Relationship-Centered ABA, Clinical Humility, and Building Better Systems with Dr. Sara Silsilah

In this episode, Ben sits down with behaviour analyst and entrepreneur Sara Silsilah to discuss her remarkable journey from Saudi Arabia to Columbia University and back again. Sara shares how a chance encounter during a university fire drill led her into the field of autism and behaviour analysis, and how her grandmother's lifelong commitment to supporting children with disabilities shaped her values and career path.

The conversation explores the evolution of ABA practice, the importance of autistic voices, assent-based treatment, relationship-building, family systems, supervision, and professional humility. Sara challenges clinicians to move beyond rigid protocols and embrace a more collaborative, compassionate, and individualized approach to care.

She also shares lessons learned from launching Seeds of Knowledge, her vision for improving autism services in Saudi Arabia, and why quality treatment requires rigorous standards, meaningful supervision, and strong therapeutic relationships.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sefnUA2DVdk

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BACB: 1.5 Ethics IBAO:  1.5 Cultural QABA: 1.5 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.5 Cultural Diversity

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Links

Sara Silsilah on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-silsilah-phd-bcba-d-4820051bb/

Seeds of Knowledge

https://theseedsofknowledge.com/

ABAI Saudi Arabia Chapter

https://iba.abainternational.org/2025/11/18/aba-saudi-arabia-2025-annual-report/

Behaviour Analysis in Saudi Arabia with Dr. Shahad Alsharif

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-149-behaviouranalysis-in-saudi-arabia-with-dr-shahad-alsharif/