ABA Therapy
Before we go any further, I want to offer a gentle heads-up: in this section I’m going to take a deeper dive into the topic of touch across the lifespan. If this isn’t a topic you’re ready for or comfortable with right now, consider this your sign to discontinue reading this section any further.
I often find that there are misconceptions about what ABA therapy looks like primarily, due to the history of what the therapy has looked like in the past. I like to break down to behaviors “we” (child, family and the clinical team) want to see less of and behaviors we want to see more of. In the role of BCBA, I work with both challenging behaviors and teaching new skills. For instance, I may teach a child the needed skills to wave “hi” so, they can initiate interactions in social settings. This is a behavior that we would love to see more of. Other times, I am presented with a behavior that can cause harm, such as running into the street, with a disregard for surroundings and traffic. This is a behavior that we want to see less of.
In my work as a BCBA, I most often use ABA strategies in what’s called the natural environment — or, the real-life places where a child lives, learns, and plays. This could be at home, in school, on the playground, or during everyday routines like snack time, bath time, or getting ready in the morning. Teaching in the natural environment means we focus on building skills in the moments that matter most. Instead of learning only in a structured setting, children practice communication, social skills, self-help, and emotional regulation in the places where they’ll actually use them. Even in more structured settings, I use play-based ABA strategies to foster skill building. Natural environment and play-based learning helps learning feel more natural, relevant, and meaningful — supporting long-term success and independence.
ABA + Sexuality
Within the field of ABA, there is a sub-field known as sexual behavior analysis, which studies sexology. Sexology, in my view, is where the intersection of counseling and ABA truly shines. It’s in this space that we begin to see the powerful potential of blending behavioral science with a respectful, informed understanding of human sexuality and socio-sexual behaviors, such as flirting, across the lifespan. By pursuing ABA training in sexology, my clinical approach integrates behavior analysis and sexuality, expanding my capacity to meet the unique needs of each individual. Similar to my other practices, I was drawn to sexology due to the ability to enhance personal agency, autonomy, mutual respect, understanding, and emotional safety by addressing crucial aspects of sexuality, for vulnerable populations.
With a deep understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and a range of other neurodiverse conditions, I offer individualized behavioral interventions to support education on sexuality and socio-sexual development at each person’s pace. This is a teaching topic that is often neglected or, worse - banned for certain individuals so, pursuing this training is on brand with my passion for making others feel seen and heard. Like in my other work, when practicing sexology I will utilize a person-centered approach that respects individual differences and fosters a non-judgmental, safe space for learning. By applying principles of ABA, I’ll focus on reinforcing positive sexual and socio-sexual behaviors, providing structure and support in an individualized manner, and addressing challenging behaviors that may arise in relation to sexuality or social interactions.
Through my work in realm of touch, I strive to reduce stigma around the taboo topics of sexuality, providing an open and accessible framework where individuals of all abilities can explore and express their sexual selves in a safe, supported environment. I am committed to helping my clients navigate a world of complex social norms and expectations, so they too can engage in the relationships they desire and experience connection that is fulfilling, respectful, and aligned with their values. By focusing on social skills, emotional intelligence, and healthy relational behaviors, I plan to help individuals form meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling relationships.
Whether you are navigating romantic relationships, friendships, or family dynamics, my role in either discipline is to help you create connections that are not only healthy and fulfilling but also spiritually enriching. Ultimately, my goal is to empower individuals and couples to build and sustain relationships that are rooted in mutual love, respect, and understanding, fostering deep emotional intimacy and personal growth along the way. This very sentiment is what led to the creation of About Building Connections—the practice I founded on Long Island, NY.
