Hey everyone! So, as an RBT, when I say 'ABA Therapy is lit y’all,' I really mean it. It's incredibly rewarding to work with clients and see them grow. My daily life often involves setting up engaging activities, sometimes like creating a 'CLUB AP' for kids, where we might have a fun rule like 'must be 3 or older to enter!' or even ask for 'ID required' playfully to teach social cues or following instructions. It's about making learning fun and structured, and seeing those 'aha!' moments is truly the best part of my job. But beyond my own positive experiences, I've been thinking a lot lately about how crucial it is to incorporate all perspectives into our understanding and practice of ABA. Specifically, the question often comes up: what is the purpose of including autistic voices in our training? For me, it's absolutely vital. Our training shouldn't just be about techniques; it needs to be deeply rooted in the firsthand experiences of autistic individuals themselves. Think about it: how can we truly provide the most effective and respectful support if we're not listening to the very people we're supporting? Including autistic voices isn't just a trend; it's a fundamental shift towards more ethical, person-centered care. When autistic individuals share their experiences—what worked for them, what didn't, what felt empowering, what felt challenging—it gives RBTs and BCBAs invaluable insights that textbooks alone can't provide. It helps us understand the nuances of sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, and the importance of self-advocacy from a lived perspective. These firsthand perspectives enrich our training by highlighting the importance of individualizing programs far beyond just skill acquisition. They challenge us to consider the emotional impact of our interventions and to prioritize consent, autonomy, and genuine connection. For example, hearing from an autistic adult about their childhood ABA experiences can shed light on how to frame tasks, manage expectations, or even just how to talk to a client in a way that respects their unique communication style. It helps us move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and truly tailor our strategies. Moreover, integrating these voices ensures that our training isn't just about 'fixing' behaviors, but about empowering individuals to live their fullest, most self-determined lives. It helps us focus on teaching functional skills in a way that is meaningful and motivating *to the client*, rather than just to the therapist. When I'm planning an activity for 'my clients,' knowing the diverse range of perspectives out there makes me think harder about how I can make that activity genuinely engaging and beneficial from their point of view. It’s about building trust and rapport, recognizing that every individual has their own unique way of experiencing the world. Ultimately, the purpose of including autistic voices in RBT training and continuing education is to ensure that our practice is informed, empathetic, and truly effective. It's about moving towards a more collaborative model where the expertise of lived experience is valued just as highly as clinical knowledge. This holistic approach makes ABA therapy not just 'lit' for us as practitioners, but genuinely empowering and beneficial for the individuals we serve.