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

“Fell in love with teaching; fell in love with watching him learn." That's a quote from my guest, Dr. Bridget Taylor. She has a long list of accomplishments, among them being a BCBA and Licensed Psychologist. She shares about her journey into the field and something she has noticed changed since conference early in her career in the 90s. At the time, the ABA profession was still growing, and conferences she spoke at were attended more by parents, with this momentum driven by families who wanted information to help their children. Now, parents are still an equal part of the process as ever, but those seats are filled by professionals who need to then transfer information, support, and training over to these families.We discuss some of the work she has done in this area, including parent training and particularly compassionate care and relationship building. She points out a familiar phrase: ‘People don't care how much you know unless you show how much you care’. This really speaks to the way relationships with families create buy-in, collaboration, and ultimately more positive outcomes for the client. Dr. Taylor describes compassion as empathy in action. She explains that it requires endurance through uncomfortable feelings and an emphasis on listening during those times so that you can understand and support families. As we close, she shares her recommendations on how clinicians can better help parents by attending training, reading articles, seeking mentorship, and truly practicing listening as a skill. #autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:The shift in knowledge seeking conferences since the 90s.What can clinicians do to help parents?What is compassionate care when it comes to parent conversations?Skills and resources for parent training.Mentioned In This Episode:Building and Sustaining Compassionate Relationships with Caregivers | ABA TechnologiesMembership - ABA Speech

Family and parent support and education are so important, especially when it comes to our youngest learners. Today, I am talking with Dr. Tracy Raulston. She is such a bright spot in the field, with so much information to spread and a great project in the works.Dr. Raulston helps me discern the difference between Natural Environment Training and NDBI. When we are working with young learners in early intervention, play-based therapy is so crucial. Dr. Raulston explains how NDBI utilizes developmentally based instruction and strategies with child development front and center. Providers using NDBI are using protocols focusing on social connection, sensory exploration, and speech milestones.The Mindful Routines Project is Dr. Raulston's initiative to provide clear and seamless tools to support parents and families. Being a parent is hard, and parents of autistic children are at an increased risk of stress. This project embeds mindful tools like noticing and validating thoughts and feelings without judgment and encourages parents to be more compassionate with themselves. As Dr. Raulston builds this project, she anticipates an 8-week curriculum for BCBA’s providing family guidance.Families and parents are our learners' biggest influences and advocates. It is so great to hear about more awareness and tools for BCBAs to work to support these important members of our community.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:How providers can support families and parents.Are parents of autistic children at risk of increased stress?What is the Mindful Routines Project?What is the difference between Natural Environment Training and NDBI?Mentioned In This Episode:tjr27@txstate.eduDr. Tracy Raulston on LinkedInMembership - ABA Speech

When Jeannette Passanisi landed on my TikTok For You Page (‘the FYP’ if you’re familiar with the popular social media platform), I knew I had to have her on the show. Jeannette is a mom of 3, with her youngest son, Robbie, being autistic. Jeannette shares his developmental delays, swept aside early on as being the baby of the family; however, she soon realized he was not developing like her older girls and sought advice. Eventually leading to a diagnosis of PDD NOS at age 4. At the time, autism diagnoses were harder to get, especially at a young age. During our conversation, she shares how his diagnosis changed in 2017 to level 3 autism and, more recently, to more profound autism.Having a profoundly autistic son requires a lot of direct care. As Jeannette mentions his lack of sleep, tendencies to rage pace, and other behaviors, Robbie needs to always be accompanied and needs assistance with a lot of daily tasks. Jeannette is also Robbie's #1 advocate, always making sure that he receives the best quality and most positive therapy techniques. She provides great examples of how she advocates for her son. “Everyone has the ability to improve at their own pace” is just one gem from Jeannette’s and my talk. You can learn more about her family and autism journey on TikTok @Running4Robbie.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:A mother sharing her autism journey on TikTok.Seeing signs of autism at age 4.How availability and quality of diagnosis has changed over time.Navigating and advocating therapy services for older autistic children and adults.Mentioned In This Episode:Running4Robbie - TikTokMembership - ABA Speech

Dr. Mary Barbera, an expert in autism, shares her personal journey and the importance of early intervention. She discusses assessing language skills, differentiating between speech delay and autism, and emphasizes the role of parents as advocates. The podcast also explores transitioning to online courses and the significance of self-education.

Things are bound to happen. Whether you are a new or seasoned provider, you will surely encounter an ethical dilemma. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and BCBA-D, Dr. Linda LeBlanc, is on to talk about the importance of ethics, provider values, and her new book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts.For many, your position in the field of ABA is the first professional role where you are officially responsible for the outcome of a vulnerable person. Your personal underlying values are important to decision making when it comes to the code of ethics. Ethical situations in this field can bring questions to boundaries and relationships appropriate for the role.The first response to an ethical situation is often a gut response. But Dr. LeBlanc poses the idea of how providers can be proactive in their ethical framework before specific ethical dilemmas even arise. She explains the big picture of her up and coming book in three parts that will cover history, values, and personal behavior, a dissection of each section of the ethics code, and practical everyday management of ethics.Following the code of ethics is not about perfection; it is about being planned, intentional, and thoughtful in a way that protects you and your client. You can find out more about Dr. Linda LeBlanc at her website and read a preview of her book at Sloan Publishing. #autism #speectherapy What’s Inside:How new providers may encounter ethical dilemmas.The underlying values and personal decision making behind the ethical code.A framework for proactive ethical management.Dr. Lina LeBlanc’s book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior AnalystsMentioned In This Episode:LeBlanc Behavioral Consulting​​Sloan Publishing - Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior AnalystsMembership - ABA Speech

As an SLP - BCBA working in the field for the last two decades, I have certainly made mistakes and learned along the way. Today I am sharing my top 5 mistakes and what I would do differently. Because when we know better, we do better.1. Yes/No Questions – working on this too early is not productive; it is important but requires a much higher level language!2. Not setting specific goals on Joint Attention - Good providers have these opportunities naturally, but it's necessary to set specific goals and specific focus using the three-part framework - Books, Music, and Play!3. JARGON - using too much professional jargon is not the right move unless you’re talking to ONLY other members of your profession. Ethically, you need to use words that are understandable by all!4. The term “Red Flags” - in reference to autism “Red Flags” have a negative connotation. Use language that supports your learners; try language like “Signs” or “Characteristics”.5. Eye Contact as a goal - while eye contact can be a helpful skill, it's not directly important to communication and will often be a natural by-product of focusing on joint attention.  In a world where 1 in 36 individuals has autism, we have to be striving to support autistic learners in every way we can. #autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Top 5 Mistakes when working with autistic students.Changing your language to support autistic learners.Why you shouldn't use jargon in IEP meetings.Are Yes/No questions important?How to set goals for joint attention.Can eye contact be a by-product of other communication goals?Mentioned In This Episode:IEP Goals for Students with Autism - ABA SpeechMembership - ABA Speech

Enjoy this free training from my new series, Communication Without Limits. In this presentation, I am providing an introduction to AAC. AAC is a powerful tool that can help learners communicate and find their voice for the very first time. I share a personal story from my career where AAC did just that. What an amazing feeling!I cover important information to support SLPs-BCBAs such as the Communication Bill of Rights, as well as who to turn to for support when it comes to finding devices, programs, and collaborating in your district or center. Utilizing an AAC requires a team; this is the learners voice and everyone has to be on the same page, including SLPs, BCBAs, OTs, Teachers, Parents, etc.How do you know you need an AAC? I go over the steps of a comprehensive assessment involving Case History, Ecological Inventory, Self-Report, and Sensory-Motor Status. Once you’ve determined the need for AAC, you need to determine the system that will optimize communication for your learner. This is an important feature matching process where, as the provider, you determine access, language systems, and the materials or devices appropriate for the learner.I hope you continue to tune in to future free training on important topics in ABA. To stay in the loop, receive more in depth training and tutorials, and connect with other professionals, consider joining the ABA Speech Connection Membership.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:What is AAC?An introduction and guide for SLP-BCBAs in AAC.What is involved in a comprehensive assessment for AAC?Who can help with an AAC?How to choose the right AAC.Mentioned In This Episode:AAC - Slides and HandoutsMembership - ABA Speech

