Partners Behavioral Health

? Redefining Time, Redefining Behavior: How Precision Changes Everything Scientists, as reported in Scientific American, are working to redefine time using ultra-precise optical clocks - 50,000 times more refined than today’s cesium-based seconds. This isn't just an upgrade - it’s a paradigm shift. ? Why Does This Matter? Extreme precision unlocks extreme possibilities: ?? GPS accuracy at the millimeter level – Perfect self-driving cars, precision robotics. ?? Quantum-secure communication – Unhackable data transmission. ?? Gravitational wave mapping – Detecting cosmic events in real-time. Now, apply this to behavior analysis. If we refined our definitions of behavior with the same level of precision, what would change? Behavioral Precision = More Effective Intervention If we could measure and respond to subtle behaviors or their precursors in real time, reinforcement could be adjusted dynamically; think quantum level analysis and intervention in relation to: ?? Teaching alternative functional behavior before problem behavior escalates. ?? Shaping social skills by reinforcing micro-level responses. ?? Detect and address disengagement early. ?? More meaningfully reinforce engagement over absence of problem behavior (staying seated?) Right now this is science fiction, but it’s only a matter of time, particularly since science fiction drives science realities, and given the rate of progress in technology and groups currently investing in autism and ABA based tech and entrepreneurship. ?? A dead man can "sit quietly," but behavior isn’t the absence of action - it’s about responding. What are the implications of this reframe on the dead man’s test? What are some other implications of this advancement? Just as better timekeeping redefines physics, better behavioral definitions could reshape human understanding, intervention, and prediction. The question isn’t if we should refine our definitions - but whether we’re prepared for the power they unlock. ?? If you found this interesting, like, comment, share. Partners Behavioral Health is a strategy and management firm for ABA practices focusing on operational and clinical standards and management.?Looking to the future for your organization? Let's connect. #BehaviorScience #QuantumABA #DeadMansTest #Time #Technology #HumanPerformance #Innovation

Today’s Research Recap: Bias in Evaluating Treatment Preference of Limited Language Learners In "Eliminating Biased Selections During Concurrent-Chains Schedules: A Discovery Research Example" by Rodriguez, Luczynski, Bock, & Fallon (2024), the authors explored ways to improve how we assess treatment preferences for individuals with limited language, such as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers used concurrent-chains schedules, a method where individuals choose between different options, and their repeated selections indicate their preference. The initial-link options act as discriminative stimuli (SDs), signaling which reinforcement will follow. Researchers noticed that for some children, preference assessments may unintentionally measure habitual responding rather than actual preference. To correct this, researchers adjusted procedures to shift responding toward reinforcement-driven choices, ensuring selections reflected genuine preference rather than routine behavior. This study highlights that choices may not reflect true preference values, and that past experiences and structured learning may bias decision making. Understanding true preferences of individuals with limited language we support can allow us to ensure they have a more meaningful role in their treatment selection process. Is the assessment of treatment preferences for limited language learners embedded in your company’s culture? How can you help make this shift? Partners Behavioral Health is a strategy and management firm for ABA practices focusing on operational and clinical standards and management. Connect if you feel we might be able to support your organization. #preferenceassessments #TruePreferences #HabitualResponses #appliedbehavioranalysis #aba?

We All Share a First Language: Behavior. We are creatures of expression. Before we spoke, we cried. Before we reasoned, we reached. Behavior is communication, subtle or explicit as it may be. Carr & Durand (1985) uncovered a profound truth: what looks like defiance or disruption is often a message in disguise. When we can’t express our needs, we may act out. Give someone a better way to communicate what they want, and they’ll be inclined to use it. What if we applied this everywhere? ?? In classrooms, instead of punishing disruptions, we could teach communication. ?? In workplaces, rather than assuming resistance, we could decode what’s unsaid. ?? In relationships, before reacting, we could ask what’s really being expressed. Try This Experiment: 1?? The next time someone is frustrated, pause. 2?? Ask: What need are they trying to express? 3?? Help them find a better way to say it. Science shows us that when we give people the right words, frustration gives way to focused communication. Chaos turns into conversation. So, the next time you see frustration, anger, or avoidance - stop. Listen closely. Watch intently. What’s the function of their behavior? What’s the impact of yours? Give it a try—let’s science this thing! Carr, E. G., & Durand, V. M. (1985). Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 18(2), 111–126. Partners Behavioral Health is a strategy and management firm for ABA practice leaders. Reach out if you want to discuss your needs. #appliedbehavioranalysis #functionalcommunication #abapracticeleaders #behaviorislanguage

