ABA this week
01/04/26-01/10/26
Scholarly publications
Includes peer reviewed journals within and adjacent to behavior analysis
(Starred journals available to BCBAs through the BACB portal)
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis *
1/4 Bulla, A. J., Bradley, A. S., Wertalik, J. L., & Sullivan, A. (2026). A systematic replication investigating the efficiency and effectiveness of restricted- and free-operant programming. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 59(1), e70048. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.70048
The authors taught foreign words for numbers in either a free-operant or restricted-operant arrangement. While previous studies have found that free-operant arrangements result in more efficient learning, the primary author conducted a recent study that found the opposite. This study provides further evidence for his previous findings that restricted-operant arrangements are more efficient
Luna, W. A. E., Hess, P. C., & Gravina, N. (2026). Evaluation of artificial-intelligence-enhanced video feedback to improve manufacturing workers’ ergonomic postural behavior: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 59(1), e70049. https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.70049
4 participants were given information about posture, plus “AI enhanced video feedback.” 3/4 participants improved their posture
Behavior Analysis in Practice
1/5 Arnold-Saritepe, A., Leif, E., Carnett, A. et al. Exploring the Epistemological Significance of Qualitative Research in Behavior Analysis. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01127-z
(Open access) A beginner’s guide to qualitative research, including how to select a data collection method and ethical considerations
Baez, A.N.M., Elliott, TC.C., Grullon, A. et al. An Evaluation of Language Preference between Spanish and English with Picture Exchange Users. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01141-1
The authors had two PECS boards for learners: one for English, and one for Spanish, wherein teachers would respond in the language selected by the learner. 2 learners consistently preferred Spanish, 1 learner chose whichever language was to his left, and 1 learner did not consistently choose any language. The authors believe that the PECS speaker may attempt to select the language of the listener
1/6 Li, A., Wong, C. An Analysis of Variables Affecting Behavior Analytic Practitioners’ Intention to Leave a Position and Leave the Field. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01138-w
In a survey sent to practitioners at all levels, over half of respondents reported considering leaving ABA. Commonly cited reasons include burnout, low clinical effectiveness, and dissatisfaction with a current position
1/7 Bajcar, N.A.I., Zonneveld, K.L.M. A Preliminary Investigation on the Utility of Embedding Fluency-Building Strategies within the TAGteach Procedure. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01142-0
TAGteach, where a sound is used as a feedback stimulus, was modified to increase fluency in 4 gymnasts. It increased fluency in all participants
1/8 Mello, M.P., Goldman, S.E. Leveraging Qualitative Reflexivity in Behavior Analysis. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01154-w
The authors argue that behavior analysts should use their skills to analyze their own behavior and attitudes, and in particular in regards to qualitative research
1/9 Showalter, A., Hamilton, J., Scott, S. et al. A Collaborative Continuum of Care between Applied Behavior Analysis and Outpatient Psychiatry for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01147-9
Kids with ASD sometimes need outpatient psychiatry as support (to reduce medication usage and to reduce inpatient treatment), but there is a shortage of pediatric psychiatrists and few that specialize in ASD. The authors detail a model for collaboration
Vo, T., Saini, V. & Ayvaci, A. Perceptions of Dog-Assisted Therapy in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior: A Survey of Caregivers, Behavior Therapists, and Clinical Professionals. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01146-w
In a survey of 126 people, the general consensus on “dog-assisted therapy” is “moderate optimism.” But there is no good evidence that it works, so...who cares?
Mathur, S.K., Tarbox, J., Chown, N. et al. Listening with Humility:Lessons Learned from a Dialogue with Scholars from Critical Autism Studies. Behav Analysis Practice (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-025-01149-7
(Open access) A dialogue between ABA researchers and critical autism studies scholars
Journal of Organizational Behavior Management *
1/9 Minard, N., Miltenberger, R., & Howell, S. (2026). Evaluating reactivity and promoting successful performance among teachers in the absence of a supervisor. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/01608061.2026.2613882
Preschool teachers were taught to provide frequent positive comments and self-monitor. When a supervisor was present, they performed the skill accurately, but less so when a supervisor was absent. To transfer stimulus control, the supervisors provided delayed feedback for sessions where they were not present, which was effective
Axenova, K., Malkin, A., & Thomson, K. (2026). The feasibility of online self-guided acceptance and commitment therapy training for intellectual and developmental disability support staff: A pilot investigation. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/01608061.2025.2609552
11 support staff completed a 3-module online ACT program, which decreased some measures of burnout
Behavioral Interventions *
1/7 Deshmukh, Shreeya S., and Raymond G. Miltenberger. 2026. “ Using Goal Setting and Token Reinforcement to Increase Exercises by Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Behavioral Interventions: e70070. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.70070
2 adults participated in a changing criterion design, and both met criteria by engaging in exercise
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior *
