Episodes
Action Insights: The Intersection of ABA and Mental Health
Episode 5 - The Pathology of Childhood Behavior: When Does It Go Too Far?
Are we truly helping autistic children, or are we just making them conform? In this episode of Action Insights: The Intersection of ABA and Mental Health, Amelia Dalphonse, MA, BCBA, and Nikki Dionne, LCMHC, BCBA, dive into the pathologizing of childhood behavior in ABA. What You'll Learn:
How ABA may unintentionally label developmentally typical behaviors as "challenging"
Who decides what behavior is acceptable, and why autistic children face stricter expectations
The long-term impact of compliance-based interventions on mental health
How to apply neurodiversity-affirming practices that prioritize autonomy and self-regulation
Earn 0.5 CEU for this episode! Click the button below to get your CEU!
Episode 4 - Breaking the Mold: Addressing What Clients Truly Need
ABA isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. In this episode, we explore the importance of individualized, flexible services that truly meet the diverse needs of clients. While ABA can be highly effective, it’s not always the only or best option. Join us as we discuss when and how to incorporate other supports, collaborate with professionals across disciplines, and embrace neurodiversity-affirming practices.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why individualized, client-centered care is essential in ABA
The importance of collaboration with other professionals
How to integrate flexible, strengths-based interventions
Strategies for adapting services to better meet each client’s unique needs
Earn 0.5 CEU for this episode! Click the button below to get your CEU!
Episode 3 - The Medicalization of Autism: Pros and Cons
Is the medical model helping or harming autistic individuals? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of viewing autism through a medical lens. While this model has increased access to funding and services, it often frames autism as a deficit rather than a difference.
We discuss the unintended consequences of insurance-driven treatment models, where providers must categorize autism-related behaviors as deficits to justify services. This requirement creates ethical and practical dilemmas, forcing BCBAs to prioritize medical necessity over a truly individualized, strength-based approach. How can we navigate this system while still honoring neurodiversity and providing meaningful support?
Join us as we discuss how to balance necessary support with affirming neurodiversity.
Earn 0.5 CEU for this episode! Click the button below to get your CEU!
Episode 2 - ABA and the Neurodiversity Movement: Can They Coexist?
This episode wasn’t planned, but it was too important not to share. What started as a casual conversation between Nikki and Amy turned into a deep dive into compassionate care, the impact of inclusion (or lack thereof), and the unspoken challenges in autism classrooms. We talk about how separating autistic students from their peers can unintentionally create fear and division, and why true inclusion requires more than just proximity—it requires understanding, acceptance, and community. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how we really talk when the microphones aren’t supposed to be on.
🔹 Why inclusion efforts sometimes miss the mark
🔹 How to foster real connection instead of separation
🔹 The role of compassion in shaping meaningful change
This wasn’t meant to be an episode… but here it is. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Episode 1.75: Off the Record (But Not Really): A Raw Talk on Compassion, Inclusion, and Community
In this episode we dive into the evolving relationship between ABA and the neurodiversity movement. Can ABA, with its roots in behavior modification, truly align with the principles of neurodiversity? Is it possible to provide ethical, client-centered ABA that values and affirms neurological differences?
We also share examples and case studies that demonstrate how ABA can support neurodivergent individuals in empowering, respectful, and ethical ways. Whether you’re a BCBA®, mental health professional, or someone passionate about client-centered care, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps to promote collaboration and understanding between ABA and the neurodiversity movement.
Take a step toward ethical, affirming practices and join us for this important conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others in your network. Together, we can break the mold and create a more inclusive future in ABA.
Episode 1: The Dynamic Duo Why ABA & Mental Health Need Each Other
Did you know that 54-94% of autistic individuals will experience mental health symptoms at some point in their lives? In this inaugural episode of Action Insights: The Intersection of ABA and Mental Health, hosts Nikki Dionne, a licensed mental health counselor and BCBA, and Amelia Dalphonse, BCBA and co-founder of Master ABA, dive into why ABA and mental health must work hand-in-hand to provide truly compassionate, holistic care.
Join Nikki and Amy as they explore:
-The role of private events in behavior analysis and the fine line between being mentalistic and understanding internal states.
-How to bridge gaps in client care by integrating mental health and ABA strategies.
-Real-world stories that illustrate the importance of considering the whole person behind every behavior.
This episode challenges behavior analysts to expand their perspectives, collaborate across disciplines, and rethink how interventions can support not just behavior change but also emotional well-being. Reflect on one client you support. What private events or setting events might be influencing their behavior? How can you approach their needs more holistically? Behind every behavior is a message. Let’s work together to decode it. Tune in now to start transforming the way you approach care!
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