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Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman joins me in Session 156 to discuss his work in the Practical Functional Assessment/Skills-Based Treatment literature.\\xa0

Dithu is a former student of pod-fave Dr. Greg Hanley, and as one might expect, Dithu approaches his work with a similar degree of humility and open-mindedness. He earned his Ph.D. at Western New England University, and is now an Assistant Professor at the\\xa0University of Maryland Baltimore County\\xa0

As we discuss in the first few minutes of the show, I met Dithu about four or five years ago at APBA, and I was instantly struck with how well he communicated complex ideas in a manner that just about anybody can understand. We\'ve kept in touch since then, and I was fortunate enough to find a time where we could get together for an in-depth conversation on the podcast.\\xa0

In this episode, we covered his entry into the field of ABA, the seemingly false distinction of behavior-reduction vs. skill instruction, the basics of the Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment models, dealing with caregiver objections to these approaches, Dithu\'s research on what he calls the Enhanced Choice Model of skill instruction, implementing these procedures in public school settings, and much more.\\xa0We also talk about how he stumped me with a question when I was a panelist at an ABAI event\\u2026

You\\u2019re going to want to stay through to the very end because Dithu provides some really unique advice \\u2013 not only for newly-minted BCBAs, but practitioners of all experience levels.

The Patreon version of this show involves an extra 45-50 minutes of content, in which we talk about Dithu\\u2019s passion for the sport Cricket and field questions from Patrons. Last but not least, Dithu, as some of you might know, is quite the singer, and he ends the bonus footage by sharing his vocal stylings. To get access to this content, as well as commercial-free podcast feeds, discounts on\\xa0FTF trainings, and more, check out\\xa0patreon.com/behavioralobservations. And while we\\u2019re on the topic of Patreon, Dithu has agreed to do a Zoom call with members, where he\\u2019ll take questions directly from listeners.

I should also add that Dithu insisted I give some shoutouts to the following folks who helped him with his research, and they include the aforementioned Greg Hanley, as well as Holly Gover, Johanna Staubitz, John Staubitz, Kathleen Simcoe, Rachel Metras, Robin Landa, and Kelsey Ruppel. This research has been recently published in\\xa0Behavior Analysis in Practice\\xa0as well, so I recommend you check it out when you get a chance.\\xa0

If you like Dithu\'s approach and want to learn more from him, my friends at Behavior University are hosting a webinar with him titled:\\xa0Enhanced Choice Model: Trauma-informed Process for Assessing and Treating Dangerous Behavior. Behavior University is a sponsor of the podcast, and if you\'d like to save on your registration for this event, use the code\\xa0PODCAST\\xa0at checkout.\\xa0

Also, if you\'re looking for a grad program and you really want to dive deep into this area, UMBC is always accepting applicants to their\\xa0Master\'s program in ABA, which is closely affiliated with the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and that Dithu is accepting doctoral students in the\\xa0Applied Developmental Psychology\\xa0program.\\xa0

In addition to Behavior University and the Patreon Group, this episode is also brought to you by\\xa0How-to-ABA.\\xa0Being a BCBA can be lonely and overwhelming. \\xa0At howtoaba.com, we help BCBA\\u2019s feel supported and confident by providing easy to access printables, CEU\'s and a collaborative community. Also, your monthly pro membership includes access to CEU\\u2019s! Along with the community of over 1000 ABA professionals, howtoaba.com will help you save time, feel confident and master what you love! For more information,\\xa0Go to\\xa0howtoaba.com/joinbxresource.\\xa0 When you join today and use code BOP, you\\u2019ll receive 10% off a yearly subscription (includes CEU\\u2019s!).