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

Sometimes collaboration feels seamless, and other times it leaves you questioning everything.

That contrast came up in such a real way as I talked with Jenny Argueta, and it’s something so many of us have experienced but don’t always say out loud. She shared how working with one collaborative SLP felt energizing, while another interaction left her feeling small and shut out. That moment stuck with her and ultimately shaped her decision to become dually certified so she could be part of the solution.

We unpack the tension that can exist between SLPs and BCBAs and how those challenges often stem from past experiences, misunderstandings, or lack of exposure to each other’s work. I always come back to the importance of listening. When we take the time to understand someone’s perspective instead of reacting, we open the door to better collaboration.

We also talk about AAC and the gaps in training that so many providers face. Jenny shares honestly about how overwhelming AAC can feel, even as an SLP, and why ongoing learning is so important. At the end of the day, our goal is the same. We want to support meaningful communication and real progress for our students.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking down
• Where SLP and BCBA tensions come from
• Practical ways to build trust and shared understanding
• Why AAC training is essential for all providers

Mentioned In This Episode:

Mirific LLC
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
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What if your documentation could protect your clinic instead of putting it at risk?
I’m joined by Aidan Kelly from Brellium to talk about one of the biggest stressors for growing clinics, documentation quality and compliance. As organizations scale, it becomes nearly impossible to manually track every note, and small gaps can turn into major audit risks. Aidan shares how outdated systems and manual reviews create blind spots, and how AI can bring real-time visibility into documentation practices.

We also talk about the real financial impact of audits and clawbacks, and why strong compliance infrastructure is essential if you want to grow sustainably. I love how Brellium works behind the scenes, supporting clinicians without adding extra work, while giving leaders actionable insights to improve quality across their teams.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why manual chart reviews fail as clinics grow
• Common documentation gaps that trigger audit risk
• How AI can support compliance and improve quality

Mentioned In This Episode:

Brellium
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Strong therapy starts with strong support, and that begins with the parent.

I’m joined by Khaliah Moody, and this conversation really stayed with me. We talk about what it truly looks like to support families in a meaningful way, especially when life outside of sessions includes real challenges like poverty, housing instability, and stress. Khaliah shares how her background in social work shaped the way she leads her clinic and supports both clients and staff. One of the biggest takeaways is that therapy cannot thrive if the parent is overwhelmed and unsupported. We have to meet families where they are, build real relationships, and focus on connection before intervention.

We also get into staff retention, building a positive team culture, and how community partnerships can extend impact far beyond traditional services. This is a powerful reminder that compassionate care is both clinical and human.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why parent support is the foundation of effective therapy
• How to build trust and connection with families
• Creative ways to support and retain your team

Mentioned In This Episode:

Steady Strides Behavior Solutions
Khaliah Moody on LinkedIn
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Everything made sense once I saw the full picture.

Receiving a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis can be both validating and eye-opening, and that’s exactly what we explore in this conversation. As I talk with Lindsay, I’m struck by how her story reflects something I see often, high-achieving, capable individuals who have been compensating and masking for years without realizing why things felt harder behind the scenes.

We talk through what it looked like for her to thrive in a fast-paced Wall Street environment while quietly navigating challenges with time management, comprehension, and testing. Her diagnosis came after her children were identified as neurodivergent, which is such a common pathway for families.

I also love how openly she shares the realities of parenting two neurodivergent children, from early sensory challenges to finding the right supports and building a strong community. We get into practical strategies that truly make a difference, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and structure.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that ADHD can be a strength, and that understanding your brain can unlock better support, connection, and self-advocacy.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What a late ADHD diagnosis can reveal about your past
• Parenting neurodivergent children and finding the right supports
• Practical strategies that support regulation and success
• The role of masking, self-advocacy, and community

Mentioned In This Episode:
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Raising children with profound special needs means stepping into truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

I had such a meaningful conversation with Sarah Kernion about what it really looks like to raise children with profound, nonspeaking autism, and how that reality often differs from the public narrative. Sarah shares her journey as a mom, from those early intuitive concerns to navigating diagnosis, therapy, and building a truly collaborative team.

We talk openly about the emotional weight families carry and why honoring that lived experience matters. Sarah brings such a powerful perspective on communication, reminding us that AAC enhances connection and that growth is not always linear. One of my favorite takeaways is how she reframes communication, not as a single outcome, but as a shared process between child, caregiver, and provider.

We also dive into what makes a great team. The biggest shift is moving away from hierarchy and toward true collaboration, where parents feel heard and valued. Sarah’s work through Inchstones is all about helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered in that journey.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The gap between the public autism narrative and real family life
• Why AAC is a powerful tool for connection and growth
• How to build collaborative, parent-centered therapy teams

Mentioned In This Episode:
Inchstones
Inchstones on Instagram
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
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Ever feel intimidated by AAC or unsure how AI fits into your clinical work?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nerissa Hall and Dr. Michelle Boisvert to talk about two topics that can feel overwhelming but are full of possibility. We explore how AAC is not about waiting for prerequisites, but about giving individuals access to meaningful, independent communication. I share my own experience of feeling intimidated at first, and we break down simple, practical ways to get started that actually feel doable and even fun.

