What if severe behaviour isn't something to eliminate—but evidence that important skills or opportunities are missing? Katie Gibson joins Behaviour Speak to explore the Constructional Approach, an increasingly influential framework developed from Israel Goldiamond's work and expanded through Nonlinear Contingency Analysis. Rather than asking how to stop behaviour, Katie explains how clinicians can identify the repertoires that are absent and build those instead. The result is often that severe behaviour decreases naturally, without ever directly targeting it. Throughout the conversation, Katie shares powerful real-world examples from her work in hospitals and complex behaviour programs. She explains how a teenager experiencing psychosis wasn't treated by challenging his delusions, but by helping him build friendships and social skills that ultimately made those behaviours unnecessary. She also describes Constructional Exposure Therapy, showing how children with severe needle phobia, OCD, and medical trauma can safely participate in healthcare without restraint while maintaining assent and dignity. The discussion extends into collaboration with psychiatry, nursing, families, and healthcare systems, demonstrating how behaviour analysis can improve patient care far beyond traditional autism services. This episode offers practical ideas alongside a broader philosophical shift that challenges many long-held assumptions within behaviour analysis. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UEwEJeOqtfo Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 LearningIBAO:  1.0 ABA TopicsQABA: 1.0 GeneralCBA/CPD: 1.0 Learning   Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Contact Katie Gibson LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegibsonbcba/ Links Find articles and resources on The Constructional Approach Website! https://theconstructionalapproach.com/ Related Behaviour Speak Episodes Special Series On The Constructional Approach https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/constructional-behaviour-analysis

Leadership isn't something we inherit—it’s something we model. In this powerful multi-generational conversation, Ben Reiman welcomes Quatiba Davis, along with her daughters, Keniyah Rowe and Kennedy Rowe, for an honest discussion about leadership, resilience, representation, disability, family, and the future of Applied Behaviour Analysis. Quatiba shares the remarkable journey that took her from special education teacher to becoming the first Black Chief Clinical Officer in ABA, overseeing clinical services across more than 50 clinics. Along the way, she reflects on growing up in the Bronx, overcoming adversity, learning through failure, and why she believes leadership is built by serving others rather than pursuing titles. Episode 279 begins with Kennedy's story. Following an in-utero stroke, Kennedy faced developmental challenges that changed the trajectory of her mother's career forever. What began as one family's search for answers ultimately inspired Quatiba to pursue behaviour analysis and dedicate her career to improving the lives of others. As the discussion unfolds, Keniyah shares her own path—from graphic design to psychology and now graduate studies in behaviour analysis at The Chicago School. Rather than simply following in her mother's footsteps, she reflects on finding her own identity, embracing leadership in her own way, and exploring how creativity and behaviour science can intersect. Together, the family discusses: • How modelling shapes future leaders• Parenting through adversity• Disability, dignity, and high expectations• Black representation within behaviour analysis• The importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)• Entrepreneurship and leadership• Why failure often becomes our greatest teacher• Mentorship and paying opportunities forward• Building businesses without sacrificing ethics• Creating a legacy through service Throughout the conversation, one message continually emerges: leadership is not defined by job titles or professional status. Leadership is reflected in the people we encourage, the barriers we remove, and the opportunities we create for those who come after us. Whether you're an experienced BCBA, a student entering the field, a parent, educator, or someone passionate about creating meaningful change, this episode offers wisdom that extends far beyond behavior analysis. About Our Guests Quatiba Davis is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, executive clinical leader, keynote speaker, professor, and author whose work focuses on clinical excellence, leadership, ethics, assessment, and expanding representation within Applied Behavior Analysis. She currently serves as Chief Clinical Officer at ABA Centers, overseeing clinical services across dozens of locations while helping develop the next generation of clinicians. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OMgXWMPzkwc Follow Quatiba on: LinkedIn :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-quatiba-davis-m-ed-bcba-laba-lba-iba-3078808/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/quatibadavis_bcba/                     https://www.instagram.com/qed82/ Keniyah Rowe is currently completing graduate studies in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School after earning her psychology degree from Howard University. She is also the founder of Signs of Beauty, an entrepreneurial venture celebrating identity, culture, and self-expression. Follow Keniyah on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keniyah-rowe-94524922b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keniyah.___/ Signs of Beauty:  https://www.instagram.com/signsofbeautyy/   Kennedy Rowe is a Business Administration student at Florida A&M University (FAMU) whose interests include entrepreneurship, marketing, and mental health. Her personal journey inspired her mother's entrance into the field of behavior analysis and continues to influence the next generation of leaders. Follow Kennedy on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rowe-8b521a328/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.

