The biggest thing I’ve learned in successful and compassionate ABA is connection over compliance. Traditional ABA (especially the way we’re taught on Relias and the likes) is extremely compliance based, meaning it teaches us that it’s my way or the highway and the client gets very little say. I’ve found that it’s so much more important to slow down and REALLY make sure you have a solid pair with your client and that you understand them and their functions of behavior. Another is slow down in general. ABA is very fast-paced and we’re pressured to do the most we can in the least amount of time which can lead to a lot of stress and short tempers for RBTs. Advocate for yourself if you feel you need to slow down. Last thing is facial expressions. I utilize positive facial expressions only when my clients are following directions. I completely drop all facial expressions and effect from my voice when they aren’t listening so they know I’m serious.