The Behaviorist Bookclub

The Behaviorist Bookclub

di Matt Harrington, BCBA

Come fare Salute mentale

Adaptive Feedback in ABA: Tailor Frequency to Boost Skill Mastery

In this episode of the Behaviorist Book Club, Matt Harrington breaks down Theobodu et al.’s 2025 JABA study on feedback frequency preference. Discover why novices crave constant feedback, why mastery leads to fewer requests, and how to adapt your supervision—using dynamic feedback schedules, layered Behavioral Skills Training, and “big-why” conversations—to keep learners motivated and progressing. Check out the show notes for article links and supporting resources at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

Behavior Analyst Breakdowns: Research to Improve Your ABA Practice

In this episode, Matt Harrington dives into Austin & Fisk’s 2023 study on how compassion and perceived supervisor support shape burnout among BCBAs and direct‐care staff. Discover why strong supervisor backing, targeted training, and organizational resources are the linchpins to reducing turnover and fostering long-term, compassionate practice. Check out the show notes for article links and supporting resources at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog.

Why BCBA Turnover Keeps Climbing

In this episode of the Behaviorist Book Club, host Matt Harrington unpacks a 2024 study from Behavior Analysis in Practice on BCBA turnover—exploring why nearly half of behavior analysts change jobs so quickly. He breaks down the top drivers (burnout, poor leadership, uncompetitive pay, ethical violations like fraudulent billing, and gaps in training), shares real-world examples from small practices to private-equity outfits, and offers ideas for retaining your best talent. For article links and supporting materials, check out the show notes at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog.

Virtual BST Supervision: Teach Empathy & Active Listening

In this episode, Matt unpacks Law et al.’s (2024) study on peer-led behavioral skills training over Zoom to teach active and empathetic listening. You’ll discover how to break empathy down into observable skills, use video modeling, role-play, and feedback in virtual settings, and scale your training with minimal expert oversight. Tune in for practical tips on designing replicable programs that boost client care, staff retention, and your supervisory toolkit. Check out the shownotes for article links and supporting resources at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog.

Streamlined Supervision: Master Hour Tracking with Asynchronous Training

Matt reflects on logging over 3,500 hours of supervision and reviews Atkinson et al.’s study on using asynchronous video lessons, mock scenarios, and optional Zoom coaching to train grad students in field-work documentation. Discover how video modeling, color-coded guides, and targeted feedback can help learners reach mastery, reduce stress, and streamline hour-tracking for scalable supervision prep. Check out the show notes for article links and supporting information for this episode at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

RBT Recharge: Break Strategies to Prevent Burnout

In this episode, Matt Harrington dives into a 2024 qualitative study on Registered Behavior Technicians’ experiences with breaks, exploring how inadequate rest drives burnout, degrades care quality, and fuels turnover—and offering practical strategies for supervisors and organizations to make breaks a clinical necessity rather than a luxury. Tune in to discover how supporting RBT well-being boosts client outcomes and builds a sustainable practice. Check out the show notes for article links and supporting information at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog

Bilingual ABA Supervision Insights

In this episode, Matt Harrington reviews a survey-based study by Loya and colleagues that shines a light on the unique challenges faced by bilingual BCBAs—from translation burdens and on-the-fly interpretation strain to cultural nuances, discrimination, blurred roles, and ethical risks. He discusses practical strategies for supporting bilingual providers, including translated materials and glossaries, access to qualified interpreters, increased bilingual hiring, and culturally competent training. Check out the show notes for article links and supporting information at www.behavioristbookclub.com/blog.

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