Advertise on podcast: The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs

I’m joined by Elaine Keuning and Dr. Sarah Heller to explore what meaningful collaboration between speech therapy and ABA can look like, especially when supporting AAC users with complex communication needs. We talk about those sometimes “prickly” beginnings between professionals and how curiosity, respect, and a shared goal can help teams find common ground. We also dig into AAC beyond programming. A communication device needs to travel with the learner, become part of everyday routines, and support communication that matters now and years from now. I loved our discussion about thinking beyond percentages and trials and recognizing meaningful progress in the small shifts, like bringing the device on a walk, modeling away from the work table, or seeing a learner begin to seek out their communication system. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Building stronger SLP and BCBA collaboration through shared roles and respectSupporting AAC across environments, routines, and everyday lifeHelping families and teams think about communication with the long term in mindRecognizing the small but meaningful signs of AAC progressMentioned In This Episode: Meaningful Metrics Online Academy Dr. Sarah Heller Williams Speech and Language Pathology PLLC Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Teaching someone to say “no” is just as important as teaching them to say “yes.” I’m joined by Cristina Theis, Director of Training & Educational Development at Firefly Autism, to explore what assent-based care actually looks like in practice, especially when supporting autistic learners with complex communication and behavioral needs. We talk about moving beyond simply using terms like assent-based or trauma-informed and making sure those values show up in our everyday clinical decisions. Cristina shares why self-advocacy and communication come first, including teaching learners meaningful, understandable ways to tell us when they are, or are not, comfortable participating. We also dig into interdisciplinary collaboration and why shared values can help BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, educators, and other professionals work through differences in clinical recommendations. I especially love Cristina’s reminder that collaboration does not mean abandoning the science. We can try something, collect data, look at the results, and come back together as a team. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: What assent and assent withdrawal can look like in practiceWhy teaching “no” supports autonomy and self-advocacyUsing shared values to strengthen interdisciplinary collaborationBalancing compassionate care, clinical judgment, and dataMentioned In This Episode: Firefly Autism Firefly Autism on Instagram Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Three hundred episodes, six years of learning together, and so many meaningful connections along the way. What better way to celebrate than with a little reflection, practical insight, and fun? For this milestone, I’m welcoming back my friend and colleague Dr. Ron DeMuesy. We talk about how much the field has changed, Ron’s journey to earning his PhD, and his work supporting compassionate approaches to severe problem behavior in public schools. Ron also shares practical thoughts on PFA, SBT, collaboration, and why understanding the environment matters when we’re supporting students and school teams. We also dig into what school-based BCBAs need to know, including the importance of listening before giving advice, recognizing staff strengths, and building behavior plans collaboratively. And because this is episode 300, we finish with a lightning round and reflect on where the podcast has been and where I hope it goes next. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Using PFA and SBT to support students with severe problem behaviorCreating safer, more collaborative school environmentsWhat new and school-based BCBAs need to know about listening, relationships, and FBAsReflections and rapid-fire questions celebrating 300 episodesMentioned In This Episode: Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor FTF Behavioral Consulting Ohio Association for Behavior Analysis John Carroll University ABA Program Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