My guests today, Anna Dvortsak and Dr. Brook Ingersoll, are the creators of Project ImPACT, an important initiative in the field to provide access for parent coaching and train parents for a collaborative approach to therapy.Project ImPACT is a systemic approach to parent mediated intervention for parents of young children with social communication delays, with or without a diagnosis. This parent coaching teaches parents to work with their children to create relevant skills and goals for their community and needs in four main targets; Social Engagement, Communication, Imitation, and Play.There are many programs and systems that may not be attainable for some providers. Anna and Dr. Ingersoll have worked to make this an accessible program with an easy to follow and systemic coaching guide. For those who want more training with Project ImPACT is available but not required.Collaboration is such an important part of a young child's intervention, not just with providers but with their family and their community. That’s why Anna and Dr. Ingersoll created this program with a holistic view of a child's needs beyond the therapy room, with strategies parents can implement daily.You can find out more about Project ImPACT by visiting their website.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:What is Project ImPACT?How Anna Dvortscak and Dr. Ingersoll created a parent curriculum.Four targets for social communication.A systematic approach to parent coaching.Mentioned In This Episode:Project ImPACT Membership - ABA Speech

As a member of the field, you have probably heard of and used the VB-MAPP. Today I am talking to Dr. Barbara Esch, who is an experienced contributor to the field as an SLP and BCBA-D, as well as the author of the EESA, a part of the VB-MAPP. Dr. Esch recently released the “New EESA”, the Early Echoic Skills Assessment and Program Planner. She explains the changes and the reasoning behind them. The EESA is not about articulation, as it is primarily focused on Early Speech Learners. This assessment and planner is about how well an individual can repeat what they hear with the criteria: the number of syllables 1 to 6, different numbers of consonants, and different numbers of vowels.In the new EESA you will find 5 groups of increasingly complex syllables within the Guide and Protocol books. These also include FAQ, Translations, and a Work Packet. In the work packet, the administrator will analyze skill levels and utilize the program planning guidance. It’s always important to me to keep things FUNctional. Dr. Esch and I discuss the importance of choosing the write targets and the write syllables for words of things our learners like and would need access to. As creator of the EESA, Dr. Barbara Esch has had a hand in thousands of learners' development of verbal speech. You can utilize this tool whether you're an SLP, BCBA, Parent, Caretaker or anyone finding themselves responsible for teaching vocal speech!#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Dr. Barbara Esch’s contribution to the field of ABA.The EESA versus the Early Echoic Skills Assessment and Program Planner.What is syllable complexity and why does it matter?/A tool for anyone teaching verbal speech.Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Barbara EschDifferent Roads to LearningMembership - ABA Speech

Have you ever been in a position where you’ve only seen your supervisor or administrator when there is conflict? Dr. Ellie Kazemi, behavior analyst and keynote speaker, joins me to discuss the work environment and how to build a positive work atmosphere, whether that’s in an ABA clinic or in a school based setting.What is crucial to a positive atmosphere? Shared values and open communication. These important ideals come up over and over again throughout Dr. Kazemi's and my discussion. In order for teams to feel appreciated, psychologically safe, and have the desire for growth, they need administration and colleagues that promote transparency, shared values, and a framework to train resiliency for the ever changing systems.If you’re a supervisor or administrator listening, consider how often and how naturally you’re making yourself available for conversations with your team. Dr. Kazemi emphasizes the point that there needs to be consistent, visible support from leadership.Without these ideals, providers can face burnout, and even worse, the client can suffer. At the end of the day, we all want to make a difference and provide the best outcomes for our clients. The first step is creating a positive atmosphere for providers. You can find Dr. Ellie Kazemi on her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Top tips for creating a positive work environment.The importance of shared values and open communication in any organization.How to cultivate psychological safety.The impact of the work environment on growth and investment in the mission.The importance of supervisor and administrative visibility.Mentioned In This Episode:Ellie KazemiEllie Kazemi - LinkedInEllie Kazemi (@ellie.kazemi) on InstagramMembership - ABA Speech