Amanda Cox, leadership development trainer and consultant, shares insights on how leadership in autism centers directly impacts family experiences and client outcomes.
• Leadership in ABA requires constant "chameleonism" – switching between different communication styles and audiences quickly
• Trust-based leadership creates psychological safety through transparency, not avoiding hard conversations
• BCBAs and parents must understand each other's perspectives for effective partnerships
• Biological readiness (eating, hydration, rest) forms the foundation for handling clinic challenges
• Leaders model behavior – if they don't practice self-care, staff won't either
• Normalizing feedback creates cultures where communication improves and burnout decreases
• Young professionals entering the field need both clinical and leadership skills
• Effective leadership means asking for help appropriately and delegating tasks
• Balancing professional boundaries while remaining human is essential for longevity
Connect with Amanda Cox at the Know Better Company to learn more about leadership development for ABA professionals.