(LIVE Rejected 2025 – Dec 11 8pm EST) An Autistic BCBA’s Insights: Navigating ABA with Lived Experience

An Autistic BCBA’s Insights: Navigating ABA with Lived Experience is a personal and professional exploration of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through the lens of an autistic practitioner. Presented by Michelle Zeman, MA, BCBA, LBA, the talk shares her journey from early diagnosis and therapy experiences to her career in ABA and leadership roles. The presentation addresses common criticisms of ABA, clarifies misconceptions, and highlights the importance of individualized, client-centered, and trauma-informed approaches. Key themes include honoring client dignity, embracing neurodiversity, differentiating between socially significant and non-harmful behaviors, and incorporating the voices of autistic advocates into practice. The session emphasizes collaboration with families, schools, and communities to ensure therapy is meaningful, respectful, and affirming.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will explain how lived experience as an autistic individual can inform and enhance ABA practice.
• The participant will identify common misconceptions and criticisms of ABA and describe evidence-based responses to these concerns.
• The participant will provide examples of how to incorporate client dignity and neurodiversity-affirming practices into treatment planning.
• The participant will analyze the difference between targeting socially significant behaviors for reduction versus allowing non-harmful autistic behaviors.
• The participant will describe strategies for collaborating with families, schools, and autistic advocates to promote individualized, client-centered care.

Michelle Zeman, MA, BCBA, LBA is an Autistic Board Certified Behavior Analyst, certified since 2016. She has worked with a variety of clients — ranging from ages 2-16 and in multiple settings (telehealth, clinic, school, home, and community). She has experience with multiple assessment tools, has experience writing assessments and reassessments, and has worked with clients that display a variety of behaviors and skill sets. She has mentored and supervised a number of BTs, RBTs, BCaBAs, and new BCBAs. Finally, she has Clinical Director experience. She is a firm believer of compassionate care for all, and focusing on client-directed, client-centered goals that are socially significant to the client.