What are clinicians really asking when they want to feel more confident supporting autistic learners? I’m answering the five questions that show up most often in my inbox, DMs, course evaluations, and conversations with members of the ABA Speech Connection. AAC is at the top of the list. I’m sharing why becoming comfortable with a learner’s device matters, what to consider during the AAC assessment process, and why vocabulary should be meaningful across the learner’s day. Our students deserve access to communication now, not after we feel perfectly prepared. I’m also digging into SLP-BCBA collaboration and gestalt language processing. Curiosity, communication, and strong soft skills can make a huge difference when professionals approach treatment differently. We can stay grounded in evidence-based practice while listening to one another and keeping the learner at the center. We’ll also look at joint attention, naturalistic intervention, and parent training. Whether we’re using books, music, and play or helping families understand communication goals, we need to know why we’re teaching a skill and how it will make a meaningful difference in everyday life. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Getting started with AAC assessment, vocabulary, and implementationStrengthening SLP-BCBA collaboration, especially around AAC and gestalt language processingBuilding joint attention through naturalistic, functional interventionMaking parent training more meaningful by understanding communication goals and developmental milestonesMentioned In This Episode: Gestalt Super Pack ASHA Episode #121: Core Vocabulary and Typical Language Development with Allison Bean and Bethany Frick Semmler Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Selective mutism isn’t a choice, defiance, or simply being shy. It’s about being unable to speak when speaking is socially expected because anxiety can make communication feel incredibly difficult. Chelsea Gamache brings such an important perspective to this topic, both as a BCBA and as someone diagnosed with selective mutism at age five. We talk about what selective mutism can actually look like, including whispering, using an altered voice, or communicating freely at home while being unable to speak at school or in the community. One of my biggest takeaways is the importance of meeting learners where they are. We can use behavioral principles like positive reinforcement, gradual exposure, shaping, stimulus fading, and visual supports, but we also have to understand the anxiety component. Communication should never become something we pressure out of a learner. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why selective mutism is different from shyness, defiance, or choosing not to speakHow pressure to communicate can make people and environments feel unsafeUsing gradual exposure, reinforcement, shaping, and stimulus fading compassionatelyWhy collaboration, family involvement, and learner autonomy matterMentioned In This Episode: Chelsea on TikTok Outloud the Selective Mutism Podcast SMART Center I Am Brave Child Mind Institute Boston Child Study Center Selective Mutism Association Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection

Functional communication is about more than getting a learner to request. It’s about helping them communicate what they want and need spontaneously, across people, places, and real-life situations. Ashley Whitaker joins me to share practical clinical shifts that can make a big difference for autistic learners, especially those who are prompt dependent or seem stuck in their communication progress. We talk about why a simple prompt like “What do you want?” can unintentionally become a barrier to spontaneous communication, and how we can create a stronger connection between motivation and independent requesting. We also dig into data collection and why tracking both prompted and spontaneous communication gives us valuable information about whether a learner needs more opportunities or a change in programming. Ashley shares practical ways to build communication opportunities throughout the day without making every interaction feel like a structured therapy trial. Finally, we explore speech clarity and teaching functional communication before moments of escalation. When learners practice responses like “more time,” “all done,” or “no” outside of crisis situations, we can help them build communication skills they can actually access when they need them most. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Reducing verbal prompts to encourage spontaneous communicationUsing prompted and independent communication data to guide programmingSupporting speech clarity with slower, exaggerated vocal modelsPracticing functional communication before escalation occursMentioned In This Episode: VB-MAPP The Verbal Behavior Approach Lighthouse Autism Center Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Mealtimes are full of natural opportunities for communication, connection, and friendship, but we may be overlooking just how valuable those moments can be. Dr. Katherine Bateman joins me to explore Snack Talk, a simple visual communication support designed to help learners engage with peers during meals and snacks. We talk about using personalized questions and visual choices to make communication accessible across modalities, including speech, gestures, AAC, and other forms of communication. What I love about Snack Talk is how practical it is. We can build visuals around what our learners genuinely enjoy, rotate topics to keep them meaningful, and use prompting to support engagement without making implementation complicated. Katie also shares how this approach can help educators become more intentional during typically unstructured times while creating opportunities for SLPs, BCBAs, teachers, and paraprofessionals to collaborate. Ultimately, this is about more than answering social questions. It is about belonging, friendship, and giving learners meaningful ways to connect with the people around them. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why mealtimes are an underused opportunity for social communicationHow Snack Talk supports different communication modalitiesWays to individualize visual supports around interests, culture, and preferencesUsing Snack Talk to foster peer relationships and interdisciplinary collaborationMentioned In This Episode: Visual Supports to Increase Conversation Engagement for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Mealtimes Snack Talk Haring Center for Inclusive Education, University of Washington Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Have you ever picked up an assessment and thought, “This still isn’t giving me the information I need?” That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment and Assessment Scale, or MOTAS. Dr. Anika Hoybjerg shares how she and co-creator Casey Barron developed a comprehensive assessment that keeps meaningful, individualized outcomes at the center. What immediately stood out to me is how practical and approachable the MOTAS feels. It addresses areas like communication, flexibility, social behavior, transitions, personal care, leisure, self-awareness, and perspective taking. There is also an Early Learner version that incorporates developmental milestones and AAC considerations. I especially love the LOOP interviews, which bring clients, caregivers, and other professionals directly into treatment planning. Instead of assuming what matters most, we can ask, prioritize, and continue checking whether our goals are actually meaningful. That collaboration can make such a difference in creating functional treatment plans that support independence and quality of life. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: How the MOTAS fills gaps Dr. Hoybjerg noticed in existing assessmentsUsing LOOP interviews to prioritize meaningful goals with clients and caregiversHow the MOTAS supports individualized, collaborative treatment planningWho can use the MOTAS and why it was designed to be approachable for cliniciansMentioned In This Episode: Get the MOTAS ABA Education Center Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

