Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

What if the most important skill in behaviour analysis isn't a technical skill at all? In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman sits down with BCBA and PhD candidate Preeti Vogel to discuss compassionate care, cultural responsiveness, and the crucial role these skills play in effective behaviour support. Drawing on over a decade of experience working across India and Australia, Preeti shares how her professional journey shaped her understanding of behaviour analysis and ultimately influenced her research agenda.

The conversation explores the Multi-Element Behaviour Support (MEBS) framework and its constructional approach to improving quality of life through meaningful skill development rather than focusing solely on behaviour reduction. Preeti explains how MEBS incorporates comprehensive assessment, proactive supports, reactive strategies, mediation, implementation planning, and social validity into a cohesive framework.

Ben and Preeti also dive into Preeti's published research examining the effects of remote training on functional assessment interviewing skills, cultural responsiveness, and compassionate care. The discussion highlights practical strategies practitioners can use immediately, including active listening, empathy-based responding, collaborative goal selection, and culturally responsive assessment practices. The episode concludes with a discussion about cultural humility, practitioner self-reflection, and Preeti's ongoing doctoral research examining self-monitoring tools to improve compassionate and culturally responsive practice across multiple service-delivery contexts

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics
IBAO:  1.0 Cultural
QABA: 1.0 Ethics
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

 

Links

Preeti Vogel on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/preeti-vogel-2a3a3588/

Centre For Positive Behaviour Support

https://cpbs.com.au/

Multi Element Behaviour Support (MEBS)

https://iaba.foundation/ppbs

Preeti's Article
Vogel, P., Kurumiya, Y., Mahoney, A. et al. Teaching Practitioners in Australia Culturally Responsive and Compassion-Based Functional Assessment Interviewing Skills. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01121-5

Behaviour Speak Series On Constructional Approaches In Behaviour Support

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/constructional-behaviour-analysis

In this episode, Ben sits down with behaviour analyst and entrepreneur Sara Silsilah to discuss her remarkable journey from Saudi Arabia to Columbia University and back again. Sara shares how a chance encounter during a university fire drill led her into the field of autism and behaviour analysis, and how her grandmother's lifelong commitment to supporting children with disabilities shaped her values and career path.

The conversation explores the evolution of ABA practice, the importance of autistic voices, assent-based treatment, relationship-building, family systems, supervision, and professional humility. Sara challenges clinicians to move beyond rigid protocols and embrace a more collaborative, compassionate, and individualized approach to care.

She also shares lessons learned from launching Seeds of Knowledge, her vision for improving autism services in Saudi Arabia, and why quality treatment requires rigorous standards, meaningful supervision, and strong therapeutic relationships.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.5 Ethics
IBAO:  1.5 Cultural
QABA: 1.5 Ethics
CBA/CPD: 1.5 Cultural Diversity

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

 

Links

Sara Silsilah on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-silsilah-phd-bcba-d-4820051bb/

Seeds of Knowledge

https://theseedsofknowledge.com/

ABAI Saudi Arabia Chapter

https://iba.abainternational.org/2025/11/18/aba-saudi-arabia-2025-annual-report/

Behaviour Analysis in Saudi Arabia with Dr. Shahad Alsharif
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-149-behaviouranalysis-in-saudi-arabia-with-dr-shahad-alsharif/

In this episode, Ben Reiman speaks with Pragya Shrestha Pradhan, a parent, founder, advocate, and behaviour analyst working to expand autism and ABA services in Nepal. Pragya describes how her daughter Avaani’s autism diagnosis introduced her to a world of limited services, long waitlists, and cultural stigma around disability. That experience eventually led her to training in India, involvement in parent education, the founding of Avaani Foundation, and later her certification as a behaviour analyst. 

The conversation covers autism awareness in Nepal, the challenges of developing ABA services where trained professionals are scarce, the importance of parent training, and the difficulty of implementing intervention within extended family systems. Pragya also discusses collaboration with other professionals, concerns about ABA being offered without proper training or supervision, and her vision for university-level behaviour analysis education and future service development in Nepal. 

In This Episode

Pragya Shrestha Pradhan’s journey from parent to professional

Avaani’s diagnosis and early intervention experience

Autism awareness and stigma in Nepal

The founding and growth of Avaani Foundation

Cultural considerations in ABA and parent training

Challenges with limited professionals and access to services

Collaboration with schools, families, therapists, doctors, and universities

The need for culturally responsive ABA models in Nepal

Building local capacity through education, supervision, and training

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iD5UjGWmrOE

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics
IBAO:  1.0 Cultural
QABA: 1.0 Ethics
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

 

Links

Pragya Pradhan on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pragya-shrestha-pradhan-003406181/

Avaani Foundation

https://www.avaanifoundation.org/

Autism Care Nepal Society

https://autismnepal.org/

Related Episodes:

Autism Advocacy in Pakistan with Dr. Shumyla Noreen
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-204-autism-advocacy-in-pakistan-with-shumyla-noreen-bcaba-iba/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben welcomes Mei-Hua Li, BCBA-D and speech-language pathology clinical fellow, for a discussion that sits at the intersection of behaviour analysis, communication, and cultural responsiveness. Drawing from her unique dual training in applied behaviour analysis and speech-language pathology, Mei-Hua explores how collaboration between BCBAs and SLPs can improve outcomes for autistic individuals and others with communication needs.

