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

Here we are at episode 150! I am so happy to be here sharing and disseminating this important information with you every week. To celebrate this milestone, my favorite guest, friend, mentor, and colleague, Dr. Mary Barbera, joins me.

If you’re not familiar with her amazing work, she shares her remarkable journey into the autism world. Working as a nurse and starting her family, her world and purpose changed when her oldest son Lucas was diagnosed with autism just before his 3rd birthday. She went from a mom in denial to a BCBA, author, online educator, and podcast host on a mission to create awareness and help parents and families with autistic children get the best outcomes for their children.

We cover a really important topic in early intervention...  Is it a speech delay or autism? She breaks down the procedures necessary to get started when you’re working with a child who is not yet speaking. When it comes to her Turn Autism Around Framework, the first step is Asses. She advises assessing the child’s Expressive & Receptive Language (verbal and nonverbal), as well as feeding and sleeping habits. 

Mary Barbera really encourages parents to be the “Captain of the Ship”. Parents are a child's best advocate, and she has an abundance of tools and resources for parents via her Turn Autism Around book, Online Courses and Community, and her new digital assessment. Her goal is to help every child reach their fullest potential while being as safe, happy, and independent as possible. 

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How to get started with Early Intervention?
• Tools and Resources for parents of autistic children.
• A new digital assessment for your child.
• What is the Turn Autism Around Framework?
• Tips for parents to take action and become the captain of the ship.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Dr. Mary Barbera
Membership - ABA Speech

Things are bound to happen. Whether you are a new or seasoned provider, you will surely encounter an ethical dilemma. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and BCBA-D, Dr. Linda LeBlanc, is on to talk about the importance of ethics, provider values, and her new book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts.

For many, your position in the field of ABA is the first professional role where you are officially responsible for the outcome of a vulnerable person. Your personal underlying values are important to decision making when it comes to the code of ethics. Ethical situations in this field can bring questions to boundaries and relationships appropriate for the role.

The first response to an ethical situation is often a gut response. But Dr. LeBlanc poses the idea of how providers can be proactive in their ethical framework before specific ethical dilemmas even arise. She explains the big picture of her up and coming book in three parts that will cover history, values, and personal behavior, a dissection of each section of the ethics code, and practical everyday management of ethics.

Following the code of ethics is not about perfection; it is about being planned, intentional, and thoughtful in a way that protects you and your client. You can find out more about Dr. Linda LeBlanc at her website and read a preview of her book at Sloan Publishing.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• How new providers may encounter ethical dilemmas.
• The underlying values and personal decision making behind the ethical code.
• A framework for proactive ethical management.
• Dr. Lina LeBlanc’s book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts

Mentioned In This Episode:
LeBlanc Behavioral Consulting
​​Sloan Publishing - Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts
Membership - ABA Speech

As an SLP - BCBA working in the field for the last two decades, I have certainly made mistakes and learned along the way. Today I am sharing my top 5 mistakes and what I would do differently. Because when we know better, we do better.

1. Yes/No Questions – working on this too early is not productive; it is important but requires a much higher level language!
2. Not setting specific goals on Joint Attention - Good providers have these opportunities naturally, but it's necessary to set specific goals and specific focus using the three-part framework - Books, Music, and Play!
3. JARGON - using too much professional jargon is not the right move unless you’re talking to ONLY other members of your profession. Ethically, you need to use words that are understandable by all!
4. The term “Red Flags” - in reference to autism “Red Flags” have a negative connotation. Use language that supports your learners; try language like “Signs” or “Characteristics”.
5. Eye Contact as a goal - while eye contact can be a helpful skill, it's not directly important to communication and will often be a natural by-product of focusing on joint attention. 

In a world where 1 in 36 individuals has autism, we have to be striving to support autistic learners in every way we can.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Top 5 Mistakes when working with autistic students.
• Changing your language to support autistic learners.
• Why you shouldn't use jargon in IEP meetings.
• Are Yes/No questions important?
• How to set goals for joint attention.
• Can eye contact be a by-product of other communication goals?

