#285: Child-Led Applied Behavior Analysis with Dr. Katherine Pickard, Dr. Rachel Yosick & Dr. Tracy Argueta
Child-led therapy doesn’t mean lowering expectations. It means meeting children where they are and building meaningful learning opportunities from what matters most to them.
I’m joined by Dr. Katherine Pickard, Dr. Rachel Yosick, and Dr. Tracy Argueta from the Marcus Autism Center to explore how child-led Applied Behavior Analysis is shaping the future of autism intervention. We unpack Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), what they are, how they differ from more traditional ABA approaches, and why they continue to gain momentum in both research and practice.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is the discussion around “de-implementation,” the idea that sometimes improving our practice requires letting go of strategies that no longer serve children and families as effectively. We also talk about common misconceptions around child-led therapy, how to balance NDBI and structured teaching, and practical ways clinicians can begin incorporating more naturalistic, developmentally appropriate strategies into their sessions.
If you've ever wondered whether child-led approaches are "ABA enough" or how to start making meaningful changes in your own practice, this conversation offers thoughtful, research-based guidance that is both encouraging and actionable.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
- What NDBIs are and why they are rooted in ABA
- The role of child-led learning in effective intervention
- Why some traditional practices may need to be reduced or reconsidered
- Practical ways clinicians can begin using more naturalistic strategies
Mentioned In This Episode:Marcus Autism CenterEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
