ABA on Call

Effective supervision requires deliberate attention to professional development, supervisory relationships, and client outcomes. In this episode, Rick Kubina welcomes Joseph Cautilli and Lynn Santilli-Connor to explore a developmental approach to behavioral supervision. The discussion examines acquisition, maintenance, and restorative supervision; the importance of creating an environment where supervisees can openly discuss difficult cases; and the contingencies affecting both supervisors and supervisees. Guests discuss ethical dialogue, balanced caseloads, and strategies to address burnout, emphasizing the need to evaluate supervision through client progress and staff development. The episode also explores why strong clinical skills alone don't guarantee effective supervision and how...

Science depends not simply on discovering an effect, but on demonstrating that the effect can be observed again. In this episode of ABA on Call, Rick and Doug examine replication as a cornerstone of scientific knowledge and explore psychology's well-known replication crisis. They discuss why direct and systematic replication matter, how statistical significance and publication bias can fuel misplaced confidence in research findings, and what happened when researchers tried to reproduce influential psychological effects such as ego depletion and power posing.

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Peer review does not guarantee good science, and publication in a respected journal does not relieve practitioners of the responsibility to think critically. In this episode of ABA on Call, Rick and Doug revisit seven questions Hank Pennypacker used to teach students how to evaluate research, beginning with the experimental question and moving through behavioral measurement, observation, experimental design, data analysis, and the ultimate question: Did the researchers actually answer their question, and does the answer matter? They apply this framework to a published single-case study evaluating the Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol for children with childhood apraxia of...

In this episode of ABA on Call, Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz respond to two real parenting questions drawn from social media. First, they examine the common misconception that reinforcement and bribery are the same, clarifying the behavioral principles underlying reinforcement, incentives, schedules of reinforcement, and the Premack Principle. They then analyze a complex family situation in which young children consistently seek one parent while rejecting the other, demonstrating how behavior analysts use objective data, motivating operations, attention, and reinforcement contingencies to understand and address challenging family dynamics. Throughout the discussion, the hosts illustrate how behavior analysis provides compassionate...

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently released audit findings that have sparked widespread discussion throughout the applied behavior analysis (ABA) community. In this episode, Rick Kubina, Doug Kostewicz, and guest Christina Scenna unpack what the OIG report actually says and, just as importantly, what it does not say. They discuss why documentation and billing compliance differ from the effectiveness of ABA, explore how rapid growth in autism services created new regulatory challenges, and examine practical solutions ranging from graduate training and continuing education to AI-assisted documentation. The conversation highlights how the field can strengthen accountability while preserving...

In this episode of ABA on Call, Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz interview a renowned Norwegian dog trainer about the science of behavior across species. Morten Egtvedt shares his journey from training search-and-rescue dogs as a teenager to helping introduce clicker training throughout Norway alongside Karen Pryor. The discussion explores how core behavioral principles such as timing, reinforcement, fluency, shaping, and criterion adjustment matter far more than any specific training technique. Morten also discusses the differences between reinforcement-based and punishment-based training, the role of motivation in learning, and why behavior analysis provides a practical framework for understanding both dogs...

In this episode of ABA on Call, hosts Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz explore the transition from practitioner to business owner with guests April and Stephen Smith from 3PiSquared. The conversation traces their journey from early clinical work in ABA to launching and scaling a successful practice, highlighting the realities of entrepreneurship in the field. Listeners gain insight into common startup pathways, costly early mistakes, and the importance of mentorship, legal compliance, and financial planning. The episode also examines warning signs of organizational drift such as reactive management, staff issues, and declining outcomes, and offers practical strategies for course...

This podcast episode explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into applied behavior analysis practice, featuring Kelly King, BCBA, Manager of Clinical AI Governance at CentralReach. The discussion highlights the evolution of AI technologies, including large language models, and their application in clinical workflows, such as documentation and decision support. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, including data privacy, avoidance of overreliance on AI outputs, and the importance of maintaining human oversight in clinical judgment. The episode addresses risks such as hallucinated outputs, inappropriate data input (e.g., protected health information), and the need for behavior analysts to develop AI li...

This episode features a discussion focused on equipping behavior analysts with practical strategies for communicating effectively with parents about core behavioral principles. Rick and Doug examine common parent concerns, including misconceptions about reinforcement versus bribery, objections to "rewarding" children for expected behavior, and the short- and long-term effects of yelling and punishment. The conversation explores coercive cycles, habituation to punishment, escalation patterns, and counter control. Rick and Doug also address adolescent behavior through the lens of reinforcement history and motivating operations, emphasizing that teenagers are shaped by contingencies rather than being "broken." Practical communication strategies are provided, including using...

