Behaviour Speak with Ben Reiman

Behaviour analysis is often associated with clinical work in autism and developmental disabilities. But what happens when the science is applied to entire institutional systems?

In this episode, Valeria Pascale discusses her interdisciplinary work applying behaviour analysis inside Italian maximum-security prisons.

Drawing on her background in law, psychology, and neuroscience, Valeria developed a pilot project that introduced a token economy and self-monitoring system designed to reduce aggression, property destruction, and self-injury among incarcerated individuals. The intervention was intentionally simple, low-cost, and replicable—so prison staff could maintain it after the research team left.

The results were powerful. Participants quickly engaged with the program, began tracking their own behaviour, and reported improved relationships with one another. By the end of the project, many inmates requested that the program continue because they felt it was helping them communicate and manage conflict more effectively.

In this conversation, we discuss:

Bringing behaviour analysis into a new institutional setting

The challenges of implementing behavioural interventions in maximum-security prisons

How token economies and self-monitoring can support rehabilitation

Why social validity and dignity matter in prison-based interventions

The potential for behaviour analysis to inform criminal justice and policy systems

Valeria also shares her plans for a second prison study examining behavioural relaxation training and anxiety reduction among incarcerated individuals.

This episode is a powerful reminder that behaviour analysis is not limited to any single population—it is a science of behaviour that can inform complex social systems.

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/XzVBBhzqI3s

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

 

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/

Contact

Valeria Pascale at ABA For Disability

https://abafordisability.it/en/home/

https://www.facebook.com/abafordisability/

https://www.instagram.com/abafordisability/

Valeria on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriapascale/

Links:

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

SABA Grant

https://saba.abainternational.org/grants/international-development-grant/valeria-pascale/

University of Salerno Legal Sciences

https://corsi.unisa.it/scienze-giuridiche-88610/en/home

Articles Discussed:

Pascale, V., Pritchard, J.K., C., F.P. et al. The Effects of a DRO and Self-Monitoring Program on Prisoners in an Italian Prison. Behav Analysis Practice (2025). (Open Access)  https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01045-0 

Pascale, V., Guercio, J. M., & Cesaro, C. (2024). Implementation of interaction style training and comprehensive staff instruction in a community-based residential setting: Expanding the influence of applied behavior analysis in Italy.Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice, 24(1), 44–55. https://doi.org/10.1037/bar0000283

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 33: Addressing Substance Use Disorders, Poverty, and AIDS Prevention Using Behavioural Science with Dr. Shrinidhi Subramanium

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-33-addressing-substance-use-disorders-poverty-and-aids-prevention-using-behavioural-science-with-dr-shrinidhi-subramaniam-phd-bcba-d/

Episode 40: Applications of Behaviour Science to Foster Care, Runaways, The Unhoused, and Bullying with Kimberly Crosland Ph.D., BCBA-D

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-40-applications-of-behaviour-science-to-foster-care-runaways-the-unhoused-and-bullying-with-kimberly-crosland-phd-bcba-d/

Episode 110: Contingency Management with Dr. Bethany Raiff

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-110-contingency-management-with-dr-bethany-raiff/

Episode 135: Addressing Human Trafficking With Behaviour Analysis with Arturo Garcia

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-135-addressing-human-trafficking-with-behavior-analysis/

Episode 205: Transfoming Health Care Through Behaviour Analysis with Dr. Andressa Sleiman, Ph.D., BCBA-D

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/transforming-health-care-through-behavior-analysis-with-dr-andressa-sleiman-phd-bcba-d/

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, I speak with Zornitsa Ivanova, the first board certified behaviour analyst living and working in Bulgaria.

Zornitsa shares her journey from special education and child psychology into applied behaviour analysis (ABA), and what it has been like introducing evidence-based autism intervention in a country where the field barely existed a decade ago.

From translating ABA resources into Bulgarian to helping train the next generation of practitioners, Zornitsa is helping build the foundation for behaviour analysis in Eastern Europe.

If you’re interested in global behaviour analysis, autism services, or the international expansion of ABA, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what it takes to grow a field from the ground up.

This episode is presented by our founding academic partner, the Doctor of Education in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis program at Western University’s Faculty of Education. 

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/MDgZN7MROEY

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

 

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

BACB: 0.5 Ethics
IBAO:  0.5 Cultural
QABA: 0.5 General
CBA/CPD:    0.5 Cultural Diversity  

Follow us!

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

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

Contact

Zornitsa Ivanova at ABA Bloom

Е-mail    [email protected]

Website https://www.ababloom.bg

Facebook: ABA Bloom

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561684086944

Links:

International Behavior Analysis Association

https://theibao.com/

Applied Behavior Analysis - Bulgaria

https://www.facebook.com/groups/279540052761953/

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 242: Behaviour Analysis in Moldova with Olga Sirbu

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-242-behaviour-analysis-in-moldova-with-olga-sirbu-bcba-lba-iba/

Episode 234: Behaviour Analysis in Croatia and Montenegro with Rea Vuksan

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-234-behaviour-analysis-in-croatia-montenegro-with-rea-vuksan-mads-scid-bcba-iba/

Episode 215 : Behaviour Analysis in Turkiye with Dr. Buket Kısaç Demiroğlu

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-215-behavior-analysis-in-turkiye-with-dr-buket-kisac-demiroglu/

Episode 208: Behaviour Analysis in Greece with Stefania Zampanka

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-208-behavior-analysis-in-greece-with-stefania-zampanka-msc-bcba/

Episode 175: Autism in Serbia with Marija Čolić

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-175-autism-in-serbia-with-dr-marija-colic/

This episode is a special compilation recorded at the 2025 Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis Conference, where I had the chance to sit down with four outstanding poster presenters whose work represents the next wave of thinking in our field.

From mapping service access across Ontario using statistical modelling… to advancing cultural responsiveness in ABA… to examining bilingual instruction and innovative approaches to teaching safety skills — these conversations highlight how emerging scholars are pushing behaviour analysis forward in meaningful, practical ways.

This episode is presented by our founding university partner, Western Education — home to the Doctor of Education in the Field of Applied Behaviour Analysis — a program designed for experienced professionals ready to lead in clinical practice, research, and systems-level change.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/1l0_uH6Iqdk

Program Information: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/applied-behaviour-analysis.html

How to apply: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/apply.html

Program brochure: https://www.edu.uwo.ca/graduate-education/edd/foe120_edd_aba_r1.png

 

Follow us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behaviourspeak

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

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

Contact:

Qiduo He

https://www.linkedin.com/in/qiduo-he-75008a269/

Erin Williamson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamson-erin/

Charlotte May

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-may-behavioural-psychology-57507126a/

Kaysia Nedjelski

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaysianedjelski/

En el episodio de hoy, me complace darle la bienvenida nuevamente a Jessie Arroyave del Episodio 201: Análisis del comportamiento en Guatemala como presentadora invitada, entrevistando a Elizabeth López Miranda, analista del comportamiento y patóloga del habla y el lenguaje con licencia de Argentina. Esta conversación es nuestro tercer episodio presentado por invitadas que presenta entrevistas en otros idiomas y nuestra segunda entrevista en español. ¡Espero que disfrutes aprendiendo sobre todo lo relacionado con el análisis del comportamiento en Argentina con Elizabeth y Jessie!

In today's episode, I'm excited to welcome back Jessie Arroyave from Episode 201: Behaviour Analysis in Guatemala as a guest host, interviewing Elizabeth López Miranda, a behaviour analyst and licensed speech-language pathologist from Argentina.  This conversation is our third guest-hosted episode featuring interviews in other languages, and our second interview in Spanish.  I hope you enjoy learning about all things behaviour analysis in Argentina with Elizabeth and Jessie!

