The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals

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: HomeThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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: HomeThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Do you feel like most CEUs aren’t very beneficial? You’re not alone—60% of my audience across the field feels the same way.That’s why I created The ABA Speech Connection CEU Membership—a program designed to foster collaboration, provide access to current research, and deliver engaging, practical CEUs that actually help you support your learners in communicating with the world.ABA Speech Connection is both ASHA and ACE approved, with a strong focus on meaningful outcomes. Since launching, more than 500 professionals have joined. Each month, members can attend at least one live course (often more) and access our growing catalog of CEUs. Whether you’re an SLP, RBT, or BCBA, you’ll find everything you need to earn your continuing education in one place.Membership is just $25 per month or $247 per year, with group pricing available as well.What’s Inside:ASHA and ACE approved CEUs.A space for collaboration for SLPs, RBTs, and BCBAs. Mentioned In This Episode:Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

Dr. Erin Michaud, SLP and BCBA-D with over 20 years of experience in communication development and ABA, joins the podcast to share the groundbreaking work of The Early Markers of Autism Project—a program changing the landscape of early autism identification and intervention.This hands-on, in-person research and treatment study works with infants from both high-risk populations (siblings of children with autism, with a 20% recurrence rate) and low-risk populations. By tracking social interaction, shifting attention, joint attention, and social behaviors from infancy through age five, the project identifies and responds to early markers far earlier than the current AAP screening recommendation of 18 months.The impact? Earlier diagnoses, earlier interventions, and fewer families waiting for services. Dr. Michaud shares how this project is creating validated assessment tools, expanding parent training, and building strong research to push for insurance coverage—bringing meaningful change for high-risk infants and their families.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:What are the early markers of autism?What is the Autism Sibling Project?Supporting parents and our littlest learners.Mentioned In This Episode:Talking First Words — Coming Soon ​​Early Markers of Autism Project | The New England Center for Children7 Investigates: Autism Intervention - Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7NewsNECC Infant Sibling Research Project 2023 Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: HomeThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Cindy Watson, celebrating 30 years as an SLP and making her third appearance on the podcast, returns with BCBA Ashley Snavely to share how their clinic blends multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care.“We were missing something,” Cindy reflects. Already offering PT, OT, and Speech, their team recognized therapists needed tools to address challenging behaviors. Adding ABA was the evidence-based solution. In this episode, Cindy and Ashley discuss the early stages of collaboration—how large group trainings, comprehensive education, and the creation of the BILT (Behavior Intervention Leadership Team) empowered therapists to problem-solve before BCBAs step in. They also dive into AAC in a collaborative setting, emphasizing curiosity, data-driven decisions, and open communication as key to success.Together, they show how a “we want to learn from you” mindset builds trust, resolves disagreements, and ultimately leads to what matters most—meaningful progress for every learner.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Integrating ABA into a multidisciplinary clinic.How to collaborate with ACCHandling disagreements across providers.Fostering open communication and learning among therapists and providers. Mentioned In This Episode:Episode #115: Early Intervention Speech Therapy Services – A Talk With Cindy WatsonEpisode #191: Autism in Girls- A Conversation with Cindy and MCSpeech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: HomeThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Ron Demuesy joins me to unpack the vital and often nuanced role of school-based BCBAs. Unlike outsourced consultants, in-house BCBAs provide consistent presence, accessibility, and a deeper connection with students and staff.Ron shares key insights for success:Mind your language: Be technically accurate without drowning in jargon.Ditch the forms: Gather meaningful information through conversation, not paperwork.Focus on skill-building: Address behaviors by teaching replacement skills, not just stopping actions.Find and be a mentor: Growth doesn’t end with certification—keep learning and connecting.In addition to his school-based work, Ron serves as a lead consultant at FTF Consulting, teaching others to analyze and build skills for individuals with severe problem behaviors, while also contributing to research initiatives.And don’t forget—our School-Based BCBA Startpack is there to help you hit the ground running, and we’d love for you to join us for a live Q&A with Ron on September 9th from 7 to 8 PM EST. You deserve to feel supported in the critical, transformative work you do every day.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Ron’s must-knows for school-based BCBAs.Resources for school-based BCBAs.What is FTF Consulting?Mentioned In This Episode:Purchase the School Based BCBA Starter Pack ABA Speech Membership ABA Speech: HomeThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Allyson Wharam, BCBA, instructional designer, and founder of Sidekick Learning. Allyson is the creator of one of the most comprehensive and thoughtfully designed 40-hour RBT courses I’ve come across. Her background in instructional design brings a fresh and interactive approach to RBT and BCBA training.We talk about how the RBT certification has grown rapidly and why quality training is more important than ever. Allyson explains what goes into becoming an RBT and how her course supports new professionals with engaging, person-centered content. We also dive into how BCBAs can feel unprepared when stepping into supervisory roles and how her supervision curriculum fills that gap.Whether you're a clinic owner, new BCBA, or someone supporting trainees, this conversation is full of helpful insight on training, supervision, and compassionate care.Allyson also shares details on our upcoming collaboration. On August 19, I’ll be presenting a free live CEU course on joint attention through Sidekick Learning, and I’d love for you to join us.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What makes Allyson’s 40-hour RBT course uniqueThe steps to RBT certification and required competenciesWhy supervision is a challenge for new BCBAs and how to support themIntegrating compassion and social validity into training contentMentioned in this episode:Sidekick LearningSupervision Sidekick on InstagramAllyson Wharam on LinkedInABA Speech ConnectionFree CEU on Joint Attention – August 19RBT Training Use coupon code: ABASPEECHThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Jennifer Houston joins me to share her journey from speech‑language pathologist (SLP) to dual‑credentialed SLP/Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)—a rare “unicorn” duo found in fewer than 500 professionals worldwide. After more than two decades of diverse SLP roles, Jennifer found herself increasingly drawn to addressing challenging behaviors across her caseload. Motivated by this evolving passion and a push from her boss, she pursued BCBA certification, blending her communication expertise with applied behavior analysis to better support her clients.In our conversation, Jennifer tackles common misconceptions about both fields and describes her thoughtful approach to professional introductions. She emphasizes the importance of gently educating colleagues about the shared foundations of speech‑language pathology and behavior analysis, fostering collaboration rather than competition.Jennifer is also an active member of ABA Speech Connection, our community that provides science‑backed resources on the latest developments in ABA. She explains how this network helps her stay current and deliver evidence‑based interventions. Highlighting that education doesn’t end at graduation, Jennifer contrasts what she loves about our live courses—robust chat interactions—with the flexibility of ABA Speech’s comprehensive course library, underscoring her belief in lifelong learning. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Becoming dually certified: SLP to SLP/BCBA.Common misconceptions cross the fields of Speech Pathology and ABA.Finding common ground across professions.Utilizing ABA Speech Connection to bolster learning across the career.Mentioned In This Episode:Speech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: HomeThe BriefAll your family’s pressing concerns and questions, answered in one place. Mike...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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