Start Here: A BCBA’s Guide to Listening, Learning, and Letting Go…
An Introduction to “Exploring Perspectives”
Behavior analysis has a complicated and abusive past. Sometimes, it’s used with good intentions but with poor understanding. Sometimes with ill intentions. And sometimes - perhaps most dangerously - without any real intention at all.
“Science without conscience is but the ruin of the soul”
It’s not enough to be evidence-based. It’s not enough to be data-driven. If the wielders forget the humanity of the people we serve, then we’re doing it wrong.
The goal of this blog series is to highlight diverse perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and push us toward more ethical, inclusive, and effective care.
WE ARE NOT.
We’re not the only ones in the room. Other professionals - SLPs, OT’s, educators, mental health providers - bring incredible skill sets that we should be learning from. Autistic adults, parents, and clients have insights that should shape the way we practice.
Ground Rules for BCBA’s and ABA Practitioners:
Check your ego and biases at the door (See Ethics Code 1.05, 1.06…you know the drill)
Approach with curiosity, not defensiveness
Humility is a skill. If you don’t have it, find it. If you don’t know how to use it, practice it.
You will make mistakes. Learn from them. Reflect. Adjust.
Be mindful online. Don’t argue. These are not your lived experiences. It’s okay to stay silent & listen. It’s not okay to silence the already marginalized voices.
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💡Food for Thought: If a close friend of yours said, “I was physically abused by my therapist today,” would your gut response be to say, “Well, not all therapists are like that”?
I would hope your answer is “no”. If so, reflect on why this is the first response or thought to critiques of the field. Reflect. Adjust.
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It is your job to keep learning. It is no one else’s job to educate you.
Remember….
“Just because something is effective doesn’t mean it is ethical”
Starting Point:
As a BCBA who primarily works with autistic individuals, I’ve found immense value in learning from a variety of voices and disciplines. Below are some of the individuals and pages I’ve appreciated following on LinkedIn and beyond. Each brings a unique perspective that has helped shape and challenge my professional growth.
Please note: LinkedIn is the only social media platform I use, so my recommendations reflect a limited—yet impactful—scope. I encourage you to explore further, listen with openness, and reflect critically on your practices as you engage with these perspectives.
Amy Gravino: International Speaker, Autism & Sexuality Advocate, Relationship Coach at Rutgers University
Amy offers powerful insights into the intersection of autism and sexuality. Her recent feature in “Inclusive Sex Education for Those with Disabilities” challenges common misconceptions and underscores the need for inclusive educational practices.
Ben VanHook: Disability Rights Advocate & Neurodiversity Consultant
Though not currently active on LinkedIn, Ben’s work as a writer, speaker, and researcher is widely available online. His panels and presentations on neuro-inclusion, employment reform, and intersectionality offer rich learning opportunities. His advocacy for the autistic community is both heartfelt and tireless.
Beyond the Science: Bringing Heart, Insight, and Diverse Voices to the World of Behavior Analysis
Beyond the Science is a podcast by BMBA that explores the heart and humanity behind ABA. Hosted by Jeron, Joseph, and Darius, it blends expert insights with real-world stories that spark meaningful conversation and highlight diverse voices.
Crystal Sanford: Strength-Based IEP Specialist, Autism & Special Education Consultant, SLP, Empowerment Coach, Author
As both a professional and parent, Crystal’s content bridges knowledge and empathy. Her posts offer essential guidance on the intersection of autism, communication, and IEPs—making her page a must-follow for professionals wanting to empower families.
Elizabeth Jalovec North: Special Needs Advocate & Talent Development Specialist
Elizabeth shares her journey as a parent of a child with autism with deep honesty and hope. Her advocacy and celebration of small wins remind us what it means to truly serve families. Her reflections are a powerful guide for BCBAs seeking to center compassion in their work.
Heather Gonzales: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), Advocate for Maternal & Mental Health
Heather is a standout voice in the field for her leadership in mental health advocacy and commitment to neurodivergent-affirming practices. She models what it looks like to integrate compassion and reform into behavioral science.
Rose Griffin: Speech-Language Pathologist & BCBA
One of fewer than 550 professionals dually certified in SLP and ABA, Rose is a key voice for interdisciplinary collaboration. Her content on Gestalt language processing and the ABA Speech Podcast (particularly episode #190 with Paige Layle) are standout resources for both parents and professionals.
Scott Frasard: AuD, PhD, #ActuallyAutistic Psychometrician, Advocate, Author
Dr. Frasard’s writing, including “A Reflective Question to Ponder: 1,200+ Questions on Autism to Foster Dialogue” &
”Autism Advocacy Unleashed” invites readers to engage in meaningful conversations about neurodiversity. He presents critical perspectives on operant conditioning and advocates for respectful, affirming practices. I have thoroughly enjoyed the insights, self-reflection, and dialogue his writing provokes.
Lori Hogenkamp: Managing Director, Center for Adaptive Stress
Lori’s work reframes how we think about neurodiversity and mental health. Her post, “Autism: Beyond the Pathology vs. Identity Debate,” and her overall approach are deeply thought-provoking. As she says, “I challenge conventional perspectives and introduce novel frameworks”—a mission I wholeheartedly support.
Associations to Explore:
Association for Autism & Neurodiversity (AANE)
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Neurodiversity Pathways
Neurodiversity Foundation
Autistic Girls Network
Ambitious About Autism
This blog isn’t about proving ABA is “good” or “bad” - it’s about digging into the nuance. The more we learn from others, the better we can do. And the people we serve? They deserve the best.
A Note to Readers:
Want to share your perspective? I’d love to feature guest posts - whether you’re a practitioner, parent, and/or someone with lived experience. Use the contact form below to reach out!
*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are my own (Functionally Speaking ABA) and do not reflect the views of UNMC
