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

Technology can feel intimidating, but there are so many tools available on your common devices that you might not even consider using them in therapy. Joan Green is an SLP, assistive technology specialist, and online tech advisor. In this episode, she shares 10 tech tips that anyone can use to utilize technology and enrich your therapy sessions. 

As SLPs, it's important for us to know and understand the assistive apps and accessibility features available, especially functions that are useful across the lifespan. As Joan explains these tips, she shares examples, scenarios, and easy ways to integrate these technology features into therapy with various ages.

Ten Tech Tips:

1. Maps: show your learner about their neighborhood, city or other places they might be interested in.
2. Photos: This can be a leisure activity by looking through photos or even a way to communicate by snapping pictures and sending them.
3. Calendar: scheduling and visual calendars like the iOS or Google Calendar are great tools that can be used across the lifespan.
4. Speech to text: visual power of words; let your learner see the words they are speaking.
5. Text to Speech: This feature can make any digitally written word become read aloud.
6. Captions: this is an important accessibility feature, available for free on most devices and audio platforms.
7. Video Calls: this can help with visual cues in a phone call format and empower individuals to make calls.
8. Smart Assistance: Alexa, Siri, and Google can all be used with voice commands and can be empowering to impact action and have voice recognition.
9. Engaging activities with fun learning apps: these are great ways to use side by side with accessibility devices for joint attention, Joan recommends Khan Academy Kids on iOS and Android.
10. AAC devices and apps: these devices and applications can give your learner a voice, or assist when speech may be stressful in certain circumstances.

Joan offers a ton of information on technology and some awesome ways she helps professionals in the field. Be sure to download the free PDF for today’s listeners to learn all about these 10 tech tips and check out her platforms online.

 #autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• 10 tech tips for your therapy sessions today.
• Understanding important accessibility features.
• How can simple, everyday tech be used in therapy?
• How to incorporate devices into therapy?
• How to utilize AAC devices and apps for different situations.

Mentioned In This Episode:
10 Tech Tips to Enhance Communication
Innovative Speech Therapy
IST Tech Savvy Solutions Public Group | Facebook
Amazon.com: Assistive Technology in Special Education: Resources to Support Literacy, Communication, and Learning Differences
Save $100 on our autism courses!
Toddler/Preschool Course
School- Age Course
The Advanced Language Learner

Dr. Hank Schlinger has an extensive list of impressive and valuable contributions to the field. Today he joins me to discuss his brand new book, How to Build Good Behavior and Self-Esteem in Children. 

Parenting is so hard and along with it comes responsibility that will span your child’s entire life. Whether your child has an autism diagnosis or not, parenting is parenting. Dr. Schlinger discusses the idea of intentional parenting, in which, as parents, we consistently reinforce and model good behavior and set clear boundaries. Dr. Schlinger also goes over 5 common problems parents face that contribute to behavior and self-esteem.

1. Parents are unaware of how their child's behavior affects them and vice versa.
2. Parents believe just telling their kids what to do should work.
3. Parents teach their child to ‘be the boss’
4. Parents ignore good behavior and reinforce bad behavior
5. Parents think that a good kid or a bad kid is just the luck of the draw.

During this awesome conversation, Dr. Schlinger discusses each of these problems and offers solutions for parents to be more intentional as well as build good behavior and self-esteem. You can find his book on Amazon or find out more by visiting the book's website.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is intentional parenting?
• 5 common problems that parents face.
• Parenting practices to build good behavior and self-esteem.
• How to reinforce good behavior instead of bad behavior.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Self-Esteem in Children
HOW TO BUILD GOOD BEHAVIOR AND SELF-ESTEEM IN CHILDREN: Schlinger Jr., Dr. Henry D.

Rita Soronen is a National Child Welfare Advocate working with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA). She advocates for the abused, neglected, and vulnerable children in the foster care and juvenile justice system.

There are 117,000 children in North America freed for adoption and 77% of those children have some sort of medically identified need, including autism. These children belong to a special division of DTFA, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. This division is an initiative to advocate for and support children most at risk of aging out of the foster care system—teenagers, sibling groups, and those with special needs.

During this conversation, Rita not only explains the wonderful work done for these children but also shares a story of hope. CJ is a child with autism who was adopted at age 9 by a loving and caring adoptive mom, D. Now 20 years old, CJ, who was nonverbal at the time of adoption, is thriving as a college student and productive adult.

1 in 36 children has autism, and there are many children in the child welfare system with an autism diagnosis or other special needs that need support and care. You can learn more by visiting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption website or calling their information hotline.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
• An initiative for children most at risk in the child welfare systems.
• CJ’s Story: A story of hope for children with autism awaiting adoption.
• Advocating for special needs children in the foster care system.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Dave Thomas Foundation
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption on Facebook
Call: 1-800-ASK-DTFA

What a pleasure it was to have Sandy and Ben Hartranft on the show! Sandy is the proud mom of three sons, one of whom is Ben. Ben is 24 years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.

20+ years ago, Sandy knew something was off, limited speech and no response to his name led her to pursue check-ins with her son’s doctors and an official appointment with a developmental pediatrician. Soon, it all came together, and the signs began to make sense with his new-found diagnosis. Ben found support through early intervention and through the rest of his school years with OTs, SLPs, The Talk Institute, and even his bus driver, who helped him make a plan to get on the regular education bus.

When you hear what Ben is up to now, you will be amazed! He has been on the Ellen show, worked extensively with the Philadelphia Eagles and their autism advocacy events, and gone on solo trips, including cross country to California to win big on The Price is Right! He even owns his own company, Benergy. In which he provides presentations and public speeches for organizations to spread awareness and advocacy for autism.

This duo is full of inspiration, kindness, and positivity. You can check out Sandy’s book, Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey through Autism, for more of the story of this incredible family.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Sandy and Ben’s journey through autism.
• A story of inspiration, kindness, and positivity.
• Getting an autism diagnosis in the 90s.
• Benergy; Ben’s public speaking company for autism awareness.
• Opportunities and possibilities for adults with autism.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Ben Hartranft
Join our Start Communicating Today Live Course On June 20th and June 21st from 7-9:30 pm est. Register here. 

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Assent on the show. But today we’re focusing on what it is. Why is it important? And how do you know if you’re using an Assent Based Model? Liz Lefebre is a precision teacher and BCBA passionate about high quality behavior and educational services.

So what is Assent? The goal of an Assent Based Model is a person-centered approach to assessment, intervention, and all other decision-making. In this model, the learner's assent withdrawal from participation is honored, whether it be a vocal 'no' or a non-vocal expression of verbal behavior.

Liz describes it as having various components: Designing a program based on learner values, measuring engagement and Assent withdrawal, teaching and reinforcing assent withdrawal, as well as creating boundaries for safety and respect. Check out Liz’s hot off the press checklist to analyze your current therapy and see if you are incorporating an Assent Based Model. What do you need to shift and change? She includes examples and non examples to clarify these subtle components and how they should be embedded.

If you’re ready for the first steps toward embedding an Assent Based Model in your therapy sessions, Liz has some tips.

1. See her guide and checklist and take a good look at the current state of therapy.
2. Take it one piece at a time. Make small changes as you can, it might be too heavy of a lift to change it all at once.
3. Finally, listen and learn about the “Anti-ABA Movement”. Understand the harm caused by past ABA experiences so you can be a part of the change!

When we know better, we do better. Assent is a crucial part of doing better, as my goal for therapy is to keep things fun AND functional!

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:
—What is Assent?
—A new guide to analyze how you’re using Assent in therapy.
—The first steps for embedding an Assent Based Model.
—The importance of learner values and interests in therapy.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Assent Based Treatment Checklist
Octave-Training
Assent Conference
Start Communicating Today Webinar

Dr. Kelle DeBoth Foust is one of my best friends; we’ve been friends for over 15 years. She is an Occupational Therapist and an Associate Professor of OT at Cleveland State University. She has a passion for working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities and today she shares her wealth of knowledge with us.

What is Occupational Therapy? No, it has nothing to do with helping people find jobs! Dr. DeBoth Foust describes it as therapy to regain the skills necessary for meaningful activities or occupational roles. This is a skill or activity that you LOVE to do and the foundational skills necessary to help you do it. For kids and young learners, this is commonly play or school participation.

Occupational Therapists work frequently with sensory processing disorders and help use sensory integration for regulation. Dr. DeBoth Foust talks about "sensory diets,” which are strict schedules for sensory activities, and how these can sometimes not be very helpful. Working with sensory issues needs to be totally individualized, and teachers need to “be a detective” to see what triggers or helps students. Students should have some choice and be able to self identify how they feel and what they need to regulate.

We also discuss a hot topic I love; collaboration. As we are all highly trained in our fields and we want what's best for the learner, collaboration can be tough if we don't fully understand each other's roles. When it comes to BCBAs and OTs collaborating, they can often butt heads because it might feel like OTs are reinforcing problem behaviors with sensory integration. Dr. DeBoth Foust explains it well when she says, "Not every behavior problem is a sensory issue and not every sensory issue is a behavior problem”.

Dr. DeBoth Foust and her work focus on increasing engagement and participation in play! You can find out more about her work through CSU or the program PLAAY on the Move.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is Occupational Therapy?
• What school is required to become an OT?
• Common goals and skills OTs practice.
• What are sensory processing disorders?
• What is a sensory diet?
• What are the barriers to collaboration with BCBAs and OTs?

Mentioned In This Episode:
PLAAY on the Move
Kelle Kathleen DeBoth Foust, PhD, OTR/L

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Assent on the show. But today we’re focusing on what it is? Why is it important? And how do you know if you’re using an Assent Based Model? Liz Lefebre is a precision teacher and BCBA passionate about high quality behavior and educational services.

So what is Assent? The goal of an Assent Based Model is a person-centered approach to assessment, intervention, and all other decision-making. In this model, the learner's assent withdrawal for participation is honored, whether it be a vocal 'no' or a non-vocal expression of verbal behavior.

Liz Describes it as various components: Designing a program based on learner values, measuring engagement and Assent withdrawal, teaching and reinforcing assent withdrawal, as well as creating boundaries for safety and respect. Check out Liz’s hot off the press checklist to analyze your current therapy and see; Are you incorporating an Assent Based Model? What do you need to shift and change? She includes examples and non examples to clarify these subtle components and how they should be embedded.

If you’re ready for the first steps for embedding an Assent Based Model in your therapy sessions Liz has some tips.

1. See her guide and checklist and take a good look at the current state of therapy.
2. Take it one piece at a time. Make small changes as you can, it might be too heavy of a lift to change it all at once.
3. Finally, listen and learn about the “Anti-ABA Movement”. Understand the harm caused by past ABA experiences so you can be a part of the change!

When we know better, we do better. Assent is a crucial part of doing better, as my goal for therapy and is to keep things fun AND functional!

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:
—What is Assent?
—A new guide to analyze how you’re using Assent in therapy.
—The first steps for embedding an Assent Based Model.
—The importance of learner values and interests in therapy.

Mentioned In This Episode:
—Assent Based Treatment Checklist
—Octave-Training
—Assent Conference

It’s May, and it can be a time when a lot of stress and overwhelm can be occurring. How do you know when you’re headed toward burnout? What do you do?

Jasmine Yepez, The ABA Lady, is passionate about burnout and mental health advocacy for professionals and shares with me today her journey to healing after experiencing burnout. Burnout can be caused by a variety of things, like unhealthy boundaries with work. Are you consistently bringing work home with you? Checking your email during your time off? It can also be caused by a work environment that perpetuates negativity or overwork. Do they not help you set boundaries? Do they require work out of the office or during time off? Do they set unreasonable expectations? Whether it’s one or a combination, if you’re starting to feel burnout symptoms, you need to make some changes.

Jasmine was in a position where she needed to take a break from the field. You may also feel that it is necessary, or you might feel that with additional steps, you can work through the burnout. 

Work through and heal burnout:

1. Seek support: talk with a trusted supervisor, friend, or family member.
2. Seek therapy: ACT, or Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be especially helpful.
3. Learn about burnout: find books, podcasts, and social media accounts that can guide your journey.
4. Pursue personal identity: Dive into a passion project (like Jasmine with wedding planning!) or spend time doing hobbies you love outside of work.

If you’re new to the field or coming back from a break due to mental health, what can you do to ensure your employer has a positive culture that won’t lead to burnout? Jasmine shares some great questions and considerations for interviewing that can help you find the right employer.

• What are the leaders like? Do they foster collaboration and communication throughout the WHOLE team?
• What is the work life balance? Ask for actual policies and expectations!
• What is the PTO policy? Is time off REALLY time off? Are you expected to make up for billable hours?
• What is the turnover rate? A position with high turnover may not be a place with a positive environment.

As you head into a busy and often stressful season, put yourself first! Have the care, compassion, and patience you would have for your clients for yourself as well! It is okay to take care of yourself, and it is always okay to question your job, there may even be ways you can use your certification that you haven't even considered yet!

 #autism #speechtherapy
 
What’s Inside:

• Burnout care and prevention.
• Burnout symptoms, what to look for?
• Mental health advocacy for ABA professionals.
• How to heal from burnout.
• Questions to ask to ensure a positive work culture from future employers.

Mentioned In This Episode:
@TheABALady on Instagram

You may have heard of the term "ACT," or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, before, but this is a new topic for the show! I was so excited to learn about this impactful therapy approach from BCBA Kody Harms. 

What is ACT? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is all about accepting that variables and challenging things will occur in life, but developing mental flexibility through positive values can be overcome. As a therapist working with parents, teachers, and other professionals engaged in the special education community, Kody found this to be the strongest force, especially with post- COVID concerns. He focuses especially on those that will have an impact on children with special needs.

The approach to this therapy involves action based sessions. Creating daily actions to reflect who you want to be and systematic goals based on your environment. During intake, you have a values assessment to understand who you are and what you want to be. And weekly check-ins involving a health score from 1-10. The idea is that a healthier mind and mental space lead to more positive outcomes and change toward your goals. You can expect role play, narrative exercises, and other tactics that drive towards an overall shift toward a positive mindset.

Whether you’re a mom looking to be a better, more positive parent towards your special needs child or a professional working towards handling contentious situations with special needs children and their parents, ACT can be a really healthy and balanced way to reach those goals. 

Before we close, Kody shares his 5 second rule when it comes to when you don’t really want to do something. I know I am going to use this right away!

You can find out more about Kody and ACT therapy with Curated Family Therapeutics online at their website and Instagram.


#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is ACT?
• The power of positive values and mindset.
• What is the ‘5 Second Rule’?
• What is Mental Flexibility?
• Traditional ABA vs ACT.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Curated Family Therapeutics
CFT Instagram
Get Your Free Autism Toolbox

Whether you are a seasoned professional, parent, or brand new to the field, IEP meetings are a reality when it comes to school based settings. With over 20 years of experience, I have 5 top tips to keep you positive, prepared, and confident no matter the tone of the meeting. 

1. Have your special education director or administrator present - Sometimes lawyers and advocates are going to attend the meeting, in that event, make sure you have support on your side beyond your building principal.
2. Complete a robust assessment AND/OR be comfortable with most recent assessment - Check out my prior episode on assessments like the PFA, Rossetti, VB-Mapp, Communication Matrix, and more. 
3. Include baseline data - This demonstrates a need for a goal. Be specific with accuracy and dates to track goals and progress. 
4. Send a draft home for a review - I recommend a week prior, but every district is different. The parent needs a chance to review and give feedback with their home team, and then you have a chance to receive and consider that feedback prior to the meeting or be prepared to discuss more during the IEP.
5. Be prepared, remain calm, be professional, and seek help - You deserve to be treated with respect and do not have to accept verbal abuse, even during difficult and contentious IEP meetings.

If you ever need extra support, whether you’re a parent or professional, I am here, and you can book a coaching call with me. Not every IEP meeting will be warm and fuzzy, but we can live in a world where we do not dread them!

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Do you dread IEP meetings?
• 5 survival tips for a positive IEP meeting.
• When to seek support in an IEP meeting.
• What to know about assessments prior to an IEP meeting.
• Why is a draft SO important before an IEP meeting.
• Why do contentious IEP meetings occur?

Mentioned In This Episode:
Autism Outreach Podcast - Episode 54: Autism Assessments
Book a coaching call with Rose
Get Your Free Autism Toolbox