Welcome back to ABA Beyond the Data! In this episode, we dive deep into the TEACCH model—what it is, how it’s implemented, and why it matters for ABA practice today. If you’re looking to earn CEUs for this episode, you can purchase them at https://aba-ceus.com/get-ceus.com. You’ll need the three key words hidden throughout the episode to complete your purchase.
TEACCH—short for Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children—originated at UNC in the 1970s. It emphasizes structure, predictability, and independence through four core elements: physical organization, individualized schedules, structured work systems, and visual clarity. But what does this actually look like in practice, and how does it fit alongside ABA?
In this episode, I’ll cover:
What TEACCH is: its history, philosophy, and why it has stood the test of time.
How TEACCH is implemented: from pod structures and schedules to task boxes and routines.
What the research says: evidence showing improvements in social functioning, adaptive skills, and independence.
TEACCH + ABA: how structured teaching complements behavior analysis, with overlaps in antecedent strategies, task analysis, and environmental arrangement.
Clinic-wide application: what it looks like to run a clinic using TEACCH-inspired systems, including real-life examples from my own practice.
As both a BCBA and a parent of two boys on the spectrum, I’ll share professional insights and personal reflections—like how structured environments have been a game-changer not only in clinics but in my own home. You’ll also hear about challenges, like staff training and balancing flexibility with structure, and practical tips for starting small and scaling up.
Most importantly, we’ll tackle a common misconception: that structure equals less fun. In reality, a good schedule creates more fun by opening doors to new activities, smoother transitions, and greater confidence for our learners. At my clinic, that means playrooms, art projects, trampolines, and rock walls—all embedded into a schedule that keeps the day moving and enjoyable.
How to get CEUs
Earn CEUs for this episode at aba-ceus.com! Each CEU is just $7. To complete your purchase, you’ll need the 3 key words hidden throughout the episode—so make sure to listen from start to finish. Affordable, simple, and designed for BCBAs who want continuing education that goes beyond the data.
Episode Summary:
The episode explores the rapid growth of the field, with BACB reporting a 58% increase in BCBA demand in one year. More providers doesn’t always mean better care—new clinics expand quickly, often promoting first-year BCBAs into leadership roles without proper support.
Research is clear: supervision and caseloads predict outcomes (Dixon et al., 2016; Kranak et al., 2023). Yet overloaded analysts can’t provide quality oversight. If you’re forgetting clients’ names, you don’t have a caseload—you have a zip code.
Treatment fidelity is another challenge. Without checks, three therapists may run the same program three different ways. That’s not ABA—that’s interpretive dance. Consistency is essential, but fidelity reporting remains inconsistent (Falakfarsa et al., 2021; Morris et al., 2024).
At the system level, contingencies often reward profit over practice (Silbaugh et al., 2021). Billing pressures, staffing shortages, and productivity goals undermine care. Add burnout (Slowiak et al., 2021, 2023), and turnover becomes the norm—hurting kids and families most.
Jay closes with key takeaways and practical fixes: advocate for reasonable caseloads, invest in supervision training, standardize fidelity checks, and prioritize staff retention and wellness. Because, as Dr. Seuss wrote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.
References
Supervision & Caseloads
Dixon, M. R., Bergstrom, R., Smith, M. N., & Tarbox, J. (2016). Supervision intensity and credential type influence skill acquisition for children with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(4), 338–348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-016-0130-x
Kranak, M. P., Falligant, J. M., Zlomke, K. R., Briggs, A. M., Gregory, M. K., Fales, J. L., & Carnett, A. (2023). A systematic review of supervision in behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00898-9
Treatment Fidelity
Falakfarsa, T., Carroll, R. A., Kodak, T., & LeBlanc, L. A. (2021). A review of treatment integrity in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14(4), 1016–1031. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00595-2
Morris, E. K., Vollmer, T. R., Slowiak, J. M., & Mace, F. C. (2024). How to measure and maintain fidelity in applied behavior analysis services. Behavior Analysis in Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00992-5
System-Level Quality Concerns
Silbaugh, B. C., Penrod, B., & Shillingsburg, M. A. (2021). The behavior of the ABA service industry: A conceptual analysis of quality. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14(4), 1129–1143. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00565-8
Workforce Supply & Demand
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2025). US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010–2024. Littleton, CO: Author. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com
Burnout & Practitioner Wellbeing
Slowiak, J. M., Huitema, B. E., & Dickinson, A. M. (2021). Burnout in applied behavior analysis: The role of job demands and resources. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14(2), 338–352. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00520-1
Slowiak, J. M., Feiock, C. W., & Rawe, B. M. (2023). Predictors of burnout among BCBAs: A longitudinal analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(2), 413–431. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.995
To buy the CEU for only $7 go to:
https://www.aba-ceus.com/get-ceus/p/episode-1-ceu
In this episode of ABA Beyond the Data, I, Jay Burton—BCBA and proud parent of two incredible boys on the autism spectrum—take a deep dive into one of the most important and often misunderstood concepts in our field: assent.
We start by breaking down what assent really means. Consent is legal and informed; assent is the learner’s active “yes.” It’s not passive silence, and it can be withdrawn at any time. Recognizing assent and dissent is essential, especially for our learners who may communicate non-vocally. Leaning in, smiling, or reaching for materials may show assent, while turning away, pushing items aside, or hiding under the table may signal dissent.
I share openly about my own journey as a clinician and as a dad. For too long, I was a “follow through no matter what” BCBA, and I saw how that damaged my relationship with my older son. When I shifted to assent-based practices, the trust that grew between us was undeniable. With my younger son, who has only known an assent-based approach, our relationship looks completely different—there’s less conflict and more connection.
We also cover what to do when assent is withdrawn. Sometimes you don’t re-present the task, sometimes you re-present later, and sometimes you modify the conditions. I share the story of my son Lucas saying “no” to shoes—a breakthrough early word that I happily honored, because teaching our kids the power of their own voice matters more than compliance.
Of course, there are moments when assent can’t be the deciding factor. Safety, health, and dignity always override. Crossing the street, getting medical care, or basic hygiene like brushing teeth—these are not optional. But even in non-negotiable situations, we can build in choice and dignity by offering flexibility and respecting the learner’s voice where possible.
At the heart of this episode is a message of growth and honesty. Assent isn’t just ethical, it’s humane. It builds trust, reduces coercion, and teaches lifelong skills of choice and advocacy. And yes—sometimes dissent looks like hiding under a table with a Pop-Tart. Don’t call it an extinction burst; call it a Yelp review.
If you’d like to earn CEUs for this episode, head to ABA-CEUS.com, answer three quick questions, and you’ll get credit.
📚 Sources Cited
Breaux, R. P., & Smith, T. (2023). Moving beyond compliance: Assent-based practice in applied behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice.
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). (2020). Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. Littleton, CO: BACB.
United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