The conversation examines AAC and speech-generating devices, language development, aphasia, apraxia, and verbal behaviour, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary practice. Mei-Hua shares practical examples of how behavioural assessment and intervention can complement speech and language expertise to create more effective, individualized support plans.

A major focus of the episode is culturally responsive care. Mei-Hua discusses her work with Chinese and Chinese-American families, the influence of Confucian values such as filial piety, and the importance of cultural humility when delivering services. She offers concrete strategies for working effectively with interpreters, understanding family perspectives, addressing stigma surrounding autism, and building trust through meaningful collaboration. 

The episode concludes with a look at Mei-Hua's work with Chinatown Child Respite Care, a nonprofit supporting Chinese-speaking immigrant families of neurodivergent children through respite services, community building, education, and advocacy.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/msdfio-VbuA

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics
IBAO:  1.0 Cultural
QABA: 1.0 Ethics
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Links

Chinatown Respite Care

https://www.chinatownrespite.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chinatown.respite/

Articles Referenced

Masters, C., Robinson, D., Faulkner, S., Patterson, E., McIlraith, T., & Ansari, A. (2019). Addressing Biases in Patient Care with The 5Rs of Cultural Humility, a Clinician Coaching Tool. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34(4), 627–630. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4814-y

Moreno, G., Wong-Lo, M., Short, M., & Bullock, L. M. (2014). Implementing a culturally attuned functional behavioural assessment to understand and address challenging behaviours demonstrated by students from diverse backgrounds. Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties, 19(4), 343–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2013.860682

Related Episodes:

Culturally Responsive Family-Centred PBS for Chinese Immigrant Famiies with Chloe Wang
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/building-culturally-responsive-family-centred-pbs-for-chinese-immigrant-families-chloe-wang/

Supporting Children Across Cultures with ABA and PBS with Dianna Yip
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-270-beyond-compliance-supporting-children-across-cultures-with-aba-and-pbs-with-dianna-yip-med-bcba/
 
Empowering The Chinese Autism Community with Hazel Lim
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-212-empowering-the-chinese-autism-community-with-hazel-lim/
 
Collaboration and Mentorship with Landria Seals-Green
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-57-huddle-up-collaboration-and-mentorship-with-landria-seals-green-ccc-slp-bcba/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Dr. Olivia Hird-Partlow offers a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about ABA across the lifespan. Originally from Canada and now based in Maryland, Olivia Hird-Partlow describes her path into ABA through early training at Kennedy Krieger, her work across clinics, homes, schools, and residential settings, and her current teaching role at McDaniel College, where she teaches ABA courses within a master’s program in human services. 

A major focus of the episode is the gap in ABA training and services for adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, dementia, and other age-related needs. Dr. Hird-Partlow explains how many ABA programs and funding structures continue to emphasize children, while adults and aging populations often require thoughtful behavioural support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to quality of life.

The conversation explores what it means to support adults in ways that preserve autonomy, consent, dignity, and independence. Olivia Hird-Partlow discusses the importance of recognizing behavioural changes as possible indicators of pain, memory loss, grief, changes in routine, medical concerns, or communication needs. She also emphasizes that intervention plans should not simply be implemented mechanically, but should be adjusted based on the person’s changing abilities, preferences, and lived experience. 

Listeners will also hear a rich discussion of aging in place, caregiver stress, family communication, and the emotional realities of supporting aging parents, grandparents, and relatives. Olivia shares personal examples from her own family, including the importance of maintaining familiar routines, environments, smells, furniture, and family connections when possible. 

The episode also highlights Dr. Hird-Partlow’s work through Relentless Alliance, where she provides consultation, coaching, training, and support for adults with disabilities and adults experiencing dementia or aging-related changes. She also discusses her dissertation work on the practical functional assessment with adults and in schools, as well as her interest in building more research and training around ABA with adults.

This conversation is essential listening for behaviour analysts, caregivers, educators, residential support staff, clinicians, students, and anyone interested in compassionate behavioural support across the lifespan.

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P-K_8gIxLpA

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Learning
IBAO:  1.0 ABA Topics
QABA: 1.0 General
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Learning

Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak

Connect with Olivia

Relentless Alliance

https://relentlessalliance.app/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-hird/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/olivia_hird_partlow/

Links

Sisters On Da Mic Podcast

https://sistersondamic.buzzsprout.com/

DMV ABBA

https://www.dmvabba.org/

Related Episodes:

Episode 236, "The Intersection of Aging and Behaviour Analysis," with Dr. Jacqueline Pachis and Nehal Siam
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-236-the-intersection-of-aging-and-behaviour-analysis-with-jacqueline-pachis-ma-ms-bcba-and-nehal-siam-mped-bcba-rba-ont/

Episode 20, "Consulting in Group Homes Using ACT," with Monica Peters.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-20-consulting-in-group-homes-using-act-with-monica-peters-mads-bcba/