Explore every episode of the podcast The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs
Dive into the complete episode list for The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
#278: The Importance of Parent Support When Providing Therapy with Khaliah Moody
28 Apr 2026
00:22:12
Strong therapy starts with strong support, and that begins with the parent.
I’m joined by Khaliah Moody, and this conversation really stayed with me. We talk about what it truly looks like to support families in a meaningful way, especially when life outside of sessions includes real challenges like poverty, housing instability, and stress. Khaliah shares how her background in social work shaped the way she leads her clinic and supports both clients and staff. One of the biggest takeaways is that therapy cannot thrive if the parent is overwhelmed and unsupported. We have to meet families where they are, build real relationships, and focus on connection before intervention.
We also get into staff retention, building a positive team culture, and how community partnerships can extend impact far beyond traditional services. This is a powerful reminder that compassionate care is both clinical and human.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why parent support is the foundation of effective therapy
#277: Navigating a Late ADHD Diagnosis with Lindsay Costigan
21 Apr 2026
00:36:06
Everything made sense once I saw the full picture.
Receiving a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis can be both validating and eye-opening, and that’s exactly what we explore in this conversation. As I talk with Lindsay, I’m struck by how her story reflects something I see often, high-achieving, capable individuals who have been compensating and masking for years without realizing why things felt harder behind the scenes.
We talk through what it looked like for her to thrive in a fast-paced Wall Street environment while quietly navigating challenges with time management, comprehension, and testing. Her diagnosis came after her children were identified as neurodivergent, which is such a common pathway for families.
I also love how openly she shares the realities of parenting two neurodivergent children, from early sensory challenges to finding the right supports and building a strong community. We get into practical strategies that truly make a difference, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and structure.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that ADHD can be a strength, and that understanding your brain can unlock better support, connection, and self-advocacy.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What a late ADHD diagnosis can reveal about your past
Parenting neurodivergent children and finding the right supports
Practical strategies that support regulation and success
#268: From Treatment Rooms to Team Meetings: Becoming a School-Based BCBA with Shalini Solomon
17 Feb 2026
00:24:30
When you move from treatment rooms to team meetings, everything changes, including how you show up as a BCBA.
In this episode, I talk with Shalini Solomon about her transition from clinic-based ABA to working as a school-based BCBA. If you’ve worked in both settings like I have, you know they are completely different worlds. In a clinic, you’re often running sessions. In a school, you’re collaborating, coaching, and translating ABA into language that makes sense to teachers and administrators.
Shalini shares what helped her navigate that shift, from simplifying behavior intervention plans so they actually work in busy classrooms to minimizing jargon and building buy-in with staff. We also talk about why understanding IDEA, IEPs, FAPE, and district systems is critical if you’re stepping into a school role, especially if you’re one of the first BCBAs in your district.
We also discuss her journey toward earning a doctorate in behavioral health and the importance of leadership, mentorship, and representation in our field. It’s an honest, practical conversation for anyone considering or currently navigating a school-based BCBA role.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Key differences between clinic-based and school-based BCBA roles
How to create simple, usable behavior intervention plans
Why policy knowledge and role clarity matter in schools
#178: Compassionate Advocacy with Dr. Annie McLaughlin
28 May 2024
00:24:10
Dr. Annie McLaughlin is a special breed of BCBA; she practices as an IEP advocate and trains other professionals to become advocates as well. IEPs can be a contentious environment, tip-toeing around and finding diplomatic approaches to tough conversations. Dr. McLaughlin explains that her philosophy around advocacy is to show us as humans with compassion first.
In her advocacy work, Dr. McLaughlin supports families through the lens of ACT (be sure to check out some of our episodes discussing this topic). She also uses her behavior analytic lens to take an important perspective for clients with diverse needs. “I want to be the advocate everyone wants to show up,” is what Dr. McLaughlin shares when discussing how to focus on collaboration through open communication and active listening.
At a table filled with parents, therapists, and school faculty, Dr. McLaughlin advocates for “both sides” by highlighting parent concerns AND validating the expertise of the providers. The advocate helps make space for diverse perspectives while reinforcing ideas. When both the families and the providers are on the same page, it can make a big difference in the work they are doing with the learner.
You can find Dr. Annie McLaughlin on Instagram as @IEPAdvocateAnnie, where she shares about her courses and helps other professionals become IEP advocates.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
How can an advocate help both “sides” of the team?
#177: Going Beyond The Basics of AAC with LingLy Tan and Jane Button
21 May 2024
00:26:43
There is always so much people want to know about AAC. Today I talked with BCBAs, LingLy Tan and Jane Button. LingLy is the CEO of AAC software company Linggo, created to build and encourage language beyond simple requests.
As I’ve mentioned many times, keeping up with the current research is one of the largest barriers for providers in the field. AAC is one element that is always changing, and it is so necessary to be aware of the latest information. During our conversation, LingLy and Jane shared some of their favorite research, including from some authors I’ve talked to on the podcast.
While software for AAC does matter, LingLy highlights that it is a much smaller piece compared to the training to actually teach and use AAC. In fact, Linggo is working on a new training program, where they streamline the translation and application of current research into implementation with AAC with both live hands on options and self paced recordings.
Be sure to take a look at the articles and previous episodes all about the current research on AAC.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
How to stay up to date with current technology and research in AAC?
An AAC software focused on expanding language beyond simple requests.
Recommended articles for the latest research in AAC.
Linggo’s new training to embed research and implementation when teaching AAC.
This Episode features a pre-recorded ASHA Mini Training on Gestalt Language Processing. Gestalt is a hot topic in the speech therapy and ABA worlds, and today I focus on what research is available, what we do not yet know, AND how we can collaborate with teams when we have opposing views, whatever those may be.
Gestalt is a multi word chunk that a speaker hears, uses, and stores as a whole before having knowledge or awareness of its internal structure, sometimes referred to as Delayed Echolalia or Scripting. In this training, you will find resources and guides to the information available on gestalt. The truth is, it’s complicated! But I also provide a guide to being a critical consumer of information.
So what do Gestalt and traditional therapy have in common? In their simplest form, good therapy practices.
Building a genuine connection with the child and following their lead interests
Noticing and honoring communication attempts and their underlying functions
Building on the current language system with individualized, meaningful targets
Tapping into caregivers' expertise and working collaboratively
Inclusion of self-regulation and sensory strategies as needed for the individual
Where it differs is how we approach assessment and some of the questions left without research or proven studies. At this point in time, there are no criteria for assessments in gestalt, no controlled studies for what therapy practices work best, a limited understanding of what Gestalt connects to in the brain, and no research on Gestalt with AAC. So how do we move forward? Critically consider the implications of shifts in your practice, question our (and others') assumptions, avoid repeating unproven claims as facts, and keep our individual clients in mind.
Throughout this training, I shared a variety of resources that you can find online via ASHA including articles from Marge LeBlanc, a team conflict article from Gregory Abell, and the upcoming article A systematic review of gestalt language processing interventions in children or adults with communication disability. If you’d like to hear another episode of Gestalt, you can check out #155 with Sari Risen.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What is Gestalt Language Processing?
What is robust research, and how do you become a critical consumer?
How to collaborate with teams with opposing views.
#174: Supporting Language and Literacy For Children With Complex Communication Needs with Dr. Elizabeth Biggs
30 Apr 2024
00:33:39
In my continued effort to bridge the gap between research and therapy, I had a great discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Biggs, assistant professor of special education. We discuss the power of Literacy in human connection. Even for children with complex communication needs, the need for literacy starts at birth (cue the baby shower gifts of everyone's favorite books), and it never stops!
In a study tracking around 40 families through the pandemic school year (20-21), Dr. Biggs and other researchers checked in on their journey of supporting their children's literacy and language learning. While many families expressed aspirations for their child's communication progress, a significant portion didn't prioritize literacy, perceiving their children as not ready or simply not giving it much thought.
Their research found that confidence in literacy acquisition varied greatly, often depending on the support from providers and teachers. They also looked at concerns regarding literacy, especially concerning the acquisition and utilization of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, with only a single family reporting a positive experience.
Literacy is reading, writing, speaking, listening, and expressing—each learned in intertwined manner and contributing to meaningful human connections. Dr. Biggs encourages a family-centered approach in your therapy whenever you can, emphasizing the need to equip and support families in nurturing literacy skills in their children. Ultimately, as Dr. Biggs states in our conversation, “Literacy is for ALL kids, not just some kids”.
Do you like episodes like this? Do you want to hear more about recent research and how you can implement it in your therapy room? Leave a review and let me know!
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
When is literacy and when does it start?
Understanding literacy in families, analyzing the research.
Who can learn literacy and language skills?
How can providers support learners and their families with literacy?
#173: The Importance of Compassion As a Provider with Dr. Jessica Rohrer
23 Apr 2024
00:30:23
As I continue to bridge the gap in research to the therapy room, I also see deficits in pre-service training that can make therapy a better experience for both providers and families.
Jessica Rohrer, BCBA-D, joins me to discuss her work with soft skills, using tools to measure and build compassion skills in the therapy room. Her research uses the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, a tool primarily used to check compassion in the medical field, as a pre and post measurement on the impact of compassionate skills training.
Dr. Rohrer developed the Compassionate Collaboration Tool as a checklist for provider self-reflection and a helpful next step to incorporating compassion skills in their therapy. The tool focuses on three skill sets in providers.
Basic interview skills: introductions, note taking, nodding, and back channeling.
Interest skills: asking and reflecting positivity on client interests and asking and reflecting caregiver priorities.
Joining with the family: empathy statements, normalizing skills, and partnering skills.
It can be easy to forget the emotional time our clients and their families may be experiencing when entering therapy, which is why it is crucial to focus on empathy and compassion in our basic skills for a positive experience. New clinicians may particularly experience more difficulty. If you’re looking for next steps to include compassion in your therapy, Dr. Rohrer reminds you to self-monitor and reflect, consider group behavior skills training, and remember that every client and every family will have varying needs for compassion.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Bridging the gap in research in the therapy room.
Why are compassion skills important in ABA?
Tools for measuring and reflecting on soft skills.
Next steps for incorporating compassion skills into your everyday therapy.
#172: They Have a Voice, Are We Listening? with Joe Veneziano and Dr. Shannon Shea
16 Apr 2024
00:30:32
The title of Joe Veneziano and Dr. Shannon Shea’s research article, They Have a Voice, Are We Listening?, caught my eye and I had to read it. These two BCBAs met at a Journal Club and connected over the need to shed light on the history and nuance of ABA and Behavior Analysis.
With the field growing and opinions of professionals being so diverse, educating incoming BCBAs on the history of behavior analysis is crucial. Their paper examines “indistinguishability” and its implications by defining “indistinguishable” in behavior analytic terms. They write about well known studies, such as the Lovaas seminal paper (1987). There are many critiques of ABA in the field and in the in the media today. Is it evil or bad? Is it perfect? Neither is true, but the field and practice of behavior analysis rely on the lens of the research you undertake.
Together, we discuss the importance of evaluating research critically and understanding the difference between pseudoscience and robust research. We also highlight the need for an emphasis on the underrepresented voices of autism, including queer individuals, POCs, and women.
Research and an open mind are crucial to the success of ABA and the impact it will have on individuals receiving it. As quoted in their article, “Go forward with empathy and cultural humility.”
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Understanding the history of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Evaluating research critically is necessary to get the best understanding.
#171: SLP Services in an ABA Setting- A conversation with Susan Browning
09 Apr 2024
00:24:19
After 2 decades of working in a clinical long term care setting as an SLP, Susan Browning was looking for something different amidst the pandemic. This change led her to her role in pediatric SLP in an ABA setting.
We discuss one of my favorite topics, collaboration. Susan, bursting with positive energy for the field, talks about how she worked to find her niche to collaborate and complement the work of the other providers and BCBAs in the clinic.
With the large scope that SLP spans in the field, it is such a nuanced science. Susan explains some of her interesting presentations coming up to show this large scope, and she draws comparisons from her long term care patients to her pediatric patients with the importance of blending cognition and language.
Enjoy this really positive conversation and check out the link to a special ABA Speech Connection CEU, SLP in an ABA Setting.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Featuring a member of the ABA Speech Connection.
Translating long-term care experience into an ABA role.
Finding your niche when SLPs and BCBAs collaborate.
#170: A Conversation with Maura Weis - A Family’s Autism Journey
02 Apr 2024
00:22:25
Maura Weis is the mother of two, a son and a daughter. The Weis family’s autism journey began when their youngest, Hannah, experienced early life difficulties, and then concerns with delays started occurring at 18 months.
Maura shares about their early experiences and her pediatrician visits. Even more concerns grew after a move due to her husband’s coaching career. As they worked through tests and possibilities, Hannah began school with an ABA program and received several diagnoses.
Maura wrote Miles From The Sideline: A Mother's Journey With Her Special Needs Daughter when her daughter was 8 years old as a resource for family members of families with special needs children. She also created the Hannah and Friends Family Foundation with her retired NFL and college football coach husband, Charlie Weis. Hannah, turning 29, now lives on the Hannah and Friends property in Indiana. There are 13 residents who have Daily Programs, Summer Camps, and After school activities. It’s a wide, open space to create a life.
Among her experiences and family's journey, Maura shares an important sentiment for families to embrace all experiences, even the difficult ones, because they are important learning opportunities for their children. You can find out more about Maura Weis and her foundation by reading her book, visiting the Hannah and Friends website, or on Facebook.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
What is Hannah and Friends Family Foundation?
Maura Weis’s book for family members of special needs families.
A family’s journey through autism and other special needs diagnoses.
#169: Raising a Child With a Disability with Kelley Coleman
26 Mar 2024
00:27:21
If you walk away with anything from today’s episode, let it be: It will get better. My guest, Kelley Coleman, is a mother of 2 and wrote the book she desperately needed when it came to navigating the extensive list of diagnoses for her youngest son. We discuss her book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide To the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports and the daunting overwhelm that comes with a disability diagnosis.
Being a parent or caregiver is difficult enough, but throw in a medical diagnosis, nuerodivergence, and, in Kelley’s case, many comorbidities and more questions than answers and you’ve got a recipe for distress. Kelley talks about how a big win for her family was the support and openness of their pediatrician, but not every provider is this way, and for many families, it can feel like no one is in your corner. If that's you, you will find so many resources and support in this book.
As we bring our talk to a close, Kelley ties up her multitude of knowledge and advice into this tip; Get started with something that will bring an easy victory! It is reassuring to see the fruit of your labor. Do the one thing, get the win and keep that system going.
Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide To the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports launched on March 12th. You can find it anywhere you buy books and ask your libraries to carry it too so that this amazing advice can reach as many families as possible.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
The daunting overwhelm that comes with a disability diagnosis.
A book to support parents and caregivers.
Advice on how to get through tough moments as a caregiver of an individual with disabilities.
#267: Start Your Own Practice with Finni Health with Bukhtar Khan
10 Feb 2026
00:22:19
Starting your own practice does not have to mean doing it all alone.
In today’s episode, I sat down with Bukhtar Khan, co-founder and CEO of Finni Health, to talk honestly about what it really looks like to start and grow an independent ABA practice. We talked about the fears BCBAs often have around finances, insurance, staffing, and burnout, and how Finni Health is built to support clinicians who want autonomy without sacrificing stability or ethics.
Bukhtar shares the heart behind Finni Health and why their work is so focused on reducing stress for clinicians, protecting quality care, and helping providers build sustainable practices that align with their “why.” If you have ever thought about starting your own clinic but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and a realistic look at what support can look like.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
The most common concerns BCBAs have about starting their own practice
How Finni Health supports clinicians with operations, billing, staffing, and compliance
The balance between entrepreneurship and financial security
Why knowing your “why” matters more than knowing every step
In the age of smartphones and tablets, video modeling is more accessible than it ever has been before. Dr. Teresa Cardon dives into the research on how effective video modeling is and how to move based on perceived barriers.
Video modeling research shows that learners respond faster than with live modeling and you can use it to teach a variety of skills including self help, play, and imitation. Dr. Cardon explains that most barriers providers find for video modeling, time or training, are based on a perception that video modeling is difficult or needs perfection. Studies show that the model in the video can be anyone as long as the desired skill is being modeled correctly, the age or connection to the client has no bearing on the success of the video model.
To get started, decide on your target skills or actions to be modeled. Pre-film the action (although Dr. Cardon mentions quick perception filming of your own hands works too), play for the client, provide the necessary items for the action, and the hardest part…keep quiet. Dr. Cardon mentions you can do as many as 5-10 video models per session with videos that are 20 to 40 seconds long.
Dr. Cardon’s advice for listeners is to just do the video model! Don’t let perceived barriers stop you from using this super effective evidence based practice.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Research and tips on the evidence based practice of video modeling.
What skills can video modeling teach?
How to use video modeling in your therapy session today.
#167: The Importance of Public Speaking In Healthcare with Dr. Breanne Hartley
12 Mar 2024
00:29:36
Whether you’re a keynote speaker or you’re attending a small group team meeting, front of the room speaking opportunities are abundant in the autism healthcare field. And they are mutually beneficial. Dr. Breanne Hartley is BCBA-D who is passionate about public speaking. These opportunities create an environment of learning, collaboration, and sharing ideas and thoughts.
Public Speaking Strategies for SLPs, BCBAs, and anyone with a front of the room opportunity:
Conceptualize any opportunity as a “front of the room” opportunity.
Be prepared. Consider what ideas you want to convey, plan key points with supporting material and real world examples
Ask yourself questions: How do you want the audience to think and feel?
Know your audience. Who are you talking to SLPs? BCBAs? Parents?
Study other public speakers in your field. What do you want to emulate and what do you want to avoid?
Have a back up plan. (Dr. Hartley’s pro tip - PRINT YOUR SLIDES!)
Sound and Memorable Concluding Remarks. Consider a quote or a call to action for your audience.
Along with these great tips, we also discuss Dr. Hartley’s work as the Chief Clinical Officer at UNIFI Autism Care. UNIFI is on a mission to level up autism care and create a unified experience between providers and clinicians for the benefit of the patient.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Finding opportunities for public speaking, big and small, as a provider
The mutual benefits of public speaking opportunities for providers and speakers.
#166: What Does An Advocate Do? A Conversation with April Rehrig
05 Mar 2024
00:29:49
Do you hear the word parent advocate and immediately anticipate a contentious IEP meeting with an US vs THEM mentality? It doesn’t have to be that way. April Rehrig is an advocate with over 20 years of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent in the public school system.
In our conversations, April explains how her philosophy is about reaching across the table to work together and resolve concerns. She is a virtual advocate working with clients across the country and offering an embedded coaching model with on-demand online courses, letter templates, and parent training. This model goes beyond advocacy and helps parents learn and understand how they can themselves advocate for their child.
Not everyone can afford an advocate, April affirms, which is one reason she provides coaching and training to empower parents for future IEP meetings. Most advocates are fee-based, but you can also find low-cost and sliding-scale options too. She shares some great insight when it comes to looking for an advocate, like understanding the difference between advocates, attorneys, and coaches. It’s important to know what you need and want with this support. April provides examples of questions to be sure to ask when finding the right fit.
There is a lot of value for parents and families as well as provider teams when it comes to providing advocacy support, especially when the goal for all is positivity and collaboration. If you like this episode and want to see more of this type of content, be sure to rate and review on Apple Podcasts.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
The value an advocate can bring to an IEP meeting.
How to resolve core concerns of the parents.
What’s the difference between an advocate, attorney, or coach?
#165: Increasing Comprehension Skills For Autistic Students
27 Feb 2024
00:23:23
When it comes to teaching comprehension to autistic learners, it can be difficult to know where to get started. This is an important skill leading to independent communication, and it’s crucial to have a robust system for teaching the skills.
I’m going over some of the foundational skills leading to comprehension. Labeling is a progressional skill that should start with the preferred terms of the learner, then onto more functional beyond the therapy room for their day to day life. Intraverbals and (to keep things simple) filling in the blanks are another skill that is a cornerstone of conversation and a foundation of comprehension learning. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Sundberg’s supplement that I discuss in this episode.
WH questions are a specific target to get started with in comprehension. You can get very specific with criteria and data when creating learning targets and IEP goals for this skill. You can teach this skill with visuals (I share a resource for this today too!) and very importantly, you can use WH questions to teach and generalize personal safety questions: What is your name? What is your guardian's name? What is your phone number? Etc.
There are great links and resources for you to check out today, so don’t miss those! And if you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to leave a review or reach out to me at ABAspeech.org with any questions.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
How to support a learner with struggling comprehension skills.
A robust system for teaching comprehension with autistic students.
Creating functional IEP goals for comprehension with WH questions.
#164: Accepting Different Opinions About Autism with Rachel Stotts
20 Feb 2024
00:32:19
*Alexa play Get Along by Kenny Chesney*
Rachel Stotts wrote the article, Accepting Different Opinions About Autism in the Nov/Dec issue of ASHA Leader. It is bright positive energy in a space that really needs it. She is an SLP and a mother of 4. Rachel’s passion for autism is so important professionally and personally, as she has her adult autistic son at home.
Rachel shares her thoughts on the controversy surrounding the autism puzzle piece. For her, autism is a puzzle—figuring out all the right support, services, and needs. When it comes to different opinions and information, she reminds us to listen, stay informed, and evaluate based on our values and knowledge. One person, one therapy, one anything—it just doesn't work in the autism population.
There is always someone offended, a trending opinion, or a hot button topic. So how do we navigate all of the information and opinions online and on social media? -Remember who you are in this industry for: It’s not about likes and validation; it's about making a difference in the child’s life. -Be cautious about the content you’re consuming. -Find community away from negative online spaces.
Unfortunately, not everyone is going to see eye to eye on interventions, but as long as we support people and the people supporting the people, we can find positivity and make a difference!
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
ASHA Leader Article: Accepting Different Opinions About Autism by Rachel Stotts.
#163: The Importance of Teaching Board Game Play To Young Children With Disabilities with Dr. Erin Barton
13 Feb 2024
00:27:52
Today we’re featuring more accessible research! We’re talking about a topic I am really passionate about; Modified Leisure with play, social skills, and joint attention all mixed in.
Dr. Erin Barton explains the research involved in her study, Teaching Board Game Play to Young Children With Disabilities. Her work focused on expanding play research from pretend play to play with peers, with an emphasis on the least amount of adult intervention. Dr. Barton makes an important note that every child deserves a 100% chance that they will have at least 1 chance for a positive interaction with their peers. Board game play is a naturally occurring chance for small group play with functionality that applies beyond the therapy room.
The children involved in the study had limited speech, developmental delays and required no peer aversions, specific motor skills related to game play, and the ability to follow one-step directions. They generalized board game play with visual cues and step by step guides among an array of games that were picked daily by rotating student choice. In the study, they found that after between 5 and 10 sessions, children were able to generalize and maintain the skill.
Dr. Barton also shares some tips that everyday clinicians can use today in the therapy room.
Cooperation focus: change games so they meet the needs of the child, they don't have to be the original win/lose function.
Adaptations: create visual cues and prompts that can become a part of the game and do not need to be faded.
Student interests: use games and interests the students enjoy to reinforce the process.
Did you like this episode? Let me know if you’d like more like this, and I'll keep bridging the gap between research and practice!
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Increasing chances for positive peer to peer interactions.
Generalizing board game play with cues and adaptations.
Supporting peer to peer interactions with play and limited adult intervention.
How to teach board game play for the everyday clinician.
“We have to see learners as a part of their community.” Brittany Schmidt, BCBA-SLP, explains a major point of the AAC Trial process, having the device be effective across all of the learners' environments and communication partners.
It’s hard to stay up to date and fully understand AAC when you’re not working with it on a regular basis. In this episode, Brittany shares some specific points and ideas when it comes to finding the right AAC device for a learner and avoiding device abandonment.
Over the years, there has been an incredible evolution of access. There is more affordability and availability of devices and applications with unique features that can be programmed for diverse learners. Ease and functionality, response and consequence changing, power words, and realistic goal setting are among some of the great points Brittany and I discuss.
You can find out more about Brittany through Thrive Clinical Solutions or reach out to her via email. Be on the lookout for her talk and CEUs on AAC through ABA Speech Connection.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Understanding the varying modes of intent to communicate, including problem behaviors.
Helping learners communicate across environments and partners.
The evolution of access to AAC.
Unique app features that can help a variety of learners needs.
#161: Teaching Children to Respond To Questions About the Past with Stephanie Gonzalez
30 Jan 2024
00:28:09
As a fellow busy SLP-BCBA, I know it's hard to keep up to date with research. That's why I’ve been combing through articles and inviting these researchers in our field on the podcast! I am on a mission to bridge the gap between research and practice.
Stephanie Gonzalez is a BCBA doctoral candidate at the University of Florida and the author of the article, Teaching Children to Respond to Questions About the Past: A Preliminary Analysis. While her research into this topic is ongoing, Stephanie and I had a great conversation about recall skills and how some may not see them as an available skill for their learners. The work she has done shows how this skill can be worked on alongside other important targets.
What did you do at school today? What did you do this weekend? What movie did you see? What toy did you play with? These are all valuable questions that recall the past and unlock conversations, especially for parents who want to know what their child is up to.
Using probe fading, Stephanie gradually builds a delay in recall, using differential reinforcements every time a learner correctly recalls. In fact, with the learners she's worked with, she has surprisingly built the 30 minute recall very quickly. Stephanie explains the base skills her learners have and how others may build this into their treatment package.
Be sure to read Stephanie’s article and stay tuned for more important research made accessible!
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Bridging the gap between research and practice.
Research making recall skills available to learners.
How to use probe fading to increase recall conversations with clients.
#160: School Based BCBAs- A Conversation with Dr. Bruce Tinor
23 Jan 2024
00:25:57
While schools in the past have focused on a consultative model when it comes to BCBAs, it has become a growing trend in the field for schools to hire a district wide BCBA of their own. When you move from a consultant to an actual school employee this opens up a lot of room for dialogue. BCBA, Dr. Bruce Tinor joins me to chime in with this conversation.
Dr. Tinor agrees that hiring BCBAs is the right step but just one is not enough. There are certain roles in a school where 1 overseer is enough, but being an effective BCBA requires a lot of hands-on work and direct contact. If you do find yourself in the daunting task of being your district's only BCBA, Dr. Tinor has some great tips to systematically attack and support your school. Even if you are the only BCBA employee of the school, find a community to collaborate and share knowledge and support.
Along with all of his wisdom and insight for active school based BCBAs, he shares some advice that applies to even new BCBAs wherever they may land. Pair with your clients. This might mean students, parents, or even other staff but when you have paired up and built rapport, success and trust will follow.
#159: Compassionate and Instructional Services- A Discussion With Dr. Erik Jacobson
16 Jan 2024
00:26:55
Joining me from Upstate Caring Partners is Dr. Erik Jacobson. The agency works with a large population of individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Upstate CP is focused on changing lives with compassionate care.
During our conversation, Dr. Jacobson discusses how Upstate CP has reflected on their previous caretaking model, evaluating hand over hand crafts and goals that don’t last the lifespan. They have transitioned into an instructional model that builds strong relationships and creates a safe environment in a dignified way.
Dr. Jacobson shares how their staffing and teams have changed, starting with hiring their very first BCBA in 2019. With a focus on making their program less like school and more like life, they are making lasting changes that are going to positively impact the individuals in their care for life. You can find more about Upstate Caring Partners on their website.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What is Upstate Caring Partners?
Transitioning from a caretaking model to an instructional model.
How to build strong relationships and create a safe environment in a dignified way.
#266: Lessons of Leadership and Advocacy with Rayni McMahon
03 Feb 2026
00:27:44
Stepping into your first leadership role can feel overwhelming, and navigating autism services as a parent can feel even harder, even when you’re already in the field.
In this episode, I sat down with Rayni McMahon for a powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and what happens when your professional world and personal life collide. We talked about what it really feels like to move from clinician to administrator, why so many professionals feel unprepared for leadership roles, and the one thing that can make that transition feel more manageable. Rayni shared practical, honest insights about mentorship, managing people, setting boundaries, and learning to lead with both confidence and compassion.
We also spent time talking about advocacy from a deeply personal lens. Rayni opened up about her experience as a BCBA navigating the system as a parent of an autistic child and how being “in the know” did not make accessing services easier. Her perspective highlights just how complex and exhausting the system can be, even for professionals, and why empathy, persistence, and advocacy matter so much for families.
This conversation is thoughtful, relatable, and full of takeaways for anyone who is stepping into leadership, supporting teams, or advocating for children and families within our field.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
How to navigate the transition from clinician to leader without burning out
Why mentorship and leadership support are critical in growing organizations
The realities of advocating for autism services, even as a professional
Lessons on balancing leadership, boundaries, and empathy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (or training), also known largely as ACT, is a relatively new premise in the field of ABA. Kate Nasuti who has been a BCBA for over a decade and in the field of ABA for 20+ years, joins me to discuss this important topic.
Kate shares her experience learning about ACT and how it's benefited her personally, even comparing “ACT Boot Camp” to a yoga retreat. It’s that impactful. She uses this technique now with parents and providers, giving access to this incredible therapy via coaching with individuals who would not otherwise benefit from ABA.
We go through some of the core processes of ACT: Mindfulness, Diffusion, Committed Action, Self as context, Values, and Acceptance. Kate describes some of these in detail, like Value Clarification. She uses this really beautiful quote from Michelangelo on his sculpture of David, “I just chipped all the way through the parts that aren’t David ''...to reveal that for clarification of our own values, we must just remove all the values that aren't ours.
Kate shares a ton of great resources, like the ACT course available on PRAXIS and Dr. Steven C. Hayes’ book, The Liberated Mind. ACT is such a beneficial addition to the science of ABA that I really encourage everyone to learn more!
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What is ACT?
What are the 6 core processes of ACT?
Who can benefit from ACT?
Where to find more information and resources on ACT.
#157: Replay Episode - The Importance of Comprehension Skills with Dr. Merrill Winston
02 Jan 2024
00:37:56
Replay: Episode 107
As SLPs and BCBAs, we are tasked with teaching comprehension to our learners, but do they really understand these skills? Dr. Merrill Winston joined me to discuss not only reading comprehension but comprehension in everyday life and the building block skills to be successful.
What is comprehension?
Whether you're reading a book or listening to a statement, there are 3 markers for comprehension.
Repeat it.
Follow the Directions or Instructions within it.
Talk about it.