Créditos de Educación Continua/CEUs (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ética/Ethics

IBAO: 1.0 Cultura/Cultural

QABA: 1.0  Ética/Ethics

CBA: 1.0  Diversidad Cultural/Cultural Diversity

Contacto/Contact 

Elizabeth López Miranda

Website

https://www.theabateam.com/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/abatteam/

https://www.instagram.com/eli._lopezmiranda_/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Conductaverbal

ABA Argentina

https://aba-argentina.com.ar/miembros/

Jessie Arroyave

Contact Jessie Arroyave

[email protected]

https://cima.gt

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/cimaguatemala/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-arroyave-323753b2/

In this conversation, Dr. Iman Farajallah shares her profound experiences and insights as a psychologist working with trauma, particularly in war zones like Gaza. She discusses her personal background, the impact of war trauma on children, and her efforts to give a voice to those affected. The conversation also touches on the challenges of mental health support in Gaza and the concept of complex continuous trauma, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian population. This conversation delves into the profound and complex trauma experienced by the population of Gaza, particularly focusing on the impact on children. The discussion highlights the continuous nature of trauma, the intergenerational effects, and the parallels with other marginalized communities. Dr. Farajallah shares insights from her work training first responders and supporting refugees, as well as her personal journey of healing through spirituality.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-yxX3XhmWYU

Follow us!

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

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

Contact:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-iman-farajallah-psyd-6aa190149/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.imanfarajallah3658

 

Links: 

My Life Is a War: Voices of Traumatized Palestinian Children under Israeli Occupation

https://www.amazon.ca/Life-War-Traumatized-Palestinian-Occupation/dp/B0D378QVCX

Gaza's Children: Innocence Lost - 8 min video with some of the interviews by Dr. Farajallah with children in Gaza 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4T5NxztIfw&t=1s

The Invisible Wounds of Palestinian Children

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/the-invisible-wounds-of-palestinian-children

Interview on Al Jazeera

https://www.aljazeera.com/video/the-stream/2024/1/9/how-does-the-war-on-gaza-affect-mental-health-of-palestinian-children

Interview on CBC 

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/1.7053750

Articles by Dr. Farajallah

Farajallah I. Health and mental health services in Gaza: A system under siege. Anatolian Clin. 2024;29(Special Issue on Gaza):22-3. 

Farajallah, Iman. Continuous Traumatic Stress in Palestine: The Psychological Effects of the Occupation and Chronic Warfare on Palestinian Children. World Social Psychiatry 4(2):p 112-120, May–Aug 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/wsp.wsp_26_22 

Farajallah I. Behind the Rubble: Psychological trauma of wars and human rights abuses on women and children in Gaza. Anatolian Clin. 2024;29(Special Issue on Gaza):119-36. 

Farajallah, I. (2018). Children of War: Psychological Impacts of War and Postwar Trauma on the Palestinian Children in the Gaza Strip (Doctoral dissertation, Sofia University).

Related Behaviour Speak Episodes

Episode 232: Behaviour Analysis in Sudan with Salma Abdelrahmanabdalla

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-232-behaviour-analysis-in-sudan-with-salma-abdelrahmanabdalla-med-iba-qba/

Episode 197: Understanding Moral Injury with Dr. C. Richard Spates

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-197-understanding-moral-injury-with-dr-c-richard-spates/

Episode 191: Behaviour Analysis in Belarus with Анна Калиновская, M.A., BCBA, IBA (Hanna Kalinouskaya)

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/behaviouranalysis-in-belaruswith-hannakalinouskaya-bcba-iba/

Episode 184 Behaviour Analysis in Ukraine with Alla Moskalets

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-184-behavior-analysis-in-ukraine-with-alla-moskalets/

Episode 176: Religion, Spirituality, and Mental Health with Dr. Janice Parker

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-176-religion-spirituality-and-mental-health/

Episode 139: Threads of Hope: Addressing Trauma Amid War and Civil Discord with Sawsan Razzouk, M.A., BCBA

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-139threads-of-hope-addressing-trauma-amid-war-and-civil-discord-with-sawsan-razzouk-ma-bcba/

Episodes 31 and 32: Special Series on Supporting Refugees from Ukraine Episode 1 and 2 

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-31specialseries-onsupporting-refugeesfromukraine-episode-1coordinating-supports-forrefugee-families-ofchildrenwithdisabilities-with-sophie/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-32specialseries-onsupporting-refugeesfromukraine-episode-2tipson-providing-directsupport-toukrainianrefugee-families-with-autistic-children/