What does it look like to thrive as a BCBA®—whether in autism services or beyond?
In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I sat down with Nicole Parks, Chief Visionary Officer of Rooted Consultation, to talk about expanding the reach of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and building careers in non-traditional areas of practice. Nicole has worked across forensic systems, mental health, gerontology, and more—and now she’s helping other behavior analysts do the same.
Whether you’re feeling burnt out, curious about subspecialties, or ready to advocate for bigger change in the field, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what it means to be a BCBA®.
Nearly 75% of practicing BCBA®s report working in autism, according to the BACB®. But Nicole argues that this isn’t necessarily because it’s everyone’s calling—it’s because of funding, visibility, and a lack of structured support to explore anything else.
She shares:
Her experience working in state psychiatric hospitals, adult dual-diagnosis settings, and forensic systems
Why many BCBAs feel burned out—and how it’s often burnout with the setting, not the science
The role of supervision systems in reinforcing limited scopes of practice
“You're not sick of ABA—you’re sick of autism therapy. And those are not the same thing.” — Nicole Parks
To help BCBA®s broaden their career options, Nicole introduces a three-part framework for diversifying the field:
Many trainees don’t realize they can get supervision in settings outside of autism.
We need mentors who specialize in behavioral health, criminal justice, sustainability, UX, and more.
Ethics matter: Supervisors must stay within their own scope when supporting niche interests.
CEUs outside of autism can be hard to find—especially in fields like behavioral gerontology, criminal justice, or health & fitness.
Nicole launched The Undercurrent, a membership program with CEUs, journal reviews, and support for BCBA®s pursuing subspecialties.
Most relevant jobs won’t say “BCBA” in the title—learn how to translate your skill set and advocate for the value of behavioral science in new spaces.
Nicole’s long-term goal? Network with industries directly and open doors for more behavior analysts to enter.
ABA is a powerful science, and its reach extends far beyond early intervention and clinical autism settings. Nicole and I explore the potential of ABA across:
Higher education
Behavioral medicine
UX research and tech
Corrections, reentry programs, and courts
Sustainability and environmental behavior
Caregiver support
… and many more.
We also discuss the importance of language translation across fields—how to communicate our science in a way other professionals understand and value.
“We speak different languages, but the practices are often the same. We just need to learn how to talk to each other.”
Nicole shares a tough truth: BCBA® salaries in autism therapy are often higher than in adjacent fields. If you want to pivot into forensics, sustainability, or human services, you may need to:
Take a temporary pay cut
Build skills and experience from the ground up
Embrace other motivation over high compensation (if it aligns with your values)—at least at first
But the trade-off? Deep alignment with your passion, and sustainable work that fulfills you long-term.
If you’re a BCBA® or ABA practitioner who’s ready to explore life beyond clinic walls, here’s what you can do:
Start with curiosity: Explore journal articles, conferences, and CEUs in non-traditional areas.
Find your people: Join communities like Nicole’s Undercurrent to connect with others walking a similar path.
Get supervision that supports your goals: Even if your current work is in autism, seek mentors who understand your long-term vision.
Think like a translator: Learn how to communicate your behavior-analytic skills in job applications, interviews, and interdisciplinary teams.
Nicole offers ongoing support for behavior analysts looking to break the mold. You can follow her work and get involved through:
🌱 Website: RootedConsultation.com
📚 The Undercurrent: Monthly journal clubs, CEUs, and open office hours
💬 LinkedIn: Nicole Parks
📸 Instagram: @rootedconsultation
Ready to challenge the status quo and explore what’s possible with your BCBA®?
Listen to the full episode now →
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