The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals

Leah and Dr. Shelly, both occupational therapists who have either earned or are working toward dual certification as BCBAs, join me to talk about the power and challenges of blending these two worlds. Believe it or not, there aren’t even statistics on how many dual-certified professionals are out there—but the impact of this crossover is clear. Their work centers on collaboration with families and other professionals, finding common ground between OT and ABA.We talk about the funding and system barriers that can make integration tough, and how learning to understand each other’s “jargon” helps break those walls down. As Dr. Shelly says, OTs and BCBAs are often working toward the same goals—they just use different words. Sometimes, you have to “massage the message” so everyone can connect and understand.Dr. Shelly also shares insight into the business and insurance side of implementation, while Leah highlights the importance of spreading the word about the tools ABA offers. Their message is simple: put the egos aside, keep listening, and stay open to learning from each other.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:The growing overlap between OT and ABAWhy collaboration starts with learning each other’s “language”Navigating funding and system barriers that limit integrationPutting egos aside to focus on shared goals and learning from one anotherMentioned In This Episode:Is This My Child?: Sensory Integration SimplifiedCircle Care ServicesThe Autism Roundtable Podcast - Circle Care ServicesMy BCBA Life Podcast - Circle Care Services Join the ABA Speech Connection  ABA Speech: Home

Luba Patlakh, founder and director of Kidology, Inc., shares her journey of creating a thriving pediatric practice that offers speech, occupational, physical, and ABA therapy. Four years ago, she expanded her clinic to include ABA services, recognizing that behavior is the “glue” connecting all other disciplines and a crucial way to continue supporting clients as they age out of early intervention.Luba walks us through the process of credentialing, applying, and setting up systems to accept insurance in her home state of Pennsylvania. She reflects on how she initially managed every aspect of the business herself before scaling to include an admin team and other essential roles. Through mentorship and a commitment to learning, she gained valuable insight into business metrics, leadership, and fiscal responsibility—key elements of running a sustainable practice.Her advice for providers looking to expand into ABA? Never give up. Understand your state’s requirements, take your plan seriously, and learn before acting.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Luba’s journey opening a multidisciplinary clinic Steps for credentialing and accepting insurance How mentorship shaped Luba’s growth as a business ownerTips for providers looking to add ABA services to their practiceMentioned In This Episode:About Us - Kidology Inc.Luba Love (@kidologyqueen) on InstagramJoin the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

Lily Darnell and Sarah Varillas of Inner Circle Autism Network are using a telehealth behavioral parent training model to support families in a powerful new way. Their approach helps parents gain the tools and confidence to use ABA strategies at home—especially when traditional, clinic-based services may not be accessible.For many families, clinic environments or long waitlists can create barriers to care. Inner Circle’s telehealth model offers a lifeline for those in transition, waiting for services, or needing support that fits into their family’s daily life. As Lily and Sarah share, parents already have so much on their plates, and telehealth can meet them where they are.For clinicians interested in getting started, the RUBI Parent Training package is available online, complete with resources and worksheets. Lily and Sarah also offer practical advice: review state licensing requirements and payer guidelines for virtual care, plan meet-and-greets for new families, and structure a caseload that allows for flexibility and consistency.Ultimately, many parents can benefit from a coach, confidant, and partner. Through this innovative telehealth model, ABA can reach beyond the clinic walls to truly support families in their everyday lives.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:How Inner Circle Autism Network supports families through a telehealth modelThe benefits of behavioral parent training for accessibility and flexibilityWhen telehealth is the right fit for families waiting for or transitioning between servicesGetting started with the RUBI Parent Training package and key clinician considerationsMentioned In This Episode:Inner Circle Autism NetworkStore - The RUBI Autism Network  Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

I’m so excited to celebrate 250 episodes of the podcast, and I couldn’t think of a better way than by sharing a little sneak peek into my own life. For this milestone, my 10-year-old son, Paxton—an aspiring podcaster himself—joins me to ask some fun questions about the show, my path to becoming an SLP, and a few behind-the-scenes facts you may not know.To mark this celebration, I’m also sharing links to some of our most popular and meaningful episodes. And if you haven’t yet, come join us at ABA Speech Connection, where we keep the conversations going, unpack important topics in the ABA world, and offer CEUs designed to truly support your work.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Celebrating 250 episodes!Meet my son Paxton.A sneak peek into my life, aspirations, and motivations. Mentioned In This Episode:Episode 1 Welcome to Autism OutreachEpisode 62 Autism Early Intervention and Joint AttentionEpisode 44 How To Help Students with Apraxia of Speech with Dr. Edythe Strand Pt. 1Episode 44 How To Help Students with Apraxia of Speech with Dr. Edythe Strand Pt. 2 Episode 45 Executive Functioning with Sara WardJoin the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

