The Art and Science of ABA with Children with Autism matters because it changes what a BCBA notices when decisions have to hold up in clinic sessions and day-to-day service delivery. In Children with Autism on The Art and Science of ABA, for this course, the practical stakes show up in stronger conceptual consistency and better translational decision making, not in abstract discussion alone.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via ABA Centers
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Join Free →Effective application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with children on the autism spectrum requires more than technical precision—it calls for a thoughtful integration of evidence-based practice with clinical intuition and responsiveness. While ABA is grounded in rigorous science and structured protocols, the complexity and individuality of each child often demand flexibility, creativity, and moment-to-moment decision-making. However, the rapid expansion of the field—driven by increasing demand—has resulted in a growing number of practitioners who may rely heavily on rigid procedures, lacking the experience or confidence to adapt their approach. This talk explores the "art" of ABA: knowing when to follow the protocol and when to step outside it; how to pause, observe, and respond with empathy; and how to use intuitive clinical judgment without sacrificing scientific integrity. Drawing on examples from both research and real-world practice, this presentation offers guidance to newer behavior analysts seeking to develop the skills necessary for more dynamic, individualized, and compassionate intervention.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1.5 | General |
| COA | 1.5 | — |
Joanne is the executive director of the Eden II Programs in Staten Island, NY. She is an adjunct associate professor at Brooklyn College. She received her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the Ohio State University and her Ph.D. Speech and Hearing Science from the City University of New York Graduate Center. She is Vice-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Council for the Organization for Autism Research. She serves on a number of boards, including the Council of Autism Service Providers, the InterAgency Council of NY, the Staten Island Not for Profit Association as well as Equally Alive. Dr. Gerenser is co-editor of the book ABA for SLPs: Interprofessional Collaboration for Autism Support Teams. She has authored several book chapters and articles on autism and developmental disabilities.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
256 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.