Personal Anecdote

As behavior analysts, we sometimes come off as rigid and may fail to see the value of things beyond our data.  Unfortunately, I used to be one of those behavior analysts, and would struggle to see how my uncooperative behavior contributed to slower progression of positive outcomes for my clients.  It wasn’t until my own mentor told me that I need to find the points of convergence with other professionals, and that a successful behavior plan was not just one that worked, but one that people could implement AND wanted to implement.  Some of the most well written behavior plans are ineffective because no one implements them.  It was that moment that changed my perspective … I needed to use our science to teach our science.  In other words, I needed to motivate my collaborators if effective treatment was going to reach my clients.  More often than not, this meant I needed to listen – really listen, consider other points of view, and come up with behavior plans that were based on science, data, and most importantly the context and values of my client and their community. 

Once I started practicing this way of ABA, I became more effective as a clinician, collaborator, and mentor.  In mentorship and consultation, I challenge those I am teaching to stay curious, consider the anecdotes and stories, and value others’ opinions, experiences, and preferences just as much as data and research. 

Dr. Brené Brown says, “stories are just data with a soul,” and if that is true, then I say we need a little more soul in our ABA data.