Know a BCBA? Get them something they like!
Ah, Black Friday – that time of year when many of us are busy buying gifts for others. It's the perfect moment for my annual exploration of thoughtful and affordable resources for the BCBA in your life. Whether you're a CEO or a clinical director overseeing a team of BCBAs, a BCBA mentoring others in the field, supervising inquisitive RBTs, or even thinking of someone in special education, this post is for you. If you've been following my blog, chances are you're connected with someone in this sphere.
Last year, I shared a list of gift ideas that remain just as relevant in 2023. Check them out here. However, this year, I'm shifting the focus slightly. I've curated a selection of resources that provide a more holistic understanding of human behavior. These aren't just any books; they delve into the history and neurology of behavioral development and more. The beauty of these resources lies in their ability to zoom out and offer perspectives that are easily digestible to those outside the BCBA world. This selection will be a valuable tool in our conversations with individuals beyond our immediate professional circle, broadening our understanding and theirs.
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. In "Predictably Irrational," Dan Ariely took me on a compelling journey through the hidden forces that shape our decisions. This book peels back the layers of our actions to reveal the surprising truths about human behavior, particularly our irrationality. Ariely masterfully blends humor with academic insight, turning complex psychological concepts into relatable, real-world scenarios. As a BCBA, I found this read both enlightening and thought-provoking. It challenges the conventional wisdom of rational choice theory, offering a fresh perspective on why we do what we do. The book is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in understanding the quirky nature of human behavior, providing valuable lessons that apply both in clinical settings and in everyday life.
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. Kahneman, a Nobel laureate, outlines two “systems” that he posits governs our decision making. The fast one. And the slow one. He delves deep into how these two systems shape our judgments and decisions, often in surprising ways. As a BCBA, I found this book to be a profound resource, shining a light on the intricacies of human decision-making. It's fascinating how Kahneman weaves complex psychological research into accessible and engaging narratives. The book encourages a more nuanced understanding of human behavior, crucial for anyone in the field of behavioral analysis. It underscores the importance of considering both the rapid, instinctive responses and the more considered, analytical processes in our work. Certainly there are more “cognitive” takes on things. However, it mines on research from other fields that every BCBA should know about.
Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is an exceptional read that resonates deeply with the principles of behavior analysis. Clear presents a compelling case for focusing on small, incremental changes to achieve profound long-term results. As a BCBA, I found his emphasis on modifying the environment to foster habit formation particularly insightful. The book brilliantly aligns with our understanding of how environmental contingencies shape behavior. Clear’s strategies for habit building and breaking are rooted in practicality and backed by research, offering a treasure trove of ideas for anyone looking for a better way to describe the mechanics of behavioral change (and also change their own behavior). His concept of 'habit stacking' and the emphasis on making '1% improvements' are not only effective but also mirror the incremental approach we value in behavior analysis.
Bxmastery.com. It would be a missed opportunity if I didn’t put a plug in for myself. Are you certain your BCBAs and supervisees are fluent on where to go next once a learner has mastered a program? How many know how to scale it back to the right pre-requisite skill if things aren’t working? How many are simply throwing in assessment milestones as “goals” in their treatment plan? How many are trying to solve these problems in the middle of a loud center with limited time on their hands? Purchase a subscription to bxmastery.com and be the source of their pain relief. For less than $2.50/month (annual subscription), give them access to over 3400 target ideas, 450 treatment plan ideas—all sequenced with recommendations on pre-requisites and next steps. Hit me at martin@flatrockadvice.com if you’re interested in multiple subscriptions for your clinical staff.
Happy Friday! Now…go shopping!