Episode #39
The Biggest Risk To ABA Might Be Perception: Autism Therapy Under the Microscope with Chris Larson (Part II)
Send us Fan Mail ABA on Tap is proud to present Chris Larson (Part 2 of 2): Private equity didn’t just “enter” ABA, it helped build the modern autism therapy industry as we know it and that reality comes with uncomfortable questions. Mike and Dan continue the brew with Chris Larson from Behavioral Health Business for part two, and we get specific about what investment capital changed at the macro level: access, scale, hiring, payer relationships, and the growth that followed insurance mandates. Then we turn the lens toward the hidden cost of speed, especially when investors expect a three to seven year arc and clinical care requires trust, continuity, and judgment. We talk through the ethical tension head-on. Chris breaks down why private equity firms answer to limited partners, why that mindset can clash with provider ethics, and why “McDonald’s ABA” is a real fear across the field. At the same time, we don’t let clinicians off the hook: nothing gets implemented without a BCBA green light, and the culture we teach new BCBAs can become the culture they assume is normal. That leads into workforce pipeline problems, the lack of a nursing-style university partnership model, and why the field keeps having to build its own training engine. From there, we move into the push for an ABA standard of care and why it keeps stalling, including iCHOM efforts and newer bets like Project Align and eye tracking technology. We also unpack the Maryland RBT strike and union vote, what “living wage” means when reimbursement rates are set by payers, and why RBT turnover hurts kids, families, and providers. We close by exploring collaboration with pediatricians, the limits of “objective” measurement in behavioral healthcare, and why opioid-crisis comparisons can mislead even when incentives rhyme. If you care about ABA therapy quality, reimbursement, RBT wages, BCBA ethics, and the future of autism services, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave us a review. Tune in, Drink Up and ALWAYS ANALYZE RESPONSIBLY. Support the show Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform! Connect with Us: Website: https://abaontap.com TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@aba.on.tap.podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abaontap/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ABAonTap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aba-on-tap Support the Show: ☕ Love what we do? Buy us a virtual drink! Support ABA on Tap ️ Interested in sponsoring? Partner with us Join the ABA on Tap Community! Stay updated on the latest episodes, live events, and exclusive content. Analyze Responsibly & Keep the Conversation Going!
