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ABA on Tap is proud to present Mark Malady (Part 2 of 2):

If you have ever felt pressured to list “behaviors for reduction” even when you know the real need is skill building, this conversation will hit home. ABA on Tap continues our sit down with Mark Malady, to talk about constructional ABA, where the aim is not to stop behavior for everyone else’s comfort but to build the repertoires that let a learner get their needs met with more freedom, safety, and dignity.

We get into why procedure-heavy programming can create rigid learning that looks great on paper but does not generalize in real life. From joint attention and enriched environments to response classes and functional outcomes, we explore how to stop obsessing over response form and start focusing on what the behavior does. That includes a candid take on eye contact goals, developmental milestone traps, and why “critical periods” matter less than building the component skills that support informed choice.

We also unpack process-based practice and measurement. Mark shares how process can still be measurable and accountable, why clinicians may need to make many small adjustments in a single session, and how low-dose models can outperform massive hour prescriptions when targets are chosen well. You will also hear about the 'GenArete' skill-based assessment, milestone benchmarking, and a powerful example of “dignity of risk” where opportunity, not skill deficit, is the real barrier.

If this episode sharpens your thinking, subscribe for more conversations that challenge default ABA habits, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so more clinicians and families can find the show. What would you stop targeting tomorrow if you shifted fully to function and quality of life?

Tune In, Drink Up, and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY.

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