Dr. Winston and I get into the nitty gritty of that last marker and talk about it when it comes to comprehension of daily life. He says that a major prerequisite for reading comprehension is comprehending their day. You can check this by having your learner sequence, or "serieate," their day. (First I did this, then I did this, then we did that…)
With this skill, students are pulling information from the past and making a time reference. You can practice by working in smaller increments, like the last hour even. This doesn't have to be verbal; it can be in pictures or icons as well! But the important thing is to ask those questions!! Students may not be able to serialize their day simply because they aren't being asked these questions.
We also talk about goal setting and realistic expectations. If you're considering setting a comprehension goal for your learner, Dr. Winston says to be sure to ask: What is the end goal? Where is this skill going to take them? Every skill you spend time on should have a goal that extends across the lifespan and opens more doors and opportunities. He even goes as far as to say that working on a goal for too long without progress is careless!
This was such a great chat with a leader in the field of ABA, and I hope you found it helpful!
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What does comprehension really mean?
How should providers be working on comprehension?
What is “seriating your day” and why is it important?
#156: Replay Episode - Joint Attention For Toddlers
26 Dec 2023
00:22:27
Replay: Episode 105
I love talking about joint attention, but a lot of my ideas and strategies in my courses may feel like they are geared toward older preschool age students. My tips today are for the youngest learners, toddlers age 2 to 3. Joint attention is an important foundational skill and it is never too early to get started with these strategies!
3 Ways to Get Started with Joint Attention with Your Toddler Today
Books Books are the lifeline for learning and sharing activities and time with our little ones. For these young learners, when reading use a positive, energetic voice. Try using board books and interactive books with flaps. With your own child, make a goal to embed at least 15 minutes to read and interact with a book everyday! Some of my favorites: Huggy Kissy and the Llama Llama series
Songs Use YOUR Voice. Learn songs with motions to sing with your toddler. If toddlers aren't speaking they can join in by using the gestures and doing the motions as you sing. You can also use visuals like toys that match the song or printed visuals from my TPT store for early intervention songs. Some of my favorites: Wheels on the Bus, 5 Little Monkeys, Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald
Play Playing with toddlers is so fun and you never know what they will love and enjoy. Focus on not asking questions but just modeling simple language and narrating the activity. Some of my favorites: Bubbles, Sensory Bins, Cars with Tracks
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
3 ways you can work on joint attention at home today!
Joint attention strategies for toddlers.
Tips and tricks for embedding joint attention work in your day to day.
How to read books, sing songs, and play with your child to assist with joint attention.
#155: What Is Gestalt Language Processing? with Sari Risen
19 Dec 2023
00:27:53
GLP – Gestalt Language Processing, is taking social media by storm. BCBAs and SLPs alike are talking about it… But should it be something we follow and jump into without question? Dually Certified SLP-BCBA Sari Risen joins me to discuss her findings on GLP along with some warnings.
So what is GLP? It is basically a distinction against NLA – Natural Language Acquisition, in which NLA individuals learn by developing single words and increasing over time, whereas GLP individuals have longer and longer utterances and develop single words over time. Sari uses the example of a toddler who says “ohh da do” [meaning open the door] will eventually learn the words open, the, and door but would start with the longer utterance before knowing the words individually.
Sari took Marge Blanc's 15 hour course on the topic and explained the history of GLP when Dr. Ann Peters made this distinction between NLA and GLP in the 70s. While information on Gestalt is available, it is mostly anecdotal, with very few official studies or evidence.
Educate yourself so that you can understand and explain GLP when and if parents ask. Sari and I warn practitioners to think critically about the strategies and theories they use and not to follow something just because of social media.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What is Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)?
Natural Language Acquisition vs Gestalt Language Processing.
Should BCBAs be using GLP?
What information and evidence is available about GLP.
It can be hard to stay up to date on research when you’re busy working with clients. That’s why I love being able to take these important topics and break them down into bite-sized chunks! Today, Landon Cowan, a Doctoral Candidate at Marquette University, shares with me his work on the research article, A Decision-Making Tool for Evaluating and Selecting Prompting Strategies.
I think sometimes it can be difficult to see the importance of basic ideas, so we break some of these ideas down to their core. Landon defines a prompt as anything that elicits a desirable response. These are as simple as vocal modeling, visual cues, and gestures, and they are even more frequently used in everyday life with digital alerts and sticky notes.
As we discuss the types of prompting and the need for relevant prompting strategies, Landon discusses common inconsistencies and cautions for some prompting. Always holding the final goal in view. The research article includes some really helpful flowcharts to help guide and make data-based decisions on prompting strategies that are relevant to your learner. Landon explains the charts and the other supplemental resources available that can not only assist therapists but can also aid in staff training for a consistent understanding of prompting.
Be sure to check out the full article and find Landon on Research Gate and LinkedIn for questions and to follow his other work. Did you like this episode? Please let me know if you want more easy-to-consume research content and what other topics you’d like to hear about!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
What is a prompt?
What types of prompts are available to use?
How to make data based decisions for prompting strategies.
#153: Compassionate Care: A Discussion with Dr. Bridget Taylor
05 Dec 2023
00:30:58
“Fell in love with teaching; fell in love with watching him learn." That's a quote from my guest, Dr. Bridget Taylor. She has a long list of accomplishments, among them being a BCBA and Licensed Psychologist. She shares about her journey into the field and something she has noticed changed since conference early in her career in the 90s.
At the time, the ABA profession was still growing, and conferences she spoke at were attended more by parents, with this momentum driven by families who wanted information to help their children. Now, parents are still an equal part of the process as ever, but those seats are filled by professionals who need to then transfer information, support, and training over to these families.
We discuss some of the work she has done in this area, including parent training and particularly compassionate care and relationship building. She points out a familiar phrase: ‘People don't care how much you know unless you show how much you care’. This really speaks to the way relationships with families create buy-in, collaboration, and ultimately more positive outcomes for the client.
Dr. Taylor describes compassion as empathy in action. She explains that it requires endurance through uncomfortable feelings and an emphasis on listening during those times so that you can understand and support families. As we close, she shares her recommendations on how clinicians can better help parents by attending training, reading articles, seeking mentorship, and truly practicing listening as a skill.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
The shift in knowledge seeking conferences since the 90s.
What can clinicians do to help parents?
What is compassionate care when it comes to parent conversations?
#152: Early Intervention and Supporting Parents with Dr. Tracy Raulston
28 Nov 2023
00:27:05
Family and parent support and education are so important, especially when it comes to our youngest learners. Today, I am talking with Dr. Tracy Raulston. She is such a bright spot in the field, with so much information to spread and a great project in the works.
Dr. Raulston helps me discern the difference between Natural Environment Training and NDBI. When we are working with young learners in early intervention, play-based therapy is so crucial. Dr. Raulston explains how NDBI utilizes developmentally based instruction and strategies with child development front and center. Providers using NDBI are using protocols focusing on social connection, sensory exploration, and speech milestones.
The Mindful Routines Project is Dr. Raulston's initiative to provide clear and seamless tools to support parents and families. Being a parent is hard, and parents of autistic children are at an increased risk of stress. This project embeds mindful tools like noticing and validating thoughts and feelings without judgment and encourages parents to be more compassionate with themselves. As Dr. Raulston builds this project, she anticipates an 8-week curriculum for BCBA’s providing family guidance.
Families and parents are our learners' biggest influences and advocates. It is so great to hear about more awareness and tools for BCBAs to work to support these important members of our community.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
How providers can support families and parents.
Are parents of autistic children at risk of increased stress?
What is the Mindful Routines Project?
What is the difference between Natural Environment Training and NDBI?
#151: The Journey of Raising an Autistic Child with Profound Autism with Jeannette Passanisi
21 Nov 2023
00:26:51
When Jeannette Passanisi landed on my TikTok For You Page (‘the FYP’ if you’re familiar with the popular social media platform), I knew I had to have her on the show. Jeannette is a mom of 3, with her youngest son, Robbie, being autistic.
