Podcast Guest
Jennifer Fitzpatrick BCBA, M.Ed., M.A.
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The Growing Divide in ABA
In this episode, hosts April and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared are joined by Jennifer Fitzpatrick, an expert in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to discuss the growing divide in the ABA community and the vital importance of collaboration in overcoming these challenges.
Jennifer kicks off the conversation by addressing a key issue: the disconnect between academic research and clinical practice within ABA. Young BCBAs often face a gap in mentoring and training, leading to misaligned expectations between the theoretical and practical aspects of ABA. This divide can significantly impact the quality of care clients receive, and Jennifer emphasizes that bridging this gap is essential for the growth and development of the field.
She also highlights the importance of standardization, particularly in documentation, to help inexperienced BCBAs make better, more informed decisions for their clients. Standardization can act as a guiding framework to ensure quality across the board and improve the outcomes of ABA interventions.
Collaboration Across Diverse Methods
One of the standout moments of the episode comes when Jennifer and the hosts discuss the need for diversity in ABA methods. In a field as varied as ABA, no single approach can address the wide range of client needs. Embracing collaboration and diversity in methods is crucial for delivering the best outcomes to families and clients.
Jennifer further explains how bringing different perspectives together, whether academic or clinical, can only strengthen the field and lead to innovations that improve client care. She calls for the ABA community to work together rather than against each other, fostering an environment where ideas can be shared, tested, and applied in real-world settings.
Supporting Ethical ABA Companies
In the latter part of the episode, Jennifer takes a moment to thank Stephen and April for their commitment to ethical practices in ABA. She emphasizes the importance of supporting companies that prioritize doing things the right way and creating a positive impact in the field.
Ethical behavior isn't just about following regulations; it’s about fostering a culture where both clients and practitioners are valued. Jennifer's call to action is clear: we must support businesses that uphold these standards, so the ABA community continues to thrive in the right direction.
Call to Actions
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to optimize your ABA practice, 3 Pie Squared has the resources and support you need to succeed.
- Starting a practice, but not sure where to start? Download our free ABA Business Startup Checklist.
- Explore our membership options with 3 Pie Squared and gain access to exclusive resources and tools for ABA business leaders. Click here to learn more: https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/aba_business_leaders.
- Sign up for the CPABA Conference and learn from top ABA professionals. Use code SMITH2024 to get 10% off your registration! https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/CPABA.
