica). Una conversación de 2 horas que les recomiendo sean Venezolanos, Iberoamericanos y/o simplemente, como nuestras invitadas y coautores de este artículo, estudiantes de nuestra historia. Mirar atrás trajo muchas reflexiones, no solo acerca de un legado importante, sino también del estado actual del análisis de conducta y su posible futuro. Importante reconocimiento a las mujeres fundadoras y líderes del análisis de conducta en Venezuela, a las idiosincrasias de los Venezolanos ‘echados pa’lante’, recursivos y pluralistas; a la dedicación y vocación de tantas personas, finalmente publicado en un producto permanente. Gracias Corina, Mirari y Amalix, ‘se me agua el guarapo’. Behavior Analysis in Venezuela: A legacy finally recognized with Corina Jimenez-Gomez, Mirari Elcoro and Amalix Flores Not one, not two, but 3 Venezuelans paying tribute to the legacy of Venezuelans in our science of behavior analysis. A legacy that (being Venezuelan) I was unaware of and that thanks to them I now have the privilege and pride of knowing and that will be recognized in our community through the article they published in Behavior Analysis in Practice. A 2-hour conversation that I recommend wether you are Venezuelans, Ibero-Americans and/or simply, like our guests and co-authors of this article, students of our history. Looking back brought many reflections, not only about an important legacy, but also about the current state of behavior analysis and its possible future. Important recognition to the founding women and leaders of behavioral analysis in Venezuela, to the idiosyncrasies of Venezuelans 'echados pa’lante', recursive and pluralistic; to the dedication and vocation of so many people, finally published in a permanent product. Thanks Corina, Mirari and Amalix, 'se me agua el guarapo'.

May 1, 2024 • 1h 25min
Behavior Analytic Approaches to Counseling and Therapy: Session 262 with Pat Friman
Dr. Pat Friman returns to discuss the Behavior Analytic approaches he uses with patients. In this episode, we harken way back to Session 16, and review some of what we know about Anxiety and Depression, which are the most common forms of mental health distress. Pat talks about how he conceptualizes these challenges, what he does in the first session with patients, his general approach to treatment, the role of medications, his view on when to begin or cease therapy, important therapist characteristics like kindness, compassion, and acceptance, and lots more! Here are links to the references we spoke about: Pat's earlier appearances on the BOP. Pat's CEU previous CEU events: Session 16 (ethics) and Session 42. Friman, Hayes, and Wilson (1998). Why Behavior Analysts Should Study Emotion: The example of Anxiety. Hayes and Smith (2005). Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life (disclosure: Amazon Associate link). Haidt (2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (disclosure: Amazon Associate link). Session 227: Decreasing Social Media Use with Contingency Management, Inside JABA 15. This podcast is brought to you by: ACE Approved CEUs from .... Behavioral Observations. That's right, get your CEUs while driving (even this episode!), walking your dog, doing the dishes, or whatever else you might have going on, all while learning from your favorite podcast guests! The Behavioral Toolbox. thebehavioraltoolbox.com is a new education and training site that my colleagues Anika Costa and Dr. Paulie Gavoni and I have been working on for over two years. We have two courses available: our first course, Ready, Set, Consult! and our newly released course, When Not to FBA: 5 Quick Strategies for Improving Behavior in Classrooms. Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their brand new 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Love the podcast, but would l

Apr 23, 2024 • 56min
Entrevistas Motivacionales: BOP en Español 8 con la Dra. Monica Gilbert
Entrevistas Motivacionales con la Dra. Monica Gilbert Aunque la entrevista motivacional nació del contexto psicoterapéutico y de rehabilitación en relación a dependencias y abuso de sustancias, hoy en día se utiliza como un estilo de comunicación para establecer relaciones terapéuticas y profesionales en varios contextos con un espíritu de colaboración y empoderamiento en dirección al cambio. Los analistas de conducta estamos reconociendo que, sin ser esa nuestra intención, nuestra comunicación al brindar nuestros servicios en algunos casos puede ser coercitiva. Esto resulta en respuestas defensivas y resistencia a nuestras recomendaciones. Espero que este enfoque y las recomendaciones prácticas de la Dra Gilbert no solo llamen a la reflexión acerca de nuestra propia conducta sino que despierten curiosidad acerca de un área de competencia que a muchos de nosotros nos hace falta desarrollar. Motivational Interviewing with Dr. Monica Gilbert Although motivational interviewing was born from the psychotherapeutic and rehabilitation context in relation to dependencies and substance abuse, today it is used as a communication style to establish therapeutic and professional relationships in various contexts with a spirit of collaboration and empowerment in the direction of change. Behavior analysts are recognizing that, without this being our intention, our communication when providing our services can in some cases be coercive. This results in defensive responses and resistance to our recommendations. I hope that this approach and Dr. Gilbert's practical recommendations not only call for reflection on our own behavior but also spark curiosity about an area of competence that many of us need to develop. https://motivationalinterviewing.org www.drmonicagilbert.com