This course provides a comprehensive overview of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through a behavior-analytic lens, with a particular focus on the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and strategies. Participants will examine the defining characteristics of OCD, including the function of obsessions and compulsions, prevalence, and common comorbidities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The course explores Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as the gold-standard intervention for OCD and highlights its roots in behavior-analytic concepts such as extinction, differential reinforcement, and antecedent manipulation. Special attention is given to differentiating OCD compulsions from autism-related repetitive behaviors and adapting behavioral interventions for individuals with comorbid OCD and ASD. Practical, evidence-based strategies are discussed to support ethical, effective assessment and treatment planning across clinical settings.
This course extends beyond the current BCBA and BCaBA Task Lists by explicitly integrating Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and related cognitive-behavioral approaches as they are applied within a behavior-analytic framework for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While OCD is not addressed as a distinct diagnostic category within the task lists, this course emphasizes the functional analysis of obsessions and compulsions, the identification of observable behavior patterns maintained by negative reinforcement, and the application of evidence-based behavioral procedures to reduce compulsive responding.
The course is firmly behavior-analytic in nature, focusing on measurable behavior, environmental contingencies, and data-based decision making. Special consideration is given to differentiating OCD-related compulsions from autism-related repetitive behaviors and to ethically adapting interventions for individuals with comorbid conditions. This course is specifically designed for current and aspiring behavior analysts, equipping them with practical, research-informed strategies to support individuals with OCD while remaining within the scope of ABA practice and ethical guidelines.
Publication Date: Jan 2026
Author/Speaker
Katherine Saint, PhD, LPC, BCBA-D, Katherine has her doctorate in Behavior Analysis and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Katherine presents locally and internationally on topics related to autism, mental health and behavior analysis. Katherine has a private practice focusing on mental health counseling and is the Director of Training at an ABA company. Katherine has designed college courses as well as published books and articles related to mental health. Katherine also teaches master level behavior analytic courses at Pepperdine University.
Instructor Qualifications
Dr. Saint’s CV
| Requirement Category |
Meets Requirement (✔) |
Evidence / Description |
| Published Peer-Reviewed Research or Books on the Subject |
☑ Yes |
Author of published books and scholarly works addressing mental health conditions, autism, anxiety, depression, and behavior-analytic applications to complex clinical presentations. Published work demonstrates subject-matter expertise in behavior-analytic and empirically supported approaches relevant to OCD, including avoidance, compulsive behavior, reinforcement processes, and ethical intervention design. |
| ≥ 5 Years of Practical Experience(e.g., direct service delivery, applied practice, professional engagement) |
☑ Yes |
Over 15 years of applied professional experience as a BCBA-D and Licensed Professional Counselor providing direct clinical services to individuals with OCD, anxiety disorders, autism, and co-occurring behavioral and mental health conditions. Extensive hands-on experience implementing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), extinction-based procedures, differential reinforcement, and individualized ABA strategies while differentiating OCD compulsions from autism-related repetitive behaviors. |
| ≥ 3 Years Teaching / Training / Mentoring Experience |
☑ Yes |
Extensive experience teaching, training, and supervising behavior analysts, counselors, and therapists across clinical and educational settings. Has developed and delivered professional trainings, graduate-level instruction, and continuing education focused on OCD, ERP, ethical ABA practice, and treatment adaptation for individuals with ASD and comorbid conditions. |
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and differentiate core features of obsessive-compulsive disorder, including obsessions, compulsions, and their behavioral functions, and distinguish OCD-related behaviors from autism-related repetitive behaviors.
- Describe how ABA principles and procedures, including antecedent and consequence strategies, differential reinforcement, and extinction, are applied within Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD.
- Select and adapt behavior-analytic intervention strategies for individuals with OCD, including those with comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder, using evidence-based modifications such as visual supports, gradual exposure, and family involvement.
