Brighter Steps ABA
About Us
Our Story
Professor David Rubinfeld
Meet David Rubinfeld: ABA Expert, Educator, and Advocate
David Rubinfeld is a dedicated expert with nearly 15 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and education. As a professor in ABA and a practicum instructor at Manhattanville College, David has made it his mission to elevate the field of ABA through innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the individuals he serves.
​
At Brighter Steps ABA, we challenge the misconception that ABA can’t be playful. By making interventions as natural and engaging as possible, we create an environment where growth happens organically. David’s philosophy revolves around understanding the science of behavior while minimizing intrusiveness. Instead of focusing on changing who individuals are, he prioritizes finding appropriate replacement behaviors that achieve the same desired outcomes.
​
Empowering Individuals Without Compromising Identity
David firmly believes that ABA should enhance lives without stripping away individuality. His goal is to help clients achieve autonomy and independence, allowing them to thrive in society while staying true to who they are. With a strong emphasis on reinforcement, David reframes it as a tool for incentivization—ensuring that clients understand the value of necessary tasks rather than feeling coerced into them.
​
Guiding Principles: Practical, Consistent, and Collaborative:
• Practical Goals: Every goal is chosen with purpose, focusing on practical, functional skills that genuinely improve the client’s life without overwhelming them.
• Consistency: Fewer goals, consistently applied, lead to measurable progress. This focused approach ensures mastery before moving on to new challenges.
• Collaboration: David values collaboration with caregivers, parents, teachers, and significant others. He believes that therapy is most effective when everyone involved has clarity on the techniques and contributes to the planning process.
​
A Holistic Approach to ABA
David is sensitive to individual differences and tailors his methods to meet unique behavioral needs. He embraces the integration of techniques from other therapies, believing that many have valuable insights to offer. Rather than dismissing alternative approaches, David seeks to incorporate effective strategies into his practice, creating a well-rounded, customized playbook for each client.
At Brighter Steps ABA, our philosophy is simple: Every step forward should honor individuality, promote independence, and create brighter futures.