We also dive into AI in speech pathology, and this conversation gave me so much clarity. We talk about how AI can help us “offload” tasks like creating materials, while still keeping our clinical judgment front and center. We discuss where AI fits, where it doesn’t, and how to use it ethically and thoughtfully in your everyday work. If you’ve been curious but hesitant, this episode will help you take that first step with confidence.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• AAC misconceptions and mindset shifts that support autonomy
• Easy, practical ways to begin AAC implementation
• How AI can support clinicians without replacing expertise
• Ethical considerations and simple ways to start using AI

Mentioned In This Episode:

Easy Report Pro
Tate Behavioral
AAC Communicare
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Communication isn’t owned by one profession, it’s something we all share and protect together.

I’m joined by Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill "Dr. RY" for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to ensure communication access for every learner. We talk about her journey from sign language interpreter to dually certified SLP and BCBA, and how that shaped her passion for collaboration and innovation.

We dig into some of the biggest friction points between disciplines, especially when it comes to AAC. One of the biggest takeaways is this, there is no one right tool or pathway. We have to start with the learner, the context, and the full communication repertoire. I also loved our conversation about moving away from quick fixes and toward meaningful, individualized support that actually generalizes.

We also share a preview of her upcoming course inside the ABA Speech Connection, where we’ll explore sign language, AAC, and how to thoughtfully select communication modalities that truly fit each learner.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why communication access must be individualized and context-driven
• Common misconceptions about AAC and over-reliance on high-tech solutions
• How collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs improves real-world outcomes

Mentioned In This Episode:

Bridgify
Bridgify's Community
Idaho ABA Conference 2026
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Collaboration in schools can feel messy, complicated, and sometimes even uncomfortable, but it is also where some of the most meaningful progress for our students can happen.

In this conversation, I sit down with Ashley Patton to talk about what real collaboration looks like between teachers, BCBAs, speech therapists, and other service providers in school settings. Ashley brings a unique perspective because she has worked as a classroom teacher, a school-based BCBA, and a consultant supporting school teams. That experience gives her a deep understanding of the pressures educators face and how behavior and communication strategies actually fit into busy classrooms.

We talk about the importance of listening first when working with teachers and building trust before offering strategies. Ashley shares practical ways teams can embed communication goals naturally into classroom routines without overwhelming teachers who already have so much on their plates.

We also discuss replacement behaviors, functional communication, and why practicing these skills before challenging moments occur can make such a big difference for students. Ashley offers thoughtful insights about simplifying data collection, supporting teachers with manageable systems, and focusing on strategies that are realistic for the classroom.

Finally, we talk about Ashley’s Class on Task Behavior Analyst in School Summit and why creating community for professionals working in schools is so important.

If you support students in schools, this episode is full of practical reminders about how collaboration, communication, and small systems can create big change.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why collaboration can feel challenging for teachers and how to build trust with school teams
• How replacement behaviors support both regulation and communication in the classroom
• Practical ways to embed communication goals into everyday classroom routines
• Strategies for simplifying data collection so teachers can realistically implement supports

Mentioned In This Episode:
Class on Task
Class on Task Summit
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

How can technology help us diagnose autism earlier and get kids the support they need sooner?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Tierney to talk about an exciting advancement in autism diagnostics and how technology is helping clinicians and families access answers faster. With long waitlists and limited specialists in many areas, getting an autism diagnosis can sometimes take months or even years. Dr. Tierney shares how new technology is helping change that.

We dive into the EarliPoint system, an FDA-cleared diagnostic aid that uses eye-tracking technology to analyze a child’s viewing behavior while watching short social videos. The system collects an incredible 120 data points per second, giving clinicians objective data to support diagnostic decision-making. Even more exciting, the assessment takes only about 12 minutes and can be used with children as young as 16 months.

Beyond diagnosis, we also talk about how this technology can support clinicians like speech therapists, BCBAs, and occupational therapists by providing data on social engagement, receptive language indicators, and problem-solving skills. That means we can track progress over time and better understand whether interventions are truly moving the needle.

I also loved our conversation about interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of having someone “quarterback” a child’s care so families receive consistent guidance. This episode highlights how innovation, research, and teamwork can make earlier diagnosis and better support possible for so many families.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the field
• The ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplines
• Why refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learners
  
  

Mentioned In This Episode:

EarliPoint Health
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Two trends I’m seeing in speech therapy and ABA have been on my mind lately, and honestly, they worry me about the future of our fields.

First, I saw a discussion where future BCBAs were debating whether they even needed to read the Cooper book. For me, that text was foundational when learning the science of behavior analysis. When professionals start skipping core readings just to pass a test, it raises questions about how strong our foundation really is as a field.

The second concern came from a speech therapy discussion where a private practice owner planned to refuse services to any child who also receives ABA. That really stopped me in my tracks. Our ethical codes call us to collaborate, and our learners deserve coordinated care, even when collaboration isn’t always easy.

These conversations matter because the strength of our fields depends on professionals who value the science and are willing to work together to support the students we serve.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the field
• The ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplines
• Why refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learners

Mentioned In This Episode:
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection

ABA Speech: Home