In the Field the ABA Podcast
Keywords: Dissemination, Representation, Cultural Responsiveness, Supervision, ABA, Parenting, Work Life Balance
Guest: Dominique Shorter Taylor, BCBA, Founder of Dom the BCBA Mom and Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting
Host: Allyson Wharam, Founder of Sidekick Learning
Guest Introduction: Dominique Shorter Taylor, also known as Dom the BCBA Mom, is a BCBA based in Chicago. She is the founder of the Dom the BCBA Mom YouTube channel, where she disseminates ABA knowledge in an engaging and approachable way. She is also a sought after speaker in the field of ABA. Dominique’s journey into ABA started with her passion for working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, leading her to pursue a career in behavior analysis.
Key Takeaways:
Importance of Dissemination:
Dominique started disseminating ABA knowledge by speaking at her son's school and later expanded to community organizations and social media.
She aims to normalize conversations about autism and therapy within her community, particularly focusing on cultural responsiveness and representation for Black families and professionals.
Cultural Responsiveness:
Recognize and address personal biases when working with clients.
Understand and respect the family’s values and cultural context.
Use social validity to ensure interventions are meaningful and acceptable to the family.
Supervision and Professionalism:
Treat supervisees with the same compassion and understanding as clients.
Provide constructive feedback and support to help supervisees grow professionally.
Address performance issues with empathy and behavior analytic principles.
Balancing Work and Family:
Prioritize family and communicate boundaries clearly to employers and clients.
Lean into parts of the job that bring joy and fulfillment.
Use a flexible schedule to maintain work-life balance.
Dissemination Tips:
Find a dissemination channel that aligns with your strengths and interests.
Whether through YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or writing, choose a medium that feels authentic to you.
Remember that dissemination should make ABA knowledge accessible and consumable to a broader audience.
Impact of Dissemination:
Dominique’s videos have made ABA concepts accessible to a wider audience, including parents and aspiring BCBAs.
Positive feedback from viewers has reinforced her commitment to continue disseminating ABA knowledge.
Actionable Steps Based on the Episode:
For Behavior Analysts:
Identify Personal Biases: Reflect on your own biases and how they might affect your work with clients. Make a habit of self-assessment to ensure you’re providing culturally responsive care.
Engage with Families: Ask families about their values, preferences, and how they feel about the diagnosis. Use this information to tailor interventions that are meaningful and feasible for them.
Provide Compassionate Supervision: Approach your supervisees with the same empathy and support you offer your clients. Create a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and development.
Balance Work and Family: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate you and communicate your needs to your employer and family.
For Those Interested in Dissemination:
Choose the Right Platform: Identify a dissemination channel that aligns with your strengths and interests, whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, writing, or podcasting.
Create Consumable Content: Ensure your content is easily understandable and accessible to your target audience. Use everyday language and relatable examples to explain ABA concepts.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and feedback from your audience. Positive reinforcement from viewers can motivate you to continue sharing valuable content.
Be Authentic: Share your unique perspective and experiences. Authenticity resonates with people and can make your dissemination efforts more impactful.
Resources Mentioned:
Fong, E. H., Catagnus, R. M., Brodhead, M. T., Quigley, S., & Field, S. (2016). Developing the cultural awareness skills of behavior analysts. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(1), 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-016-0111-6
Autism on the Seas: autismontheseas.com
Contact Information:
YouTube: Dom the BCBA Mom
TikTok: Dom the BCBA Mom
Instagram: Dom the BCBA Mom
Closing Thought: Dominique encourages behavior analysts to embrace cultural responsiveness, prioritize family and self-care, and find authentic ways to disseminate ABA knowledge. By doing so, we can make ABA more accessible and impactful for diverse communities.
Thank You Note: Thank you for listening to In the Field, the ABA Podcast. Visit sidekicklearning.net for more resources and continuing education opportunities. Please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast to help empower more professionals in the ABA community. Join us next week for more insights on fostering quality supervision in ABA.