I still remember what it felt like to walk into a therapy session and have no idea how to move forward. Early in my career, I was working with autistic learners with complex communication and behavioral needs, and I quickly realized graduate school had not prepared me for everything I was seeing. I wanted to help, but I didn’t always have practical strategies I could use when a learner struggled to attend, engage, or communicate. That experience sent me searching for better answers and ultimately shaped the way I practice today. More than 20 years later, I want clinicians to have something I desperately needed back then: support, practical education, and a community that helps you feel confident about what to do next. That’s why I created the ABA Speech Connection. It brings speech therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs together to learn evidence-based strategies, earn CEUs, collaborate, and immediately apply what they’re learning with autistic students. From AAC and functional communication to clinical roundtables and live learning, everything is designed to make professional development practical and useful. You don’t have to spend hours searching for your next CEU or wonder whether you’re doing enough. You can have a place to learn, ask questions, and keep growing alongside professionals who care about helping every student communicate with the world. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why my early clinical experiences shaped the ABA Speech ConnectionHow ongoing education can build confidence and strengthen clinical practicePractical learning around AAC, communication, and evidence-based interventionHow the Connection supports individuals and professional teamsMentioned In This Episode: Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

What happens when collaboration is built into a practice from the very beginning? The results can be powerful for clinicians, families, and most importantly, the children we serve. I love hearing how different professionals find their path, and Colleen Lama's story is such a great reminder that unexpected career moments can lead to something even better. As both a speech-language pathologist and BCBA, she shares how becoming dual certified helped her better support autistic learners and inspired her to create a practice where speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA truly work together. We also talk about the realities of growing a multidisciplinary practice, from navigating insurance challenges to building a team that values collaboration and family-centered care. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to provide coordinated services under one roof, I think you'll find plenty of practical insights and encouragement here. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why Colleen became both an SLP and BCBA, and how that shaped her careerThe benefits of offering speech, OT, and ABA in one collaborative practiceChallenges that come with multidisciplinary care and how strong communication keeps teams alignedHow the ABA Speech Connection supports ongoing learning for SLPs, BCBAs, and RBTsMentioned In This Episode: Lama Pediatric Therapy Selective Mutism, Anxiety and Communication AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Comparing vocabulary instruction for children who use AAC is not a one size fits all decision, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so valuable. Vocabulary intervention is one of the topics I get asked about most often, and there is still so much to learn about the best ways to support children who use AAC. I’m joined by Dr. Courtney Trevino to unpack her research comparing explicit vocabulary instruction with more naturalistic, incidental teaching. We explore what each approach looks like in practice, how vocabulary was selected for the study, and what the findings can teach us as clinicians. One strategy that really stood out to me was navigation description, talking out loud through the path you take to find a word on an AAC system. It is such a practical way to support learning, while also helping parents, teachers, RBTs, and other team members become more confident using AAC. I walked away thinking differently about how I teach vocabulary, and I think you will too. If you are looking for practical, research-backed ideas that you can start using right away, this conversation is full of them. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why explicit vocabulary instruction led to stronger word learning outcomesHow navigation description can support both AAC users and communication partnersChoosing vocabulary for early AAC learners, including developmental versus core wordsPractical ways to blend structured teaching into everyday therapyMentioned In This Episode: Comparing Two Vocabulary Interventions for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication Dr. Courtney Trevino AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