Today's Research Recap ?? Summary of the Article: The article "Conceptualizing Job Burnout Through a Behavioral Lens: Implications for Organizational Behavior Management" by Bottini, Slowiak, and Kazee, published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, examines job burnout using a behavioral framework instead of traditional mentalistic perspectives. ??? Key Points: ?? Burnout rates vary widely across professions, but they are particularly high among behavioral service providers.. ?? The behavioral perspective of burnout focuses on related response class(es) that can be understood through antecedents, behaviors, and consequences (i.e., workplace conditions, behavioral responses, reinforcement), rather than through a mentalistic lens. ?? OBM practitioners can assess, predict, and intervene on burnout by identifying functional reinforcers that maintain burnout-consistent behavior, such as praise for overworking. ?? Instead of focusing solely on individual coping strategies, OBM emphasizes changing workplace conditions to prevent burnout at a systems level. ?? Behavioral indicators: Increased errors, reduced work quality, withdrawal from colleagues/clients, absenteeism. ?? Assessment methods: Record reviews (e.g., performance data, absenteeism logs), self-report questionnaires (e.g., Maslach Burnout Inventory), interviews (identifying functionally relevant stimuli and reinforcers), direct behavioral observations (e.g., analyzing task engagement, supervisor interactions) ?? Interventions to Prevent or Manage Burnout: address workload issues, improve supervision quality, enhance job resources, encourage positive reinforcement for healthy work habits rather than overwork, provide additional training and support systems for employees experiencing early symptoms of burnout, focus on individualized support and job redesign for employees already in deep burnout. ?? Implications for Organizations: Organizations should shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in addressing burnout, burnout can spread across an organization, leading to decreased morale, performance issues, and higher turnover, OBM practitioners can use Behavioral Systems Analysis (BSA) to identify system-wide contributors to burnout and develop comprehensive strategies. ? Moving Forward Future research and organizations should explore functionally matched interventions, rather than generic wellness programs, to directly address workplace contingencies that maintain burnout. Partners Behavioral Health is a trusted strategy and management firm that helps ABA providers enhance clinical and business practices. Like, share, comment : -) #BurnoutAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance #BehavioralScience #StressManagement

?? Today's Research Recap - Rethinking the Dead Man Test (Can We Really Rethink It… Or Are We Just Lying Still On The Issue? ??) ??♂????? The Dead Man Test—a longstanding heuristic in behavior analysis—suggests that if a dead man can do it, it’s not behavior. While simple and memorable, this idea has persisted despite significant conceptual and scientific issues. ?? A recent article by Critchfield, "Requiem for the Dead Man Test?" (The Behavior Analyst, 2016) explores some of these concerns in depth. ?? Key Issues with the Dead Man Test: ? Lacks Precision – Originally a rule of thumb, not a rigorous scientific principle. ? Ambiguity – Excluding inaction from behavior seems intuitive, but behavioral scientists analyze both action and inaction. ? Ignores Covert Behaviors – Thinking & feeling are behavioral processes that modern behavior analysis acknowledges as relevant. ?? If the test is outdated, what should replace it? A more precise, research-based definition of behavior could strengthen both clinical practice ?? and theoretical work ??. Moving beyond catchy heuristics can improve how we teach ?? and apply behavior principles in real-world settings. ???? For Professors: How do you approach teaching foundational concepts of behavior? Do you still use the Dead Man Test, or have you moved toward more precise definitions? ?? For Clinicians: Does this distinction impact how you assess and intervene with clients? How do you define behavior in your practice? ?? Would love to hear your thoughts! How does this fit into your work? For those interested in a deeper dive, Critchfield’s article provides more detailed discussion. If you enjoyed reading this... please like, comment, share. Partners Behavioral Health is a strategy and management firm helping ABA therapy practices with operational and clinical standards and processes. #BehaviorAnalysis #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ScienceOfBehavior #ResearchRecap #ClinicalPractice

The Value of Science – A Behavioral Perspective ???? Richard Feynman’s "The Value of Science" (1955) highlights science’s strengths: its ability to embrace uncertainty, question assumptions, and evolve. Science isn’t about finding absolute truths - it’s about refining what we know through curiosity and experimentation. As a science, behavior analysis also thrives on observation, adaptation, and evidence-based change. We don’t assume why behavior happens - we test, adjust, and refine interventions based on results. Progress in science depends on a willingness to challenge old ideas and improve upon them, based on credible evidence derived from rigorous scientific methods. ?? Final Thought: What’s a belief you once held that changed because of new evidence? Drop your thoughts below! ?? Partners Behavioral Health is a strategy and management firm helping ABA therapy practices with operational and clinical standards and processes. #BehaviorAnalysis #ScienceOfBehavior #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #CriticalThinking #resistdogma #thevalueofscience

??Value-Based Care (VBC) in ABA: A Reality Check ? Value-Based Care (VBC) promises to reward quality over quantity, but for individual clinicians, the financial impact remains uncertain. While some may earn more, many face increased administrative burdens, and in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), VBC’s challenges are particularly pronounced due to unresolved metric inconsistencies and unintended incentives that may dissuade providers from working with complex or fast-progressing patients. ??Key Considerations: ?? Pay Potential: Some clinicians earn more, but it’s far from guaranteed. ?? Workload: More documentation, coordination, and reporting. ?? Who Benefits Most? Healthcare organizations and insurers often reap the greatest rewards. ?? Clinician Perspective: Some appreciate the focus on outcomes, while others resent the extra burden. ?? ABA-Specific Challenge: Lack of individualized metrics makes VBC harder to implement fairly. ?? Patient Impact: Standardized measures may disincentivize care for complex or fast-learning patients. ?? Industry Insights: Other healthcare sectors have already navigated these issues—at Partners, we incorporate their expertise to help ABA providers adapt. Bottom Line: VBC, while promising in theory, faces serious roadblocks in ABA. Until clearer, individualized metrics are established, its widespread adoption remains unlikely anytime soon, and more to the point, concerning. If you find this informative, please like, comment, share. At Partners Behavioral Health, we proactively leverage insights from more mature healthcare disciplines to help ABA providers prepare for what’s next. #ValueBasedCare #HealthcareInnovation #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #ClinicianCompensation #HealthcarePolicy

??A Whole New World, A New Formative—Or Perhaps Fanatic—Point of View Five Behavioral Shifts Driven by Social Media "What is real? How do you define ‘real’?" – Morpheus Social media has reshaped how we see the world—our relationships, attention, and sense of self. But does it clarify reality or just curate it? 1. The Loneliness Paradox: More Connection, Less Fulfillment We can reach anyone, yet loneliness and anxiety are at all-time highs. ?? Behavioral Insight: Digital interactions lack the depth needed for true social bonding. ?? Lay Interpretation: Like junk food—it satisfies momentarily but lacks nourishment. 2. The Dopamine Economy: Trapped in the Scroll Likes and notifications keep us chasing quick dopamine hits, eroding attention spans. ?? Behavioral Insight: Variable reinforcement keeps us hooked, like slot machines. ?? Lay Interpretation: Ever check your phone without thinking? That’s habit formation. 3. Decision Fatigue & The Illusion of Choice Infinite content should make us informed—but often just leaves us exhausted. ?? Behavioral Insight: More choices don’t mean better decisions; they often lead to autopilot consumption. ?? Lay Interpretation: Like staring at a massive buffet and just grabbing whatever’s closest. 4. The Algorithmic Trap: Tribal Thinking & Polarization Personalized content reinforces our beliefs, making opposing views feel extreme. ?? Behavioral Insight: Confirmation bias and tribalism deepen division. ?? Lay Interpretation: Imagine only hearing one side of a debate—eventually, it feels like the only truth. 5. The Shift from Tradition to Digital Rituals As traditional sources of meaning (religion, local communities, hobbies) decline, digital spaces take their place. ?? Behavioral Insight: Humans crave structure—now found in influencers, fandoms, and viral trends. ?? Lay Interpretation: We’re still searching for meaning—we’re just doing it in hashtags instead of hallelujahs. A New World, But Who’s in Control? Social media isn’t good or bad—it amplifies behavior. The real question: are we using it, or is it using us? ? Notice when you’re scrolling out of habit. ? Prioritize meaningful connections over vanity metrics. ? Be mindful of how algorithms shape your reality. A whole new world—but maybe it’s time we take back control of how we see it. My conclusion from all this… Question everything. As Morpheus asked: "What is real? How do you define ‘real’?" Perhaps our rate of questioning should be positively correlated with confidence or consensus. What do you think? If you enjoyed this, please like, comment, share. Partners Behavioral Health is a strategy and management firm helping ABA therapy practices with operational and clinical standards and processes. #QuestionEverything #DigitalBehavior #TheDopamineEffect #AlgorithmicReality? #SocialMediaPsychology