BCBA® Exam Prep

Nidal D.

ADHD

My background as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D) and university professor includes supporting students with ADHD. I have developed individualized learning, organization, and study strategies that build confidence and academic success. I have worked extensively with graduate students and professionals who need support with time management, exam preparation, and organizing large amounts of complex material. My approach uses behavioral strategies such as reinforcement, shaping and chaining (e.g., using task analyses), and structured goal-setting to support sustained skill development.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D®) with extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for Autistic individuals across educational, clinical, and research settings. I have worked in a NYS-certified nonpublic school serving Autistic students, where I helped design and implement individualized ABA-based educational programs focused on skill acquisition, communication, and independent functioning, as well as trained staff and supported behavior intervention planning. I have also conducted and published ABA research on Autism using single-case experimental designs to evaluate interventions that increase independent engagement, with an emphasis on translating behavioral science into practical, culturally responsive applications. In addition, I have taught and supervised graduate students in ABA programs and contributed to BACB-approved coursework in behavior analysis.

College Counseling

For nearly 20 years, I have mentored and advised undergraduate and graduate students as they navigate academic and career decisions. My mentoring has been grounded in the principles of behavioral psychology. I have supported students as they adjusted to college life, prepared for graduate school, and sought to improve their study strategies. I have also guided students in setting achievable goals, developing effective learning strategies, and overcoming academic challenges through individualized mentoring and evidence-based approaches.

Executive Functioning

I have had the opportunity to teach, supervise, and support students in developing executive functioning and self-management skills. My background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) includes designing individualized interventions that target organization, task completion, study skills, planning, and independent learning. I have supported both children and adult learners in building structured routines, breaking down complex tasks, and improving follow-through on academic and daily responsibilities. In my university-level teaching and clinical supervision roles, I have worked extensively with graduate students and professionals who need support with time management, exam preparation, and organizing large amounts of complex material. My approach uses behavioral strategies such as reinforcement, shaping and chaining (e.g., using task analyses), and structured goal-setting to support sustained skill development.

Personal Statements

I have extensive experience supporting students and professionals with academic and professional writing, including personal statements, graduate school applications, scholarship essays, and job application materials. In my university teaching and clinical supervision roles, I have guided learners in organizing ideas, strengthening clarity and coherence, and communicating their experiences in a thoughtful and authentic manner. My approach combines structured writing support with individualized feedback to help students develop confidence while maintaining their own voice and perspective. I am particularly skilled at helping students break down the writing process into manageable steps, refine complex ideas, and produce professional work.

Special Needs

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst - doctoral (BCBA-D®), I have extensive experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and students with diverse learning needs. I have supported Autistic students across educational and clinical settings, including providing ABA-based instruction and consultation in a specialized school for students with significant needs, where I supported individualized education programs, staff training, and behavior intervention implementation. I have also supported students in center- and home-based programs, and supervised educational programming while contributing to multidisciplinary planning for learners with diverse needs. In addition, I have taught and mentored graduate students in Applied Behavior Analysis and Psychology, and contributed to the development of Board-verified coursework in behavior analysis. My approach emphasizes individualized, evidence-based instruction focused on skill development, independence, and functional learning across settings.

Study Skills

I have over 15 years of experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in developing effective study habits, learning strategies, and academic routines. My approach is highly individualized, as I recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all method for learning, organization, or exam preparation. Drawing from my background in psychology, teaching, mentorship, and behavioral strategies, I help students identify approaches that align with their strengths, preferences, and learning needs while systematically building new skills over time. I support students in areas such as note-taking, reading comprehension, test preparation, time management, task initiation, and maintaining motivation, with an emphasis on shaping sustainable and independent learning habits.

Thesis Writing

In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, I have mentored 13 thesis advisees, supported over 20 students in completing graduate capstone projects, and served as a reader for over 50 thesis projects. My approach combines structured academic support with individualized mentorship to help students break down complex projects into manageable steps while strengthening organization, writing clarity, and follow-through. Through years of research supervision and mentoring, I have gained experience supporting students across a wide range of topics and research designs while helping them build confidence, independence, and strong scholarly writing skills.