Best Shira Karpel & Shayna Gaunt Podcasts (2025)

1
Rethinking "Noncompliance": Behavior or Bias? 15:28

20h ago15:28

15:28

Is “non-compliance” really the problem, or just a reflection of our own expectations? Here, we unpack one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in ABA: non-compliance. We explore why this label can mask important context, such as unmet needs, skill deficits, or valid self-advocacy. Instead of jumping to conclusions, we may need to ask better…

1
Using BST and Video Modeling to Teach Social Skills 11:27

8d ago11:27

11:27

Teaching social skills doesn’t always stick, but what if we could make it both effective and engaging? In this conversation, we explore how pairing Behavioral Skills Training (BST) with video modeling can create more meaningful, lasting social skill development. We break down how these two evidence-based strategies work together, walking through ea…

1
The Multicultural Classroom with Lorena and Roberto Germán 27:05

15d ago27:05

27:05

For Lorena and Roberto Germán, teaching isn’t just about content; it’s about connection. In this episode, they share how their work through Multicultural Classroom transforms how educators approach professional development, cultural responsiveness, and student-centered instruction. With decades of experience in classrooms and school leadership, the…

1
Are Social Skills Groups Really Effective? 16:12

22d ago16:12

16:12

Are social skills groups a powerful way to build real-life connections, or just another artificial setting that doesn’t translate beyond the session? In this episode, we dive into the debate, weighing the pros and cons of group-based instruction. Drawing from years of experience, we explore what makes these groups succeed, where they fall short, an…

1
Video Modeling and Model Me Kids with Sue Klein 23:09

29d ago23:09

23:09

For over 20 years, Model Me Kids has helped learners build real-world social skills through evidence-based video modeling. We sat down with founder Sue Klein to explore how it all began, from cutting out magazine clippings and mailing DVDs to launching a fully customizable streaming platform used by educators, therapists, and families across the co…

1
Building Social Skills Goals 16:45

1M ago16:45

16:45

Have you ever written a social skills goal that looked great on paper but didn’t lead to real-life success? In this conversation, we dive into how to create meaningful social skills goals that build genuine connection, confidence, and independence. We explore why social skills aren't one-size-fits-all and how to align goals with each learner’s pers…

1
The Power of Sensory Social Routines 19:31

1M ago19:31

19:31

Ever wonder how playful moments like peekaboo or a silly song can support meaningful progress in young children with autism? Here, we explore sensory social routines and how the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) uses them to build engagement, communication, and joint attention through everyday play. These simple, predictable routines can become power…

1
What to Do When Kids Struggle to Engage in Play 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

Play is a fundamental part of childhood, so what happens when a child struggles to engage in it? In this episode, we explore the many forms play can take, why it's essential for development, and how to support learners who find it challenging. We break down what "play" really means (beyond just pretend scenarios) and include everything from sports …

1
Play Through the Ages (Play vs Leisure Skills) 14:49

2M ago14:49

14:49

Leisure skills, unlike developmental play, support lifelong engagement, independence, and quality of life, whether it's crochet, reading, or structured hobbies. In this discussion, we explore how play skills evolve across ages and how ABA programs can support that progression. We outline the typical stages of play, from exploratory and functional p…

1
Independent Activity Schedules 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

An independent activity schedule (IAS) is a tool made up of pictures or written cues that guides a child through a series of tasks on their own. It promotes independence and reduces the need for constant supervision, making it a valuable strategy for both school and home environments. In this episode, we dive into how to design an effective IAS, sh…

1
What Drives Challenging Behaviors? The Role of Antecedents, Triggers, and Functions 17:54

2M ago17:54

17:54

When it comes to successful interventions, knowing the “why” behind behaviors is key. As practitioners, we may have learned in school that there are four functions of behavior: escape, attention, tangible, and sensory. However, in practice, things aren’t always so cut and dry. Here, we dive into the roles of antecedents, triggers, and functions so …

1
Balancing Safety and Compassion in Interventions 16:38

3M ago16:38

16:38

As BCBAs, each day we walk a fine line between keeping children safe while ensuring our interventions are compassionate, ethical, and effective. Prioritizing safety in behavior management is a non-negotiable and it doesn't have to come at the expense of empathy. Here, we discuss the best ways to balance safety and compassion in our interventions an…

1
Proactive and Reactive Strategies for Challenging Behaviors 18:02

3M ago18:02

18:02

Challenging behaviors don't just happen out of nowhere. They have patterns, triggers, and underlying causes. The key to success is all about preventing them in the first place instead of reacting to the behaviors when they occur. Here, we discuss how to use both proactive and reactive strategies to effectively reduce challenging behaviors with our …