Jeannette shares his developmental delays, swept aside early on as being the baby of the family; however, she soon realized he was not developing like her older girls and sought advice. Eventually leading to a diagnosis of PDD NOS at age 4. At the time, autism diagnoses were harder to get, especially at a young age. During our conversation, she shares how his diagnosis changed in 2017 to level 3 autism and, more recently, to more profound autism.
Having a profoundly autistic son requires a lot of direct care. As Jeannette mentions his lack of sleep, tendencies to rage pace, and other behaviors, Robbie needs to always be accompanied and needs assistance with a lot of daily tasks. Jeannette is also Robbie's #1 advocate, always making sure that he receives the best quality and most positive therapy techniques. She provides great examples of how she advocates for her son.
“Everyone has the ability to improve at their own pace” is just one gem from Jeannette’s and my talk. You can learn more about her family and autism journey on TikTok @Running4Robbie.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
A mother sharing her autism journey on TikTok.
Seeing signs of autism at age 4.
How availability and quality of diagnosis has changed over time.
Navigating and advocating therapy services for older autistic children and adults.
#150: Early Intervention and Autism with Dr. Mary Barbera
14 Nov 2023
00:42:03
Here we are at episode 150! I am so happy to be here sharing and disseminating this important information with you every week. To celebrate this milestone, my favorite guest, friend, mentor, and colleague, Dr. Mary Barbera, joins me.
If you’re not familiar with her amazing work, she shares her remarkable journey into the autism world. Working as a nurse and starting her family, her world and purpose changed when her oldest son Lucas was diagnosed with autism just before his 3rd birthday. She went from a mom in denial to a BCBA, author, online educator, and podcast host on a mission to create awareness and help parents and families with autistic children get the best outcomes for their children.
We cover a really important topic in early intervention... Is it a speech delay or autism? She breaks down the procedures necessary to get started when you’re working with a child who is not yet speaking. When it comes to her Turn Autism Around Framework, the first step is Asses. She advises assessing the child’s Expressive & Receptive Language (verbal and nonverbal), as well as feeding and sleeping habits.
Mary Barbera really encourages parents to be the “Captain of the Ship”. Parents are a child's best advocate, and she has an abundance of tools and resources for parents via her Turn Autism Around book, Online Courses and Community, and her new digital assessment. Her goal is to help every child reach their fullest potential while being as safe, happy, and independent as possible.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
How to get started with Early Intervention?
Tools and Resources for parents of autistic children.
A new digital assessment for your child.
What is the Turn Autism Around Framework?
Tips for parents to take action and become the captain of the ship.
#149: The Importance Of Ethics With Dr. Linda LeBlanc
07 Nov 2023
00:25:25
Things are bound to happen. Whether you are a new or seasoned provider, you will surely encounter an ethical dilemma. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and BCBA-D, Dr. Linda LeBlanc, is on to talk about the importance of ethics, provider values, and her new book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts.
For many, your position in the field of ABA is the first professional role where you are officially responsible for the outcome of a vulnerable person. Your personal underlying values are important to decision making when it comes to the code of ethics. Ethical situations in this field can bring questions to boundaries and relationships appropriate for the role.
The first response to an ethical situation is often a gut response. But Dr. LeBlanc poses the idea of how providers can be proactive in their ethical framework before specific ethical dilemmas even arise. She explains the big picture of her up and coming book in three parts that will cover history, values, and personal behavior, a dissection of each section of the ethics code, and practical everyday management of ethics.
Following the code of ethics is not about perfection; it is about being planned, intentional, and thoughtful in a way that protects you and your client. You can find out more about Dr. Linda LeBlanc at her website and read a preview of her book at Sloan Publishing.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
How new providers may encounter ethical dilemmas.
The underlying values and personal decision making behind the ethical code.
A framework for proactive ethical management.
Dr. Lina LeBlanc’s book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts
Prompting AAC is abuse? Let’s talk about that and a few other AAC conversations that keep coming up again and again.
In today’s solo episode, I’m diving into five hot topics in AAC that have been surfacing repeatedly in my recent calls, trainings, and collaboration meetings. After more than 20 years as a speech therapist and being dually certified as a BCBA, I’ve seen how confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes divisive AAC conversations can become. I also remember very clearly when AAC felt intimidating to me too.
This episode is about cutting through the noise, grounding ourselves in research, and having better, more collaborative conversations about AAC. I share real scenarios clinicians are facing right now, from AAC evaluations that drag on far too long to device access barriers to strong opinions about prompting that simply don’t align with the science. My goal is to help you feel more confident, more informed, and better equipped to advocate for your students and clients.
Whether you’re newer to AAC or have years of experience, these topics matter. AAC is a student’s voice, and we have a responsibility to protect, support, and expand it in thoughtful, ethical ways.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why AAC evaluations should be thorough, but not take nine months, and what may be going wrong when they do
How to approach parent-purchased devices, including those bought online, with collaboration instead of fear
The ongoing core versus fringe vocabulary debate, and why research supports using both
Why prompting is a teaching tool, not abuse, and how misinformation can harm collaboration and progress
#148: 5 Mistakes I Have Made Working With Autistic Students
31 Oct 2023
00:22:25
As an SLP - BCBA working in the field for the last two decades, I have certainly made mistakes and learned along the way. Today I am sharing my top 5 mistakes and what I would do differently. Because when we know better, we do better.
1. Yes/No Questions – working on this too early is not productive; it is important but requires a much higher level language! 2. Not setting specific goals on Joint Attention - Good providers have these opportunities naturally, but it's necessary to set specific goals and specific focus using the three-part framework - Books, Music, and Play! 3. JARGON - using too much professional jargon is not the right move unless you’re talking to ONLY other members of your profession. Ethically, you need to use words that are understandable by all! 4. The term “Red Flags” - in reference to autism “Red Flags” have a negative connotation. Use language that supports your learners; try language like “Signs” or “Characteristics”. 5. Eye Contact as a goal - while eye contact can be a helpful skill, it's not directly important to communication and will often be a natural by-product of focusing on joint attention.
In a world where 1 in 36 individuals has autism, we have to be striving to support autistic learners in every way we can.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Top 5 Mistakes when working with autistic students.
Changing your language to support autistic learners.
Why you shouldn't use jargon in IEP meetings.
Are Yes/No questions important?
How to set goals for joint attention.
Can eye contact be a by-product of other communication goals?
Enjoy this free training from my new series, Communication Without Limits. In this presentation, I am providing an introduction to AAC.
AAC is a powerful tool that can help learners communicate and find their voice for the very first time. I share a personal story from my career where AAC did just that. What an amazing feeling!
I cover important information to support SLPs-BCBAs such as the Communication Bill of Rights, as well as who to turn to for support when it comes to finding devices, programs, and collaborating in your district or center. Utilizing an AAC requires a team; this is the learners voice and everyone has to be on the same page, including SLPs, BCBAs, OTs, Teachers, Parents, etc.
How do you know you need an AAC? I go over the steps of a comprehensive assessment involving Case History, Ecological Inventory, Self-Report, and Sensory-Motor Status. Once you’ve determined the need for AAC, you need to determine the system that will optimize communication for your learner. This is an important feature matching process where, as the provider, you determine access, language systems, and the materials or devices appropriate for the learner.
I hope you continue to tune in to future free training on important topics in ABA. To stay in the loop, receive more in depth training and tutorials, and connect with other professionals, consider joining the ABA Speech Connection Membership.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
What is AAC?
An introduction and guide for SLP-BCBAs in AAC.
What is involved in a comprehensive assessment for AAC?
#146: Early Intervention and Project Impact with Anna Dvortcsak and Dr. Brook Ingersoll
17 Oct 2023
00:20:17
My guests today, Anna Dvortsak and Dr. Brook Ingersoll, are the creators of Project ImPACT, an important initiative in the field to provide access for parent coaching and train parents for a collaborative approach to therapy.
Project ImPACT is a systemic approach to parent mediated intervention for parents of young children with social communication delays, with or without a diagnosis. This parent coaching teaches parents to work with their children to create relevant skills and goals for their community and needs in four main targets; Social Engagement, Communication, Imitation, and Play.
There are many programs and systems that may not be attainable for some providers. Anna and Dr. Ingersoll have worked to make this an accessible program with an easy to follow and systemic coaching guide. For those who want more training with Project ImPACT is available but not required.
Collaboration is such an important part of a young child's intervention, not just with providers but with their family and their community. That’s why Anna and Dr. Ingersoll created this program with a holistic view of a child's needs beyond the therapy room, with strategies parents can implement daily.
You can find out more about Project ImPACT by visiting their website.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What is Project ImPACT?
How Anna Dvortscak and Dr. Ingersoll created a parent curriculum.
#145: Early Echoic Skills with Dr. Barbara E. Esch
10 Oct 2023
00:40:08
As a member of the field, you have probably heard of and used the VB-MAPP. Today I am talking to Dr. Barbara Esch, who is an experienced contributor to the field as an SLP and BCBA-D, as well as the author of the EESA, a part of the VB-MAPP.
Dr. Esch recently released the “New EESA”, the Early Echoic Skills Assessment and Program Planner. She explains the changes and the reasoning behind them.
The EESA is not about articulation, as it is primarily focused on Early Speech Learners. This assessment and planner is about how well an individual can repeat what they hear with the criteria: the number of syllables 1 to 6, different numbers of consonants, and different numbers of vowels.
In the new EESA you will find 5 groups of increasingly complex syllables within the Guide and Protocol books. These also include FAQ, Translations, and a Work Packet. In the work packet, the administrator will analyze skill levels and utilize the program planning guidance.
It’s always important to me to keep things FUNctional. Dr. Esch and I discuss the importance of choosing the write targets and the write syllables for words of things our learners like and would need access to.
As creator of the EESA, Dr. Barbara Esch has had a hand in thousands of learners' development of verbal speech. You can utilize this tool whether you're an SLP, BCBA, Parent, Caretaker or anyone finding themselves responsible for teaching vocal speech!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Dr. Barbara Esch’s contribution to the field of ABA.
The EESA versus the Early Echoic Skills Assessment and Program Planner.
What is syllable complexity and why does it matter?/
#144: Creating a Positive Work Atmosphere with Dr. Ellie Kazemi
03 Oct 2023
00:27:01
Have you ever been in a position where you’ve only seen your supervisor or administrator when there is conflict? Dr. Ellie Kazemi, behavior analyst and keynote speaker, joins me to discuss the work environment and how to build a positive work atmosphere, whether that’s in an ABA clinic or in a school based setting.
What is crucial to a positive atmosphere? Shared values and open communication. These important ideals come up over and over again throughout Dr. Kazemi's and my discussion. In order for teams to feel appreciated, psychologically safe, and have the desire for growth, they need administration and colleagues that promote transparency, shared values, and a framework to train resiliency for the ever changing systems.
If you’re a supervisor or administrator listening, consider how often and how naturally you’re making yourself available for conversations with your team. Dr. Kazemi emphasizes the point that there needs to be consistent, visible support from leadership.
Without these ideals, providers can face burnout, and even worse, the client can suffer. At the end of the day, we all want to make a difference and provide the best outcomes for our clients. The first step is creating a positive atmosphere for providers.
You can find Dr. Ellie Kazemi on her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Top tips for creating a positive work environment.
The importance of shared values and open communication in any organization.
How to cultivate psychological safety.
The impact of the work environment on growth and investment in the mission.
The importance of supervisor and administrative visibility.
How do you know if your therapy is working? Data collection is an important aspect of therapy to analyze goals and student improvement. During my 20 years of public school experience, I once had my data subpoenaed! It might be rare, but it CAN happen, so you want to be prepared.
Depending on your student goals and program, the way you collect data may differ. For some students, it may be appropriate to cold probe and collect discontinuous data with other continuous trials may be necessary. I explain how I use Google Forms to create digital data tracking for whichever need you have, which you can even attach to your Google Calendar to appear when you’re working with each student.
When it comes to paper data, many teachers and therapists create a data binder. For me, I like to include a calendar template, IEP goals and objectives, and then the various data sheets and task lists.
Consistently tracking data is crucial for your students and for yourself when it comes to creating progress reports, discussing progress in meetings, and even in the event the court may subpoena your data, like they did for me. Be sure to check out all of the resources I discussed today so that you can make your data collection habits organized and efficient.
As we enter the beginning of the school year, I want to go over my 20 years of experience in the field to discuss service delivery models in a school based setting. Our goal is always to support students in the best way possible, and the best way to do this is through an individualized approach to service delivery.
Depending on your learners needs, there are a variety of models you can consider. The need for these can depend on goals, age, needs, and the school environment.
1 on 1 in office
1 on 1 in the classroom
2 on 1 in the office or common space
Large group/ whole classroom
Small structured group
Monthly/Quarterly check ins
Team Consults
Parent Observation
BCBA Consults
The best way to make the biggest difference is to embed communication across the learners day and lifespan. From preschool to high school and beyond, service needs will vary greatly. The only thing that is constant is that EVERY student will need individualization.
Begin the new school year by building rapport, writing amazing goals, and getting to know everyone on your learners team!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Common service delivery models for autistic learners.
How to decide the best service delivery model for your student.
Working in this field, whether as an SLP, BCBA, or both, can be isolating, and meeting CEU requirements can be overwhelming and feel pointless. The Autism Connection CEU Membership is a professional development community to help SLPs and BCBAs make meaningful progress with autistic learners. Those already a part of the community have called it a positive space to learn and grow.
What can you expect from the membership? -Every new member will receive 1 on 1 onboarding with me, Rose Griffin. -A path tailored for seasoned professionals and those brand new to the field. -Monthly live ASHA and ACE approved CEUs. -Monthly Live Q&A. -A cataloged CEU library.
Expect to see topics such as Group Therapy, AAC Assessments, Navigating IEPs with Ethics and Confidence, The Power of Joint Attention, Goal Setting Across the Lifespan, and I will also be leading an Intro to ABA series.
This membership community is launching NOW! Join before September 19th, during the founders launch, and receive these benefits: -Free Advanced Language Learner Course – $297 value -Join Annual for $197 first year + Double Up and Leisure Vocabulary Game - 35% savings -Join Monthly for $20 for the first 6 months and $30 per month for the following months.
I cannot wait to have you a part of our community so that together we can make the most difference in our autistic clients' lives.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
What is the Autism Connection Membership?
What kind of CEU topics will the membership include?
Great deals for Founding Members.
Real reviews from members of the Autism Connection Membership Community.
Today I am talking to a “unicorn”. Ashley Whitaker is one of the 505 (at the time of this recording) dually certified SLP/BCBAs! Ashley has been in the field for 10 years and shares her path to certification.
Ashley started her undergrad with the idea to become a teacher after a lifelong passion for helping kids learn. When her roommate suggested a course in speech, the rest was history. Shortly after her career began, she was exposed to ABA and began her journey to BCBA certification.
As prep for the exam, Ashley recorded herself reading The Cooper Book summaries and relistened to them during her commute, as well as taking mock exams and using the ABA Wizard App. If you're listening and interested in becoming a BCBA, remember that the requirements are always changing, so be sure to download the BCBA handbook for the latest information.
I actually met Ashley through ABA Speech, and she is a part of the new ABA Speech Connection CEU Membership. Her experience has shown it is a like minded group of professionals and a collaborative community. With the membership, Ashley has found a place to ask questions and learn in a non judgmental space.
