The How to ABA Podcast

Shira Karpel & Shayna Gaunt
  • 4.7 (57)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We are Shira and Shayna and we are so excited to bring you our first podcast episode of How to ABA! We are both BCBAs with over twenty years of experience, and as you can imagine, we have created and gathered so many resources in that time. We want to share them with you! That’s why we are here, and that’s why we created this podcast. If you are new to the world of ABA, are looking for new resources, or just looking for a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place!

  1. 1D AGO

    Building Communication First: Parent Coaching and ABA in Ghana with Mavis Ofosuaa Debrah

    Parent involvement can completely transform a child’s progress in therapy. In this conversation, we’re joined by Mavis Debra, a clinical supervisor and international behavior analyst with Autism Compassion Africa in Ghana. She shares what it looks like to bring ABA practices into a growing field while helping families understand the power of communication. Many of the young learners Mavis works with struggle with foundational communication skills such as pointing, requesting, or gaining attention. Without these building blocks, frustration often shows up as crying, tantrums, or grabbing. By coaching caregivers to recognize these moments and teach simple ways to request, families begin to see meaningful change at home and in the community. We also explore how culture, extended family systems, and everyday routines shape parent coaching in Ghana, and why using simple, relatable language helps caregivers feel confident and ready to participate in their child’s learning journey. What’s Inside: Why foundational communication skills can reduce challenging behaviorHow parent training is evolving in GhanaPractical strategies for coaching caregivers in daily routinesThe importance of culturally responsive ABA practicesMentioned in This Episode: Autism Compassion Africa Autism Compassion Africa on Instagram IBAO (International Behavior Analysis Organization) HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    26 min

  2. MAR 24

    The Future of ABA Skills: What the BCBA of 2030 Will Need (That You Aren’t Learning Yet)

    The role of the BCBA is changing quickly, and the skills that will define great practitioners in the coming years go far beyond technical knowledge. We explore what the BCBA of 2030 will need to succeed and why many of these competencies are not emphasized in traditional coursework. Through a powerful comparison between two clinicians working with the same child, we reflect on how clinical judgment, compassion, and flexibility can completely change a learner’s experience. We discuss the shift from checklist thinking to thoughtful decision making that centers the needs and values of the learner and their family. We also talk about the importance of neuroaffirming and compassionate care, where behavior is understood as communication and goals focus on dignity, autonomy, and meaningful outcomes. Beyond clinical practice, we highlight the growing need for leadership, collaboration across disciplines, and strong mentorship for future clinicians. We also look at the role of technology and AI and how to use these tools thoughtfully without replacing human clinical reasoning. The science of ABA is not changing, but the way we apply it must continue to evolve. What’s Inside: Why clinical judgment matters more than checklist driven practiceThe shift toward compassionate and neuroaffirming ABALeadership, collaboration, and thoughtful use of technology in the future of the fieldMentioned in This Episode: Episode 203: Balancing Safety and Compassion in Interventions HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    11 min

  3. MAR 17

    From Hours to Outcomes: The Rise of Value-Based Care in ABA

    For years in ABA, success was often measured in hours, more sessions, more billing, more time. But our field is shifting. In this episode, we unpack what value-based care really means and why it is not a new trend, but a return to good ABA. We explore how focusing on meaningful, socially significant outcomes, rather than checking boxes on assessments, can transform the way we write goals, make clinical decisions, and measure progress. We share real examples of how values guide programming, from preparing for life events to prioritizing skills that truly impact family life. We also reflect on what COVID taught us about functional goals and generalization. Ultimately, we challenge ourselves to ask: If therapy ended tomorrow, which skills would truly matter? Value-based care is not a specific teaching strategy. It is a decision-making lens. When we prioritize dignity, assent, autonomy, and long-term quality of life, we ensure our work creates outcomes that last. What’s Inside: What value-based care actually means in everyday ABA practiceHow to select goals that prioritize quality of life and long-term outcomesWhy generalization and social validity define meaningful progressMentioned in This Episode: HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    16 min

  4. MAR 10

    The Shift From Compliance to Assent in Daily Practice

    Over the past few years, our field has been evolving in powerful and necessary ways. In this episode, we unpack the shift from compliance-driven ABA to assent-based practice and what that actually looks like in our day-to-day work. When we were first trained, “instructional control” and follow-through were often the priority. But we now know that meaningful learning does not come from rigid compliance. It comes from collaboration, autonomy, and dignity. We talk through what assent really means and what it does not mean, and how we can maintain structure and high expectations while still honoring a learner’s voice. Through practical examples, like rethinking toileting readiness and embedding meaningful choice, we explore how shaping, relationship-building, and clinical judgment create more ethical and effective teaching. Assent-based practice is not about lowering standards. It is about evolving ABA to be more humane, neuroaffirming, and socially significant. What’s Inside: The difference between compliance and assent in ABAPractical strategies to balance structure with autonomyHow shaping, choice, and dignity improve learner outcomesMentioned in This Episode: Malone (2025), Upholding Anti-Ableism Episode 113: How to Maintain Client Dignity in ABA HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    17 min

  5. MAR 3

    What ‘Future-Ready’ ABA Really Means

    Everyone is talking about the future of ABA, but when we really sit down and think about it, many of the “new” ideas have actually been building for years . So what does future-ready ABA actually look like in real, everyday practice? In this episode, we explore how our field is growing up. We talk about expanding ABA beyond clinic walls and into schools, systems, organizations, and communities. We reflect on what compassion really means at 4:45 p.m. when staff are exhausted and safety is a concern. And we dive into the role of AI and technology, and how it can reduce burnout and administrative burden without replacing clinical thinking or humanity. We also discuss what supervision must look like moving forward. It is not just about competency checklists. It is about building clinical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and sustainable practices that support both clients and clinicians. The future of ABA is not something that just happens. It starts with how we practice, supervise, and prioritize today. What’s Inside: What “future-ready” ABA actually means in day-to-day practiceExpanding ABA beyond traditional clinical settingsUsing AI and technology without losing humanityBuilding clinical reasoning and sustainable supervision modelsMentioned in This Episode: Ethics CEU: The Future of ABA: Building Clinical Judgement and Compassion Episode 203: Balancing Safety and Compassion in Interventions HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    12 min

  6. FEB 24

    Compassionate OBM: Bringing Humanity into Performance Management

    Compassion and accountability are often seen as opposites in Organizational Behavior Management, but we believe they work best together. We break down how OBM, at its core, is simply ABA applied to organizations and how it can be implemented in ways that feel supportive rather than cold or purely data-driven. We discuss how assessments, data analysis, and feedback can prioritize clarity, honesty, and relationships. From pairing with reinforcement when entering an organization to involving staff in problem-solving and aligning expectations with real-world barriers, we share practical ways to move performance management away from compliance and toward collaboration. We also highlight the importance of values, authentic reinforcement, and listening as foundations of compassionate leadership. When staff are viewed as humans and not just performers, it becomes possible to reduce burnout, increase job satisfaction, and build systems that truly support long-term success. What’s Inside: Why compassion and accountability are not opposites in OBMHow to apply core ABA principles to organizations at multiple levelsPractical strategies for compassionate performance managementUsing values, relationships, and authentic reinforcement to drive changeMentioned in This Episode: Compassionate ABA: Enhancing Social Skills, Tolerance, and Trauma-Informed Care Episode 224: Beyond Compliance: Why Relationships Are the Heart of Compassionate ABA HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    14 min

  7. FEB 17

    The Ripple Effect: Organizational Behavior Management in ABA and Its Impact on Client Outcomes

    When we think about improving client outcomes, it’s easy to focus on goals, programs, and data collection. In this episode, we zoom out and talk about what’s happening behind the scenes. We dive into Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and how the systems we work within, including training, communication, leadership, and culture, have a powerful ripple effect on everyone involved. We explore how OBM applies the same ABA principles we use with learners to organizations, teams, and leadership. From analyzing systems using an ABC framework to pinpointing key metrics like staff performance, burnout, and treatment fidelity, we discuss how small, strategic changes can lead to meaningful, sustainable impact. We also talk about leadership, feedback loops, and reinforcement systems, and how clear expectations and compassionate data use can build trust and alignment. Ultimately, we reflect on the ripple effect of strong systems. Better supervision leads to stronger future BCBAs and improved outcomes for clients and families. When we strengthen the system, we strengthen the forest, not just one tree. What’s Inside: What Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) really is and why it matters in ABAHow systems and leadership directly impact client outcomesUsing behavioral systems analysis and data to drive meaningful changeThe ripple effect of strong supervision and organizational practicesMentioned in This Episode: Supervision Resource Bundle CEU Event: Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) for BCBAs: Driving Change and Improving Workplace Performance with BCBA Mellanie Page HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    13 min

  8. FEB 10

    ABA Supervision Strategies: Leading with Behavior Science to Be a Great BCBA Supervisor

    Supervision isn’t just about signing off on hours. It’s about shaping skills, building confidence, and developing thoughtful future behavior analysts. In this episode, we dive into how we can apply the very same behavior-analytic principles we use with clients to our supervision practices. From assessment and goal setting to shaping, reinforcement, and feedback, we break down what it really means to lead with ABA as a BCBA supervisor. We talk about why relationship-building and trust are foundational, how to move away from compliance-based supervision toward a coaching and mentorship model, and why feedback needs to be frequent, specific, and actionable. We also explore the importance of modeling professionalism, values-based decision-making, and ethical reasoning, especially for skills that don’t always show up neatly on a task list. Whether you’re new to supervising or looking to refine your leadership approach, this conversation will help you reframe supervision through a behavior-analytic lens and feel more confident supporting the next generation of BCBAs. What’s Inside: Using ABA principles like shaping, reinforcement, and BST in supervisionBuilding trust, rapport, and a strong supervisory relationshipGiving effective, meaningful, and two-way feedbackShifting from compliance-based supervision to a coaching modelMentioned in This Episode: Supervision Resource Bundle HowToABA.com/join How to ABA on YouTube Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

    15 min
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4.7
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

We are Shira and Shayna and we are so excited to bring you our first podcast episode of How to ABA! We are both BCBAs with over twenty years of experience, and as you can imagine, we have created and gathered so many resources in that time. We want to share them with you! That’s why we are here, and that’s why we created this podcast. If you are new to the world of ABA, are looking for new resources, or just looking for a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place!

Information

  • Creator
    Shira Karpel & Shayna Gaunt
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The How to ABA Podcast
  • Show Website
    The How to ABA Podcast

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