ABA on Call – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of ABA On Call, Rick and Doug sit down with doctoral student Christina Sena from the University of Pittsburgh to explore how ethical principles guide mentorship, clinical decision-making, and professional development in Applied Behavior Analysis. The conversation spans three critical areas: the ethics of mentorship and what it truly means to guide another professional beyond mere supervision; the ethical implications of using or rejecting punishment and extinction, highlighting the analyst's duty to understand behavioral processes while safeguarding dignity, consent, and least-restrictive practice; and finally, the BACB's decision to exclude podcasts from supervised fieldwork hours, which raises broader questions about how evolving technologies challenge traditional standards of evidence, accountability, and ethical oversight in training the next generation of practitioners.

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Show Notes:

This episode of ABA On Call features an engaging discussion with Jennifer Shahin and Nicole Lockerman, co-founders of Social Wise VR, a company pioneering the use of immersive virtual reality to teach social skills. Drawing from backgrounds in applied behavior analysis and education, the guests describe how outdated methods, such as worksheets and role-plays, often fail to generalize to real-life contexts. Social Wise VR addresses this challenge by providing realistic, actor-driven scenarios in controlled VR environments, allowing learners to safely practice social interactions, build confidence, and experience the natural consequences of different choices. The conversation explores the development journey, the integration of ABA principles and curriculum design, expansion into workplace and safety scenarios, and the future of VR and AR technologies in behavioral intervention. This dialogue highlights the potential of technology to bridge critical gaps in social skills training for individuals with autism and beyond.

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Show Notes:

https://www.socialwisevr.com/

In the season finale of ABA On Call, hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz dive into the critical role of graphs in applied behavior analysis. They examine common pitfalls in graph construction and their implications for data interpretation and decision-making. The episode highlights best practices for creating effective, accurate visual data representations that enhance communication and uphold scientific integrity. With a focus on improving graphing standards, this episode helps ABA practitioners ensure their visual analyses accurately convey the stories their data tell.

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This episode explores pivotal concepts in behavioral research inspired by the seminal text "Strategies and Tactics of Behavioral Research." Key topics include a critical examination of the "Null Hypothesis Game," the challenges of defining and measuring behavior using operational definitions, and the importance of focusing on environmental variables over internal causes. The discussion emphasizes scientific rigor and practical insights for behavior analysts, offering valuable perspectives for enhancing research design and practice. Whether you're an experienced professional or new to the field, this episode encourages a deeper understanding of the science of behavior.

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Show Notes 

In the October 2024 episode of "ABA On Call," hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz engage in an insightful conversation with Kathy Fox, principal of Morningside Academy. Kathy discusses the unique model of Morningside, a lab school in Seattle that integrates behavior science, precision teaching, and direct instruction to support students who are behind academically or in learning skills. She shares the challenges of working with students who have had negative school experiences and the importance of reshaping their perceptions of learning. The discussion highlights the critical role of staff training and the innovative Morningside Teacher's Academy, where educators and behavior analysts learn to implement the Morningside model through intensive summer programs. Kathy also emphasizes the power of measurement and coaching in supporting both students and teachers, making behavior change more manageable and sustainable in educational settings​

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Show Notes 

https://morningsideacademy.org/

This episode of ABA on Call features Dr. Bobby Newman discussing his book "First Responders and People Diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum: What Each Needs to Know About the Other." Dr. Newman explores the challenges faced by first responders when interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum and provides strategies to improve these interactions. The discussion covers common misunderstandings, the importance of training for both first responders and individuals with autism, and resources available to support better outcomes in crisis situations. This content is crucial for behavior analysts working with individuals on the autism spectrum, as it provides insights into preparing clients for potential interactions with first responders and offers guidance on collaborating with emergency services to ensure safer outcomes. 

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Show Notes 

In this episode of ABA On Call, Doug Kostowicz Ph.D. BCBA-D and Richard M. Kubina Ph.D. BCBA-D delve into B.F. Skinner's novel Walden Two. They explore the book's depiction of a utopian society guided by behaviorist principles, discussing its implications for contemporary behavior analysis. The hosts offer a balanced perspective, recognizing the book's controversial reception and its significance in understanding the potential scope and limitations of behavior analysis in shaping human environments. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the novel's ideas and contribute feedback for future discussions. 

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Show Notes 

References and Resources: 

• Dinello, D. (2019). Children of men. Author.  https://doi.org/10.504/9781800850576 

• Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan. 

• Skinner, B. F. (1948). Walden Two. New York: Macmillan. 

This podcast episode explores the application of ABA in school settings with expert DeMuesy, MEd, BCBA, COBA.  The discussion covers the evolving roles of BCBAs in schools, from Tier 3 interventions to broader Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. Ron shares his experiences and strategies for working effectively with school staff and administrators to implement behavior analytic practices. Practical insights for behavior analysts aiming to work in educational settings are highlighted. 

To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review.

Show Notes 

Kohn, A. (1993, September). Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 

Resources:  

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). (n.d.). CPI's Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Program. Retrieved from https://www.crisisprevention.com/our-programs/nonviolent-crisis-intervention/ 

MANDT System. (n.d.). MANDT System: A Comprehensive Approach to Crisis Management. Retrieved from https://www.mandtsystem.com/ 

Ohio Department of Education. (n.d.). Licensure and Certification. Retrieved from https://sboe.ohio.gov/educator-licensure 

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Credential. (n.d.). RBT Task List. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/rbt/?topic=rbt-examination - rbtResourceCarousel 

National Association of School Psychologists. (n.d.). ESSA and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for school psychologists. Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/policy-priorities/relevant-law/the-every-student-succeeds-act/essa-implementation-resources/essa-and-mtss-for-school-psychologists 

National Center on Response to Intervention. (n.d.). Essential Components of RTI. Retrieved from https://mtss4success.org/resource/essential-components-rti-closer-look-response-intervention 

In this episode of ABA On Call, hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz answer listener questions about precision teaching and reinforcement strategies. They discuss practical solutions for common challenges faced by behavior analysts, such as difficulties in reaching fluency criteria and ensuring effective use of reinforcers. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for behavior analysts looking to improve their practice. 

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Show Notes 

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2017). BCBA task list (5th ed.). Littleton, CO: Author. 

• Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. https://bacb.com/wp-content/ethics-code-for-behavior-analysts/ 

• Engelmann, S. (1992). Theory of instruction: Principles and applications. ADI Press. 

• Kohn, A. (1999). Punished by rewards: The trouble with gold stars, incentive plans, A's, praise, and other bribes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 

Resources: 

• CentralReach website: https://centralreach.com 

This episode of ABA On Call features Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz discussing the book "Misbelief" by Dan Ariely. The conversation delves into the psychological and behavioral underpinnings of why rational people believe irrational things, exploring various conspiracy theories and the impact of social media on spreading these beliefs. The hosts emphasize the importance of compassionate care and understanding when addressing individuals dominated by misbeliefs. This course offers valuable insights for behavior analysts on how to apply behavioral principles to understand and mitigate the effects of misbeliefs.

To earn CEUs for listening, click here, log in or sign up, pay the CEU fee, + take the attendance verification to generate your certificate! Don't forget to subscribe and follow and leave us a rating and review.

Show Notes 

References: 

• Ariely, D. (2023). Misbelief: What Makes Rational People Believe Irrational Things. HarperCollins Publishers. 

Resources: 

• Dan Ariely's Official Website 

• CentralReach