🎙️ In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Rethinking ABA Service Delivery: A BCBA-Led Model with Chris Topham
In this episode, Allyson sits down with Chris Topham—BCBA, precision teaching advocate, and co-founder of Celeration ABA—to explore how he’s reimagining service delivery through a one-tier, BCBA-led model.
From his unexpected entry into the field to building a practice grounded in precision teaching, Chris shares the journey, the challenges, and the rewards of prioritizing outcomes and autonomy over traditional scaling metrics.
🔑 Key Topics
From Fine Arts to Precision Teaching
Chris didn’t set out to become a BCBA—his undergrad degree was in fine arts. But a chance job at an ABA company introduced him to the science, and shadowing a BCBA lit the spark. Within a month, he was enrolled in coursework, eventually discovering precision teaching through Amy Evans.
Frustrated with teaching to “mastery” only to see skills fade, Chris adopted the standard celeration chart and hasn’t looked back:
“Once you learn about the chart, you can’t go back.”
What Is a BCBA-Led Model?
While most ABA providers use a tiered model with RBTs delivering direct services, Celeration ABA employs BCBAs directly as front-line providers.
How it works:
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Each BCBA typically works with 2–3 clients, splitting the day into morning and afternoon blocks.
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Private pay, out-of-network billing allows for flexibility in hours and goals.
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Service intensity averages 10–20 hours per week per client—lower than traditional 30–40 hour recommendations—without sacrificing progress.
Why it works:
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Real-time program adjustments without waiting for overlaps.
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Consistent provider relationships reduce turnover-related disruptions.
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Autonomy for BCBAs to set schedules, choose tools, and target goals based on family priorities.
Scaling Outcomes, Not Just Hours
Many assume this model can’t scale, but Chris reframes the conversation:
“We should be looking at scaling outcomes, not just billable hours.”
With a 20-hour weekly billable target (and bonuses for those who choose more), BCBAs report less burnout and stronger connections with clients. The focus is on intentional growth—currently five BCBAs—rather than maximizing profit margins at the expense of quality.
Precision Teaching in Practice
Every learner at Celeration ABA uses the chart. New hires often start with traditional percent correct graphs, then compare the same skill on the chart:
This approach, combined with frequent direct contact, often means learners hit and surpass goals faster—prompting a shift to quarterly progress reports to keep pace.
Staff Development and Support
Training focuses on logistics and charting, with autonomy in assessment tools and programming. Support systems include:
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Weekly 1:1 BCBA meetings
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Slack for quick problem-solving
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Quarterly in-person meetups
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Opportunities for BCBAs to supervise “behavior scientists in training”
The Autism Diagnosis Parent Plan
Beyond direct services, Chris and his wife created The Autism Diagnosis Parent Plan—a free online course designed to bridge the gap between diagnosis and therapy.
What’s inside:
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Email templates for schools and providers
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Call scripts for navigating ABA, speech, and OT referrals
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Practical at-home strategies, like Chris’s “Join, Add, Wait” play method for building connection
The course also offers optional 1:1 coaching calls for individualized guidance.
💡 Key Takeaways
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A BCBA-led model can accelerate progress, deepen family trust, and reduce burnout when built intentionally.
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Precision teaching is a measurement tool—not a teaching style—that can enhance any ABA program.
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Scaling quality means focusing on learner outcomes, not just billable hour targets.
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Families need practical, immediate support after diagnosis, not just a list of providers.
🔍 Keywords: BCBA-Led Model, Precision Teaching, Standard Celeration Chart, Autism Diagnosis, Parent Training, ABA Service Models, Staff Autonomy, Scaling Outcomes, One-Tier ABA, Celeration ABA
💬 Got a question for the podcast?
Submit your questions at www.sidekicklearning.net/podcast
🔔 Subscribe & Share
If this episode got you thinking about new ways to structure services, share it with your team or fellow BCBAs. And don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more conversations that challenge the status quo in ABA.
🧠 Explore more supervision resources and CEUs at www.sidekicklearning.net
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