Celebrating Mothers (and Everyone Else Who Deserves a Break): 50% Off the ABA Business Leaders Platform This Weekend Only!
Experts, X-Rays, and Indiana Drama: Live discussion today at 9:00 AM Eastern
Who Gets to Speak in ABA—and What Does That Say About Us?
Indiana Is Back in the News: What ABA Providers Need to Know About the State’s Latest Push for Cost Controls
How Applied Behavior Analysis Can Improve Healthcare Systems
Dealing with workplace drama!
🧩 Trends, Truths & Turning Points: What’s Shaping Autism and Behavioral Health in 2025
Arkansas Mom Releases Powerful Children’s Book on Autism and Mealtime Struggles
“What are we really doing here?”: The Push to Standardize Quality in Autism Therapy
Behavioral Health Deal Volume Up 53% in Early 2025: What This Means for ABA Practices
The Growing Gap in Autism and IDD Care: Why the Industry Must Scale Ethically and Strategically
Should a BCBA Always Own the Clinic? Maybe Not.
Staff, Tariffs, and RFK Jr.: What ABA Companies Need to Know Right Now - Live today at 8 AM Eastern!
ABA Staff Turnover Is Still Out of Control — Here’s What the Data Says
How the New Tariffs Could Impact ABA Businesses (And What You Can Do About It)
RFK Jr.’s Autism Registry Proposal: Understanding the Implications for ABA Companies
How Margin Keepers Can Help You Master Payroll & Financial Planning
Quality over Quantity- Is more supervision always better?
Denials, Audits & Billing Headaches: ABA News Roundup – April 14, 2025
Nebraska Issues New ABA Medicaid Service Definitions Amid Federal Audit Scrutiny
Concerns Grow Over Insurance Misuse of Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) in ABA Therapy Denials
Federal Audit Finds $56 Million in Improper Medicaid Payments for ABA Therapy in Indiana
UnitedHealthcare’s Strategy to Limit ABA Therapy Raises Alarm in the Autism Community
It’s Time to Get Real: ABA Business Owner Burnout
From Policy Shifts to Legal Hits: ABA News Roundup – April 7, 2025 - Live event today at 11AM Eastern!
Texas Recognizes QABA® for Behavior Analyst Licensure
Maryland Clinic Settles HIPAA Violations After Ransomware Attack
New York’s Proposed Medicaid Cuts Raise Concerns for Autism Services
Massachusetts Expands ABA Therapy Coverage to Children with Down Syndrome
Indiana’s Updated Medicaid Policy for ABA Therapy: What You Need to Know
Expanding to a Clinic? Do this first!
From Big Deals to Big Trouble: ABA Business News - March 31, 2025
The truth behind the client and staff cancellations
Top ABA Headlines
Local Owner Highlight- When to scale your ABA Business
Understanding the journey- Improving caregiver relationships with Melanie Thurston
How Effective Bookkeeping Ensures Payroll Stability and Helps You Retain ABA Staff
The Importance of Bookkeeping Services for ABA Business Owners
Mastering Marketing – Local Outreach Done Right
How to Scale Your ABA Business
You Just Closed Your ABA Company... Now What?
Building the Future of Small ABA Businesses – Join Us in This Mission
Red Flags in ABA Service Providers
Coaching Session- Discussing Onboarding with a New Owner
Would You Rather: Hiring in ABA
Grow your own BCBAs vs. hiring- What you need to know
Aligning Leadership with Values: Behavioral Intelligence in ABA with Dr. Paul Gavoni
ABA Accreditation: Compliance or Commitment to Quality?
AI meets clinical decision making- Using AI to improve patient outcomes- with Amanda Ralston
Comprehensive Updates to ABA Practice Handbooks: Enhanced Policies, Compliance, and ACQ Standards Integration
Leadership in ABA: Building Values, Managing Relationships, and Driving Progress with Martin Myers
Leadership, transparency, and collaboration in ABA organizations, with Jennifer Heidt
Building Better Care; Public Policy and Staff Empowerment
Free RBT Training for Your ABA Team This Holiday Season!
Innovating ABA Practice with AI Solutions
How can we help? Using ACT with Meg Solomon.
Building Resilience in ABA Practices: Lessons in Staffing, Billing, and Growth
Flash Sale: 6 Months Free Access to Our ABA Business Leaders Training Platform for 25 Companies!
I Hate My Job: Exploring Real Solutions
I Hate My Job: Reaction to Posts
I Hate My Job: Real Stories of Ethical Dilemmas in ABA
Introducing the New ABA Business Leaders Training Platform
I Hate My Job: Voicing the Frustrations of ABA Professionals
Introducing Our New Self-Paced Courses: Revenue Cycle Management & Effective Hiring with Indeed
CPABA Conference: A Path Forward for the Field - Get a 10% Discount!
Empower & Thrive: Registration Extended Until October 7 - 50% off!
Exciting New Coaching Opportunity for 3 Pie Squared ABA Business Leaders!
Free Download! Discover Essential Tax Compliance Tips with MarginKeepers
Why Stephen is Excited About the CPABA Conference 2024 - Discount just for you! -
3 Pie Squared Partners with Happy Medium RBT to Offer a Revolutionary 40-Hour RBT Training
Maximizing Recruitment with Indeed: How to Find the Right Candidates Without Breaking the Bank
Empathetic Leadership in ABA: Supporting Our Techs
Five Weeks of Wisdom: Bite-Sized Insights from 3 Pie Squared
Introducing the ABA Business Leaders Training Platform
Free Download! Boost Your Established ABA Practice with MarginKeepers' Essential Accounting Tips
Inside the World of ABA Audits and Legal Guidance with Kim Mack Rosenberg, Esq.
Ethical Practices for ABA Testimonials and Reviews with Dr. Jon Bailey
Navigating Growth and Challenges in ABA Business with Alecia Barrett
For a limited time, buy any of our handbooks and get our Business Leaders Membership for 75% off!
Collaboration in ABA: Strengthening Connections Among ABA Business Owners
"I Hate My Job" Series Kickoff: Discussing Burnout and Unethical Practices in the ABA Field
Top Five Essentials for Your Company Policies
Discount Ends Tomorrow – Last Chance to Get 20% Off Our Comprehensive ABA Billing Training Series!
Mastering Digital Marketing for ABA Practices with Reece from Reputation Elevation
Navigating ABA Business Growth: Consultation with Alecia Barrett
Unlock Your Billing Potential: Our New ABA Billing Course and Free ABA Billing Tips!
Navigating Company Policies: A Blueprint for ABA Practices
Free Chart of Accounts: Optimize Your Bookkeeping with MarginKeepers
Safeguarding Integrity: Proactive Strategies to Mitigate Billing Fraud in ABA Therapy
Steering Clear of Fraud: Mastering Insurance Billing in ABA Practice
From Overwhelm to Strategy: The Journey of an ABA Business Leader
Beyond the Startup: Common Mistakes by Seasoned ABA Business Owners
Essential Elements of an Employee Handbook for ABA Practices
Don’t Do That!: Avoiding Common Missteps in Your ABA Practice
Pre-Hire Power: The Critical Importance of an Employee Handbook for ABA Practices
Integrating Art into ABA Therapy: A Conversation with Natasha Bouchillon
Why a Client Handbook is Crucial Before Starting ABA Services
🥧 Grab a Slice of Success: Pi Day Flash Sale! 🎉
Why Should I Get a Client Handbook Before I Start Seeing Clients?
Financial Insights for ABA Practices: Free Chart of Accounts from MarginKeepers!
Navigating Authentic Copywriting in ABA Services: Insights and Innovations
Big Changes to the Podcast!
Get Free Expert Consulting for Your ABA Business on Our Podcast – Apply Now!
Navigating the Credentialing Conundrum: Insights from ABA Leaders
Navigating ADA Compliance: Essential Insights for ABA Business Owners
Nurturing Success: The Interplay Between Company and Team Dynamics
🌟 Dive Into the World of Sleep with Dr. Emily Ice: A Podcast Episode Not to Miss 🌜
A little late but our update is here!
Maximizing Your ABA Practice’s Potential: The Power of Bookkeeping with MarginKeepers
33% Off ABA Business Leaders for the Next 25 People!
Client Hours Discussion with April, Mallory Stinger, and Jennifer Helton
Improving Quality Through Accreditation: A Discussion with Erick Dubuque, Director of ACQ
Optimize Your ABA Practice with the Case Load Utilization Tool - 50% until Friday!