Mentioned In This Episode:
IEP Goals for Students with Autism - ABA Speech
Membership - ABA Speech

Enjoy this free training from my new series, Communication Without Limits. In this presentation, I am providing an introduction to AAC.

AAC is a powerful tool that can help learners communicate and find their voice for the very first time. I share a personal story from my career where AAC did just that. What an amazing feeling!

I cover important information to support SLPs-BCBAs such as the Communication Bill of Rights, as well as who to turn to for support when it comes to finding devices, programs, and collaborating in your district or center. Utilizing an AAC requires a team; this is the learners voice and everyone has to be on the same page, including SLPs, BCBAs, OTs, Teachers, Parents, etc.

How do you know you need an AAC? I go over the steps of a comprehensive assessment involving Case History, Ecological Inventory, Self-Report, and Sensory-Motor Status. Once you’ve determined the need for AAC, you need to determine the system that will optimize communication for your learner. This is an important feature matching process where, as the provider, you determine access, language systems, and the materials or devices appropriate for the learner.

I hope you continue to tune in to future free training on important topics in ABA. To stay in the loop, receive more in depth training and tutorials, and connect with other professionals, consider joining the ABA Speech Connection Membership.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is AAC?
• An introduction and guide for SLP-BCBAs in AAC.
• What is involved in a comprehensive assessment for AAC?
• Who can help with an AAC?
• How to choose the right AAC.

Mentioned In This Episode:
AAC - Slides and Handouts
Membership - ABA Speech

My guests today, Anna Dvortsak and Dr. Brook Ingersoll, are the creators of Project ImPACT, an important initiative in the field to provide access for parent coaching and train parents for a collaborative approach to therapy.

Project ImPACT is a systemic approach to parent mediated intervention for parents of young children with social communication delays, with or without a diagnosis. This parent coaching teaches parents to work with their children to create relevant skills and goals for their community and needs in four main targets; Social Engagement, Communication, Imitation, and Play.

There are many programs and systems that may not be attainable for some providers. Anna and Dr. Ingersoll have worked to make this an accessible program with an easy to follow and systemic coaching guide. For those who want more training with Project ImPACT is available but not required.

Collaboration is such an important part of a young child's intervention, not just with providers but with their family and their community. That’s why Anna and Dr. Ingersoll created this program with a holistic view of a child's needs beyond the therapy room, with strategies parents can implement daily.

You can find out more about Project ImPACT by visiting their website.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is Project ImPACT?
• How Anna Dvortscak and Dr. Ingersoll created a parent curriculum.
• Four targets for social communication.
• A systematic approach to parent coaching.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Project ImPACT
Membership - ABA Speech

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

Have you ever been in a position where you’ve only seen your supervisor or administrator when there is conflict? Dr. Ellie Kazemi, behavior analyst and keynote speaker, joins me to discuss the work environment and how to build a positive work atmosphere, whether that’s in an ABA clinic or in a school based setting.

What is crucial to a positive atmosphere? Shared values and open communication. These important ideals come up over and over again throughout Dr. Kazemi's and my discussion. In order for teams to feel appreciated, psychologically safe, and have the desire for growth, they need administration and colleagues that promote transparency, shared values, and a framework to train resiliency for the ever changing systems.

If you’re a supervisor or administrator listening, consider how often and how naturally you’re making yourself available for conversations with your team. Dr. Kazemi emphasizes the point that there needs to be consistent, visible support from leadership.

Without these ideals, providers can face burnout, and even worse, the client can suffer. At the end of the day, we all want to make a difference and provide the best outcomes for our clients. The first step is creating a positive atmosphere for providers.

You can find Dr. Ellie Kazemi on her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.


