The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals

We’ve made it to the final installment of my mini summer series!In today’s episode, I’m asking an important question: Do you feel valued at work?Feeling valued and building mutual trust are key ingredients for meaningful collaboration, which is essential in the work we do as providers.I’m sharing practical, collaborative phrases you can use to build trust and strengthen your professional relationships. (You’ll also find a link to a free phrase bank—a helpful part of a larger freebie I offer!)The truth is, we don’t get much formal training on how to collaborate—especially with colleagues from different backgrounds or disciplines. That’s something I’m passionate about changing through ABA Speech, so be sure to check us out!You’ll learn phrases like“How do you usually approach this? I want to make sure we’re aligned on our strategies.”How we show up in the world and with each other matters. We don’t want to work in silos. We want synergy. Because when we collaborate well, we can transform not just the lives of the learners in front of us—but ripple outward beyond the therapy room.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Practical phrases to foster collaboration.How to create a positive working relationship with different disciplines.Highlighting training in collaboration across the field. Mentioned In This Episode:ALP for AAC SLP/BCBA collaborative phrases—Speech Therapy Hack #30 Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

Explore the vital role of verbal imitation in speech therapy and why context is key for meaningful communication development. Learn how Speech-Language Pathologists and Board Certified Behavior Analysts can work together to set functional goals and strategies. Discover the importance of early and frequent collaboration, including assessing and planning as a cohesive team. Delve into useful resources like the Autism IEP Goal Bank to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Plus, a sneak peek into future discussions on communication disorders!

Discover the complexities of AAC collaboration as professionals sometimes clash over communication strategies. Learn practical steps to enhance teamwork, focusing on familiarity with devices and clear communication goals centered around the student. Explore the importance of joint assessments and consistency in programming AAC devices. Most importantly, find out how effective collaboration can improve outcomes and keep families connected, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Explore the delicate dance of collaboration between speech therapists and BCBAs. Learn how to handle disagreements without jeopardizing professional relationships. A simple framework is introduced to help navigate treatment discussions, emphasizing the power of open-mindedness. Discover the value of multidisciplinary approaches in enhancing outcomes for individuals with autism. Packed with strategies, this bite-sized session is perfect for professionals seeking effective teamwork.

Ryan Hogan, a school psychologist from Fort Worth, Texas, and creator of the popular meme account @worldsokayestschoolpsych, brings unique insights to the conversation. He shares his experience navigating the IEP process both as a professional and a parent of a child with autism. Humor and empathy are key themes as he addresses the importance of protecting your online space while advocating for children with special needs. He emphasizes compassion in IEP meetings and the transformative impact of personal experience on professional practice.

Leila Farschian, Special Educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), is someone who gets things done. She has lived these problems in the field and is actively working to solve them. Her story offers practical insight and inspiration to you in your daily work. As founder of the Global Schoolhouse Project, Leila partners with the International Healthcare Network on Closing the Digital Divide, a project bringing digital devices into schools in Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s not just about providing tech. She works directly with teachers and students to train them in effective use while identifying the barriers and gaps that limit access.Through her BCBA work, Leila also developed a range of lessons, curriculum, and tools. To share these more broadly, she created ABA Toolbox, a per-learner platform that automates and scales her resources across clinics. It supports her own practice and others in the district, all with a multidisciplinary, child-centered approach.Leila’s work is a reminder that real progress often starts with individuals who take action. Whether she’s expanding tech access in underserved schools or streamlining care with practical tools, the best businesses are started by those who understand the problems. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:The difficulties and differences between jobs in the ABA field.Closing the Digital Divide with the Global Schoolhouse Project.What is the ABA Toolbox?Mentioned In This Episode:ABA ToolboxGlobal Schoolhouse Project Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