1
Skills-Based Treatment for Challenging Behavior 15:57

3M ago15:57

15:57

When managing challenging behavior, our goal as behavior therapists is to reduce these behaviors and teach new skills. Here, we discuss how to do so without using strategies like extinction and planned ignoring. Through skill-based treatment, we not only reduce challenging behaviors but also replace them with positive functional skills. Challenging…

1
What Is Co-Regulation? 14:38

3M ago14:38

14:38

Before our learners can independently manage their emotions, they need to first master co-regulation. For children, this looks like a trusted adult helping them to navigate big feelings by offering calm, supportive guidance. Here, we discuss how we can best help our learners master the skill of co-regulation and provide practical tips for making pr…

1
Teaching Kids About Emotions: The Foundation of Regulation 12:59

4M ago12:59

12:59

For many children, understanding and expressing emotions can be a challenge. They may struggle with recognizing their own feelings, reading emotions in others, or knowing how to respond appropriately in different situations. The good news is that emotional awareness is a skill that can be taught, modeled, and practiced with the right strategies. In…

1
Parenting, ABA, and Emotional Regulation with Leanne Page 30:23

4M ago30:23

30:23

Leanne Page is a mom, a BCBA, and the founder of Parenting with ABA. When she became a mother, Leanne realized how her training and education in behavior analysis gave her a leg up on discipline issues. She’s worked as a special education teacher in self-contained to inclusive settings, from elementary to high school. She also managed a center prov…

1
Building a Regulation Toolbox: Calming Strategies for Children and Adults 15:41

4M ago15:41

15:41

Self-regulation is a challenge for many of our learners. Having a personalized regulation toolbox makes a huge difference in a child's ability to navigate their emotions and daily challenges. This toolbox is made up of a set of calming strategies tailored to each person’s unique needs. Here, we discuss how we can help learners develop the skill of …

1
What Is Emotional Regulation? Why It's Crucial for Development and Well-being 18:03

4M ago18:03

18:03

Emotional regulation is a foundational skill that influences how we manage stress, handle challenges, and connect with others. Here, we define emotional regulation and dive into all the reasons why it’s so important for our development and well-being. We also discuss how we, as BCBAs and practitioners, can help our learners strengthen this essentia…

1
Bridging the Gap Between BCBAs and Educators with Amanda Wilson 27:29

4M ago27:29

27:29

Amanda Wilson is a school psychologist, BCBA, and the founder of Navigating Behavior Change. She has over 18 years of experience within the public school setting, and as a military wife, she has had the opportunity to work in various regions across the United States. She also has significant experience in conducting assessments, developing comprehe…

1
How Multiple Diagnoses Affect Treatment (Can’t Do vs Won’t Do) 15:41

5M ago15:41

15:41

When a learner has multiple diagnoses, it has a significant influence on treatment approaches, behavioral changes, and intervention planning. Therefore, it’s essential to determine whether a skill is a “can’t do” or a “won’t do” when we’re developing our treatment strategies. Here, we discuss the impact more than one diagnosis has on treatment and …

1
Common Comorbidities (Including Health) in Autism and the Behavioral Implications 19:03

5M ago19:03

19:03

Autism rarely occurs in isolation, and many individuals face additional health challenges. Understanding these challenges can help us provide more compassion and effective support. Here, we discuss the common comorbidities we may encounter with our learners. We also dive into the behavioral implications of those comorbidities as well as the medical…

1
Supporting Kids with Anxiety and ADHD 13:41

5M ago13:41

13:41

Comorbidities or multiple diagnoses like anxiety and ADHD are common in our learners. These overlapping challenges on top of ASD can make day-to-day life overwhelming for both the children and the adults supporting them. Kids with ADHD may be inattentive and hyperactive. Anxiety may manifest as intense worrying, avoidance behaviors, and even physic…

1
FCT within Skills-Based Treatment 17:11

5M ago17:11

17:11

Many of our learners struggle with being unable to communicate their basic wants and needs. In some cases, this can cause challenging behavior. Functional communication training, or FCT, is an effective way to build those important communication skills in our learners. Here, we discuss how to incorporate FCT within skills-based treatment. We touch …

1
Teaching Social Flexibility 12:32

6M ago12:32

12:32

When our learners lose a game or have to share a toy, they can become extremely frustrated. To help them adapt to new routines and expectations, we teach them social flexibility. When we’re socially flexible, we can adjust our behavior and communication based on the situation and people involved. Social flexibility greatly improves our learners’ so…