In the Season 8 premiere of ABA On Call, Rick and Doug kick off the year by responding to three of the most pressing listener questions from the past season: how behavior analysts should think about punishment and ethics, how well-intended ABA can accidentally cause harm, and how the field can better address professional burnout. The conversation examines punishment through a technical, ethical, and real-world lens, emphasizing wellbeing, context, and the necessity of replacement skills rather than simple behavior suppression. The hosts then explore how skipping analytic steps, overreliance on familiar techniques, and systems-level pressures can lead to harmful outcomes...

This episode explores the often-confused concepts of morality and ethics and examines how each guides human action both in daily life and in professional practice. Morality reflects the norms and values individuals and cultures use to judge right and wrong, while ethics serves as a formal system for evaluating and regulating behavior within professions. Building on this distinction, the episode introduces a scientific perspective on moral truths: the idea that morality can be grounded in facts about what increases or decreases the well-being of conscious creatures. Finally, the hosts apply these ideas to behavior analysis, discussing how moral considerations...

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...

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...

Rick and Doug are joined by Dr. Jen Wertalik of Georgia Southern University and Dr. Pam Wolfe, retired from Penn State University, to discuss their groundbreaking new book on sexuality education for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores why sexuality education is essential, the heightened risks of abuse faced by this population, and how comprehensive instruction extends far beyond physiology to include relationships, self-advocacy, and decision-making. The guests highlight both the challenges and opportunities of preparing teachers, parents, and caregivers to navigate an often-taboo topic with empirical, practical strategies. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how sex...

In this episode of ABA On Call, Drs. Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz delve into the cognitive psychology classic "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman. With wit and depth, they explore System 1 and System 2 thinking, cognitive biases, regression to the mean, and the law of least effort, recasting each concept through a behavioral analytic lens. Rather than dismissing the cognitive approach, Rick and Doug model respectful synthesis, showing how behavior analysts can both challenge and learn from other psychological traditions. This engaging conversation helps bridge the gap between behavior science and mainstream psychology, offering practical insights...

In this insightful episode of ABA On Call, Rick Kubina and Doug Kostewicz tackle some of the most commonly misunderstood and misapplied concepts in Applied Behavior Analysis. From the mislabeling of reinforcement to the confusion between negative reinforcement and punishment, the hosts explore why technical accuracy matters and how misunderstanding core terms can derail effective practice. Using real-world stories, data interpretation, and even a behavioral lightning round, the episode clarifies foundational concepts like prompting, fluency, task analysis, motivation, and generalization. Whether you're a student, a supervisor, or a seasoned BCBA, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for precision...

In this episode of ABA On Call, Rick and Doug dissect the behavioral science behind app design, revealing how tech companies use variable reinforcement schedules to hijack user behavior and drive compulsive engagement. Drawing from core principles of behavior analysis, they explore how seemingly harmless interactions, such as likes, swipes, and notifications, are systematically engineered to reinforce usage patterns. The conversation moves beyond theory into the ethical minefield of digital design, especially its impact on children, teens, and vulnerable users. With examples ranging from red-dot alerts to algorithm-driven content loops, the hosts challenge behavior analysts to confront the weaponization...

The science of behavior has a lesser-known but powerful framework that draws inspiration from physics - behavior dynamics. In this episode, we discuss core concepts such as force, mass, and acceleration as they relate to behavior change, illustrating how behavior is not static but constantly in motion. While valuable, we highlight how traditional steady-state logic can limit our understanding in applied settings, especially where control is minimal. The discussion emphasizes the value of acceleration, bounce, and replication logic as valid indicators of experimental effects through examples from precision teaching and historical insights from Skinner. This episode challenges listeners to...

In this episode of ABA On Call, we kick off our new series, They Got It Wrong, by dissecting the legacy of Sigmund Freud and his controversial theory of psychoanalysis. Despite its historical influence, Freud's work was built on untestable assumptions and speculative reasoning rather than empirical science. We contrast his approach with the rigorous methods of behavior analysis, highlighting the importance of falsifiability, experimental validation, and data-driven interventions. Along the way, we explore the problematic implications of psychoanalytic thinking, from the harmful "refrigerator mother" theory of autism to the permissive reinforcement of maladaptive behaviors in therapy. Join us...

In this episode, we explore the scientific perspective on free will—or the lack thereof. Is human behavior truly a matter of personal choice, or is it shaped by biological, environmental, and cultural factors? We dive into an article discussing neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky's book Determined, which argues against the existence of free will. His conclusions align with behavior analytic principles that emphasize reinforcement and contingencies as the true drivers of behavior. We also examine the broader societal implications, from criminal justice to education, and discuss the importance of compassionate, data-driven approaches in understanding and supporting individuals—rather than blaming them...

