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When You Don’t Feel Enough as a BCBA: Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion

Every BCBA faces moments of doubt, wondering if they’re doing enough for their clients or making the right decisions. It’s easy to get caught in the comparison game or feel overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. But, here’s the truth: you are enough. Let’s explore how to embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion as we grow in our roles.

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Preparing for 4th of July: Tips for a Fun and Safe Celebration with Children with Autism

The 4th of July is a time for family fun, but for families with children on the autism spectrum, the loud noises, large crowds, and bright lights can make it a challenging experience. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to prepare for the 4th of July celebrations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable day for everyone involved. From sensory-friendly activities to simple tips on managing fireworks, we’ve got you covered! 🇺🇸

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Water Safety: A Crucial Skill for Every Child, Especially Those with Autism

Water safety is something no parent or caregiver can afford to overlook. For children with autism, the risks around water can be heightened, but with the right tools and strategies, we can help keep them safe while enjoying water activities. In this blog, we’ll talk about the importance of water safety, how to implement strategies for children with autism, and why it’s essential to make water safety a top priority in their lives.

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Celebrating Parents: Be Proud of Your Progress from May 2025

Parenting a child with autism is full of challenges, but it’s also full of triumphs. As we head into June 2025, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the amazing things parents have done. From advocating for your child to celebrating the small wins, you should be so proud of your dedication. Here’s why you deserve to celebrate your hard work today and every day!

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Why Ignoring Rapport in ABA is a Mistake You Can't Afford to Make

In Applied Behavior Analysis, building rapport isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for success. Whether you’re working with clients, parents, or your team, strong relationships lay the foundation for progress and trust. In this blog, we’ll explore why skipping rapport can lead to resistance, burnout, and stalled progress—and how making the effort to build trust will set everyone up for success. 💙

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The Importance of Clear Program Instructions for RBTs/BTs: Why BCBAs Can't Skip This Step

As a BCBA, it’s your responsibility to write detailed program instructions that set RBTs/BTs up for success. But when programs are left vague or incomplete, it leads to confusion, inconsistencies, and frustration. In this blog, we’ll dive into why clear, well-structured program instructions are crucial for client progress and how skipping this step affects everyone involved. If you're a BCBA, don't rush through your programs—and if you're an RBT/BT, make sure you're advocating for the guidance you need to do your best work. 💡

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What If You Don’t Like Your BCBA as an RBT?

Let’s be honest—not every BCBA-RBT relationship is a perfect match. Maybe you feel unsupported, unheard, or like you’re not getting the supervision you need. If you’re struggling with your BCBA, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you have options! In this blog, we’ll talk about the red flags to watch for, steps you can take to improve the situation, and when it might be time to seek a new supervisor. Because you deserve guidance that helps you grow, not supervision that holds you back. 💡💙

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Common Mistakes New BCBAs Make (and How to Avoid Them!)

Becoming a BCBA is exciting—but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming. From complicated treatment plans to time management struggles, new BCBAs often face challenges that no grad program fully prepares you for. In this blog, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes new BCBAs make and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Learn from my experiences (and plenty of trial and error) so you can step into your BCBA role with confidence! 💡✨

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The Importance of Neurodiversity-Affirming ABA Practices

ABA is evolving, and one of the most important shifts is the move toward neurodiversity-affirming practices—but what does that actually mean? Instead of focusing on compliance or “fixing” behaviors, we need to prioritize communication, autonomy, and meaningful skill-building that respects and empowers neurodivergent individuals. In this blog, I’ll break down what neurodiversity-affirming ABA looks like, why it matters, and how we can all do better as clinicians. Let’s create ABA that truly supports, not suppresses! 💡💙

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Red Flags to Watch for in an ABA Supervisor

Your BCBA supervision experience can shape the kind of clinician you become—but what if your supervisor isn’t helping you grow? From lack of guidance to ethical concerns, some red flags could signal it’s time to rethink your supervision. In this blog, we’ll break down the warning signs of a poor ABA supervisor and what to do if you spot them. Don’t let bad supervision hold you back—know your worth and get the experience you deserve! 🚩✨

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What I Wish I Knew Before Taking Field-Based Experience in Autism (3 Credits)

Field-Based Experience in Autism sounds like a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, but it can be a lot more challenging than expected. Here’s what I wish I knew before diving in, from managing the emotional aspects to understanding the importance of real-world experience in shaping your career as a BCBA.

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