Get .1 ASHA CEU here

In this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming Sarah Gregory, MS, CCC-SLP onto our show to discuss AAC and Inclusion in a virtual environment. Throughout she reminds us that inclusion is a mindset, not a location. She also highlights what we can do as SLPs to embrace the continuum of service delivery and collaborate with stakeholders and communication partners. You can learn more about Sarah here.

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Inclusion of students with disabilities, specifically those with Complex Communication Needs (CCN), is an evidence-based practice that is becoming more common in general education (Quirk, Ryndak & Taub, 2016). School inclusion reduces the risk of social isolation that is endemic for students with CCN, while fostering opportunities to learn the regular curriculum.

Educating students with CCN in general education classrooms creates dilemmas for SLPs and educators on a normal day, but has become even more challenging during this time of remote learning. In the absence of carefully planned interventions, we risk that students with CCN will be physically present (in-person or virtually) but not authentically included in the social or academic learning environment of their classrooms.

SLPs can play an important role in including students with CCN in general education classrooms by co-teaching and including peers in all stages of instruction. Assistive technology supports can be utilized to make classroom material more universally designed. The beauty of inclusion is that when we design instruction for students with complex needs we create lessons that are more accessible to the whole class.

The global pandemic and resulting pivot to remote learning has created many challenges in education and including students with CCN. With collaboration and support, authentic inclusion is still possible and absolutely worth pursuing for all students.

Learning Outcomes

Describe two benefits of including students with complex communication needs in general education classrooms

List one strategy to increase authentic inclusion during remote learning

Describe one model of co-teaching in a virtual environment

References

Erickson, K. & Koppenhaver, D. (2020) Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Children with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write. Baltimore, MD: Brookes.

Erickson, K., & Sheldon, E. (2020). Emergent Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities in the Regular Classroom. Assistive Technology Outcome and Benefits, 14(1), 135-160.

Moore, S. (2016). One without the other: Stories of unity through diversity and inclusion. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Portage & Main Press.

Quirk, C., Ryndak, D., & Taub, D. (2017) Research and evidence-based practices to promote membership and learning in general education for students with extensive support needs. Inclusion, 5(2), 94-109. doi:10.1352/2326-6988-5.2.94

Disclosures:

Sarah Gregory Financial: Sarah receives a salary from the Ithaca City School District, income from speaking honorariums and online courses.  Sarah has received codes to trial therapy products/tools. Sarah Gregory Non-financial: Sarah is a member of ASHA and the corresponding SIG 12.  She is also on the SIG 12 professional development committee

Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. 

Amy Wonkka financial disclosures:  Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder for SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of benefits of including students with complex communication needs in general education classrooms

15 minutes: Descriptions of strategies to increase authentic inclusion during remote learning

10 minutes: Descriptions of co-teaching in a virtual environment

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice.  SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated.  We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material.  We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle.  That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared.  If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

Embracing parents as communication partners is critical for our clients for a variety of reasons.  Parents are primary communication partners for their children, and can play significant roles in acquisition and generalization of communication skills.  And it comes as no surprise that since parents are unique communication partners, parent training comes with a unique set of challenges and benefits.  In this episode we review literature and discuss the importance of embracing parents as communication partners.  We also have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jean Blosser who has created some materials to facilitate bridging the gap between school / therapy and the home environment.

Dr. Jean Blosser, CCC-SLP, EdD, is an ASHA Fellow, Fellow. You can learn more about Dr. Blosser here.