What happens when the very strategies behaviour analysts are taught to rely on become part of the problem? In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman welcomes BCBA Michelle Karren for a thoughtful discussion about PDA (commonly known as Pathological Demand Avoidance), autonomy-focused learners, and the challenges families face when traditional intervention approaches aren't working. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent of autistic children, Michelle shares how she became increasingly focused on supporting learners whose intense drive for autonomy, anxiety, and demand sensitivity require a fundamentally different approach. Together, Ben and Michelle explore: • What PDA is and how it differs from typical demand avoidance• The shift from "Pathological Demand Avoidance" toward more respectful language such as "Persistent Drive for Autonomy" and "autonomy-focused learners"• Why traditional behaviour support strategies can unintentionally increase stress and resistance• The role anxiety and nervous system regulation play in PDA profiles• Burnout experienced by learners, caregivers, and support teams• School challenges, masking, and the high rates of school-related stress among PDA learners• The importance of rapport, trust, assent, and shared control• Why role play and learner-led activities can be powerful tools for skill development• Supporting emotional regulation instead of focusing solely on compliance• Caregiver collaboration and helping families identify meaningful quality-of-life goals• The value of interdisciplinary collaboration and learning from professionals outside behaviour analysis• How behaviour analysts can remain evidence-informed while adapting their practice to meet individual learner needs Michelle challenges practitioners to remember that behaviour analysis is not defined by rigid procedures, but by careful observation, responsiveness, and a commitment to understanding what learners are communicating through their behaviour. Whether you're new to PDA or looking to deepen your understanding of autonomy-focused approaches, this episode offers practical insights and important reflections for anyone supporting neurodivergent learners. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ble7W3G104w Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.5 LearningIBAO:  1.5 ABA TopicsQABA: 1.5 GeneralCBA/CPD: 1.5 Learning   Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Contact Michelle Karren LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-karren-m-sc-bcba-433716273/ Related Behaviour Speak Episodes Episode 262, Motivational Interviewing for Behaviour Analysts with Dr. Monica Gilbert https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-261-motivational-interviewing-for-behaviour-analysts-with-dr-monica-gilbert/ Episode 179, Reforming ABA: A Framework for Behavior Analysts with Oswin Latimer and Hilary McClinton. https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-179-reforming-aba-a-framework-for-behavior-analysts/ Episode 34, Neurodiversity, ADHD, and ODD with Amelia Bowler https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-34-neurodiversity-adhd-and-odd-with-amelia-bowler-mads-bcba/

What does it take to build and advance a profession while simultaneously running a busy clinical practice, leading a national organization, and completing a PhD? In this episode, Ben Reiman welcomes Niesha Illingworth for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state—and future—of behaviour analysis in Australia. Drawing on nearly twenty years of clinical experience, Niesha reflects on how the profession has evolved, the ongoing challenges surrounding public perception of ABA, and the importance of strong professional leadership during periods of significant policy change. The conversation explores Australia's unique model of professional self-regulation, the work of ABA Australia to strengthen certification and public trust, and the opportunities and challenges created by changing disability funding systems. Niesha also discusses her doctoral research evaluating the Balance Program, an innovative parent-implemented early intervention designed to prevent the development of severe problem behaviour before it begins. Beyond systems and policy, Ben and Niesha examine culturally responsive practice, supporting Indigenous families, collaboration across professions, and why effective advocacy is becoming an increasingly important skill for behaviour analysts. Throughout the conversation, Niesha demonstrates how science, compassion, and systems thinking can work together to improve outcomes for children, families, and the profession itself. Check out Behaviour Analysis In The First Nation Communities of Australia with Deb Fernando https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-148-behaviour-analysis-in-first-nation-communities-of-australia/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hs5gjgQLMxg Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 EthicsIBAO:  1.0 CulturalQABA: 1.0 EthicsCBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity   Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Contact Niesha Illingworth LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/niesha-illingworth-516859141/ Bright Eyes Clinic https://beei.com.au/ Links: Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia https://auaba.com.au/ Related Behaviour Speak Episodes The Balance Program https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-3-parent-coaching-with-esdm-and-the-balance-program-with-maria-sample-ma-bcba/ Family Centred PBS https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-43-family-centred-positive-behaviour-support-with-dr-joseph-lucyshyn-phd-bcba-d-part-1/ The Constructional Approach Madhura Deshpande https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-252-applications-of-the-constructional-approach-with-dr-madhura-deshpande/ Oliver Roschke and John Wooderson https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/beyond-behaviour-reduction-reclaiming-the-constructional-approach-in-pbs-with-oliver-roschke-john-wooderson/