“I can’t be the only one who feels this way.” That was the thought that led Kate Swenson to use her passion for writing to share her family’s journey. Kate is the founder of Finding Cooper’s Voice and the author of Finding Cooper’s Voice and Autism Out Loud. Her work highlights that autism is a family diagnosis, and she has made it her mission to connect the community, start conversations, and give families a voice.Kate and I talk about the isolation many families feel after an autism diagnosis and how simple acts of presence and connection can make a difference. Sometimes autism makes it harder for families to leave the house and their world feels smaller—just being there, talking, and offering support can open doors again.We also discuss the importance of creating opportunities for families to spend time together. For Kate’s family, that joy is found in boating—something they made accessible for her son and enjoyable for everyone. She encourages families to get comfortable hosting, bringing fun and community into their own homes when going out feels too difficult.Through her writing, her membership communities on Facebook and YouTube, and the platform she has built with Finding Cooper’s Voice, Kate is helping families feel seen, supported, and less alone.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Creating a space for autism families.Discovering leisure activities for the whole family.Finding community in the isolation of autism.Mentioned In This Episode:Finding Cooper's Voice Finding Cooper’s Voice - Facebook Kate (@findingcoopersvoice) on InstagramKate Swenson | Substack Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

Erin Stern, BCBA, Founder and President of STEPS Behavioral Health, shares how her clinic takes an integrative approach by combining ABA, Speech, OT, and PT to support early learners. With a strong focus on flexibility and tailoring every goal to the individual, Erin highlights the importance of thoughtful intake and assessment, working closely with families, preparing children for school, and weaving in everyday experiences and milestones.Erin discusses the clinic’s Early Steps Program, which supports newly diagnosed learners through Kindergarten and beyond. With no “hard lines,” the focus is always on finding the right placement, environment, and balance of clinic- and home-based services. Erin explains how determining intervention hours involves multiple factors—age, behaviors, skill needs, family dynamics, and insurance—while maintaining flexibility to meet each learner’s individual needs.Our conversation also highlights the value of providers immersing themselves in a learner’s AAC system, staying committed to professional growth, and never forgetting the power of play. As Erin reminds us, “Don’t forget to play,” because natural learning and connection thrive in those moments.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:STEPS Behavioral Health and the Early Steps Program.Tailoring early intervention to individual learner needs.Important factors to consider when determining intervention hours.Why play is one of the most important factors of a learner's success.Mentioned In This Episode:Stepsbh.comJoin the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

Lindsay Watson, PT, CEO, and Co-Founder of Augment Therapy, is on a mission to blend augmented reality (AR) and virtual care to transform therapy. Augment Therapy offers interactive AR rehabilitation exercises and fun wellness games designed to encourage movement and improve outcomes at home and in person. With their ARWell PRO app, therapists can use the software during sessions and give patients free access at home, all while tracking progress through a customized, gamified platform.While Augment Therapy is currently used primarily by OTs and PTs, Lindsay shares exciting plans to expand into speech therapy. We also discuss the benefits of telehealth when applied intentionally and how leveraging technology can enhance repetition, generalization, and engagement—turning a tool that’s often seen as a negative into a powerful ally for therapy success.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is Augment Therapy?How can Augmented Reality impact therapy.Blending expertise and virtual care.Mentioned In This Episode:Augment Therapy Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

In this episode, Jackie Jung, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) pursuing speech-language pathology, shares her inspiring journey into the field. She outlines the steps needed to become certified, including a 40-hour training course and passing an exam. Jackie also discusses the crucial skills RBTs must develop, like play-based strategies and de-escalation techniques. Highlighting the growing demand for trained professionals, she notes new continuing education requirements set for 2026, emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning and dedication in the field.

What is Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), and how can it support social communication skills? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jessica Osos, BCBA, to explore the definition and application of RIT—a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) designed to teach learners to imitate spontaneously through ongoing, play-based social interaction. Unlike structured drills, RIT is child-led and play-focused, helping to build social skills that go far beyond imitation.For many SLPs and BCBAs, this is a new approach. Dr. Osos explains how the back-and-forth of imitation highlights the value in what the child is doing and how strategies like Sports Casting (narrating the interaction) can enrich play. Expanding play might mean introducing more toys, exploring new play schemas, or creating deeper sequences.Key factors for successful RIT involve simple language, emphasizing important words, being repetitive, and expanding language by copying and adding. Focusing on goals beyond imitation? RIT doesn’t have to be a “this or that” choice. This child-led expansive approach works with a variety of social communication, like joint attention and more! #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Naturalistic Intervention using Reciprocal Imitation Training.What is RIT?Expanding play for a variety of social, communication, and leisure skills. Mentioned In This Episode:Episode #146: Early Intervention and Project Impact with Anna Dvortcsak and Dr. Brook Ingersoll - ABA SpeechSpeech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

Is this intervention going to make a client’s world bigger?That’s the guiding question for today’s guest, Cindy Mrotek, BCBA and LBS, founder of a.c.e therapies—a center offering Speech, OT, and ABA services, along with options for adult learners. With three locations across Illinois, a.c.e therapies focuses on skills that truly matter across the lifespan.In our conversation, Cindy shares why focusing on meaningful skills and goals is so important for increasing quality of life and “making the world bigger” for learners and their families. Without access to leisure skills and other essential life skills, a learner’s world can feel very small—and that impact extends to their loved ones too.Cindy also highlights the unique benefits of a multidisciplinary clinic, where collaboration across disciplines creates a holistic approach to building a better life, rather than working on skills in isolation. As a clinician-owned center, she may not compete with private equity on pay or scale, but she offers something different: collaboration, flexibility, and an individualized, learner-centered model that supports both therapists and families.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Setting goals critical to the lifespan.The importance of Adult Services in clinics.A widespread value in a multidisciplinary clinic. Mentioned In This Episode:a.c.e. Therapiesa.c.e. therapies (@acetherapies_) on InstagramCindy Dougherty-Mrotek on LinkedInSpeech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home