Learning Outcomes

1. State 3 reasons for engaging parents as partners

2. Describe 3 teaching tools to improve home program development for parents 

3. Describe two benefits of sharing visual supports with parents

References

Brown, J. A. (2016). Coaching in Parent-Implemented Early Communication Interventions: Understanding and Overcoming Individual-Level Implementation Barriers. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 1(1), 144-153. doi:10.1044/persp1.sig1.144

Pennington, L., Thomson, K., James, P., Martin, L., & Mcnally, R. (2009). Effects of It Takes Two to Talk—The Hanen Program for Parents of Preschool Children With Cerebral Palsy: Findings From an Exploratory Study. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 52(5), 1121-1138. doi:10.1044/1092-4388(2009/07-0187)

Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2011). The Effectiveness of Parent-Implemented Language Interventions: A Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 180-199. doi:10.1044/1058-0360(2011/10-0055)

Roberts, M. Y., & Kaiser, A. P. (2012). Assessing the Effects of a Parent-Implemented Language Intervention for Children With Language Impairments Using Empirical Benchmarks: A Pilot Study. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 55(6), 1655-1670. doi:10.1044/1092-4388(2012/11-0236)

Roberts, M. Y., Kaiser, A. P., Wolfe, C. E., Bryant, J. D., & Spidalieri, A. M. (2014). Effects of the Teach-Model-Coach-Review Instructional Approach on Caregiver Use of Language Support Strategies and Children's Expressive Language Skills. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 57(5), 1851-1869. doi:10.1044/2014_jslhr-l-13-0113

Thiessen, A., & Beukelman, D. (2013). Training Communication Partners of Adults Who Rely on AAC: Co-Construction of Meaning. Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 22(1), 16-20. doi:10.1044/aac22.1.16

Weitzman, E. (2013). More Than Words—The Hanen Program for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Teaching Model for Parent-implemented Language Intervention. Perspectives on Language Learning and Education,20(3), 96-111. doi:10.1044/lle20.3.86

Disclosures:

Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. 

Amy Wonkka financial disclosures: Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. 

Jean Blosser Financial: President, Creative Strategies for Special Education, She receives compensation for consulting and conducting professional development workshops and in-services. She is the author and receives royalties from sales of the Lets Talk Today Calendar. She also receives royalties from sales of authored books. Jean has no non-financial relationships to disclose

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Review of reasons for engaging parents as partners.

15 minutes: Review of teaching tools to improve home program development for parents

10 minutes: Review of benefits of sharing visual supports with parents

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice.  SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated.  We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material.  We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle.  That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared.  If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA CEUs, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .15 ASHA CEU here

Collaboration - one of our soapboxes.  Something we SLPs are required to do regardless of our work environment (hello, Code of Ethics, we see you there), but that doesn’t make it easy.  In particular - collaboration between BCBAs and SLPs may result in some difficult conversations from time to time.  In researching for an earlier episode, Kate found an article by Amy Kelly and Matt Tincani.  It made her so excited she read the whole thing - and then reached out to the article’s suggested contact to share her enthusiasm!

In this episode we begin with a discussion about some of the differences between the two fields, as well as share some commentary about that article that got Kate’s jazz hands going.  Then we had the great please of speaking with one of the authors, Dr. Matt TIncani - who shares his perspective as a BCBA-D and chairperson of the Department of Teaching and Learning at Temple University.

You can learn more about our guest Dr. Matt TIncani here. This episode is offered for .15 ASHA CEUs (Introductory Level, Related Area)

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify at least 2 variables that contribute to the complex relationship between SLPs and BCBAs

2. Discuss the importance of collaborative practices that are not unidirectional

3. Identify at least two functional differences between field structures, job roles and responsibilities of SLPs and BCBAs in school environments

4. Identify at least two differences in the evolution of the fields of speech language pathology and applied behavior analysis that may serve as barriers to collaboration

References

Kelly, Amy & Tincani, Matt. (2013). Collaborative Training and Practice among Applied Behavior Analysts who Support Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilitites. 48. 120-131. 

Johnston, James & Carr, James & Mellichamp, Fae. (2017). A History of the Professional Credentialing of Applied Behavior Analysts. The Behavior Analyst. 40. 10.1007/s40614-017-0106-9. 

