Nia Flowers M.S., BCBA, LBA

Avoid the "kitchen sink" approach...Check out my blog post on the "Why" effect! Understanding the true connection between cause and effect in our ABA interventions is essential but often overlooked. As behavior analysts, we must critically assess our strategies to ensure they address the real causes of problem behaviors. https://zurl.co/gkID

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ABA and Trauma: The Continued Need for Compassionate Care In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), shaping behaviors is key, but when trauma is involved, compassion must come first. Trauma isn’t always visible, and we must ensure emotional well-being is prioritized. Therefore, adept and consistent use of reinforcement and pairing principles can aid in mitigating risks associated with evoking traumatic responses. Personal Experience: I personally love using DRI in conjunction with other reinforcement to satisfy the reduction of these stressors- I once had a client that, when scared, would cover his eyes. I used his sunglasses to make him “invisible” and gave him a fidget toy to exercise the anxiety out. This was highly effective and often allowed the client to participate more in treatment until the glasses were no longer needed. 🤔Did you know?: Nearly 60% of U.S. children experience violence, crime, or abuse, leading to trauma (National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence, 2015). “Trauma is the imprint left by an experience on mind, brain, and body.” — Bessel van der Kolk 💭 How can we integrate more trauma-informed care into ABA to ensure we’re not just changing behaviors but also healing minds? #ABA #TraumaInformedCare #CompassionateCare #MentalHealth #BehaviorAnalysis #Trauma

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🎉 The Benefits of Clinician Owned, Clinician Operated ABA Therapy Companies 🎉 Hello ABA Superheroes!  Are you gearing up to explore the world of RBT and BCBA jobs? Today, we're delving into a crucial decision: choosing between clinician owned, clinician operated companies and those backed by venture capitalists or private equity. Spoiler alert: clinician owned is the way to go! 🌟 The Appeal of Clinician Owned, Clinician Operated Companies ✨📚 - Picture this: Your company is led by someone who truly grasps your role. That’s the clinician owner advantage—they speak your ABA language! 🤓 - Client-Centered Focus: Every decision revolves around what’s best for clients, guided by leaders who understand their needs firsthand. 🎯❤️ - Strong Support Network: Your colleagues, managers, and owners not only get your work but provide genuine, meaningful support. Group hug! 🤗 In Contrast, at Venture Capitalist/Private Equity-Backed Companies: - Profit Priorities: Sometimes, financial gain overshadows therapy quality, leading to potential shortcuts. Not ideal, right? 😒💸 - One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Efficiency sometimes outweighs personalized client care. 🍪🏭 - Balancing Act: There’s often a struggle between meeting client needs and maximizing the company's bottom line. 💪💵 Conclusion: Why Choose Clinician Owned, Clinician Operated (COCO)? 🚀🎸 Opting for a COCO ABA company is like finding the golden ticket in the ABA universe. You join a team deeply rooted in ABA principles, prioritizing clients, fostering your professional growth, and upholding ethical standards. Sure, big firms may have allure, but for embodying ABA values day in, day out, COCO companies reign supreme! 🏆🌈 So, ABA warriors, ready to make a choice that elevates your career and enriches your spirit? Choose COCO and let’s create some ABA magic together! 🎩✨

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ABA Quality History: Do you have this important text in the history of ABA service quality? The chapter, "Quality Control in the Behavior Analysis Approach to Project Follow Through" by Bushell, Jackson, and Weis is a must-read. Includes papers from other historical figures in our field debating the merits of the certification of behavior analysts! Get your copy on Amazon: https://lnkd.in/gev9_bbM #NASQN #ABA #BCBA #appliedbehavioranalysis www.nasqn.org

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As a profession ABA, it's so essential that we are careful in assessing how to navigate the tremendous growth in certified behavior analysts and behavior technicians. Over 80% of BCBAs® indicate their primary area of focus is work in relation to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The shift from a fee-for-service to value based care in the healthcare industry is creating circumstances that demand that practitioners not only try to achieve optimal outcomes through quality services, but more importantly - know how to do it. Be patient with those who you mentor and shape. You are also teaching them how to teach. Model "high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution" framed in kindness and assumption of positive intent. We are in the practice of changing lives through the science of ABA, but are first humans and then behavior analysts. Mistakes happen - but it's how you respond to them that make all the difference. #science #aba #leadwithlove

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Upcoming trauma care conferences... Check the link in the comments for more conference and other trauma care resources from Cat’s Quick Reference Guide. #traumacare #resources

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What's up with research on caseload sizes? I am diving into best ways to create a BCBA caseload and there is not a lot of research on this. There is plenty of research telling us why a balanced caseload is important and the effects of a caseload that is too large, but not much info on how to correct it. What research have you seen? What research is currently taking place? #aba #appliedbehavioranalysis #bcbalife

