On-demand 1 BACB Learning CEU
The Science of Saying NO
A Neurodivergent-Informed Approach to Boundaries that Stick Without the Guilt
Learn how to say no with confidence and Compassion
Saying no doesn’t have to come with guilt. This course helps you understand the science behind boundaries and build confident, values-aligned ways to say no while preventing burnout.
What others are saying:
The Science of Saying No is an updated and expanded version of Melissa Booth-Simonsen’s highly rated live CEU, Thanks, But No Thanks, originally presented on BehaviorLive (November 2025). This on-demand version builds on that event with refined reflections, a new behavioral skills training component, and enhanced guidance for applying ACT-informed strategies to everyday professional challenges. Participant feedback from the original session helped shape this improved learning experience.
Why this Matters
Autistic and other neurodivergent professionals often struggle to say no. Not because they lack boundaries, but because years of reinforcement have taught them that compliance feels safer than authenticity. The result? Chronic overextension, burnout, and disconnection from what truly matters.
Supervisors, leaders, and colleagues can shift that pattern starting with awareness and modeling sustainable behavior.
This on-demand CEU helps you understand the behavioral and social contingencies that make saying no so difficult and gives you the tools to respond with values-based assertiveness instead of automatic compliance.
Reframe saying no as an act of alignment, not defiance
Identify the reinforcement loops that keep "yes" behavior alive
Build assertiveness fluency through behavioral practice and ACT-based strategies
This CEU is:
1 BACB Supervision CEU
On-demand Access: watch on your schedule
Immediately applicable: leave with tools you can today
About the Presenter:
Melissa Booth-Simonsen, MSc, BCBA, UKBA-Cert, is a neurodivergent behavior analyst, speaker, and creator of CEUs that blends behavior science with ACT, equity, and joyful systems for change. Her work focuses on supporting high-masking professionals, late-diagnosed adults, and the supervisors who want to show up better.
What you walk away with:
In this 1-hour BACB Learning CEU, you'll learn how to:
Describe how masking and camouflaging behaviors function as safety strategies maintain by social contingencies
Identify the behavioral and environmental variables that make saying "no" difficult for ND professionals
Explain how assertiveness skills can be strengthened through behavioral rehearsal, shaping, and values clarification
Develop one contextually appropriate and values-aligned "no" script
Formulate a personal action lan for integrating assertive boundary-setting to reduce burnout and enhance long-term effectiveness
"This should be required learning for every BCBA in a leadership position"
- previous event participant
Who this is for:
This CEU is designed for:
BCBAs and supervisors seeking to set sustainable boundaries and model healthy professional balance
Neurodivergent professionals learning to replace overcommitment with values-based assertiveness
Leaders and clinicians ready to move from chronic "yes" mode" toward sustainable, ethical practice
Anyone committed to reducing burnout and fostering workplaces where saying on is respected and understood
Enroll Now
This CEU invites you to be more than a checkbox supervisor.
Watch anytime
Reflect at your pace
Reinforce what really matters
Accessibility: This video includes transcripts, closed captions, and downloadable slide decks. If you have additional accessibility needs, reach out anytime.
Refund Policy: Due to the digital nature of this product and immediate access to materials, all sales are final. No refunds will be issued. If you have any concerns or accessibility needs, please contact me before purchasing.
meet your presenter
Melissa Booth-Simonsen
Melissa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 20 years of experience supporting individuals in diverse settings, including foster care, brain injury rehabilitation, clinic, in-home, and schools.
As a late-diagnosed autistic professional, she brings a unique perspective on the challenges autistic individuals face in the workplace. Melissa is passionate about creating neurodiversity-affirming environments and equipping ABA professionals with the tools to support autistic employees effectively.
Her work integrates :
Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr)
Practical workplace accommodations
Evidence-based strategies to foster inclusion and empowerment
This continuing education event is offered by Melissa Booth-Simonsen, an Approved Continuing Education [ACE] Provider #IP-24-11314.
The BACB does not sponsor, approve, or endorse these events, their content, or their instructors.
No commercial support was provided for this event.
Published November 2025
Address
Birchwood, United Kingdom
© 2025 Positive Strategies | Melissa Booth-Simonsen. All rights reserved.