Lafrance, Danielle & Weiss, Mary & Kazemi, Ellie & Gerenser, Joanne & Dobres, Jacqueline. (2019). Multidisciplinary Teaming: Enhancing Collaboration through Increased Understanding. Behavior Analysis in Practice. 12. 10.1007/s40617-019-00331-y. 

Maul, C. A., Findley, B. R., & Adams, N. A. (2016). Behavioral principles in communicative disorders. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.

Tysinger, Dawn & Tysinger, Jeffrey & Diamanduros, Terry. (2009). Teacher expectations on the directiveness continuum in consultation. Psychology in the Schools. 46. 319 - 332. 10.1002/pits.20378.

Disclosures:

Matt Tincani Financial: Matt is a professor at Temple University within the College of Education and Human Development working within the departments of special education and applied behavior analysis.  He is also the Chairperson of the department of teaching and learning.  Matt Tinanci non-financial: Matt is a BCBA-D

Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. 

Amy Wonkka financial disclosures:  Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder for SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of the history of the complex relationship between SLPs and BCBAs

10 minutes: Descriptions of the results of the article reviewed for this episode

20 minutes: Descriptions of the importance of collaborative practices that are not unidirectional

15 minutes: Descriptions of functional differences between field structures, job roles and responsibilities of SLPs and BCBAs in school environments

10 minutes: Descriptions of difference in the evolution of the fields of speech language pathology and applied behavior analysis that may serve as barriers to collaboration

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice.  SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated.  We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material.  We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle.  That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared.  If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .15 ASHA CEU here

In this episode we had the pleasure of welcoming AC Goldberg, Ph. D. CCC-SLP and Barb Worth, MS, CCC-SLP to walk us through the critical work that is cultural responsiveness training for transgender and gender non-conforming (GNC) individuals. While gender aligning voice modification is something that is within the scope of practice of a speech and language pathologist, it is imperative to do the work of cultural responsiveness first before engaging in the clinical work. Cultural competency is a piece of our clinical practice that should be continually changing and evolving, and without it we cannot effectively create safe spaces or provide effective clinical services. Through engaging in active allyship, changing your language and your perspective, you can create a true safe space and transform your encounters with transgender/gender nonconforming students, campers, patients and clients.

AC is a speech and language pathologist and person of transgender experience and Barb has a decade of experience working with the T/GNC population. You can learn more about AC and Barb here.

This course is offered for .15 ASHA CEU.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify ASHA policy and resources, as well as federal legislation guiding inclusion and service provision to gender diverse populations.

2. Describe appropriate workplace/educational practice policies and processes for inclusivity of gender diverse populations

3. Provide two clinical recommendations for successful service delivery of services for patients, clients and students regardless of gender presentation.

Online Resources

Pew Research Center: About one-in-five U.S. adults know someone who goes by a gender-neutral pronoun

The Trevor Project

WPATH

ASHA Practice Portal: Voice and Communication services for transgender/gender diverse populations

Good Practices: Names and Pronouns: https://lgbt.umd.edu/good-practices-names-and-pronouns

My Pronouns.org: Resources on Personal Pronouns: https://www.mypronouns.org/

Practice with Pronouns: www.practicewithpronouns.com

 Providing Quality Care to LGBT Patients: An Intro for Staff Training: https://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/courses/providing-quality-care-to-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-patients-an-introduction-for-staff-training/

 Affirming LGBT People Through Effective Communication (specifically the Learning through Case Study section): https://www.lgbthealtheducation.org/courses/affirming-lgbt-people-through-effective-communication/lessons/module-affirming-lgbt-people-through-effective-communication/

Transgender Training Institute (for a cost): www.transgendertraininginstitute.com

Disclosures:

Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. 

Amy Wonkka financial disclosures: Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. 

AC Goldberg financial disclosures: AC works for a K-12 school district and runs a cultural responsiveness learning platform called transplaining. AC Goldberg non-financial disclosures: AC is a person of transgender experience, which gives me (him) personal perspective.

Barb Worth financial disclosures: Barb is a Clinical and Academic Instructor in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Emerson College. She instructs students in the delivery of voice services to all populations. Barb Worth non-financial disclosures: Barb has a decade of experience working with the TGNC population.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

30 minutes: Review of defining terms and use of appropriate pronouns

25 minutes: Review of federal legislation guiding inclusion and service provision to gender diverse populations

20 minutes: Review of applicable clinical practices, such appropriate client interactions and creating safe spaces

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice.  SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated.  We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material.  We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle.  That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared.  If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

While we both conduct AAC assessments as a core function of our jobs, we found this episode a little challenging to write.  Why, you might ask?  It was hard to know where to start.  There are SO many skills that are encompassed in an effective AAC evaluator.  How on earth would we distill all of that information into an hour?  Turns out, we couldn’t.  After lots of research and discussion we dedicated it was best to explore the vast landscape of AAC evaluations through a series.  

In this episode, the first in our AAC evaluation series, we review some foundational knowledge required to conduct a thorough AAC evaluation, including the fundamental differences between typical speech and language evaluations and the necessary areas of competency.  We review sound foundational literature and review a handful of resources where listeners and learn more.

Join us, be our nerdy friends, and enjoy our tour of the landscape that is AAC assessments! This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEU.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify three features that make augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessments different from other speech and language assessments

2. Identify two additional types of learning experiences SLPs should undertake in order to learn more about the AAC assessment process

3. Define four domains related to communicative competence in augmentative alternative communication (AAC)

References

Janice Light (1989) Toward a definition of communicative competence for individuals using augmentative and alternative communication systems, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 5:2, 137-144, DOI: 10.1080/07434618912331275126

Janice Light & David McNaughton (2014) Communicative Competence for Individuals who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A New Definition for a New Era of Communication?, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 30:1, 1-18, DOI: 10.3109/07434618.2014.885080

Johnson, J. M., Inglebret, E., Jones, C., & Ray, J. (2006). Perspectives of speech language pathologists regarding success versus abandonment of AAC. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985), 22(2), 85–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434610500483588

Moorcroft, A., Scarinci, N. and Meyer, C. (2020), ‘We were just kind of handed it and then it was smoke bombed by everyone’: How do external stakeholders contribute to parent rejection and the abandonment of AAC systems? . International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 55: 59-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12502

Online Resources

National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (NJC) Communication Bill or Rights:  

https://www.asha.org/siteassets/uploadedfiles/njc-communication-bill-rights.pdf

Disclosures:

Kate Grandbois financial disclosures: Kate is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Kate Grandbois non-financial disclosures: Kate is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. She is also a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG. 

Amy Wonkka financial disclosures: Amy is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.  Amy Wonkka non-financial disclosures: Amy is a member of ASHA, SIG 12, and serves on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. 

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Review of features that make augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessments different from other speech and language assessments

15 minutes: Review of additional types of learning experiences SLPs should undertake in order to learn more about the AAC assessment process

10 minutes: Review of four domains related to communicative competence in augmentative alternative communication (AAC)

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice.  SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated.  We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material.  We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle.  That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared.  If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA CEUs, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

As the resident SLP Nerdcasters, we are doing our best to bring you interviews and other content that aligns with your learning needs and enhances your practice. Turns out sometimes that content scratches an itch deep inside our nerd brains and leads us on a crazy, sometimes circuitous, quest to learn more. Perhaps we read an article, which leads us to another article, rinse and repeat, over and over and over and…we have a conversation about said articles, and another conversation, and another...you get the idea. Sometimes the SLP Nerd in question’s name rhymes with plate. Sometimes it rhymes with plamy. We’ll let you be the judge of which SLP Nerd was afflicted with the “Curse of the Article Hole” in this instance, but rest assured, this was one of those times.

So what is probe data anyway, and why do you care about it? Why did we care about it so much? For starters, it can make data collection easier. It can also make the analysis and interpretation of that data easier (and what is the point in collecting data if you aren’t actually going to review it and think about what it means for your client?). Think about the possibilities! If a clinician doesn’t have to spend so much time and focus collecting data, they free up a lot of bandwidth to engage in authentic interactions with their clients! BUT - in our reading we found some interesting information that may lead you to make certain choices about the manner in which you collect the probe data. It turns out not all probe data is created equal. We found there are a lot of variables to consider, and by making informed choices about the frequency and type of data you collect, you can make it much more likely that your probe data is a better estimate of your client’s true performance.

Tune in and learn more about probe data, including the questions you didn’t even know you should be asking. Even better if you find yourself at the end of the episode with an itchy SLP Nerd brain, a plan for good data collection, and more time to focus on client interactions!

This episode is offered for 1 ASHA CMH (equal to .1 ASHA CEU). If you have questions about CEUs or how this works, please see our How It Works or ASHA Professional Development pages.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define continuous and discontinuous data collection

2. Identify variations on trial-based probe/discontinuous data that may be more likely yield “good data”

3. Describe clinical scenarios in which one approach may be better than another

References

Cooper, J., Heron, T., & Heward, W. (2020). Applied Behavior Analysis. Harlow: Pearson Education UK.

Cummings, A. R., & Carr, J. E. (2009). Evaluating Progress In Behavioral Programs For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Via Continuous And Discontinuous Measurement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42(1), 57-71. doi:10.1901/jaba.2009.42-57

Fiske, K., & Delmolino, L. (2012). Use of Discontinuous Methods of Data Collection in Behavioral Intervention: Guidelines for Practitioners. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 5(2), 77-81. doi:10.1007/bf03391826

Lerman, D. C., Dittlinger, L. H., Fentress, G., & Lanagan, T. (2011). A Comparison of Methods for Collecting Data on Performance During Discrete Trial Teaching. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4(1), 53-62. doi:10.1007/bf03391775

Najdowski, A. C., Chilingaryan, V., Bergstrom, R., Granpeesheh, D., Balasanyan, S., Aguilar, B., . . . Roane, H. (2009). Comparison Of Data-Collection Methods In A Behavioral Intervention Program For Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Replication. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,42(4), 827-832. doi:10.1901/jaba.2009.42-827

Disclosures:

Financial: Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of continuous and discontinuous data collection

15 minutes: Descriptions of variations on trial-based probe/discontinuous data that may be more likely yield “good data”

10 minutes: Descriptions of clinical scenarios in which one approach may be better than another

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

In this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming Liz Willis, MS, CCC-SLP/L-BCBA and Stephanie Willis, MS, Literacy Specialist onto our show to discuss all things language and literacy. Throughout this episode they remind us that foundations of language play a critical role in literacy development, and while we as SLPs can play a unique and critical role in helping clients and students in improving literacy skills. Liz and Stephanie are sisters with a shared passion for literacy. You can learn more about them and their professional backgrounds here.

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According to a 2001 position statement by ASHA, “the reciprocal and multiple relationships between spoken and written language make it appropriate for SLPs to play an integral role in helping children become literate.” Based on this statement and other similar recommendations from ASHA, it appears as though knowledge in the area of literacy is just one more thing to add to the very long list of what we are responsible for as SLPs. But have no fear, we are here to provide you with the information you need to know! In this episode we will provide a beginner’s guide to literacy development for SLPs. We will start by discussing the connection between language and literacy (spoiler alert: it’s very intertwined, especially in the early years), and how the presence of speech and language disorders can impact literacy development. We will also share literacy milestones from birth through preschool age, so that you know what to look for in the assessment or therapy process. Lastly, we will describe the speech therapist’s role in the area of literacy, as well as provide some fun and engaging ways to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy with your younger population. Our overall goal is to equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to feel confident and excited about supporting your EI and preschool age clients in this area!