#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Top tips for creating a positive work environment.
• The importance of shared values and open communication in any organization.
• How to cultivate psychological safety.
• The impact of the work environment on growth and investment in the mission.
• The importance of supervisor and administrative visibility.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Ellie Kazemi
Ellie Kazemi - LinkedIn
Ellie Kazemi (@ellie.kazemi) on Instagram
Membership - ABA Speech

How do you know if your therapy is working? Data collection is an important aspect of therapy to analyze goals and student improvement. During my 20 years of public school experience, I once had my data subpoenaed! It might be rare, but it CAN happen, so you want to be prepared.

Depending on your student goals and program, the way you collect data may differ. For some students, it may be appropriate to cold probe and collect discontinuous data with other continuous trials may be necessary. I explain how I use Google Forms to create digital data tracking for whichever need you have, which you can even attach to your Google Calendar to appear when you’re working with each student.

When it comes to paper data, many teachers and therapists create a data binder. For me, I like to include a calendar template, IEP goals and objectives, and then the various data sheets and task lists.

Consistently tracking data is crucial for your students and for yourself when it comes to creating progress reports, discussing progress in meetings, and even in the event the court may subpoena your data, like they did for me. Be sure to check out all of the resources I discussed today so that you can make your data collection habits organized and efficient.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why is data collection important?
• What are the various modes of data collection?
• How to organize data.
• How to individualize data collection.
• What to do if your data is subpoenaed?

Mentioned In This Episode:
Speech Therapy Data Binder
Data Collection using Google Forms
Membership - ABA Speech

As we enter the beginning of the school year, I want to go over my 20 years of experience in the field to discuss service delivery models in a school based setting. Our goal is always to support students in the best way possible, and the best way to do this is through an individualized approach to service delivery. 

Depending on your learners needs, there are a variety of models you can consider. The need for these can depend on goals, age, needs, and the school environment. 

• 1 on 1 in office
• 1 on 1 in the classroom
• 2 on 1 in the office or common space
• Large group/ whole classroom
• Small structured group
• Monthly/Quarterly check ins
• Team Consults 
• Parent Observation
• BCBA Consults

The best way to make the biggest difference is to embed communication across the learners day and lifespan. From preschool to high school and beyond, service needs will vary greatly. The only thing that is constant is that EVERY student will need individualization.

Begin the new school year by building rapport, writing amazing goals, and getting to know everyone on your learners team!


#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Common service delivery models for autistic learners.
• How to decide the best service delivery model for your student.
• What combination of service delivery can you use?
• How to provide services across the lifespan?

Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech

Working in this field, whether as an SLP, BCBA, or both, can be isolating, and meeting CEU requirements can be overwhelming and feel pointless. The Autism Connection CEU Membership is a professional development community to help SLPs and BCBAs make meaningful progress with autistic learners. Those already a part of the community have called it a positive space to learn and grow.

What can you expect from the membership?
-Every new member will receive 1 on 1 onboarding with me, Rose Griffin.
-A path tailored for seasoned professionals and those brand new to the field.
-Monthly live ASHA and ACE approved CEUs.
-Monthly Live Q&A.
-A cataloged CEU library.

Expect to see topics such as Group Therapy, AAC Assessments, Navigating IEPs with Ethics and Confidence, The Power of Joint Attention, Goal Setting Across the Lifespan, and I will also be leading an Intro to ABA series.

This membership community is launching NOW! Join before September 19th, during the founders launch, and receive these benefits:
-Free Advanced Language Learner Course – $297 value
-Join Annual for $197 first year + Double Up and Leisure Vocabulary Game - 35% savings
-Join Monthly for $20 for the first 6 months and $30 per month for the following months.

I cannot wait to have you a part of our community so that together we can make the most difference in our autistic clients' lives.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is the Autism Connection Membership?
• What kind of CEU topics will the membership include?
• Great deals for Founding Members.
• Real reviews from members of the Autism Connection Membership Community.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech