Presentation Overview

NDBI in Action: A Step-by-Step Guide for RBTs to Build Engagement, Communication, and Learning Through Play

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are evidence-based approaches for supporting communication, engagement, and skill development in children with autism. However, many RBTs and front-line providers struggle with how to apply these strategies during real-time sessions. This highly practical, step-by-step session focuses on what NDBI looks like in action. Participants will learn how to follow the child’s lead, increase engagement, and embed learning opportunities within play and everyday routines. Using video examples and real-life scenarios, attendees will be guided through a clear framework for structuring sessions, capturing teachable moments, and targeting goals across developmental domains—including communication, social interaction, and play—within a single activity. The session will also address common implementation challenges, such as over-prompting and missed opportunities, and provide practical strategies for data collection within naturalistic interactions. Participants will leave with simple, actionable tools they can immediately apply to build meaningful, functional learning through play.

Learning Objectives

What you'll learn...after completing this presentation, participants will be able to

  • Apply NDBI strategies to increase child engagement by following the child’s lead and embedding learning opportunities within play-based interactions.

  • Demonstrate how to target engagement, communication, social, and play skills simultaneously within a single activity using naturalistic teaching strategies.

  • Implement a naturalistic and responsive approach to sessions, including capturing teachable moments, using developmentally appropriate prompting, and incorporating data collection within ongoing interactions.

Continuing Education

The NDBI Navigator is an approved continuing education provider for the BACB, QABA, and IBAO

Professionals from other disciplines will receive a professional development certificate, which they can submit to their respective licensing boards for consideration.

Your Presenter

Nikki McRory, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA

Nikki is the owner of McRory Pediatric Services, Inc., a multidisciplinary pediatric clinic serving children with autism and related developmental needs. She is a certified JASPER clinician with advanced certification in training and supporting staff in JASPER implementation. Nikki specializes in integrating naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) into clinical practice, with a focus on communication, play, and social engagement. She has presented at the Autism Milestones Conference and was recognized as the 2025 Autism Parenting Magazine Top Social Skills Contributor. She is passionate about helping providers translate evidence-based strategies into meaningful, real-life learning.

Presentation Content

  1. 1

    • About the Presentation

    • Meet Nikki McRory

    • Professional Practice Reminder

    • Video: NDBI in Action: A Step-by-Step Guide for RBTs to Build Engagement, Communication, and Learning Through Play

    • Presentation Handout

    • Quiz

    • Survey