This episode is offered for 1 ASHA CMH (equal to .1 ASHA CEU). If you have questions about CEUs or how this works, please see our How It Works or ASHA Professional Development pages.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the connection between language and early literacy development, and how the presence of speech and language disorders may impact literacy development

2. Identify early literacy milestones from infancy through preschool

3. Describe the speech therapist's role in the area of literacy and how to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy in early intervention through preschool

References:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2001). Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists With Respect to Reading and Writing in Children and Adolescents [Technical Report]. Available from https://www.asha.org/policy/ps2001-00104/

Roth, F.P., Paul, D.R., & Pierotti, A.M. (2006). Emergent Literacy: Early Reading and Writing Development. Let’s Talk: For People with Special Communication Needs, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved from: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/emergent-literacy/

Sices, L., Taylor, H.G., Freebairn, L., Hansen, A., Lewis, B. Relationship between speech-sound disorders and early literacy skills in preschool-age children: impact of comorbid language impairment. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2007; 28(6):438-447. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e31811ff8ca

Spracher M. M. (2000). Learning about literacy: Speech-language pathologists play key role in reading, writing. The ASHA Leader, 5(1), 1–19.

Online Resources:

The Language and Literacy Collective Podcast

@languageandliteracycollective

Instagram accounts that review children's books:

@theliteracyparty

@hereweeread

@toddlers.who.read

@sunnyseedco

MILESTONES OF EARLY LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

Getting Your Child Ready for Reading and Writing

Disclosures:

Financial: Liz is an employee of a public education entity and owner of Communication and Behavior Solutions. Stephanie is an employee of a public school system. Stephanie also owns a teachers pay teachers store (@theliteracyparty). Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Stephanie and Liz host the podcast “The Language and Literacy Collective.” Liz is a Member of ASHA and the BACB. Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is also a member of the BACB Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Review of how the presence of speech and language disorders may impact literacy development

15 minutes: Review and discussion of early literacy milestones from infancy through preschool

10 minutes: Review and discussion of the speech therapist's role in the area of literacy and how to incorporate literacy-based activities into therapy in early intervention through preschool

5 minutes: Closing Remarks

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

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SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

So many of us still feel as though we’ve been thrown in the deep end of telepractice without much notice at all. Sometimes it really feels like we are splashing around in our clothes, trying to learn how to swim, (or at least keep from drowning!) with this new way of delivering speech and language services to our clients. Maybe you’ve learned a bit - you can doggy paddle - but are starting to hit some roadblocks, or you just feel like you are ready to move your services to the next level but aren’t quite sure how to get there.

Enter Nerissa Hall PhD. CCC-SLP, ATP, and Hillary Jellison MS, CCC-SLP, ATP of Commūnicāre, LLC. Not only are they SLPs who are experienced in AAC teletherapy, but they are also incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. They’ve come back to SLP Nerdcast to answer some listener questions about troubleshooting engagement and behavior within tele-AAC sessions. Do you wish you knew more about how to set the stage for success before your session even begins? Would knowing more about both tech and non-tech strategies to support your client’s interest and participation in your teleAAC sessions be helpful? Well, this is the episode for you! Tune in to learn about these topics and more!

Learning Outcomes

Detail at least two on-site elements that are not necessarily replicated in virtual settings

List at least three ways to support engagement in a live, synchronous session

List at least three on-site tools that can be used to support engagement and/or participation

Online Resources:

The AAC Camp Curriculum is available on the Communicare, LLC website

Disclosures:

Financial: Hillary and Nerissa are paid to provide consultation, intervention, training and assessments in the areas of AAC, AT and tele-AAC. Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Hillary and Nerissa are members of ASHA’s Special Interest Groups 12 and 18 (AAC and Telepractice) and RESNA. Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Review of how to replicate on-site elements into a tele-practice environment

15 minutes: Review and discussion of ways to support engagement in a live, synchronous session

10 minutes: Review and discussion of on-site tools that can support tele-engagement

5 minutes: Closing Remarks

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

As speech and language pathologists our scope of practice can feel large - treating everything from feeding and swallowing disorders to receptive / expressive language deficits. Our scope of practice documents describe the wide range of clinical presentations we are qualified to treat, as well as a wide variety of services we are are qualified to provide and settings we are qualified to work in. And yet, most SLPs don’t work in all areas of the field. Most of us only practice in some. So what happens when we are in a position where we are expected to provide treatment in an area where we don’t feel competent?

