This week, we speak with Beyond the Spectrum’s BCBA, Dawn Wisniewski. Dawn walks us through the basics of ABA therapy, strategies that are and are not used, and difficulties in providing therapy. Later in the episode, Dawn busts ABA therapy myths, discusses what families should know when selecting an ABA provider, and shares how ABA techniques are applied in real-world settings.

Dawn also co-hosts a monthly meeting called the Community Insight Series with past podcast guest, Dr. Valerie Roth. In April’s meeting, they cover guardianship and what parents should know as their children grow up. Keep an eye out for May’s Community Insight Series!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Dawn Wisniewski, BCBA

(01:50) What is ABA therapy?

(05:50) Self advocacy

(07:20) Techniques/strategies used in the field

(10:15) How does data collection help with treatment planning?

(13:30) Difficulties providing therapy

(15:15) How do you work with other professionals to help your learners?

(18:15) Misconceptions/myths about ABA therapy

(22:20) What should families know when picking an ABA provider?

(23:20) What steps should families take to get ABA therapy started?

(26:50) Success stories

(29:30) BCBA requirements

(30:42) Examples of ABA techniques being applied in real world settings

(32:15) Community Insight Series - Next meeting is about Guardianship

Join us every month for a new episode of Helping Families Go Beyond. Visit beyondthespectrum.org for more information.