(LIVE Rejected 2025 – Dec 12 130pm EST) Beyond Compliance: with/ Dom the BCBA Mom

There is no one-size-fits-all approach in Applied Behavior Analysis, particularly when working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds and behavior analysts who overlook cultural differences and implement interventions that ignore a family’s lived experiences and cultural values risk being ineffective (Bumstead & Boyce, 2005). This training challenges practitioners to move beyond protocol-driven models and instead build genuine, trust-based relationships with caregivers. Rooted in the framework proposed by Fong et al. (2016), this session will guide participants in developing cultural awareness, addressing implicit bias, and integrating acceptance into every step of caregiver training. Participants will learn strategies for developing trust, integrating acceptance-based approaches, and delivering parent training that honors each family’s values, history, and strengths. We will examine common barriers such as power dynamics, cultural mismatches, and clinical rigidity using reflective storytelling, real-life scenarios, and research-informed tools. Behavior analysts will learn how to center family voices, build rapport, and create more socially valid interventions. By leading with curiosity and compassion—not just contingencies—we build ethical, effective, and enduring partnerships. In the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), family engagement is more than a checkbox,it’s the foundation for meaningful, lasting behavior change.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply at least three techniques for building trust and rapport with caregivers, including active listening, shared decision-making, and validation.
• Remove personal bias and uphold ethical codes 1.07 (Cultural Responsiveness and Diversity) and 1.10 (Awareness of Personal Biases) through reflective practice.
• Implement the steps for developing cultural awareness outlined by Fong et al. (2016) to improve collaboration and caregiver engagement.
• Redesign parent training sessions to increase cultural humility, social validity, and effectiveness using storytelling and lived-experience perspectives.

Dominique Shorter-Taylor, MS, BCBA, LBA is a powerhouse in Applied Behavior Analysis and the CEO of Supervision University and Shorter-Taylor Behavior Consulting, as well as the Co-Founder of Beyond ABA, LLC. She is best known as Dom the BCBA Mom on YouTube, where she creates engaging, relatable content on life as a BCBA, different career paths, and her journey as an autism mom. A proud alumna of South Carolina State University (HBCU), Dominique earned her master’s in Clinical Psychology in Chicago and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst through The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. With over 14 years of experience serving children and adults with autism and other developmental differences, she is committed to expanding access to high-quality ABA services in underrepresented communities. Dominique has delivered powerful talks at WIBA, BABA, CalABA, and on radio, television, and expo stages nationwide. She is passionate about building culturally competent professionals and making ABA accessible to all who can benefit from it. Outside of her professional work, she treasures time with her husband and four children, leads in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and serves in her church’s media ministry.