Part 2: Autism and ABA: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Building Skills with Dr. Mike Marroquin

In this episode of Emotionally Wealthy, Karen Conlon continues her two-part conversation on autism with Board Certified Behavior Analyst Dr. Mike Marroquin. Together, they take a closer look at what ABA is, what it isn’t, and how parents can think more carefully about the therapy and providers they choose. Rather than treating ABA as a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Mike explains how the goals should come from the skills a child or family actually needs. Whether that means learning to communicate where something hurts, developing social skills, expanding food choices, or learning when to let something go, the focus is on teaching skills that can be used in everyday life. The conversation also looks at what parents should expect from a potential provider. Dr. Mike encourages families to ask about experience, request a resume, meet the RBT who will be working directly with their child, and ask why particular strategies are being used. He also shares why therapy should be enjoyable for the child, the family, and the therapist, and why a good therapist should ultimately be working toward making themselves less necessary. For families navigating autism services, this conversation offers practical ways to ask better questions, observe what is happening around a child’s behavior, and become more involved in the process. In this episode, we discuss: What ABA actually is and why discrete trial teaching is only one ABA technique How ABA goals can be shaped around the needs of each child and family Why teaching skills is different from simply trying to change behavior How practical skills can help children communicate their needs more effectively Questions parents can ask about a provider’s experience and training Why parents should also get to know and interview the RBT working with their child What a first meeting with a potential provider can reveal about fit and expectations Why therapy should feel enjoyable for the child, family, and therapist How parents can ask “why” and understand the strategies being used Why good therapy should help children and families become less dependent on the therapist This episode is for you if you've ever wondered: How do I know whether an ABA provider is a good fit for my child and family? What questions should I ask before choosing an ABA therapist? How do I know whether the goals being taught actually make sense for my child? What should therapy look and feel like for my child? How can I better understand what happens before and after a difficult behavior? How can I become more involved in supporting what my child is learning? What can I do if I’m concerned about a developmental milestone? One of the central ideas in this conversation is that supporting a child isn’t only about the child. The family, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and others who spend time with that child are all part of the environment around them. Resources & Links Website www.karenconlon.com Book Karen as a Podcast Guest www.talks.co/karen-conlon-lcsw Apply to Be a Guest Expert or Live Coaching Guest www.karenconlon.com/become-a-podcast-guest Review the Podcast www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1814244500?action=write-review Grab Your Free Guide 5 Steps to Powerful Self-Awareness and More Authentic Connections www.karenconlon.com/freebie Books & Workbooks The Teenager’s Guide to Adulting Skills and Life Hacks www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQGHHT6L Manage Your Anxiety Workbook & Journal www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5FW5Q2J Connect With Karen Instagram: www.instagram.com/karen_conlon_lcsw Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559407463659 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karenconlonlcsw Threads: www.threads.com/@karen_conlon_lcsw Substack: www.karenconlon.substack.com Tune in to the Emotionally Wealthy Podcast on Your Preferred Platform Apple Podcasts: www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotionally-wealthy/id1814244500 Spotify: www.open.spotify.com/show/1BxaZasAk68BD5mRkD59cI?si=b406d5735eae4304 iHeart: www.iheart.com/podcast/269-emotionally-wealthy-321235964 YouTube:    / @emotionallywealthypodcast   Connect with Dr. Mike Marroquin: Instagram: www.instagram.com/psychmike22 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mikemarroquinbcba Email Address: psychmike22@gmail.com Post-production is handled by the Buzzspear team: www.buzzspear.com