Article Reviewed

Fraidlin, B., Smith, J., Turner, L., & Wang, H. (2023). Designing a successful supervision journey: Recommendations and resources for new BCBA supervisors. JABA, 56(2), 260–278.

Episode Overview

• Why supervision is essential for real-world skill growth
• Three major supervision relationships in ABA practice
• The BACB’s 2021 rule for first-year BCBAs
• What is a “consultative supervisory relationship”?
• Five evidence-based recommendations for new BCBA supervisors
• How to maintain your supervisory skills long after year one

Why Supervision Matters

No matter how strong your graduate coursework was, nothing replaces the hands-on, unpredictable world of clinical ABA practice. Supervisors accelerate your professional growth, helping you master decision-making, crisis response, and caregiver collaboration.

Three Types of Supervision in ABA

1. Technician → BCBA Supervision: Focus on technical skill-building for RBTs and BCaBAs.
2. BCaBA Supervision: Peer-to-peer collaboration for refining treatment plans and fidelity.
3. First-Year BCBA Supervision: A consultative relationship focused on developing supervisory skills (BACB, 2021 requirement).

The Consultative Supervisory Relationship

Fraidlin et al. (2023) highlight that first-year BCBA supervision should center on supervisory skills: feedback delivery, ethics, time management, and training others—not just clinical expertise.

Five Core Recommendations from Fraidlin et al. (2023)

1. Identify Goals and Develop Structure: Start with a self-assessment and realistic timeline (12–24 months).
2. Use Feedback and Role Play: Practice delivering constructive feedback in realistic scenarios.
3. Develop Supervisory Skills: Incorporate pyramidal training and case conceptualization.
4. Include Ethics and Professional Development: Address real-life ethical dilemmas and professional reasoning.
5. Continue Growth Beyond Mandatory Supervision: Extend learning past year one—consider 18–24 months minimum.

Research and Policy References

• Fraidlin et al. (2023). Designing a successful supervision journey.
• BACB (2021). Supervision requirement policy.
• Cooper, Heron, & Heward (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.).

Additional Resources

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Key Takeaways

• Effective supervision is the engine of professional growth.
• First-year BCBA supervision = consultative, focused on supervisory skills.
• Apply Fraidlin et al.’s five steps: goals, feedback, skills, ethics, and long-term growth.
• Think beyond the 12-month requirement—aim for mastery through continued mentorship.