Compassionate ABA for Adults: Dr. Olivia Hird-Partlow on Aging, Autonomy, and Quality of Life

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Dr. Olivia Hird-Partlow offers a thoughtful and deeply practical conversation about ABA across the lifespan. Originally from Canada and now based in Maryland, Olivia Hird-Partlow describes her path into ABA through early training at Kennedy Krieger, her work across clinics, homes, schools, and residential settings, and her current teaching role at McDaniel College, where she teaches ABA courses within a master’s program in human services.  A major focus of the episode is the gap in ABA training and services for adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, dementia, and other age-related needs. Dr. Hird-Partlow explains how many ABA programs and funding structures continue to emphasize children, while adults and aging populations often require thoughtful behavioural support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong commitment to quality of life. The conversation explores what it means to support adults in ways that preserve autonomy, consent, dignity, and independence. Olivia Hird-Partlow discusses the importance of recognizing behavioural changes as possible indicators of pain, memory loss, grief, changes in routine, medical concerns, or communication needs. She also emphasizes that intervention plans should not simply be implemented mechanically, but should be adjusted based on the person’s changing abilities, preferences, and lived experience.  Listeners will also hear a rich discussion of aging in place, caregiver stress, family communication, and the emotional realities of supporting aging parents, grandparents, and relatives. Olivia shares personal examples from her own family, including the importance of maintaining familiar routines, environments, smells, furniture, and family connections when possible.  The episode also highlights Dr. Hird-Partlow’s work through Relentless Alliance, where she provides consultation, coaching, training, and support for adults with disabilities and adults experiencing dementia or aging-related changes. She also discusses her dissertation work on the practical functional assessment with adults and in schools, as well as her interest in building more research and training around ABA with adults. This conversation is essential listening for behaviour analysts, caregivers, educators, residential support staff, clinicians, students, and anyone interested in compassionate behavioural support across the lifespan. Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P-K_8gIxLpA Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Learning IBAO:  1.0 ABA Topics QABA: 1.0 General CBA/CPD: 1.0 Learning Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak Connect with Olivia Relentless Alliance https://relentlessalliance.app/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-hird/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olivia_hird_partlow/ Links Sisters On Da Mic Podcast https://sistersondamic.buzzsprout.com/ DMV ABBA https://www.dmvabba.org/ Related Episodes: Episode 236, "The Intersection of Aging and Behaviour Analysis," with Dr. Jacqueline Pachis and Nehal Siam https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-236-the-intersection-of-aging-and-behaviour-analysis-with-jacqueline-pachis-ma-ms-bcba-and-nehal-siam-mped-bcba-rba-ont/ Episode 20, "Consulting in Group Homes Using ACT," with Monica Peters. https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-20-consulting-in-group-homes-using-act-with-monica-peters-mads-bcba/