Aida nos comparte su experiencia aplicando los principios del análisis aplicado de la conducta (ABA) en contextos clínicos y hospitalarios, trabajando con personas que presentan afasia, lesiones cerebrales adquiridas y esclerosis lateral amiotrófica (ELA). Exploramos cómo el ABA puede integrarse con otras disciplinas de la salud para apoyar la rehabilitación, la comunicación y la calidad de vida de personas con necesidades complejas.   Si te interesa descubrir aplicaciones innovadoras del ABA y conocer cómo nuestra ciencia puede contribuir en áreas como la neurología, la rehabilitación y la terapia del lenguaje, este episodio es para ti.   Ver en YouTube: https://youtu.be/XBPb0ug6OSc Créditos de Educación Continua/CEUs (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Learning IBAO: 1.0 ABA Topics QABA: 1.0 General CBA: 1.0 Learning Contacto: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidatarifarodriguez/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aida-tarifa-rodr%C3%ADguez-phd-bcba-d-1b777230/ Pagina web: https://www.nalaysuanalistadeconducta.com/   Natalia Flórez Marín https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-fl%C3%B3rez-mar%C3%ADn-943914104/   Para conocer más sobre el trabajo de la Dra. Aida Tarifa Rodriguez: Escucha su podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3Fw7ITTbPmtLc5ezct3GqK?si=d97dd7facc074b2cLinks y Recursos: Referencia: Virues-Ortega, J., Pérez-Bustamante Pereira, A., Martin, N., Moeyaert, M., Krause, P. A., Tarifa-Rodriguez, A., Trujillo, C., & Sivaraman, M. (2023). Reducing face touching through haptic feedback: A treatment evaluation against fomite-mediated self-infection. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(3), 549–564. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.996     No te pierdas estos otros episodios de Behaviour Speak en español: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-253-analisis-aplicado-dela-conducta-enargentinaconelizabethlopezmirandalicfonoaudiologiabcaba-iba-conla-presentadora-invitadajessie-arroyave-med/   https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/ep-233-analisis-aplicado-de-la-conducta-en-colombia-con-johanna-avila-meza-msc-iba/

How do neurodivergent youth experience schools, juvenile justice systems, and the adults responsible for supporting them? In this episode, Ben Reiman is joined by Dr. Larome Myrick, Executive Director of Youth Justice for the State of Rhode Island, and Anthony Bronaugh Sr., BCBA, educator, and former school principal. Drawing on decades of experience in corrections, education, and behaviour analysis, they explore how neurodivergent youth have historically been misunderstood, mislabeled, and underserved. The conversation examines the intersection of behaviour analysis, trauma-informed care, juvenile justice, and education while highlighting practical ways systems can move beyond punishment-based approaches. Larome and Anthony discuss the realities of correctional classrooms, the importance of early identification and support, how stigma continues to impact families and communities, and why collaboration across systems is essential. They also share their vision for creating environments where neurodivergent youth are understood, supported, and given opportunities to thrive. Whether you're a behaviour analyst, educator, school administrator, social worker, policymaker, or parent, this episode offers valuable insights into building more responsive and humane systems for young people. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bOxkDthDgFg Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.5 LearningIBAO:  1.5 ABA TopicsQABA: 1.5 GeneralCBA/CPD: 1.5 Learning   Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Contact Dr. Larome Myrick https://www.linkedin.com/in/laromemyrick/ Contact Anthony Bronaugh, Sr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-bronaugh-sr-m-ed-bcba-coba-747139211/

In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, Dr. Tibetha Kemble challenges us to rethink what we believe about colonization, reconciliation, and responsibility. Together, we explore how settler colonialism isn’t just history—it’s an ongoing system that shapes institutions, relationships, and everyday life in ways many of us struggle to see. This episode invites you to move beyond performative actions and into deeper reflection, asking one of the most important—and uncomfortable—questions: 👉 What are you willing to lose? Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HCQ4DW87tmA Contact Tibetha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tibetha-kemble-stonechild-phd-37231841/ Links and Resources: Len Pierre Consulting https://www.lenpierreconsulting.com/ Native Land Indigenous Territories Map https://native-land.ca/ Women and Children's Health Research Institute https://www.wchri.org/our-impact/stories/wchri-welcomes-tibetha-kemble-stonechild-as-academic-lead-of-indigenous-womens-health-research/ Wâpanachakos Indigenous Health Program https://www.ualberta.ca/en/medicine/programs/indigenous-health-program/index.html Braiding Sweetgrass By Robin Wall Kimmerer https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/books

In episode 273 of Behaviour Speak, we’re joined by Mikala Chee of the Diné (Navajo) Nation, Sanoe Rapozo, a Native Hawaiian,  and Abbey Woldt of the Ho-Chunk Nation—three Indigenous undergraduate scholars whose work spans nursing, psychology, and neuroscience. Together, they share their journeys into higher education, the challenges of navigating predominantly Western academic systems, and their collaboration on a community research team (CRT) mentored by Dr. Anna Fetter and focused on developing culturally grounded measures of stress and mental health for Indigenous college students. This conversation explores what happens when Indigenous students not only enter academia—but begin to reshape it. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r4guaLEQhi0 Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak Connect with Mikala LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikala-chee-14b36b387/ Links:  All Our Kin  https://www.instagram.com/allourkincollective/ SPEx Lab at Fort Lewis College https://faculty.fortlewis.edu/amborgella/SPExLab/ Dr. Melissa Teehee's Tohi Lab https://www.tohilab.org/ Connect with Sanoe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanoe-rapozo/ Links: The Past before Us: Moʻokūʻauhau as Methodology https://uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/the-past-before-us-mo%CA%BBoku%CA%BBauhau-as-methodology/ Native American Indigenous Student Alliance https://duke.campusgroups.com/naisa/home/ Karsh STEM Fellowship https://undergrad.duke.edu/intellectual-community/student-faculty-engagement-office/karsh-stem-program/karsh-stem-scholars/ Connect with Abbey LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-woldt-8b09a0350/ Links: https://teachlearn.wisc.edu/first-nations-cultural-landscape-tour/ UW Madison Native American Center for Health Professions https://nachp.med.wisc.edu/ The Society For Indian Psychologists: https://www.nativepsychs.org/ Native-to-Native Mentorship Program in Psychology https://www.nativepsychs.org/sip-mentorship-program Related Episodes: Mentorship as Medicine with Dr. Anna Kawennison Fetter https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/mentorship-as-medicine-with-anna-kawennison-fetter-phd-edm/ Cultural Responsiveness in ABA:  A Hawaiian Perspective with Dr. Naomi Tachera and Dr. Sara Sato https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-245-cultural-responsiveness-in-aba-a-hawaiian-perspective-with-dr-naomi-tachera-and-dr-sara-sato/ Indigenous School Psychology with Dr. Lisa Aguilar, Bryanna Kinilicheene, and Wamnuga Win https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-107-indigenous-school-psychology-with-lisa-aguilar-bryanna-kinilicheene-and-wamnuga-win-kiva-sam/

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jewel Parham and Dr. Danielle Jeudy to explore representation, mentorship, and systemic change in behaviour analysis. Grounded in their work ACTing for Change, we unpack how values-driven action and organizational accountability can move the field beyond awareness into meaningful change. We discuss the realities behind the statistic that only ~5.83% of BCBAs identify as Black, and how that impacts access to mentorship, supervision, leadership, and opportunity. The conversation dives into the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, the importance of building pipelines—not just hiring—and why sustainable systems matter more than performative equity efforts. We also explore emotional and cultural labour, barriers to supervision, and how ACT principles can guide organizations toward measurable, values-aligned change. Register for the BABA Conference to see both of Dr. Parham's and Dr. Jeudy's presentations live or online! https://babainfo.org/convention/   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UvFs0oNVbi4 Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 SupervisionIBAO:  1.0 SupervisionQABA: 1.0 SupervisionCBA/CPD: 1.0 Supervision Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak Connect with Danielle Dr. Danielle Jeudy at Navigate Behavioral Health https://www.navigatebh.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-s-jeudy-phd-bcba-d-lba-14a69b3a/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/behaviordj/ Connect with Jewel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjewelparham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.behaviorjawn/ Related Episodes: Building Community in Behaviour Analysis with Dr. Jewel Parham https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-223-building-community-in-behavior-analysis-with-dr-jewel-parham Colorism in Context with Dr. Danielle Jeudy https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-224-colorism-in-context-with-dr-danielle-jeudy/ Training the Next Generation of Black Behaviour Analysts at Florida A&M University https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-237-an-hbcu-first-training-the-next-generation-of-black-behavior-analysts-at-florida-am-university/

What if the biggest problem in ABA isn’t the client—but the system? In this episode, Ben sits down with Michael Conteh to unpack the hidden forces shaping burnout, turnover, and growth in ABA organizations. Drawing from decades of experience scaling a company and consulting across the field, Michael breaks down why traditional clinical thinking alone isn’t enough—and how leaders can evolve to meet the complexity of modern ABA.   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zgld4ZvRgR8 Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 SupervisionIBAO:  1.0 SupervisionQABA: 1.0 SupervisionCBA/CPD: 1.0 Supervision Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   Connect with Michael  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-conteh-bcba/ https://www.balancecoachingconsulting.com/ https://www.parentempowermentcoaching.com/   Related Episodes: Forging Black Leaders in Behaviour Analysis with Portia James https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-142-creating-a-powerhouse-forging-black-leaders-in-behavior-analysis/ The Next Generation of Black Leaders in Behaviour Analysis with Adrienne Bradley https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-76-the-next-generation-of-black-leaders-in-behavior-analysis-empowering-success-with-adrienne-bradley-med-bcba-lba/