The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs

Welcome to the Summer Series! I’m going to be doing a series of solo shows on topics and questions I get through the summer, packaged up into bite-sized, easy-to-consume episodes for those of you enjoying your summer vacation.

Today I am talking all about my journey of becoming a dually certified SLP, BCBA, a unicorn certification of less than 500 people in the entire world! Over my 20+ year career, I’ve gained some wisdom and learned some lessons that I want to share with you.

I started my career as an SLP in a school setting. There I had my first opportunity to work with autistic learners and I loved getting the opportunity to see these amazing breakthroughs. But when I changed jobs to a clinical setting and had my first experience with ABA…I was lit up. We were working with learners who had traditionally been difficult to reach and helping them communicate for the very first time. As a provider, I felt true joy for these learners but also feelings of sadness that they had gone so long without access to their environment through communication when they really didn't have to.

As I conclude this mini-episode, I share the time-consuming course work, resources, and testing that went into becoming a certified BCBA 12 years ago. I share this with you because I believe in the power of ABA to create a world where all students have a way to communicate and access their environment.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Wisdom and lessons from a 20+ year career in SLP and Behavior Analysis.
• How did Rose become dually certified?
• Time consuming coursework and resources involved in becoming a BCBA

Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech

The Huberman Lab podcast is a popular podcast hosted by Dr. Huberman aimed at disseminating science to the masses. The podcast focuses on a variety of topics, but BCBA Carrie Susa Woodward joins me to break down the recent episode of the Huberman Lab with Dr. Karen Parker all about autism.

Dr. Parker and Dr. Huberman discuss the rising incidences of autism. Are there more autistic people than there were 20 years ago? The answer, yes AND no. There are a variety of factors that have led to more diagnoses in recent years, including more aware parents, a better understanding of development, a better understanding of social skills, and increased research and science on early intervention. 

We also touch on their discussion about early diagnosis and early intervention. Which revolves around brain plasticity. In the first three years, the brain is easy to change and adapt and is able to establish good neural connections. Early intervention can open up the world of learning for autistic children. While the topic of what inventions are best isn't detailed, the most important takeaway is that no age is too early!

So how can we, as providers, help get these kids into intervention as fast as we can? Well, Carrie is doing her part with her course, Jump Start the Journey. This course is aimed at parents of young kids with delayed development on the waiting list for services. She includes information on research-based therapies, input from her 20 years of experience in the field, and modeled play exercises.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Rationale for early detection
• Is there an age to young for intervention?
• Autism diagnosis and incidences

Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech
Jumpstart the Journey - Full Course
Dr. Karen Parker: The Causes & Treatments for Autism - Huberman Lab 

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?
• Advocacy with a behavior analytic lens
• Supporting families with ACT.
• Helping professionals become advocates.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Annie McLaughlin, PhD, BCBA-D (@iepadvocateannie) - Instagram
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

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.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Matrix training to teach tacts using speech generating devices: Replication and extension
Transitioning from a low- to high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system: effects on augmented and vocal requesting
Core vocabulary lists for young children and considerations for early language development: a narrative review
Examining core vocabulary with language development for early symbolic communicators
Episode #121: Core Vocabulary and Typical Language Development with Allison Bean and Bethany Frick Semmler - ABA Speech
Episode #111: Matrix Training with Dr. Sarah Frampton - ABA Speech
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

I love Summer!!

Summer should be fun and functional, which is why I want to kick off this season with ABA Speech Summer Social Skills Resources.

1. The Grocery Store Game - “I Bought ___” Fill in the blank game with visual prompts.
2. Modified Uno - Anyone can play Uno, Check out the video model included in my freebie.
3. Modified Connect Four - This is a fun way to practice and enjoy natural turn taking and game completion.
4. Modified Scrabble - This one is for the older learners with letter recognition! For the rules, don't miss the video model in this link.
5. Modified Memory and Matching - Games don’t have to last an hour; you can shorten them with the modified version I demonstrate in the video model.
6. Paper Plate Ice Skating - Merry Christmas in July! This is an action packed game to get you moving, with a video model provided!
7. Scavenger Hunt - A fun way for natural communication and to get outdoors!
8. Would You Rather Videos - Try these two fun “video” games with a vacation theme and a dessert theme.

This resource guide is jam packed with ideas, models, and tutorials to get you working on joint attention and social skills in the fun, summer sun!

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• All about the Summer Social Skills Resource Guide.
• Ideas and models for fun, functional summer fun.
• Modified games ANYONE can play!

Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech
Summer Social Skills Resources 

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.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Episode #155: What Is Gestalt Language Processing? with Sari Risen

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?

Mentioned In This Episode:
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

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.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Soft Skills: The Case for Compassionate Approaches or How Behavior Analysis Keeps Finding Its Heart
(PDF) Teaching Compassion Skills to Students of Behavior Analysis: A Preliminary Investigation
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

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.
• Pseudoscience vs. robust research.
• Emphasizing underrepresented autistic voices.

Mentioned In This Episode:
They have a Voice; are we Listening? - PMC
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

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.

Mentioned In This Episode:
CEU Library - ABA Speech
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership