28. What Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Really Is

In this episode of Trust Me Mom, Ekaterina Konovalova sits down with Brittany Maurizi, ABA therapist and founder of Balanced Behaviors, to demystify what ABA therapy really is — who it helps, how it works, and why it can transform the lives of children and adults.With over a decade of experience as an early childhood and special education teacher, and now a licensed Behavior Specialist, Brittany brings both professional expertise and personal insight as a mom navigating her own child’s developmental challenges.Together, we explore:- What ABA therapy actually is (and what it isn’t)- How ABA supports children with autism and beyond- The difference between ABA and other therapies- Why communication, functional skills, and socialization matter- How to use positive reinforcement effectively- What to expect if your child qualifies for ABA through insurance- Building community, reducing stigma, and supporting mental health- The importance of equipping kids and adults with life skillsWhether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or caregiver, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and real-life examples to help you better understand ABA therapy and mental health support.00:36 — Welcome & Introduction to Brittany Maurizi00:52 — Brittany’s journey from educator to ABA therapist01:39 — What inspired her to pursue ABA therapy02:45 — What ABA therapy is and who it helps04:10 — Is ABA only for autism? Myths & misconceptions04:29 — What ABA looks like day-to-day05:46 — Working with children vs. adults in ABA06:50 — Examples of ABA for young kids, teens, and adults08:48 — Why community support matters for parents09:18 — Brittany’s personal experience as a mom navigating diagnoses10:05 — How personal experience strengthens her approach as a clinician10:50 — In-home, school, community-based ABA support11:36 — Plans for a future sensory space and ABA center12:18 — Beyond autism: Who else can benefit from ABA?13:17 — How insurance approval for ABA works14:25 — Assessment, treatment plans, and parental collaboration15:48 — Boundaries, crisis calls, and keeping kids safe17:10 — Why community familiarity with special needs matters18:25 — Police, crisis response, and neurodiversity training19:52 — The need for better systems and community education20:29 — What ABA looks like for “high-functioning” individuals22:04 — Antecedent interventions & visual schedules23:10 — Changing how we communicate with children23:51 — Positive reinforcement: the core of ABA24:55 — Examples of appropriate reinforcement & avoiding empty promises25:49 — How ABA differs from other therapies27:14 — Breaking stigma around mental health & ABA28:05 — Giving parents time to process diagnoses29:02 — Building community and support through Balanced Behaviors#ABATherapy #AutismSupport #BalancedBehaviors #MentalHealthAwareness #ParentingTips #ChildDevelopment #BehaviorTherapy #PositiveReinforcement #SpecialNeedsParenting #TrustMeMom #Neurodiversity #TherapistInterview #EarlyIntervention #ParentEducation #PodcastEpisode #KidsMentalHealth #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis