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

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

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:

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/

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-20-consulting-in-group-homes-using-act-with-monica-peters-mads-bcba/