OT Meets ABA: Breaking Barriers in Therapy & Neurodivergence

What happens when occupational therapy, ABA, and lived experience collide? In this episode, Michelle shares her powerful journey from nursing school dropout to OT and BCBA, her viral TikTok success, and why she believes collaboration, not silos, will change the future of therapy.From decoding proprioception and sensory systems to tackling the remote vs. in-person BCBA debate, representation in the field, and raising kids with ADHD, this conversation is raw, inspiring, and packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:42 Meet Michelle01:41 From nursing to OT to ABA04:26 Why OT + ABA credentials matter06:38 Gaps in OT training08:18 Multidisciplinary teamwork challenges10:12 Sensory and neurological lens in ABA11:17 Proprioception made simple13:58 Connecting OT & ABA15:23 Finding each child’s “formula”16:36 Teaching vs. direct treatment17:52 Going viral on TikTok19:04 RBT support & telehealth debate20:34 Remote vs. in-person BCBA23:21 Limits of medical model24:15 Finding the right balance25:25 Lightning round: Q&A27:06 Beyond the “four functions” of behavior28:02 True cross-discipline collaborations31:11 Representation & authenticity33:35 Advice for queer and neuro-divergent pros35:02 Building trust with families37:19 Study journal & exam prep38:09 ADHD: boys vs. girls40:20 Life outside ABA44:18 Final message to share45:19 Where to find Michelle online