Building a business that reflects your values takes more than hard work. It takes intention, clear systems, and a vision that keeps you grounded when growth starts to feel overwhelming. Stephen Smith and I explore what it really takes to build an ethical, sustainable ABA practice without losing sight of why you started in the first place. We talk about the importance of defining your vision early, especially if you're starting a business with a partner, and why having the right legal and financial support can save you from major headaches down the road. We also dive into delegation, something every business owner struggles with at some point. Letting go of tasks can feel uncomfortable, but creating systems, documenting processes, and trusting your team are essential if you want to avoid burnout and create a business that can grow beyond you. I also share a few of the books and tools that have helped me think differently about leadership, delegation, and protecting my own creativity as a business owner. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen an established practice, I think you'll walk away with practical ideas you can put into action right away. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why every clinic owner needs a clear vision before focusing on growthBusiness systems, delegation, and avoiding burnoutThe legal and financial foundations every practice should havePractical books, tools, and strategies for building a sustainable business Mentioned In This Episode: Grab Say it With Me The ABA Business Leader's Guide by Stephen Smith 3 Pie Squared Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

If you've ever wondered whether constant stress is simply part of being a helping professional, this conversation is for you. Burnout isn't a badge of honor, and crying in your car or pushing through physical symptoms shouldn't be considered normal. I’m joined by Tiffany N. Arango to explore what clinician wellness really looks like and why so many dedicated professionals end up running on empty. Tiffany shares her own experience of reaching severe burnout while working in what she believed was her dream job, and how that experience changed the direction of her career. We talk about the workplace red flags that are easy to overlook, why so many of us normalize unhealthy environments, and how psychological flexibility can help us respond with intention instead of simply surviving each day. We also explore the role leaders play in creating healthy workplace cultures and why genuine care for employees should never be viewed as a weakness. Whether you're a speech therapist, BCBA, RBT, or another helping professional, I hope this conversation reminds you that your well-being matters just as much as the people you serve. If you're feeling overwhelmed, please know you don't have to navigate it alone. Reach out, find your community, and seek support. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Red flags that can signal workplace burnoutHow psychological flexibility supports clinician well-beingPractical ways leaders can create healthier workplace culturesWhy caring for yourself is essential to caring for othersMentioned In This Episode: Grab Say it With Me The Behavior Station Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

The best outcomes happen when we stop working in silos and start learning from each other. I recently had the chance to be a guest on Dr. Selena J. Layden's podcast, and I knew I wanted to share our conversation with you because it highlights something I'm deeply passionate about, meaningful collaboration between speech-language pathologists and BCBAs. When we recognize each other's expertise and work together, we create better outcomes for the students we serve. We talked about my journey from school-based speech therapy into the world of ABA, how those experiences shaped ABA Speech, and why I believe communication and behavior support are strongest when they are aligned. We also explored common misconceptions between our professions, practical ways to build trust with colleagues, and why curiosity and open communication can go a long way. One of my favorite parts of our discussion was sharing what I wish every school-based BCBA understood about speech-language pathology. Our training is incredibly broad, and many of us continue developing our expertise long after graduate school. The same is true for BCBAs, which is why ongoing learning and collaboration matter so much. Whether you're an SLP, BCBA, educator, or part of an interdisciplinary team, I hope this conversation encourages you to build stronger partnerships that help every student communicate and thrive. #speechtherapy #autism What’s Inside: Why speech therapy and ABA are stronger togetherSimple ways to build meaningful collaboration in school settingsWhat I wish every school-based BCBA knew about speech-language pathologyHow mutual respect and ongoing learning improve student outcomesMentioned In This Episode: Grab Say it With Me The Behavior Education Connection Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

What happens when two SLPs and BCBAs get together to tackle the biggest conversations in our fields? You get an honest discussion about collaboration, research, and keeping students at the center of every decision. Today, we're flipping the script and I'm answering some of the questions I hear most often about speech therapy and ABA, from choosing AAC vocabulary to navigating current topics like gestalt language processing, prompting, and aided language modeling. I share why I believe we have to move beyond an "all or nothing" mindset and focus on what the research tells us while making thoughtful, ethical decisions for each individual learner.  Dr. Giles and I also dig into functional communication, response forms, and why collecting meaningful data should guide every intervention we use. My hope is that these conversations help bridge the gap between disciplines so we can spend less time debating and more time helping our students communicate with confidence. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs leads to better outcomes for learnersHow I think about AAC vocabulary, response forms, and functional communicationMy perspective on gestalt language processing, prompting, and current researchWhy data driven decision making should shape every communication interventionMentioned In This Episode: Grab Say it With Me Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home