I am talking all things biz with Mellanie Page, founder and CEO of The ABA Collective. Mellanie, a trailblazer in the field, creates high-quality programs that go beyond the traditional boundaries of ABA. Mellanie joins us to talk about entrepreneurship, finding your niche, and the value of starting before everything feels perfect.If you’ve got that entrepreneurial spark, a voice nudging you toward something more —you’re in the right place. Mellanie shares how stepping into the gaps she saw in the field led her to build impactful offerings like CEUs, conferences, and the OBM Practitioners Program. This program offers  a thoughtful blend of modules, mentorship, and community—a natural path for future business owners.More and more clinicians are moving toward business ownership, and Mellanie’s story is a great reminder that there’s room for creativity and passion in this space. Her top advice? If the return is there, the investment is worth it. Think long-term. And most importantly, action creates clarity — you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:High-quality programs beyond the traditional application of ABA.Starting your own digital business.Blending clinical work and entrepreneurship.Mentioned In This Episode:Mellanie Page (@theabacollective) on InstagramMellanie Page | BCBA CEUsMellanie Page on LinkedInSpeech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

For BCBA Maggie Haraburda, founder of Unfurling Littles, play is anything that sparks joy. Her approach to ABA therapy blends child-led play with ACT-integrated strategies, centering on the child’s motivation and individuality.In our conversation, Maggie highlights the “Dos and Don’ts” of play therapy: join the child’s world before introducing new elements, build from what already brings them joy, and act as a play partner—not a director.Her neurodiversity-affirming lens means recognizing all forms of communication, supporting autonomy, self-regulation, and self-advocacy, and honoring each child’s unique strengths.Maggie doesn’t shy away from anti-ABA concerns. She acknowledges past harms and invites curiosity over defensiveness, aiming always to grow and improve her practice.She also offers an ACE-approved CEU, Supporting Play the Neurodiversity Affirming Way.  Expanding your playbook is important. Explore more CEUs at ABA Speech Connection to deepen your understanding of language milestones and child-led support.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is play and child-led therapy?How to become a play partner?Elements of a neurodiversity-affirming practice.A curious approach to anti-ABA rhetoric. Mentioned In This Episode:Unfurling Littles LLC maggie.h@unfurlinglittles.com Episode #146: Early Intervention and Project Impact with Anna Dvortcsak and Dr. Brook Ingersoll - ABA Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

As someone who goes to yoga a few times a week, I was intrigued at the possibility of integrating it into my therapy practice. Lindsay Watkins is a BCBA and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) with a passion for blending wellness and applied behavior analysis. Lindsay teaches continuing education (CEUs) to BCBAs on this topic on BehaviorLive (her next training is scheduled for June 2, 2025).Here, Lindsay shares her journey from burning out as a special ed teacher to discovering yoga therapy and figuring out how to apply it to her own clients. We take a look at research studies that show the benefits of using yoga to modify behavior and discuss examples of the techniques in action.Lindsay also shares how she advocates for this outside-the-box approach to therapy, the benefits of yoga across the lifespan, and tips to level up your own yoga practice. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Integrating yoga into therapyResearch on the impact of yoga on behavioral healthBenefits of yoga across the lifespanTips to improve your personal yoga practiceMentioned In This Episode:Lindsay Watkins on Instagram Membership - ABA Speech ABA Speech: Home

Have you ever considered adding ABA services to your speech therapy practice? Today I had a chat with Quintina Briscoe, founder of Pediatric Speech Lab, who shares her inspiring journey to opening her own clinic. Quintina discusses how she recognized a gap in services for children with autism and the importance of integrating ABA into speech therapy to better support her clients.She reflects on the behavioral challenges many SLPs face and how inclusive, multidisciplinary therapy can make a lasting difference. Quintina also highlights the range of services her clinic offers—from in-clinic and teletherapy sessions to placing facilitators in Baltimore City schools.We also dive into her empowering company culture, rooted in inclusivity, autonomy, transparency, and respect—and how she weaves these values into every layer of her business and team meetings.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Integrating ABA services into speech therapyHow SLPs react to adding ABAThe value of inclusive care Scaling a thriving clinic with integrated ABAMentioned In This Episode:Quintina Briscoe M.S. CCC-SLP (@quintinabriscoeslp) on InstagramMembership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home