1/6 López-Tolsa, G. E., Ardoy, J., & Pellón, R. (2026). Behavioral history effects on the maintenance of schedule-induced drinking in rats. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 125(1), e70074. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.70074
(Open access) The authors induced polydipsia via a schedule of reinforcement, interrupted access to water, then restored it. Rats that had a food reinforcement component engaged in less drinking when water was restored. The authors believe that this implies that polydipsia is a matter of allocation of behavior, and hence other behaviors can compete
1/8 Young, M. E., Hancock, P. M., Watson, L., Howatt, B., Southern, R., & Payne, K. (2026). Video game engines as the new “virtual” Skinner box. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 125(1), e70081. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.70081
(Open access) The authors argue for the use of video games in behavior analysis. We agree, and sometimes we wonder if a company like, say, Supercell (creator of a bunch of popular mobile games that incorporate gambling tricks) know more about human behavior than we do
Silvestre, M. H., Harte, C., Passarelli, D. A., & de Rose, J. C. (2026). Comparing delayed matching to sample with three variations of the training-IRAP for establishing derived relations. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 125(1), e70082. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.70082
(Open access) The authors compared development of derived relations using delayed match-to-sample, the IRAP, and the training IRAP. If this interests you, then maybe you can explain the results to us
1/9 King, H. C., Perez, N., McFarland, H. K., & Kranak, M. P. (2026). The effects of discriminative stimuli on combined relapse: A preliminary human-operant investigation. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 125(1), e70080. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeab.70080
11 typically developing adults took part in a translational experiment to see if target behavior increased more when resurgence and renewal were both in effect (e.g., less reinforcement and a context change). The two in combination had a greater effect on target responding than either in isolation. An SD for alternative responding mitigated the effects
The Psychological Record
1/7 Nolder, K.A., Anderson, K.G. Effects of Light/Dark Cycle Changes on Delay Discounting in Rats. Psychol Rec (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40732-025-00669-6
Initially 8 rats were subject to 12:12 light:dark cycle, which was experimentally modified, which can result in disrupted sleep. They chose between smaller-sooner and larger-later rewards, with the delays manipulated between conditions. Choice was seemingly unaffected by light:dark cycles alone
Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science
1/8 Publicly Available Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Mobile Apps: Systematic Search and Assessment
(In press) The authors found 17 apps in Canadian app stores (like American ones, but friendlier), and they found that none had any research support, and most had too much text and not enough interaction. This is a great illustration of the issue we hinted at in this week’s JEAB article about games: gambling-type games are very engaging and interactive, while apps that target well-being...suck
Book publications
Textbooks, handbooks, manuals, or mass-market
Upcoming:
Navigating Ethics in Behavior Analysis: Dealing with Gray Areas, Carr (Available now)
Digital Technologies in Behavior Science: Theoretical and Practical Applications, Crone-Todd, Hantula, Layng (Eds.) (Pre-order Feb 2026)
Promoting Language for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Verbal Behavior Guide for Practitioners, Vladescu & Kissamore (Eds.) (Pre-order)
AIM Navigators, Dixon (Pre-order)
Recent:
2025
Podcasts
ABA Inside Track
January 2026 Preview
Episodes will include:
Motivational Interviewing w/ Dr. Monica Gilbert
Risk Assessment w/ Dr. Stephanie Peterson, Dr. Rebecca Eldridge, + Dr. Neil Deochand
The Changing Criterion Design
Behavioral Observations
The Importance of Hard and Soft Skills in ABA Practice: Session 320 with Tiffany Kodak and Landon Cowan
All Things Behavior
Blogs
Generally these are produced by professionals
ABAI
Two Behavior Analysts Walk into a Bar . . . A Behavior Analytic Account of Humor
An interesting and thorough account
Scholarly Impact Report: Most Cited Behavior Analysis Articles During 2025
OAR
New Online Market Launches for Sellers with Disabilities
A nice idea -- trovemarket.com
Business world
Autism services, behavioral health, etc.
PE Investment in Autism Services Tracks State Medicaid Rate Increases, Growing Diagnoses
Private equity firms have been chasing rates around America, which has predictably led to some hilarious results.
The transaction spree surged between 2018 and 2022, specifically, with nearly 80% of those investments occurring during that period.
And perhaps the private equity boom is over.
Accidentally behavior analysis
A mainstream news article that relates to behavior analysis
The spiral of suffering, aeon
The internet has allowed people with chronic diseases to find and support each other. In some cases, that has apparently led to more suffering. In some cases, it seems that people are unable to accept pain, causing it to take on an outsize power. Generally, forums are filled with people trying to eliminate, rather than accept, their conditions.
Continuing education
UPCOMING:
BehaviorLive has free events: 1/14, 1/22 (SUP), 1/27, 1/28 (SUP), 1/29, 1/30
Flashback
Does behaviorism need reflexes?
In the 1981 book Dialogue with B.F. Skinner, Richard Evans asks wide-ranging questions. He asked how Pavlov influenced Skinner, and Skinner replied at length (above). Skinner admits that the reflex may not constitute very many responses. In fact, what if the salivary response itself is not a reflex, in the sense that it requires a learning history – which should be clear logically and perhaps experimentally.
Excellent list this week. Why ABA professionals leave the field is of interest to me. There are two others that will read. Thanks again.