About Ryan Baker-Barrett, BCBA

I Didn't See My Own ADHD—Until It Was Too Late

For years, I worked as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, helping students with behavioral challenges in public school settings. I even took continuing education courses on ADHD, checking the boxes, earning my credits.

But none of it helped me recognize the ADHD symptoms in myself.

At age 37, I was finally diagnosed with ADHD. Suddenly, everything made sense—the struggles I'd minimized, the strategies I'd unconsciously developed, the exhaustion of trying to fit a neurotypical mold.

That's when I realized: if the training didn't help me recognize ADHD in myself, how could it possibly prepare behavior analysts to help their clients?

We've Been Trained for the Wrong Thing

Here's the uncomfortable truth about our field: we're not trained in ADHD.

Behavior analysis became synonymous with autism intervention. Our coursework, our supervision, our continuing education—it's almost entirely focused on ASD. Meanwhile, the ADHD population has been underserved, misunderstood, and approached with interventions that miss the mark.

The problem? We focus on surface behaviors—task initiation, on-task behavior, compliance—without addressing the executive function deficits underneath.

It's like trying to build a house on a foundation that doesn't exist.

I know this because I've been on both sides. As a BCBA working in schools, I saw hundreds of students struggle. As a parent of two boys with ADHD, I couldn't find the right behavioral support. And as someone with ADHD myself, I understand what it's like when interventions don't address the real issue.

You can't teach executive function if you don't truly understand what it is.

My Approach: Building Skills, Not Compliance

After my diagnosis, everything changed. I started asking myself a different question:

"How would I want someone to approach me in this situation?"

That simple shift transformed how I design interventions. Instead of focusing on compliance or "fixing" behaviors, I focus on building the executive function skills that allow independence, self-advocacy, and genuine progress.

What Most People Miss About ADHD

It's rooted in executive dysfunction. Teaching someone to "stay on task" without building their planning, organization, and self-regulation skills is like telling someone to run a marathon without teaching them to walk.

My Stance on Traditional ABA

The principles of behavior analysis are powerful—but they were never meant to be used solely with autism or to become "autism therapy." Applied behavior analysis can benefit anyone when applied thoughtfully, including individuals with ADHD.

The truth is, our field can do better. And we must.

20 Years in the Field, A Lifetime of Learning

I hold a Master's degree in Special Education from Utah State University, where I graduated summa cum laude. I've spent 20 years working as a behavior analyst, serving hundreds of students in public school settings across Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California.

But my real education came later—through lived experience.

As someone with ADHD

I understand what it's like to navigate systems not built for brains like ours.

As a parent of two boys with ADHD

I know the frustration of searching for help and finding interventions that don't fit.

As a BCBA who specializes in ADHD

I've witnessed transformations when we get it right—students gaining independence, understanding their own symptoms, learning to advocate for themselves.

This isn't just professional work for me. It's deeply personal.

The Mission: Training a Field That's Ready

I'm working toward a future where every behavior analyst is trained to work with individuals with ADHD.

Right now, parents like me don't know where to find the right kind of behavioral support for their children.

BCBAs don't feel confident working with ADHD clients because their training didn't prepare them.

Individuals with ADHD continue to receive interventions that focus on compliance instead of capability.

I'm here to change that.

Through Breakthrough ADHD Training for Behavior Analysts™, I help behavior analysts expand their scope of competence with comprehensive, executive function-centered training that actually prepares them to make a difference.

This work matters because our practice can benefit far more people than we currently serve—if we're willing to learn.

Let's Work Together

Whether you're a behavior analyst looking to better serve your ADHD clients, or you're seeking ADHD support for yourself or your family, I'm here to help.

Ready to take the next step?

Enroll in Breakthrough ADHD Training Schedule a Free Consultation

Let's build a field—and a future—where ADHD is truly understood.

Join the ADHD Special Interest Group for Behavior Analysts

Featured In & Collaborations

Podcast Appearances

Listen on Spotify

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with The Neurodivergent Report. Podcasts are shared as external resources for educational reference only.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with Behind the ABA Talk. Podcasts are shared as external resources for educational reference only.

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I Didn't See My Own ADHD—Until It Was Too Late

We've Been Trained for the Wrong Thing