Starting an ABA practice involves five areas of activity. 1. Planning. Some people have an idea and jump at it with their wallet and both feet. That’s their plan; they figure they’ll learn the rest as they go. Others want to plan everything to the last detail before beginning. Both extremes have their pros and cons. Wisdom is about discerning the most appropriate target spot on the spectrum between planning and action—architect and building contractor. You can effectively start building the house before every last detail of the architectural work is complete, but only if you are intricately ..read more

Dear CEO: Alongside our roles as visionary/architect for our businesses, and the necessity of full-scope oversight, talent acquisition is a primary function for every CEO. Building an organization is fundamentally about developing an environment conducive to the growth of personnel who provide goods and services to clients and customers. The better the environment, which includes recruiting, training, and career-nurture, the longer the right people will want to stay with you and help you to build. An ideal, harmonious work culture is one in which employers and employees collaborate to help on ..read more

Quality Services Providing quality services to a growing number of people requires a dynamic perspective which incorporates ongoing development of systems and personnel. For perspective, let’s consider a business model with which are all generally familiar—a school. We can make it a private school in a growing small town which has more would-be students than other available schools to accommodate them. The owner (or principal) of the school is tasked with a two-variable goal—(1) provide quality education to (2) as many students as practicable. Expanding quality services in an ABA practice (or ..read more

Every entrepreneur wants to grow. Growth is the natural order of things. As the saying goes—“if we aren’t growing, we’re dying.” But growth involves suffering today for a payoff tomorrow. “Growing pains” aren’t reserved for awkward teenagers who suddenly gain six inches in six months. Every person, project, family and organization suffers discomfort, dislocation, angst, and all the emotional stress which attends growth. And the pain is NOT evenly distributed. The mouth can enjoy the whole cherry pie, and a half gallon of ice cream on top. The stomach has another experience. The heart, liver ..read more

Franchisee Success Hi-5 ABA franchisees experiencing dramatic success from early in the process draw the attention of those interested in the why and how. What are successful franchisees doing right?  A comprehensive review of franchisee histories across the board, including thoughtful consideration of KPIs, quickly highlights six major differentiating factors for success in the field of ABA. Location. When contemplating where to plant wheat, or orange trees, or marigolds, the wise farmer carefully considers soil and climate. Are the climate and environment conducive to growth?  O ..read more

BCBA to BCBA: Joy Through ABA Do you bring joy to your clients and their families? Does your client’s success bring joy to you? Dearest fellow clinicians, Joy. Do you bring joy to your clients and their families? Does your client’s success bring joy to you? Dr. Hanley encourages us to join him “on this quickening walk towards a more perfect ABA to help families of autistic persons whose lives are negatively impacted by problem behavior.” I recommend you take Dr. Hanley’s Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment (PFA/SBT) 10 CEU online course. I am not a master in Dr. Hanley ..read more

CEO to CEO: Game Theory Pt. 2 In Game Theory Part I, we talked about how and why every challenge in life constitutes “a game.”  Seeing the problem as a game reminds us that there are rules which apply, there are strategies and tactics to winning, skill is developed through intelligent practice, good practice lies within the context of grasping the fundamentals and their applicable functions, winning is consistently achievable through application of skill and resources within the appropriate scope and setting, and—perhaps most of all—we approach the challenge with hope and joy because game ..read more

CEO to CEO: Game Theory If you grew up enjoying competitive sports, cards, chess, puzzles, or any other strategic exercise, you are ahead of the game when it comes to blossoming as a CEO.   Like every game, your business involves primary- and secondary objectives. Like every game, success in business requires competitive competence—abilities to quickly and accurately evaluate risk and opportunity, set goals, prioritize tasks, efficiently allocate resources, and (this is a big one) relate likably to fellow players sufficient that they want to play with you again.   Yes, business is a ..read more

The saying goes “Whether you think you can, or think you cannot, you’re probably right.”  CEO to CEO: Building an ABA Practice While Evading Doubts and Fear CEO to CEO: Building an ABA Practice While Evading Doubts and Fear The saying is true not because people are so good at self-appraisal.  The saying is true because of the high correlation between focus and expectation. If you think you can, you are left with the straightforward adventure of wisely and diligently pursuing your goals.  You are targeting success. If you think you cannot, or give place to significant self-doubts ..read more

ABA Provider in College Park, GA Patrick Thorbourne M.Ed., BCBA joins Hi-5 ABA! Now offering ABA therapy services to children with autism and related developmental disabilities in College Park, Georgia. ABA Direct’s mission is to establish, foster, and nurture generative learning relationships between their clients, caregivers, and staff members. Patrick and his staff’s primary focus is to bring an evidence based, behavior analytic approach to addressing client and caregiver long-term outcomes through a strength-based paradigm.   Patrick Thorbourne has over 20 years of professional exper ..read more