Meet Our Guest
Allyson Wharam, BCBA
How to Improve ABA Supervision with Allyson Wharam of ‘ABA in the Field’
In the latest episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, hosts April and Stephen sat down with Allyson Wharam from ABA in the Field to tackle a challenge that resonates with every ABA practice owner: supervision. Whether you’re a new BCBA struggling to find your footing or a seasoned leader looking to refine your approach, supervision is at the heart of delivering quality care and growing your team effectively.
Supervision as a Skill, Not a Given
Allyson emphasized that supervision isn’t just a box to check, it’s...
Check Out Our Other Articles
ABA Weekly: Lifelines, Benchmarks & Compliance—Join us Live at 8 AM Eastern
HIPAA in 2025: Why Every ABA Company Needs to Rethink Compliance—Now
The Real Benchmark: What HealthBench, AI, and ABA’s Future Mean for Kids
When Systems Fail Families, ABA Can Still Be a Lifeline
ABA Business Weekly: HIPAA, M&A, and Turning the Tide in Special Ed - Live at 8AM Eastern today!
HIPAA Breaches Aren’t Just a “Big Company” Problem: What ABA Businesses Need to Learn from the WellNow Settlement
Turning the Tide: How ABA Leaders Can Rebuild Trust in Special Education
Navigating the 2025 ABA M&A Surge: What Ethical Practice Owners Need to Know
Ego Driven Hiring: A Wake-Up Call for ABA Business Owners
Waiving Co-Pays and the Power of Partnership - Live New Today at 8 AM Eastern
NASQN & 3 Pie Squared Partner to Empower Ethical ABA Practice Growth
When Discounts Cross the Line: What ABA Practice Owners Need to Know About Waiving Deductibles
Clarity, Capacity, and Efficiency with Silna
Chaos, Contracts & Chatbots: What’s Really Steering ABA? - Live news today - 8 AM Eastern in Facebook
The Contract Temptation: Why Classifying BCBAs as 1099s May Be a Risk for ABA Companies
When Systems Fail Quietly: Optum, Medicare Fraud, and the ABA Fallout We Can’t Ignore
Whose Hand Is on the Wheel? What a Reddit AI Experiment Means for the Future of Clinical Judgment in ABA
Finding Joy in the Journey
Two Truths and a Wake-Up Call: Medicaid Cuts, Treatment Intensity, and the Future of ABA - Live discussion today at 8 AM Eastern
The Real Impact of Medicaid Cuts on ABA Therapy: What Providers and Families Need to Know
Quality Is a Choice: What Treatment Intensity Says About Who We Are in ABA
3 Things We Thought Would Be Easier!
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
a skill that requires ongoing learning and self-assessment. For new BCBAs, this can feel daunting, especially if they didn’t receive strong supervision themselves. Stephen asked how newer BCBAs can assess their own knowledge gaps, and Allyson’s advice was spot on: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you don’t have anything to self-assess against.”
Knowing your destination—what kind of supervisor you want to be, what skills you want to develop—sets the stage for growth. Without that clarity, supervision can become a reactive process rather than a purposeful one.
Creating a Culture of Questions
Stephen and April shared how many BCBAs feel like they can’t ask questions. April expressed confusion about this dynamic, especially since the ABA field is supposed to be a learning environment. Allyson brought an important perspective here, noting that the ability to self-advocate is a privilege, and not everyone feels equally empowered to do so.
Senior leaders need to create an environment where it’s safe to ask questions and share concerns. It’s not enough to say “my door is always open”—you have to actively build those feedback loops and model vulnerability yourself.
Rethinking the BCBA Credential
One of the most eye-opening parts of the discussion was Allyson’s take on the BCBA credential itself. She challenged the idea that earning the BCBA means “this person knows everything now.” Instead, she framed it as an entry-level qualification, a license to learn rather than a badge of expertise.
This shift in mindset is crucial for practice owners. Expecting a new BCBA to be a “mini version of you,” as Stephen put it, sets them up for failure, and sets your practice up for frustration. Instead, invest time and energy in coaching supervisors. Allyson dug into this time expenditure, explaining how skills are built through thoughtful instructional design: breaking down complex content into learnable, actionable steps.
Advocacy Starts at the Top
Stephen asked Allyson how BCBAs can advocate for themselves so they, in turn, can help the children they work with learn to advocate for themselves. Her answer was simple yet profound: “It’s about being clear on your values and what your purpose is.”
Senior leaders play a key role here. They need to create spaces for constructive feedback, ensuring that self-advocacy isn’t just tolerated but expected. When BCBAs feel they can voice concerns, share successes, and get feedback, they’re better equipped to help their learners do the same.
Performance Management and Reinforcement
The conversation closed with an important reminder about performance management. Allyson noted that if BCBAs aren’t seeing progress with their learners, they often feel dissatisfied in their roles. Supervisors need to provide consistent feedback and celebrate progress, so BCBAs feel that their efforts are making a difference.
Business owners must also ensure that the effort BCBAs put in is balanced by the reinforcement they receive. Otherwise, burnout and turnover will remain high.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Supervision
If you’re an ABA practice owner looking to level up your supervision practices, consider these key steps:
- ✅ Define your supervision goals. Know where you’re going so you can self-assess effectively.
- ✅ Build a culture of questions. Encourage your BCBAs to ask questions without fear of judgment.
- ✅ Rethink the BCBA credential. See it as a license to learn rather than a badge of expertise.
- ✅ Invest in instructional design. Break down complex skills and teach them systematically.
- ✅ Reinforce your team. Make sure your BCBAs know their work is making a difference.
Final Thoughts
Supervision is a cornerstone of sustainable growth and ethical practice. When you treat supervision as a skill to be honed rather than a box to check, you empower your team to deliver exceptional care.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. Subscribe to the ABA Business Leaders Podcast for more honest, practical advice on building a practice that lasts.
🔗 Resources:
- ✅ Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment Understand exactly where your business stands—and what steps come next https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment
- ✅ ABA Billing Tips Get ahead of claim denials and streamline your cash flow https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips
- ✅ Book a Free Consult with Stephen Need support? Get experienced, honest advice for your ABA practice https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page
- ✅ ABA Start-Up Checklist The ultimate resource for launching your ABA business with confidence https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/the_aba_business_start_up_list
