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?/
• A tool for anyone teaching verbal speech.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Dr. Barbara Esch
Different Roads to Learning
Membership - ABA Speech