Black Friday Special - Rate Negotiations 2.0 - Elevating Your Practice with Provider Rate Resources
Navigating Medical Necessity with Dan and Mike from ABA on Tap
Upcoming Podcast with Erick Dubuque, Director of ACQ & Exciting News on How We Can Help Companies Navigate This New Standard! 🌟🎙️
Partnering with MarginKeepers, Co.: A Game Changer for Your ABA Practice
Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with a Bang: 50% Off ABA Business Leaders Membership and Earn 33.5 CEUs!
Empowering Change: Insights from New BCBA Business Owners
Founding a Nonprofit Practice with Susan Habchy
ABA Business Amazon List
De-Stress & Avoid ABA Burnout with a Relaxing Post-Work Routine
Three Common Struggles of a New ABA Practice
Benefits of Outsourcing with 3 Pie Squared
Why 3 Pie Squared
The Essential List for a Successful Business
2019 Satisfaction Survey results
The Cost of RBT Turnover
What You Need to Know About HIPAA
Podcast with Dr. Becca Tagg
Run Your Therapy Business Like a Well-Oiled Machine!
How to Grow Your Practice
3 Things We Thought Would Be Easier:
Running an ABA business isn’t just about clinical quality and helping patients. It’s about navigating leadership, people, and policy with a level of responsibility few prepare you for. In this blog, inspired by the latest episode of ABA Business Leaders, April and Stephen share the surprising truths behind three core business areas they thought would be easy, and why reality had other plans.
It’s Not Just You—This is Harder Than It Looks
April and Stephen aren’t new to the game. They’ve grown a seven-figure ABA practice, coached hundreds of ABA entrepreneurs, and are now helping leaders like you build practices that are ethical and sustainable. But even with all that experience, there were some things that caught them off guard.
The Myth of the “Simple” Policy
April and Stephen open up about the complexity of policy-making in a real-world ABA business. Policies must balance compliance, clarity, and culture, while staying adaptable for a growing team. And every policy you implement sends a message about your values, fairness, and leadership priorities.
One of the major challenges they faced was knowing what to do in the event that they didn’t have a policy for something. Channeling lessons from past experiences into handbooks, posters, and a great company culture, was a key part of keeping business operations safe and sustainable.
Boundaries Are Essential
One of April’s biggest realizations? Boundaries aren’t a luxury, they’re a leadership necessity. She reflects on how she found it easier to help her team set boundaries, whilst her own weren’t really on her radar. At the time, it felt like dedication, but as the business shifted what services it offered, she realised that she didn’t want to be a 24/7, on-call person.
It wasn’t until she hit a personal breaking point that she realized boundaries aren’t about being rigid or unavailable, they’re about creating the space to think strategically and lead by example. She now sees boundaries not as walls, but as necessary structures that protect her energy, her values, and her ability to show up for her team and clients with intention.
Plan For the Worst
Stephen also introduces a powerful tool that many ABA business owners overlook: FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis). Often used in engineering and healthcare, FMEA helps leaders identify potential points of failure before they happen, so they can proactively put systems in place to prevent them.
Stephen explains how applying FMEA in your ABA practice doesn’t mean you’re being pessimistic; it means you're building a resilient business that can weather challenges without falling apart. From payroll to policy, this kind of planning can save you stress, money, and your sanity when the unexpected strikes.
What Can ABA Business Owners Do Differently?
Here are some key takeaways for leaders facing these hidden challenges:
✔️ Revisit and revise your policies regularly.
✔️ Treat boundaries like business infrastructure, not just personal preference.
✔️ Recognize when you have to take the next step, and plan for growth.
✔️ Plan for the worst, so you can deliver the best possible outcome for clients, patients and staff.
✔️ If you're co-leading with a partner or spouse, set boundaries for when you can ‘talk shop’.
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Resources for ABA Business Owners
✅ Starting or growing your practice? Don’t miss our free ABA business start-up checklist.
✅ Want to connect with others on the same journey? Explore the ABA Business Leaders Membership—exclusive resources, community support, and tools designed for ABA entrepreneurs.
No One Has It All Figured Out—And That’s Okay
Running an ABA business is deeply rewarding, but it’s also more complex than many realize. Let’s normalize the growing pains, learn from one another, and build practices that support people, not just systems.
Ready to face the tough stuff with clarity and intention? We’re right there with you.
