In 2018, Taylor, LeBlanc, and Nosik published some research in the area of “compassionate care.” What their research specifically examined was the relationships established between Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and the families with whom they work; how well the BCBAs listen and collaborate, convey empathy and compassion, as well as what problems may exist in the therapeutic relationship. What we found enlightening about the results was how poorly parents/caregivers rated their work with BCBAs, and we began to ask ourselves how and in what areas we could improve ourselves as BCBAs.

We took the survey questions that Taylor et. al used in their research and sent them out to the parents of our CUSP clients to truly evaluate how well we are doing, and where there is room to grow. We were pleased to find that CUSP BCBAs scored higher in all areas evaluated. And since there is no such thing as perfect, we look forward to the process of growth across a wide range of topics.

Our results are below, compared with the averages obtained in the research study. We think that it is so important that BCBAs are not only clinically proficient, but that they excel in their interpersonal therapeutic relationships with parents, caregivers, teachers and other providers with whom they collaborate. CUSP continues to strive for excellence in all areas of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and our wonderful BCBA clinical supervisors are just one piece of that puzzle.

To read the full research article, click the link below:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6743522/

Figure 1: Results of BCBA Survey from CUSP Parents Vs. Research Averages