As always, I want you to leave this episode with actionable tips to use in your therapy room. Listen to the end to see how Ashley uses Essentials for Living as a framework in her practice.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
The career path of an SLP/BCBA.
Study and prep for the BCBA exam.
What is the ABA SPEECH Connection CEU Membership?
Tips for using frameworks in your everyday practice.
#139: Autism and Insurance Coverage- A Discussion with Lorri Unumb
29 Aug 2023
00:22:57
My guest today, Lorri Unumb needs no introduction. Lorri is a mother of three, an autism mom, a lawyer, an autism advocate, and an absolute dynamo in the field. Be sure to check out her long list of achievements in the guest bio for this episode!
We are talking about something so important and impactful for families everywhere who have an autism diagnosis: insurance. In 2003 when Lorri’s youngest, Ryan, was diagnosed ABA was not a covered treatment even though it was evidence based and crucial to his opportunity to reach his highest potential. Full time ABA therapy for Ryan’s needs would run $70,000+ annually. And they weren't the only family dealing with this.
While Lorri’s family could make it work, paying full price for therapy was not ideal and for some families this would simply not be possible. So in 2005 she got to work writing a bill that would require insurance coverage for all evidence based autism treatments to include ABA. And after a 2 year journey what became known as “Ryan’s Law” was passed in 2007. Autism Speaks reached out to employ Lorri and she then spent the next decade replicating this law across the country, finally passing in the 50th state in 2019.
Lorri also shares about her role in the Council for Autism Service Providers, a collaborative organization of providers working and learning together from across the country. And as an autism mom herself she has some great advice for parents facing new diagnosis: “It gets better”.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
How insurance for autism treatment has changed in the last 20 years.
What is Ryan’s Law?
The impact of high cost and uncovered autism treatment for families.
#264: Fostering Belonging In Autistic Individuals with Dr. Kathleen Dyer, Dr. Anna Linnehan and Dr. Mary Jane Weiss
20 Jan 2026
00:29:03
In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Dr. Kathleen Dyer, Dr. Anna Linnehan, and Dr. Mary Jane Weiss for a powerful conversation around their article Fostering Belonging in Autistic Individuals. This was actually the first time I’ve had three guests on the podcast at once, and it felt like the perfect conversation to mark that milestone.
We spent time unpacking the difference between inclusion and true belonging and why simply being “in the room” does not always mean someone feels connected or accepted. As behavior analysts and speech-language pathologists, we’ve made incredible progress with access, inclusion, and participation, but this conversation challenged us to take a deeper look at the quality of those experiences.
We talked about what happens when autistic individuals are included but don’t feel they belong, the emotional toll of masking and camouflaging, and the very real systemic barriers that still exist for autistic adults. I also loved hearing how this work grew from their experiences in higher education and from listening closely to autistic individuals and families who shared that they often had to create their own communities.
What really stood out to me was how much this conversation aligns with compassionate, individualized care. Belonging looks different for everyone, and if we’re not asking about it, observing it, and building it into our assessments and interventions, we’re missing something essential. This episode felt like an invitation for our field to stretch, reflect, and evolve, and I’m so grateful to these three leaders for helping start that dialogue.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
The difference between inclusion and true belonging, and why access alone is not enough
How masking and camouflaging impact mental health and long-term well-being
Barriers autistic adults face in education, employment, and community participation
Practical ways clinicians can keep belonging at the center of assessment and intervention
#138: Restrictive and Repetitive Behavior with Dr. Jonathan Fernand
22 Aug 2023
00:44:52
Have you ever had a client exhibit behaviors that you just don’t know how to approach? Dr. Jonathan Fernand has had experiences in the field across many settings that aid in his understanding on intervening with restrictive and repetitive behaviors.
Restrictive and repetitive behaviors can mean a variety of behaviors, from high order (compulsive and ritualistic) to low order (self injurious and vocal/motor stereotypy). But when do these behaviors warrant intervention?
Dr. Fernand reminds us that while every decision is contextual and depends solely on the individual, there are factors that contribute to deciding on the intervention process. Consider safety, health and wellness, community, and other lifespan barriers as indicators for intervention. Prioritize the need for intervention and differing methods with changes in skills and interests. It’s also important to note that not all restrictive and repetitive behaviors need to be at zero levels if they can be enjoyed appropriately.
This conversation is great for SLPs, who are often in situations where they feel like they are calling in the BCBA when things have gone too far wrong and can maybe do more to intervene preventatively. Dr. Fernand, like me, is an advocate for lifelong learning. He urges professionals to access a network of resources and lean on colleagues and mentors to learn and grow.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
What are Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors?
What does it mean for behavior to become a barrier to behavior?
What behaviors warrant intervention?
What are high and low order behaviors?
Prioritizing and revisiting the best intervention process.
Making contextual decisions for every client and behavior.
#137: ABA as A Science Of Love and Change with Dr. Shahla Alai-Rosales and Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe
15 Aug 2023
00:39:23
Get ready for an inspiring episode. I chatted with Dr. Shahla Alai-Rosales and Peggy Heinkel-Wolfe, who co-authored the book Responsible and Responsive Parenting in Autism: Between Now and Dreams.
This comes from Dr. Alai-Rosales’ extensive professional career and over 4 years of experience in the field, as well as Peggy’s personal experience as an Autism mom. The book binds together responsive parenting into three parts: Learning, Loving, and Connecting.
We discuss a philosophy prominent in the book, ABA, as a science of love and change. Dr. Alai-Rosales explains the deep care and concern required to work with an individual when trying to change behavior. Being a provider, you must harmonize the process of change with your deep regard for human rights and the individual you’re responsible for.
For professionals, these two share some insight into how to cultivate genuine kindness and positivity that will impact your clients and their families. Remembering your why and purpose in the field and staying present in the moment can help ground you.
This is a great reminder that although this is work, our time is a precious gift to our clients and their families, and every conversation makes a difference.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Responsible and Responsive Parenting in Autism: Between Now and Dreams
#136: Autistic Burnout and Creating Neuro-Affirming Environments with Larissa Minner
08 Aug 2023
00:38:38
Having an autistic adult on the podcast is always an opportunity to learn how we, as practitioners, can do our best for our clients. Joining me today is Larissa Minner, a passionate and experienced disability rights advocate, speaker, and consultant.
Burnout is commonly talked about, and I've even done an episode where we talked about professional burnout in the field. Larissa talks about Autistic Burnout and Neurodivergent Burnout and what that looks like for many individuals. Signs and symptoms of Autistic (or Nuerodivergent) Burnout can include feeling drain in all aspects of life, an increase in executive functional challenges, a lowered coping skill level, regression and loss of skills, brain fog, physical fatigue, mimicking and causing depression/anxiety, and even being a factor involved in suicidal ideation. This causes a lot of problems for autistic individuals, like finding a job or making their way through university.
So what can we do? As professionals, we can provide Neuro Affirming Environments. A Neuro Affirming Environment applies to social, emotional, and physical aspects, and Larissa explains some ways to do that without putting the burden on the autistic person. Firstly, use the person's preferred language, whether they prefer Autistic Person or Person with Autism. Also developing language that is not based on a person’s deficit; for example, Larissa uses the term Strategic Explorer to verbalize her preference for routine. Additionally, consider sensory friendly rooms with adjustable lighting and noise accommodations, validations in different listening and communicating skills, and always giving ample warning when it comes to events and changes.
Larissa is active in making changes across the field for both autistic children and autistic adults when it comes to healthcare, education, and career opportunities. This is a great conversation that shares some less talked about advocacy for autistic people and encourages professionals to check themselves when it comes to providing compassionate care.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What is Autistic Burnout?
What are signs and symptoms of Autistic Burnout?
What is a Neuro Affirming Environment?
How can providers be Neuro Affirming?
Advocacy goals for education, healthcare, and career finding.
The importance of preferred language surrounding autism and disabilities.