Supervisors in ABA settings encounter a recurring pattern: a supervisee who is clearly motivated, clearly intelligent, and clearly committed to the work, yet who consistently arrives late, submits incomplete documentation, or fails to follow through on agreed-upon plans. The default supervisory response — framing this as a motivation problem, a willpower deficit, or a character issue — is both clinically inaccurate and strategically counterproductive.
Provider: BehaviorLive
Take This Course →Including ethics, supervision, and topics like this one. New live CEU every Wednesday.
Join Free →Supervisors often misinterpret performance challenges as "lack of motivation" or "willpower problems." In reality, many staff difficulties (lateness, incomplete documentation, inconsistent follow through); reflect gaps in executive functioning skills like initiation, planning, working memory, and self-monitoring. This workshop reframes common supervisory struggles through an EF lens, helping behavior analysts move from frustration to effective skill-building. Participants will learn how to assist staff and supervisees in conducting self-evaluations that connect executive functioning skills with specific work behaviors, leading to more accurate problem-solving, targeted supports, and sustainable workplace systems.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Supervision |
Amy Theobald, MA, BCBA, LBA, is the founder of Evolving Analyst and has worked as a behavior analyst for more than a decade. A traditional clinic owner turned college ADHD coach, Amy brings a unique perspective on how behavior analysis can evolve beyond insurance-driven models. She has supported individuals across ages and settings, and now focuses on creating innovative, values-based CEUs that highlight executive functioning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative applications of behavior science. Through Evolving Analyst, Amy helps behavior analysts build sustainable practices that reflect both their expertise and their values.
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
244 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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.