Love on the Spectrum and ABA

In this episode of Everyday ABA, co-hosts Paola, Brittanny, and Leslie analyze Season 3 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum through the lens of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This engaging discussion explores how ABA strategies like positive reinforcement, role play, video modeling, and self-talk can support romantic development for autistic individuals. Listeners are guided through key moments from the series as the hosts discuss the clinical implications of teaching dating skills, supporting emotional expression, and navigating social rules—especially those that may unintentionally teach rigid or atypical behaviors.

This episode is ideal for ABA professionals, clinicians, educators, and anyone interested in autism and romantic relationships.

 

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Learning Objectives for CEU:

1. Identify two evidence-based social skills strategies for teaching dating and social skills to individuals with autism
2. Describe the function of self-talk in self-regulation and coping for individuals on the autism spectrum​
3. Summarize the importance of matching support strategies to individual sensory needs
4. Discuss the role of inclusion and peer modeling in promoting social-emotional growth in autistic individuals

 

📚 Research References:

Bellini, S., & Akullian, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of video modeling and video self-modeling interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Exceptional Children, 73(3), 264–287.

Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., Allison, C., Smith, P., Baron-Cohen, S., Lai, M.-C., & Mandy, W. (2017). “Putting on my best normal”: Social camouflaging in adults with autism spectrum conditions. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(8), 2519–2534

Laugeson, E. A., & Frankel, F. (2010). Social skills for teenagers with developmental and autism spectrum disorders: The PEERS treatment manual. Routledge.

Palmer, D. C. (2006). On the relation between verbal thinking and overt behavior. The Behavior Analyst, 29(2), 247–261.

Strunz, S., Schermuck, C., Ballerstein, S., Ahlers, C. J., Dziobek, I., & Roepke, S. (2017). Romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction among adults with autism spectrum disorder and without intellectual disability. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(1), 113–125.