Tara Yarberry, BCBA

10/16/2026

Some Preference Assessment Examples can be found on my padlet here: https://padlet.com/tara_yarberry/behavior-services-wvjjewirqqjhdro5

10/16/2026

10/14/2026

Backyard Behavior Bits
Real-life tips for real-life families—right at home.

Sometimes the biggest struggles in a day come from not knowing what’s coming next.

A simple visual schedule can help bring more calm, predictability, and independence into your routine.

Check out the example below for an easy way to get started. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just consistent and clear for your child. Small supports like this can make a big difference over time.

What part of your day could use a little more structure? Let us know below.

10/05/2026

If you are implementing a schedule of reinforcement you may want to know that a key aspect is knowing when and how to fade reinforcement.

Research has shown us that the schedule of reinforcement which maintains a behavioral change is an intermittent or partial schedule. An example? Slot machines! Gambling is an extreme to be sure, but it exemplifies the intermittent reinforcement schedule's power well.

You may be wondering why, then, many behavior plans or goals note to efficiently reinforce the target behavior by providing reinforcement every time it occurs. This is where the previous conversation about change is exemplified. When we are learning a new behavior or skill, we need much more encouragement than when we have it in our repertoire.

So: when we are learning, we need reinforcement after each instance of the target behavior....but to maintain that change once the skill is learned, it is important to switch over to a more natural (i.e. partial/intermittent) schedule of reinforcement. Easy, right? Now go out there and conquer the world!

10/03/2026

Consistent routines create a sense of safety and predictability for children. Keeping regular times for meals, bedtime, and play helps reduce stress, support smoother transitions, and build independence over time.
Following through with behavior strategies means responding consistently—every time, not just when it’s convenient. When parents set expectations or use a strategy (like prompting communication, reinforcing positive behavior, or holding a boundary), sticking with it helps children learn what to expect. Inconsistency can be confusing and may unintentionally reinforce challenging behaviors.

Even when it’s hard, calm and consistent follow-through builds trust, strengthens skills, and leads to more meaningful, lasting behavior change over time.

Caring for a child with a behavior plan takes time, energy, and patience—and that means taking care of yourself matters too. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Building in small moments to rest, recharge, and get support isn’t stepping away from the plan—it’s what helps you stay consistent and effective in the long run. Whether it’s a quick break, asking for help, or simply giving yourself grace on tough days, your well-being is part of the process.

09/29/2026

Acronyms work so well for remembering concepts—like “Take a SEAT” for the functions of behavior—because they align with how our brains naturally store and retrieve information.

First, acronyms reduce cognitive load. Instead of trying to recall four separate terms (sensory, escape, attention, tangible), your brain only has to remember one simple, structured cue: “SEAT.” That single cue then “unlocks” the full set of concepts.

Second, they use a principle from cognitive psychology called chunking. Chunking groups multiple pieces of information into one meaningful unit. “SEAT” becomes one chunk instead of four unrelated ideas, making it easier to store in working memory and transfer into long-term memory.

Third, acronyms create retrieval cues. When you're in the moment—whether you're a parent responding to behavior or a professional analyzing it—having a quick mental prompt like “Take a SEAT” helps you rapidly scan through possible functions without needing to recall them from scratch.

They also tap into association and imagery. “SEAT” is a familiar, concrete word. You can picture a chair, sitting down, or even a child in a seat. That mental image strengthens memory pathways and makes recall faster and more automatic.

Finally, acronyms support fluency under pressure. In real-life situations—especially with behavior—things move quickly. A simple phrase like “Take a SEAT” is easy to remember, repeat, and apply, even in stressful or fast-paced moments.

In short, acronyms work because they simplify, organize, and cue information in a way that matches how the brain prefers to learn and recall—making them especially powerful tools for both parents and professionals.

09/27/2026

Geek Speak - ABA Jargon Time!

Fixed-ratio schedule: Reinforces a response only after a specified number of responses. e.g., piecework pay.
Variable-ratio schedule: Reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses. This is hard to extinguish because of the unpredictability. (e.g., behaviors like gambling, fishing.)
Fixed-interval schedule: Reinforces a response only after a specified time has elapsed. (e.g., preparing for an exam only when the exam draws close.)
Variable-interval schedule: Reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals, which produces slow, steady responses. (e.g., pop quiz.)