Boundaries, Sexuality, and Burnout

Episode 53 of the ABA MOM podcast, hosted by Allie Langan, titled "Boundaries, Sexuality, and Burnout" was published on March 24, 2026 and runs 55 minutes.

March 24, 2026 ·55m · ABA MOM

0:00 / 0:00

Episode Description

🎙️ Boundaries, Sexuality, and Burnout with Dr. Shane Spiker In this honest and much-needed conversation, Dr. Shane Spiker joins us to discuss some of the most challenging — and often avoided — topics in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): sexuality, clinician bunrout, and having good boundaires. This episode moves beyond theory to explore what professionals, families, and clients actually face in real-world settings. We talk about how to support healthy sexuality and boundaries for individuals with developmental disabilities while maintaining dignity and ethical care. Dr. Spiker also shares insights on burnout in the ABA field, why it happens, how it affects services, and what clinicians can do to sustain themselves long term. Finally, we address safety — for clients, staff, and families — including prevention, risk awareness, and creating supportive environments. Whether you are a BCBA, RBT, educator, caregiver, or parent, this episode offers practical guidance and candid insight into the human side of behavior analysis.

🔑 Topics Covered • Sexuality and relationship education for individuals with disabilities • boundaries and dignity • Burnout and compassion fatigue in ABA providers • Workforce challenges • Balancing autonomy with protection • Real-world strategies you can use immediately

👥 Who This Is For ✔ BCBAs, BCaBAs, and RBTs ✔ Special education teachers and school staff ✔ Therapists and human service professionals ✔ Parents and caregivers ✔ Agency owners and supervisors

⭐ Why This Conversation Matters These topics are often uncomfortable, but ignoring them can lead to harm, poor outcomes, and unsustainable practice.

Open discussion helps create safer environments, better support systems, and more compassionate, effective services. 👍

If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share to support more real conversations in ABA.

#ABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #BCBA #RBT #AutismSupport #Neurodiversity #SpecialEducation #BehaviorAnalysis #CaregiverSupport #ClinicianBurnout #CompassionFatigue #DisabilitySupport #AutismAwareness #TherapistLife #HumanServices #SafetyInCare #EthicalABA #Podcast #ABACommunity