What happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection?

In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore nervous system regulation, emotional safety, authenticity, and what it means to show up as a human being.

Drawing from her expertise in attachment science and regulation, Sarah explains how emotional suppression affects relationships, leadership, and connection. The conversation highlights how many ABA professionals are trained to “shut it off,” and how that mindset often carries into both business and personal life. They also discuss what it takes to create genuine emotional safety for ourselves and others.

Questions To Be Answered

• What is nervous system regulation and why does it matter?
• Why is authenticity important?
• How does emotional suppression affect leaders?
• Are we too focused on compliance?
• How can you regulate during stress?

Can unhealthy coping mechanisms prevent emotional growth?

Stephen, April, and Sarah discuss how substances, food, and other forms of emotional avoidance can temporarily numb difficult feelings while ultimately making long-term regulation more difficult. The conversation emphasizes building healthier coping skills and developing a wider range of emotional tools.

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

MarginKeepers:

https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?

https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

How do we define quality ABA services with Bryant Silbaugh

What is quality assurance in ABA, and how can behavior analysts measure service quality more effectively?

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith speak with Dr. Bryant Silbaugh, behavior analyst, researcher, author, and Founder of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), about the systems, processes, and measurements that drive high-quality ABA services. Bryant explains how ABA organizations can define quality, evaluate clinical performance, establish meaningful outcome measures, and build systems that support continuous improvement. He shares practical insights from his work in autism treatment, behavioral intervention quality management, and ABA service delivery research.

The conversation covers quality assurance frameworks, goal setting, key performance indicators (KPIs), clinician self-evaluation, treatment outcomes, and the role of organizational systems in delivering effective ABA services.

Key Topics Covered

What quality assurance means in applied behavior analysis

How to measure ABA service quality

Common service delivery blind spots in ABA organizations

Defining quality indicators for behavioral interventions

The relationship between clinical quality and business performance

His research has focused on operant variability, pediatric feeding disorders, autism intervention, and ABA service delivery quality. He is the author of Quality Control for Behavior Analysts: How to Manage Behavioral Intervention Quality in Autism Service Settings, a practical framework for measuring and managing intervention quality in autism service settings.

Bryant is the Founder and CEO of the National ABA Service Quality Network (NASQN), Founder and Chair of the IGNITE Quality Conference, and Director of Clinical Excellence, Quality, and Research at Gateway Pediatric Therapy.

Have a Question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

Resources & Links

Registration pages for supervision huddles: https://www.nasqn.org/

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April Smith speaks with Melanie Thurston and Amanda Williamson, BCBA, about one of the most important factors in successful ABA therapy: strong parent-provider relationships.

The conversation explores how ABA providers can communicate more effectively with families, build trust with parents navigating an autism diagnosis, and better understand what families truly want from therapy. Melanie and Amanda share practical insights for BCBAs, clinic owners, and ABA professionals looking to create more compassionate, collaborative care experiences.

How can ABA providers build trust with parents?

ABA providers can build trust with parents through transparent communication, empathy, and understanding. Families want to feel heard, respected, and included in the treatment process. Each family is different, and considering these differences is crucial for maintaining a strong working relationship with families.

Why is parent communication important in ABA therapy?

Strong communication helps ensure consistency between therapy sessions and home life, improves caregiver confidence, and creates stronger long-term outcomes for children receiving ABA services.

What questions should BCBAs ask families?

BCBAs should ask families about their priorities, concerns, routines, stressors, and long-term goals. At the same time, not starting immediately with goals can avoid initial overwhelm, when a family is coming to terms with a diagnosis.

About the ABA Business Leaders Podcast

The ABA Business Leaders Podcast is hosted by April Smith and Stephen Smith of 3 Pie Squared, experienced ABA entrepreneurs who built, scaled, and exited a seven-figure ABA practice. The podcast helps ABA business owners and clinicians grow sustainable organizations, improve operations, and deliver high-quality care.

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

Have a question for Stephen and April?

Call the ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact