Tara Regan, PhD

FREE WHITE PAPER: The Characteristics of an Evidence-based Social Skills School Program An analysis of the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report: 2013–2023 re-validates that the mental health of many High School students is at high-alert. Students feel sad, hopeless, and the suicide risk for LGBTQ+ and students of color is far too high. This is compounded by bullying, sexual violence, and physically-forced sex for female students. This Blog demonstrates that any multi-tiered intervention for at-risk and affected students needs core, evidence-based social skills training based on cognitive-behavioral and social learning foundations. To address any confusion with the term “evidence-based,” a complimentary White Paper describes the specific characteristics of evidence-based social skills programs—asserting that they should anchor any preschool through high school’s SEL initiative. While not preventing some challenges and challenging behavior, early social skills instruction and learning for all students (i.e., Tier I) (a) DOES prevent MANY future (e.g., high school) issues, and (b) is the therapeutic foundation for more intensive strategic or intensive services and supports. Read the Blog and download the free White Paper. What do you think? https://conta.cc/4g7LIIL

1

Sis, it’s not you, the organizational infrastructure of ABA is broken! When the standard service delivery models were created, the demand was not at the extent it is now! BCBAs are being OVERWORKED. 🛑 Why the ABA Infrastructure Needs Urgent Reform 🛑 The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is experiencing unprecedented demand. While the establishment of the BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT roles has helped standardize and improve service delivery, the current infrastructure is struggling to keep up. The lack of insurance reform surrounding the BCaBA position is a significant factor contributing to the strain on our system. The Three-Tier Model in ABA 1. BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) • Established: 1998 • Role: Independent practitioners conducting assessments, developing intervention plans, and supervising BCaBAs and RBTs. • Current Challenge: High caseloads and increased administrative responsibilities are leading to burnout among BCBAs. 2. BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst) • Established: 2004 • Role: Assist BCBAs by providing behavior-analytic services under supervision. • Current Challenge: Many organizations are hesitant to hire BCaBAs due to the lack of insurance coverage for their services, despite their critical role in supporting BCBAs and ensuring quality service delivery. 3. RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) • Established: 2014 • Role: Implement behavior-analytic interventions under the supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA. • Current Challenge: While the RBT role has helped alleviate some of the workload, the rapid increase in demand for ABA services means that BCBAs still face high supervisory burdens. The Impact of Insurance Limitations The hesitation to hire BCaBAs due to insurance constraints is exacerbating the workload of BCBAs. Without adequate mid-tier support, BCBAs are stretched thin, which can lead to overexertion and burnout. This issue not only affects the well-being of BCBAs but also compromises the quality of care provided to clients. Why We Need BCaBA Inclusion Including BCaBAs more fully in the insurance model would provide a crucial buffer for BCBAs. It would distribute the workload more evenly and allow for more sustainable practice. The BCaBA role is essential for maintaining a balanced and effective ABA service delivery system. Recognizing and supporting this role through appropriate insurance reforms can save the field from burnout and ensure continued high-quality care. Call to Action As we approach nearly a decade since the implementation of the RBT role, it’s clear that our infrastructure must evolve. We need insurance reforms that acknowledge the importance of BCaBAs. Let’s advocate for these changes to create a sustainable future for ABA practitioners and the clients we serve.

30

2 Comments

Behavior analysts- I've got something new for you: Self-Compassionate Practitioner: A Reflection Worksheet Are you feeling the weight of constant demands, complex cases, and the never-ending push for measurable progress? As behavior analysts, we dedicate ourselves to supporting others, often at the expense of our own well-being. But what if you could approach your role with more resilience and compassion—for yourself? Introducing The Self-Compassionate Practitioner: A Reflection Worksheet, a powerful, free tool designed specifically for behavior analysts like you. This worksheet is more than just a self-reflection exercise; it’s a guide to building sustainable, self-compassionate habits that will enhance your effectiveness and reduce burnout. Through thoughtfully crafted prompts, you’ll explore how self-compassion aligns with your professional practice, helps you manage stress, and keeps you connected to the values that led you to this field in the first place. Research shows that self-compassion is key to maintaining emotional resilience and a balanced perspective—a crucial advantage in a demanding profession. Get your 6 page worksheet of reflection questions to help you build up your own self-compassionate behaviors as a behavior analyst. Click here: https://lnkd.in/gyujVgDG

1

Check out this article written and just published by my colleagues and me! https://lnkd.in/eX5nSm2r

10

Do you have difficulty with mental health after a traumatic event? Our areas of expertise at i-adapt.org are: 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇 Using the i-ADAPT framework, we provide survivors with a roadmap for recovery and post-traumatic growth. This hands-on, systematic approach empowers survivors to construct a life they cherish! 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐒 Survivors take control of their healing journey through the reconstruction of a safety net. Practical steps concentrate on establishing secure environments, reclaiming emotional stability, navigating triggers, and creating a supportive network. 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐈𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒 Concrete, implementable methods and approaches for navigating trauma recovery. Offering resources and insights for cultivating mindfulness, resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy coping mechanisms. Contact us: https://i-adapt.org/ #CopingStrategies #CourageToChange #TraumaRecovery #HealingJourney #iADAPT #EmpowermentCoach

1

This past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with an amazing team to revise the TRUST organizational self-assessment tool and website to further incorporate an equity focused lens, increase adaptability for both direct service and non-direct service staff, and create an improved user experience. NYS schools and organizations—Register now to join me for a webinar to learn more about the TRUST 2.0 for organizations and TRUST-S for schools and how it can support your trauma-informed journey. #jointhejourney #traumainformedny #traumainformed #traumainformedsystems #traumainformedorganizations #traumainformedschools

5

There are subtle ways that institutions and companies perpetuate systemic oppression...one main approach is gatekeeping. What is often not clear is WHO is doing the gatekeeping. Those of you who have been following know that my book, "Culturally Responsive Substance Use Treatment: A Guide for Students, Practitioners, and Organizations" has been doing amazing in sales and has been well received across the board. One of the unspoken aspects of getting your book in peoples' hands is your hard work. I commend people like Dr. Yanique Redwood who self-published and is out here crushing it! Her hard work shows in her events, sales, and comments. Many authors are met with what I experienced today. I recieved this email from an employee at Barnesandnoble.com, Inc. "While I do believe your book covers important topics that should be discussed, our customer base does not visit us shopping for this kind of book, and I do not believe this is a good fit for our location." At face value, it appears the employee is doing what is best for the organization, however, upon further investigation, I discovered that all Barnes & Noble stores can at least request a book to see if it will sell in the store, and other stores in the Bay Area were happy to stock their shelves with a timely, important, valuable resource. What are y’all's thoughts? Oh and....you can order your copy at Barnes and Noble online....make it make sense 🤔 https://lnkd.in/gh3Mym9f #culturallyresponsive #substanceusetreatment #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #implicitbias #systemicoppression #gatekeeping

5

"Overall, parents highlighted their children’s enthusiasm and motivation to attend the strengths-based programs, noting their excitement and the lack of prompting necessary in getting them ready to attend. Parents reported their children were more motivated to engage in the strengths-based program than any other program they had attended, with some parents noting that these programs were a valued aspect of their child’s routine and the only out of school activity their child attended. Parents attributed their children’s drive and enthusiasm for the programs to the activities, shared friendships, and the sense of enjoyment they felt at belonging to a peer group of autistic adolescents (Ashburner et al., 2017). Parents noted the knowledge and skills their children gained as a result of attending the programs, highlighting the alignment between the available activities and their children’s interests, strengths, and future career aspirations (Donahoo & Steele, 2013). Parents consistently contrasted their child’s positive experience of the strengths-based program with their experience of school. Many autistic adolescents have a negative experience of school, with consequences not only for their academic achievement, but their future education and career choices (Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), 2013; Keen et al., 2016)." --- #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs 💪🏻 #Autistic #Autism #Autist #AuDHD #AdultAutism #AdultAutistic #adultDx #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #AutisticRightsAreHumanRights #ADHD #AdultADHD #LateDiagnosed #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #AutRes #psychNP #pmhnp #aprn #therapy 

9

2 Comments

Assimilation in BIPOC communities can profoundly impact mental health. As individuals strive to adapt to dominant cultural norms, they may face identity conflicts, discrimination, and the pressure to conform, leading to stress and anxiety. The loss of cultural heritage and support systems can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression. Moreover, systemic racism and microaggressions in everyday life further contribute to mental health struggles. Culturally sensitive mental health services and community support are essential to address these challenges. Recognizing and validating diverse cultural identities can help BIPOC individuals maintain their mental well-being while navigating the complexities of assimilation. #BIPOCmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #breakingthestigma

1

🎙Pod Drop!🎙 What does antiracist community organization look like in research? In this episode of #UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns, we chat with Dr. LaMont Green, DSW, LSWAIC and Rachel Post from Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. about decolonizing research and empowering impacted communities to lead. Dive into the wisdom shared on your favorite podcast platform or easily here: https://lnkd.in/gz9b863. Make sure to share with others who may need to hear this power-filled wisdom! #Antiracism #Research #Empowerment 🌟

14

3 Comments

The article below raises further concerns about the objectivity of the Cass review. Gender affirming care is at risk from ideologically motivated groups, and in SA from a member of Parliament who is trying desperately to wind back the clock. Let’s keep this space for science.

1

The Power of Synchronicity in Applied Behavior Analysis: Chapter 10 In the dynamic world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), synchronicity plays a pivotal role. By harmonizing principles from diverse fields, we enhance our understanding and efficacy in ABA practices. This interdisciplinary approach not only broadens our perspective but also drives innovative solutions, making a significant impact on the lives we touch.

2

There is little doubt that our nation’s systems and institutions are simultaneously experiencing and perpetuating trauma in ways that powerfully shape our lives. Learn how trauma-informed practices and policies can foster community-led, capacity- and coalition-building efforts to create lasting benefits: https://loom.ly/HojwMlE

2