ABOUT THIS EPISODE (+ scroll for resources) 👇
In this episode, Dr. Tay hosts Maggie of Unfurling Littles and explores Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lens. They discuss how to incorporate neurodiversity-affirming practices into ABA to create a compassionate, child-led approach. Maggie shares her journey into the field, her own lived experience as an autistic individual, and practical examples of how ACT principles can be applied within ABA for the benefit of both children and their families. The episode also addresses common concerns about traditional ABA and offers insights on fostering mindful play and regulation.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:46 Guest Introduction: Maggie from Unfurling Littles
02:33 Maggie’s Journey into Early Childhood Special Education
03:43 Challenges and Criticisms of ABA
06:28 Maggie’s Personal Neurodivergence Story
08:29 Founding Unfurling Littles and Professional Challenges
10:59 Navigating ABA and Neurodiversity Affirming Practices
14:38 Introduction to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
16:39 Implementing ACT in Family and Child Goals
21:26 Balancing Family and Child Values in Therapy
27:08 Practical Applications of ACT in Therapy
29:25 Measuring Engagement and Joy in Child Interactions
29:59 Integrating Child-Led Approaches in Therapy
30:27 Present Moment Awareness and Neurodiversity Affirming Practices
32:04 Mindfulness in Neurodiversity Affirming Care
34:16 Handling Dysregulation with ACT Principles
36:32 The Importance of Validating Emotions
40:41 Healing Through Neurodiversity Affirming Practices
44:33 The Evolution and Future of ABA
50:49 Connecting with Families and Resources
52:45 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
RESOURCES
⚡️ connect with Maggie on Instagram @unfurling_littles and her website https://www.unfurlinglittles.com
⚡️ want to learn more about Dr. Tay’s Whole Family Approach and current services offered? visit drtaylorday.com
⚡️ join the Evolve Facebook community to participate in the episode Q+As >> facebook.com/groups/evolveautism
⚡️ learn from me and submit your questions [could be featured on a future episode] >>
Note: PDA is a theorized profile of autism and not a clinical diagnosis. however, it has been a helpful conceptualization for many parents to learn about how their child’s brain is wired. our knowledge of PDA is currently unfolding and I do my best to share up-to-date, balanced information. to learn more about PDA, please listen to episode 110