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Transform Your Primary Care Practice with Trauma-Informed Approaches! Violence prevention is a critical challenge in primary care, and we're excited to invite you to an upcoming webinar that addresses this issue head-on. Join us for "Trauma-Informed, Positive, and Strengths-Based Approaches to Violence Prevention in Primary Care," presented by Dr Bill Liley, a leading expert in the field. This webinar will explore a comprehensive framework integrating trauma-informed principles with positive and strengths-based approaches. Learn how to make your prevention efforts more accessible and effective, fostering a supportive environment for your patients and healthcare team. 🎯 What You Will Gain: Master the pathogenesis model for addressing violence in clinical practice Apply trauma-informed care principles to enhance patient outcomes Shift from a deficit-based to a strengths-based approach, empowering patients on their healing journey 🗓️ Date: Monday 26th August ⏰ Time: 7 PM AEST Take the first step towards transforming your practice and improving patient care. Register now and join a community dedicated to systemic change in healthcare. 🌟 🔗 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/gkYRn3c2 #HealthcareInnovation #PrimaryCare #TraumaInformed #StrengthsBasedCare #MedicalWebinar #PatientCare #Webinar #MedicalEducation #ContinuingEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #Healthcare #PrimaryCare #PublicHealth #ClinicalPractice #PrimaryCarePhysicians #HealthCareProfessionals

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🧠 Why does EMDR work? It’s rooted in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory, which helps explain how our brains naturally process and store information. AIP suggests that our minds are wired to heal and integrate experiences, but when we encounter trauma, that process can be disrupted. Instead of storing memories adaptively, the trauma becomes "stuck" in a maladaptive state, leading to distressing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or negative beliefs about ourselves. EMDR works by stimulating the brain’s natural ability to reprocess and resolve these stuck memories. Through bilateral stimulation, we activate the brain’s adaptive processing system, allowing the traumatic memory to be integrated into a healthier, more functional narrative. This can help resolve symptoms and lead to more adaptive ways of thinking and being in the world. But here’s why it’s so important to have a trained EMDR therapist guide this process. The AIP model requires a deep understanding of how to safely and effectively help clients reprocess traumatic memories. A trained therapist ensures that clients are supported every step of the way, preventing harm or re-traumatization and helping clients fully unlock their natural healing potential. How has the AIP theory shaped your understanding of EMDR, and what role do you see trained therapists playing in its success?

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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

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🛑 A solid BCBA works their way OUT of a job. ✅ Parent Coaching where parents are empowered to do it on their own ✅ Transition Plans that activate the client's circle of care (i.e. school, therapist etc) ✅ Titration goals (that keep the eye on big picture goals vs. endless criteria based goal setting) 🌟 You know you're doing your job well when you're not needed (in the best way of course 😊) #clinicalexcellence #BCBA #RBT #abatherapy #mentalhealth #independence #specialeducation #autismawareness

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At KHY ABA, we are continuously refining how ABA supervision is delivered. Our new app facilitates streamlined communication and shared supervision accounts between BCBAs and RBTs. This technology ensures effective supervision and enhances the collaborative experience, driving better outcomes for ABA practitioners and clients alike. #KHYABA #ABASupervision #RBTDevelopment #TechnologyInABA #BCBASupport #ABAInnovation #BehaviorAnalysisTools #SupervisionExcellence

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Remote BCBA fieldwork supervision is becoming increasingly common. Many BCBAs are diving into offering this service, though it's not something that should be approached without significant consideration planning. If you're thinking about offering remote supervision, check out this article, highlighting 7 considerations to make before you embark on this journey! https://lnkd.in/grgUV4Jq

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Addiction is a complex and challenging issue and often has deep-rooted psychological causes. One approach that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing addiction is Schema Therapy. Learn more about it and how it differs from other treatment methods, especially in addiction. #addictiontreatment #schematherapy #recoveryresources

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DEAR ABA COMPANIES The lack of appreciation that you show to your BT’s,RBT’s,BCaBA’s, QASP-S’s, BCBA’s, OT’s, SLP’s and overall staff will show in the productivity outcome of your business….. With that being said, pour into your staff how you want the profit at the end of the day to flow into your pockets. Turnover rates, burnout, parent satisfaction or lack thereof, and client success/lack of success are all indicators and factors of inadequacy within the companies leadership, management, and training and development. Let’s just do better. #rbt #aba #bcba #abai #bacb

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So excited to be part of this innovative new conference! Are you a professional working in the field of ABA and love learning new things, but leave conferences feeling like you should have gotten more out of it? Consider registering for the CPABA conference! Real-world professionals will discuss relevant topics and will give you useful materials to enhance your work. Use my code below to save on registration! #appliedbehavioranalysis #autismdiagnostics

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