Culturally Sensitive Approaches to ABA T...

In Session 311, I sit down with Christina Nylander and Leah Hussain from Apollo Behavior to talk about culturally sensitive approaches to Autism intervention.

We dive into three case studies that show how flexible, individualized care can make a huge difference in building the rapport that's so important in our clinical work. Along the way, we share strategies for gaining parent buy-in, supporting bilingual language development, and using AAC devices to help children communicate more effectively with their families.

Here’s what we cover:

• The parent training shift when cultural sensitivity and rapport-building are prioritized.
• Christina and Leah’s bilingual language development success stories, including Spanish- and Russian-speaking families.
• The role of AAC devices in improving communication, and one of these case studies progressed to no longer needing this technology.
• My random thoughts on video documentation and other creative methods to communicate client progress to stakeholders.

Throughout the discussion, we reflect on the importance of balancing clinical recommendations with cultural and educational values. It’s not just about treatment plans—it’s about building trust, respecting families’ perspectives, and helping kids thrive in ways that feel authentic to them.

Sidenote: If you want to learn about what it's like to work at Apollo, or check out their open positions, click here.

Key Takeaways

• Cultural sensitivity builds stronger collaboration with families.
• Bilingual and AAC strategies can unlock communication progress.
• Showing progress through videos and creative methods strengthens parent engagement.
• Individualized parent training, including in multiple languages, increases accessibility.

If you’re a BCBA, ABA therapist, or behavioral health professional, I think you’ll find this conversation full of practical ideas for making your work more effective—and more meaningful.

Bilingual & Dual‑Language Interventions

• Neely et al. (2020) – Impact of language on behavior treatment outcomes.
• Banerjee et al. (2021) – Extending Functional Communication Training to Multiple Language Contexts in Bilingual Learners with Challenging Behavior.
• Cengher (2024). On Bilingualism: Why and How to Teach Two Languages to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Cultural Responsiveness, Humility & Systemic Equity in ABA

• Deochand, Neil & Costello, Mack S. (2022). Building a Social Justice Framework for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in  ABA.
• Jimenez-Gomez, Corina & Beaulieu, L. (2022). Cultural responsiveness in applied behavior analysis: Research and practice.

ABA Effectiveness & Need for Cultural Inclusion

• Yu, Qian; Li, Enyao; Li, Liguo; Liang, Weiyi (2020). Efficacy of Interventions Based on Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta‑Analysis.
• Spreckley, Michele & Boyd, Roslyn (2009). Efficacy of Applied Behavioural Intervention in Preschool Children with Autism for Improving Cognitive, Language, and Adaptive Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Bonus resources

• Clinical Interviewing, by Sommers-Flanagan and Sommers-Flanagan (note 1: I know it's expensive, but older versions may be cheaper; note 2: this is an Amazon Associates link).
• Tobii Dynavox (the AAC tech that was discussed in the show).
• Looking for a pod-based CEU on this topic? Check out: Session 194, Inside JABA 12: Cultural Responsiveness in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Sponsor Shoutouts!

• Frontera. Consider taking a demo of Frontera's Assessment Builder and see how the ethical application of AI technologies can help you serve clients and save you time! Your first assessment report is free. And if you use code BOP25 you’ll get an additional five assessments for just $100. So head to fronterahealth.com to check it out!
• Our newest sponsor: MindBodyBehavior’s Certified Health Coach Program. If you’re a BCBA looking to use your ABA skills to help people live healthier lifestyles, learn how to do it the right way, with expert instruction, mentoring, and guidance from Sarah Burby. Click here to learn more!
• HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years.
• Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout!