ABA is Everywhere
with Sarah “Scho” McFarland
Behavior Bites Podcast - Ep52November 6, 2024Do you set boundaries that align with your values?
Do you show up as your authentic self in all environments?
During today’s meal— I speak with a behavior analyst, avid volleyball player, and entrepreneur about using the science of behavior analysis outside of autism services, practicing self care, and being a biracial immigrant and a working mom.
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Amuse-Bouche
What does being your authentic self mean to you?
Appetizer
How did you get into Behavior Analysis?
Something you wish you could have told yourself when getting started?
Palate Cleanser
You coached volleyball for 15 years. After winning a game, how do you celebrate?
Entree
How do you share the message that ABA is everywhere?
Dessert
What are people surprised to find out about you?
How do you practice self-care and balance work and life?
Excerpts from the Episode
(*Paraphrased highlights)-
It's just being yourself and taking ownership and pride in who you are.
This took me a while. I am a biracial immigrant. I moved to the US when I was 10.
I had a lot of difficulties fitting in at school because I was either black or not black enough. I felt ashamed of being biracial.
In college I finally came into my own. This is who I am. I'm not going to be everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay.
I took that into professional settings, into the workforce, not being afraid to be me. I make sure my voice is heard.
Just really being that person as a coach, as a family member, as a professional, just as everything— being me in any setting.
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One thing that I love, especially now with social media and being connected with so many different people, is I see now there is almost no fear of just starting your own business and doing your own thing.
There are so many different avenues, especially within ABA to disseminate. I think I'm at that place now, but I would tell myself to be okay with doing that sooner, to be okay with trying something different and really taking that leap and connecting more with people.
So I think that's what I would tell myself. Just to get out there and network more, get to know more people, and just be okay with the uncomfortable and really branching out.
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By not using so much jargon.
Part of the issue is because we have spent so much time in it and have all the certifications. It’s like, well, I have to use all these fancy words because I earned it.
It actually throws a lot of people off. I like to find everyday scenarios. I do this at school to get buy-in from teachers.
As I'm observing little scenarios that happen I’ll point out, “oh, that was reinforcement,” or “you're pairing,” and explain these everyday things.
Why do you put sunglasses on when you're driving?
Oh, because you've learned when you put sunglasses on, when the sun's in your eyes, that now it's not in your eyes.
That's ABA right there.
You created a history of reinforcement.
So just putting it more into everyday scenarios that people will understand so it doesn't seem as overwhelming or fancy.
ABOUT Sarah
Sarah "Scho" McFarland, BCBA, COBA
Sarah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the state of Ohio. She has 12 years of experience working in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in various settings, which include residential, hospital/clinic, in-home, community and schools.
During these past 12 years, her main areas of focus have included reduction of moderate to severe interfering behaviors, crisis intervention (ie. training on de-escalation, behavior management & crisis management), skill based treatment, caregiver and staff training, and collaboration with other service providers.
She also has over 15 years experience as a volleyball coach and trainer (middle school, high school, Junior Olympic/club levels), a journey she began and fell in love with during her collegiate volleyball career.
CONNECT with Sarah
Instagram: @coach_scho@schobehavioracademy Website: schobehavioracademy.comPlease support our podcast by leaving a rating or review!
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