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Maranda Argiros, BCBA, and Jenny Barcellona, BCBA, provide Behavior Training and Support for Caregivers and Families, which consists of Family Focused Treatments and Interventions that equip families with the tools they need to foster behavior change in their natural environment.
In addition, they provide Behavior Consulting Services for schools, daycares, and other providers by implementing realistic strategies and techniques to increase skill acquisition while decreasing and managing challenging behaviors. What The Function also provides IEP Advocacy Services and BCBA supervision for students seeking certification.
They work to expand the reach and increase public knowledge of how the science of Behavior Analysis is used to help individuals outside of what ABA is typically known for. Marand and Jenny are passionate about the success they have had in using Behavior Analysis across all environments regardless of age, socioeconomic status, and diagnoses.
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All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
When most people think of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), they associate it with therapy for autistic children. But did you know that ABA is also making a powerful impact on the juvenile justice system?
We sat down with Miranda and Jenny, two Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who are using behavior science to support at-risk youth and their families. Their journey into forensic behavior analysis is unlike any other, and they’re proving that every child—regardless of their history—deserves support, understanding, and a chance to thrive.
Nearly 90% of youth in the juvenile justice system have some form of disability. Whether that’s ADHD, autism, sensory processing disorder, or an intellectual disability; yet, the current system isn’t designed to support these children in a way that sets them up for success.
Many of these kids' behaviors often stem from sensory challenges, trauma, or unmet developmental needs. Instead of being provided with behavioral interventions and coping tools, they are often placed in detention centers where their struggles are misunderstood.
That’s where Miranda and Jenny come in. Through What the Function, their behavioral consulting firm, they work with families, juvenile justice professionals, and detention centers to implement realistic, science-backed behavior interventions that help kids and their caregivers thrive.
As BCBAs, Miranda and Jenny take a holistic, compassionate approach to behavior therapy. They frequently use the analogy:
"When a flower doesn’t bloom, do you blame the flower? Or do you look at the environment—the soil, the sunlight, the water?"
This philosophy guides their work. Instead of blaming the child for aggression, defiance, or maladaptive behaviors, they help families, teachers, and juvenile justice staff examine the environmental factors contributing to those behaviors.
Is the child experiencing sensory overload?
Are they struggling to communicate their needs?
Have they been conditioned to react in a certain way due to past experiences?
By answering these questions, they empower families and professionals with simple yet effective strategies to improve behavior while preserving the child’s dignity and self-worth.
So, what does ABA therapy look like in the juvenile justice system? Miranda and Jenny shared several key strategies they use to support both kids and caregivers:
Many parents feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of how to help their children.
Coaching and training for families so they can implement behavior strategies at home.
A trauma-informed approach, meaning they consider the parents' own experiences and emotional capacity.
Many of these children have not been taught how to self-regulate, so they act out in extreme ways.
Instead of reactive punishment, they train families and professionals on proactive de-escalation techniques.
Simple tools like heavy work exercises (e.g., pushing against a wall, jumping, and deep-pressure activities) can help kids regulate their nervous systems.
Judges, probation officers, and detention center staff often lack training in behavior science.
By educating these professionals, Miranda and Jenny are helping shift the system from punitive to rehabilitative.
Their work is bridging the gap between juvenile justice and developmental support.
Most juvenile detention facilities are overstimulating—metal walls, loud noises, and harsh lighting.
Sensory needs are rarely met, leading to increased agitation and behavioral issues.
Miranda and Jenny advocate for simple changes like:
Providing functional noise-canceling headphones.
Allowing weighted vests or deep-pressure tools.
Training staff on how to accommodate sensory sensitivities.
The ultimate goal of Miranda and Jenny’s work is to break the cycle of kids repeatedly entering the juvenile system. They emphasize that:
Kids don’t come into the world as “bad”—their behaviors are learned based on their environment and experiences.
Parents and professionals aren’t failing these kids—they just haven’t been given the right tools yet.
By intervening early and focusing on skill-building, we can reduce the number of children who end up in detention centers.
If you are a parent, therapist, or educator working with children who are at risk of entering the juvenile system, here are some immediate steps you can take:
Behavior always happens for a reason. Start asking what the child is trying to communicate instead of just focusing on stopping the behavior.
If a child struggles with meltdowns, aggression, or defiance, try incorporating sensory regulation techniques like:
Wall push-ups
Carrying heavy objects
Deep pressure exercises
Many schools and detention centers aren’t equipped with behavior science-based tools.
If you work with at-risk youth, ask your facility about training staff on behavior de-escalation and sensory needs.
This conversation with Miranda and Jenny was eye-opening, raw, and inspiring. Their work in the juvenile justice system proves that no child is beyond help—they just need the right support and interventions.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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