Being competent in our clinical work is crucial - and it’s a matter of ethics. The ASHA Code of Ethics is explicit in telling us that we are obligated to operate within our scope of competence, even though there is so much individual variability in what “competent” means.

Join us in this episode as we review the literature out there on competence, try to outline how to assess your own scope of competence, and reflect on the ASHA Code of Ethics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Define scope of competence and list at least 2 ethical underpinnings associated with scope of competence

2. Describe the relationship between scope of competence, evidence based practice, and ethics

3. Identify at least two ways in which a clinician can evaluate their scope of competence and two ways in which a clinician can improve their scope of competence in a particular clinical area

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2007). Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology [Scope of Practice]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.

Mustain, W. (2003). The Ethics of Competence. The ASHA Leader, 8(12), 14-14.doi:10.1044/leader.otp2.08122003.14

Online Resources

ASHA’s EBP Portal: https://www.asha.org/Research/EBP/Evidence-Based-Practice/

ASHA Journals Academy: https://academy.pubs.asha.org/2019/04/from-triangle-to-diamond-recognizing-and-using-data-to-inform-our-evidence-based-practice/

Disclosures:

Financial: Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of scope of competence and ethical underpinnings associated with scope of competence

15 minutes: Descriptions of the relationship between scope of competence, evidence based practice, and ethics

10 minutes: Describe the ways a clinician can evaluate their scope of competence and ways to improve their scope of competence in a particular clinical area

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!

Get .1 ASHA CEU here

As clinicians we are trained to work with our clients, but often do not receive explicit training in counseling, self-care, or other components of the deep, emotional work that comes along with treating communication disorders. In this episode we had the great pleasure of welcoming Dr. David Luterman, professor Emeritus from Emerson College, who has committed his career to educating speech pathologists and audiologists, teaching us how to embrace the emotional realm, create empowering client relationships, and practice self care.

For us this conversation felt profound. It’s a topic that we have revisited throughout our careers and continues to evolve and change based on where we are in our lives and our ever changing professional experiences. We hope you walk away from this conversation with as much to think about and process as we did.

This episode is offered for 1 ASHA CMH (equal to .1 ASHA CEU). If you have questions about CEUs or how this works, please see our How It Works or ASHA Professional Development pages.

Learning Outcomes

Identify and define at least two features of successful counseling

Identify at least two common mistakes made by clinicians that are barriers to an effective counseling relationship

Identify and describe the importance of support groups

References

Holland, A. L., & Nelson, R. L. (2018). Counseling in Communication Disorders: A Wellness Perspective 2nd Edition (3rd ed.). Plural Publishing, Incorporated.

You can find additional writings by Dr. Luterman on the Emerson College website: https://www2.emerson.edu/faculty-guide/profiles?faculty_id=13&filter=F

Disclosures:

Financial: Dr. Luterman is professor Emeritus at Emerson College. Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Dr. Luterman is a certified member of ASHA and an audiologist. He is also the author of numerous books on counseling (listed above.)Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of the definition of counseling and the different features of a successful counseling relationship

15 minutes: Descriptions of common mistakes often made by clinicians

10 minutes: Descriptions of the importance of social skills groups

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

__

SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] anytime! You can find our complaint policy here. You can also:

Follow us on instagram

Follow us on facebook

We are thrilled to be listed in the Top 25 SLP Podcasts!

Thank you FeedSpot!