1
Teaching Self-Advocacy 11:34

6M ago11:34

11:34

When our learners are faced with an uncomfortable situation or presented with something they don’t want, they don’t always have someone there to advocate for them. Because of this, it’s critical for us to teach them how to advocate for themselves at an early age. Here, we discuss the importance of self-advocacy and how to best teach it to our learn…

1
Teaching Tolerance and Communication 14:44

6M ago14:44

14:44

When things don’t go as planned or we experience sudden schedule changes, we become disappointed or frustrated. For children with autism, unexpected disruptions in routine or a person’s actions often lead to them demonstrating challenging behaviors. In order to help our learners become more flexible, we can use these moments to teach tolerance. Her…

1
Incorporating Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness 16:25

6M ago16:25

16:25

Whenever we feel on edge, frustrated, or exhausted, taking time out for a moment of mindfulness helps us hit the pause button and relax. Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques in our programs can help our learners do the same. Here, we approach mindfulness from a behavioral analytic perspective and walk through how to bring more presen…

1
How to Create a Sensitive Sleep Program with Emily Varon 41:34

7M ago41:34

41:34

Emily Varon is a BCBA, a sleep educator, and the founder of Ready Set Sleep. Ready Set Sleep is also home to the Sleep Collective, the first sleep certification program for BCBAs. Emily returns to the podcast to share more of her passion for sleep and give us an update. Since we last spoke, Emily’s certified 111 behavioral sleep specialists and is …

1
Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care In ABA 14:47

7M ago14:47

14:47

Individuals with trauma histories often feel on edge or misunderstood. As practitioners, it’s important to take trauma into account when designing behavior interventions for our learners. It’s our job to ensure we’re not only shaping behavior but taking an approach that focuses on long-term healing and empathy. Here, we discuss trauma-sensitive beh…

1
The Role of Trauma and Behavior in ABA with Dr. Camille Kolu 35:07

7M ago35:07

35:07

Dr. Camille Kolu is a behavioral scientist from Cusp Emergence in Colorado. Dr. Kolu has about 20 years of autism treatment experience and has collaborated with or worked for nonprofits, families, diverse educational facilities, and groups in Texas and Colorado to provide effective autism treatment and support for those affected by developmental or…

1
2024 Year in Review 18:59

7M ago18:59

18:59

Can you believe we’re wrapping up another year? As we approach the end of 2025, we wanted to reflect on some of the highlights of 2024 in a How To ABA year in review. We share some major personal and professional wins and look back on some of the best topics and guests we’ve had on the podcast. Our favorite highlights include our work with Dr. Alan…

1
How to Teach Inferencing 14:25

7M ago14:25

14:25

After our students learn to answer WH questions, the next step is to teach them inferencing skills. Students need to learn how to make inferences, or to predict future events and what will happen next. However, understanding the hidden meaning in stories and social interactions can be challenging, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Here, …

1
Requesting and Gaining Attention 19:38

8M ago19:38

19:38

Attention-seeking behavior is quite common; however, our learners often don’t know how to wait to receive attention. They also may not know how to properly seek attention, and it’s our job to teach them. Here, we discuss the value of attention and effective strategies to teach our learners how to request and gain attention. We start by defining att…

1
Sequencing Program Tips and Strategies 16:16

8M ago16:16

16:16

Sequencing is an intermediate language skill, and it can be found in just about everything we do. In ABA, you’ll find sequencing skills on lots of different assessments, including the ABLES. Sequencing also helps learners with other skills, including how questions, before and after, telling stories, predicting, and remembering household tasks. Here…

1
Manding with WH Questions 18:28

8M ago18:28

18:28

Many of our students struggle with initiating language and conversation. Because of this, we usually place a strong emphasis on teaching requesting, or manding, in an ABA program. Here, we discuss how we can teach more advanced manding skills using WH questions. If our learners can mand a request for their wants and needs, it helps reduce challengi…

1
Precision-Based Teaching with Chris Topham 32:01

8M ago32:01

32:01

Chris Topham is a behavior scientist and the owner of Celeration ABA. Along with his wife, who is also a BCBA, Chris founded Celeration ABA in 2020. At first, they mostly focused on supporting families through the COVID-19 pandemic by providing telehealth ABA and academic support while their children weren’t in school. Within a few years of launch,…

1
Teaching Intraverbals 18:13

9M ago18:13

18:13

Intraverbals are one of the most challenging concepts for our learners. They can also be the hardest to teach. Here, we cover some of the best ways to teach intraverbals so we can set our learners up for success. Ideally, we want our learners to have the comprehension and ability to hold information in their heads and answer questions correctly wit…

1
Creating Programs to Foster Independence with Dr. Peter Gerhardt and Dr. Shanna Bahry 35:11

9M ago35:11

35:11

Dr. Peter Gerhardt is the Executive Director of Epic Programs in New Jersey. Dr. Shanna Bahry is the founder and executive director of Meaningful Hope. Dr. Gerhardt and Dr. Bahry us to discuss their experiences in the field and the gaps they see when it comes to setting up our learners for a successful, independent life. Together, they created a bl…

1
Teaching Appropriate Protests 9:34

9M ago9:34

9:34

Functional communication and replacement language are important skills to work on with learners. Are you incorporating appropriate protests into these teachings? Here, we cover what appropriate protests are and some of the best ways to include this skill in our programs. We discuss the reasons why teaching protests is so important and how to break …

1
ABA Toolbox with Leila Farshchian 30:16

9M ago30:16

30:16

Leila Farshchian is the CEO of ABA Toolbox, a comprehensive practice management software system for agencies, schools, and private ABA practices that provide services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Leila is a Certified Special Educator and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 27 years of experience working with children…

1
Whole Group Instruction 11:22

10M ago11:22

11:22

Let's face it, one-to-one ABA is awesome, but it's not realistic forever and ever. We really want our learners to start paying attention, responding and learning in group situations. Therefore, at some point we need to practice some whole group instruction. Here, we cover how to do it and how to come up with the best way to initiate and facilitate …

1
How to Teach Executive Functioning Skills 16:32

10M ago16:32

16:32

In order for children to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks, they need good executive functioning skills. Many children with autism and other developmental delays lack these critical skills that come naturally to other kids. Here, we discuss how to teach executive functioning skills effectively to our learners. …

1
Getting Teacher Buy In 11:42

10M ago11:42

11:42

Teachers have so much to manage in their roles. As BCBAs, how can we support them and gain their buy in without adding more to their plates? Here, we discuss the importance of respecting a teacher’s classroom and how to pair yourself with positive reinforcement. It’s also important to start small and identify something you can help them with as a q…

1
Receptive Language Skills and Discrimination 14:45

10M ago14:45

14:45

A member of our Bx Resource membership community raised a question about teaching receptive language skills, specifically receptive labels, as the strategies she tried weren’t working. Here, we cover how to teach receptive language skills and discrimination to our learners. We go over the steps to take when building a receptive language program, st…

1
Data-Based Supervision: How to Make Decisions to Achieve Progress 13:19

11M ago13:19

13:19

All ABA programs require us to take data, but what does that mean? The data we collect is only worth something when it’s properly analyzed. Once we have a program in place for our learners, it’s important to ensure that we’re using the information we collect to make data-based decisions. Here, we discuss how to make the best data-based decisions to…

1
ABA Naturally with Jenna Mazzillo 27:15

11M ago27:15

27:15

Jenna Mazzillo is a BCBA and the owner of the Instagram and TikTok accounts of ABA Naturally. She’s a special education teacher with 13 years of experience and has also served as a CSE Chairperson, instructional coach, and District Behavior Analyst. Jenna specializes in applying the principles of behavior analysis to classroom settings and implemen…

1
The Changing Field of ABA and the Importance of Assent with Dr. Cody Morris 41:21

11M ago41:21

41:21

Dr. Cody Morris is the executive producer and host of the Behavior Analysis in Practice Podcast. He’s also the Graduate Program Director of Psychology at Salve Regina University, and his clinical focus is improving the practice of behavior analysis. Cody’s research has been published in prominent behavior analytic journals, including the Journal of…

1
ABA Inside Track Interview 34:35

11M ago34:35

34:35

We’re featuring some of our fellow OG podcasters that have been around for many years—our friends from the ABA Inside Track Podcast! Here, Diana, Robert, and Jackie share all about their backgrounds and how their journeys led them to where they are today. They also share what inspired them to start the podcast and how it’s grown over the years. The…

1
Finding Behavior to Praise with Dr. Saul Axelrod 31:52

11M ago31:52

31:52

Dr. Saul Axelrod is a professor emeritus of education at Temple University. His major interests include applying behavior analysis principles to behavioral problems exhibited by people with disabilities and increasing the academic development of children living in poverty. Dr. Axelrod has served on the editorial boards of several journals, includin…

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Shira Karpel & Shayna Gaunt Podcasts

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