The Season Premier of ABA On Call, explores the complex phenomenon of cheating from a behavioral perspective. The concept of cheating is explored through various real-world examples, including academic dishonesty, professional sports scandals, and personal relationships. Grounded in the principles of reinforcement and rule governance, the episode highlights the contingencies that maintain cheating behaviors while addressing the broader cultural and systemic factors at play. The discussion underscores the value of applied behavior analysis in understanding and addressing ethical dilemmas. By connecting theory to practice, the episode provides a compelling framework for analyzing and responding to challenging human behaviors, inviting...

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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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...

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...

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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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. 

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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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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.

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Exploration of the mind from a behavior analytic perspective, contrasting with broader psychological views. Discussion includes theoretical considerations and practical implications for behavior analysts. 

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Show Notes 

References and Resources: 

Gray, P. (2011). Psychology (6th ed.). Worth Publishers. 

In this engaging episode of ABA On Call, Manny Rodriguez, DBA, BCBA delves into the rich field of Organizational Behavior Management, offering valuable insights on enhancing workplace performance, employee training, and the influence of leadership through behavior analysis. This conversation not only illuminates OBM strategies but also provides practical applications for behavior analysts looking to extend their practice into organizational settings.  

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The Season 6 Premiere of ABA On Call, led by Rick Kubina, Ph.D. BCBA-D and Doug Kostowicz, Ph.D. BCBA-D explores Skinner's major contributions to behavior analysis measurement, focusing on rate of response and the cumulative response recorder. It emphasizes the role of these concepts in understanding and applying behavior analysis effectively, highlighting the significance of standardized measurements and visual displays for meaningful behavioral data interpretation. 

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This episode explores critical thinking and the evaluation of scientific claims, with a focus on the book "Nonsense on Stilts." The discussion delves into the demarcation between hard and soft sciences, the credibility of experts, and the application of these concepts to behavior analysis.

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Show Notes

References

Pigliucci, M. (2010). Nonsense on Stilts: How...

Join Dr. Tim Fuller in this enlightening episode of "ABA On Call" as we break down the fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its practical applications in behavior analysis.

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Show Notes

References

1. Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications. 

 In this episode of ABA on Call, Dr. Rick Kubina and Dr. Doug Kostewicz dive deeper into the topic of stimulus control. They discuss the theoretical foundations, practical implications, and historical context of stimulus control in behavior analysis. Through engaging discussions and examples, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal concept in the field of behavior analysis. 

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This podcast episode explores the potential of games to support neurodiverse populations. We define games and discuss their essential attributes. Examples are provided of how games have been successfully incorporated into ABA therapy for autistic individuals to build skills and engagement. We discuss the future possibilities for the nexus of games, and AI to create adaptable, empowering experiences uniquely suited to different neurotypes. Researchers see promise in using data-driven, personalized games to complement traditional interventions. 

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In the present podcast, we dive deep into the intriguing interplay between artificial intelligence and applied behavior analysis (ABA). In today's conversation, we're joined by a leading technologist Dave Stevens. We explore how A.I. might reshape the landscape of behavioral interventions. From tailored ABA programs powered by predictive algorithms to data-driven insights enhancing treatment plans, A.I. could amplify the precision and effectiveness of behavior analysis. We also discuss potential challenges and the exciting possibilities that arise when cutting-edge technology meets the science of behavior.  

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In this episode, we look at the transformative power of behavior analysis positioned as a selection science, in tackling prevalent educational issues. Drawing upon the profound insights from the article, "Breaking the Structuralist Barrier", we discuss the principles of selectionism and explore how the principles have been actualized in the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction, a behavioral program with remarkable results on adult literacy and children's learning and attention issues. We review Morningside curricula, analyzing their key component elements and foundational tool skills. We also dive into teaching methodologies that focus on fostering component behaviors to achieve fluency, culminating...

Cognitive psychology and the Cognitive Load Theory are explained through a behavior-analytic perspective. Cognitive Load Theory posits that working memory has a limited capacity, much like a bucket that can only hold so much water before it overflows. But how does the theory fare when we delve into it through the lens of behavior analysis? In the conversation, we discuss the behavior-analytic interpretations of cognitive load, offering insights into how our environment and learning experiences can shape the way our cognitive 'bucket' gets filled. We also shed light on how educators and individuals can leverage an understanding of cognitive...

"The Steep and Thorny Way to a Science of Behavior" by B.F. Skinner presents a fascinating exploration of the challenges and importance of developing a science of behavior. Skinner discusses several challenges in developing a science of behavior such as digression (defined as the tendency to get sidetracked from the study of behavior by other fields such as philosophy or theology). Additionally, Skinner raises questions about the nature and location of the observer or "knower" in relation to the organism being studied. The podcast reviews Skinner's article and provides an exploration of the challenges involved in developing a...