The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals

Rita Soronen is a National Child Welfare Advocate working with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA). She advocates for the abused, neglected, and vulnerable children in the foster care and juvenile justice system. There are 117,000 children in North America freed for adoption and 77% of those children have some sort of medically identified need, including autism. These children belong to a special division of DTFA, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. This division is an initiative to advocate for and support children most at risk of aging out of the foster care system—teenagers, sibling groups, and those with special needs.During this conversation, Rita not only explains the wonderful work done for these children but also shares a story of hope. CJ is a child with autism who was adopted at age 9 by a loving and caring adoptive mom, D. Now 20 years old, CJ, who was nonverbal at the time of adoption, is thriving as a college student and productive adult. 1 in 36 children has autism, and there are many children in the child welfare system with an autism diagnosis or other special needs that need support and care. You can learn more by visiting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption website or calling their information hotline. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.An initiative for children most at risk in the child welfare systems.CJ’s Story: A story of hope for children with autism awaiting adoption.Advocating for special needs children in the foster care system.Mentioned In This Episode:Dave Thomas FoundationDave Thomas Foundation for Adoption on FacebookCall: 1-800-ASK-DTFA

What a pleasure it was to have Sandy and Ben Hartranft on the show! Sandy is the proud mom of three sons, one of whom is Ben. Ben is 24 years old and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.20+ years ago, Sandy knew something was off, limited speech and no response to his name led her to pursue check-ins with her son’s doctors and an official appointment with a developmental pediatrician. Soon, it all came together, and the signs began to make sense with his new-found diagnosis. Ben found support through early intervention and through the rest of his school years with OTs, SLPs, The Talk Institute, and even his bus driver, who helped him make a plan to get on the regular education bus. When you hear what Ben is up to now, you will be amazed! He has been on the Ellen show, worked extensively with the Philadelphia Eagles and their autism advocacy events, and gone on solo trips, including cross country to California to win big on The Price is Right! He even owns his own company, Benergy. In which he provides presentations and public speeches for organizations to spread awareness and advocacy for autism.This duo is full of inspiration, kindness, and positivity. You can check out Sandy’s book, Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey through Autism, for more of the story of this incredible family.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Sandy and Ben’s journey through autism.A story of inspiration, kindness, and positivity.Getting an autism diagnosis in the 90s.Benergy; Ben’s public speaking company for autism awareness.Opportunities and possibilities for adults with autism.Mentioned In This Episode:Ben Hartranft Join our Start Communicating Today Live Course On June 20th and June 21st from 7-9:30 pm est. Register here. 

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Assent on the show. But today we’re focusing on what it is. Why is it important? And how do you know if you’re using an Assent Based Model? Liz Lefebre is a precision teacher and BCBA passionate about high quality behavior and educational services.So what is Assent? The goal of an Assent Based Model is a person-centered approach to assessment, intervention, and all other decision-making. In this model, the learner's assent withdrawal from participation is honored, whether it be a vocal 'no' or a non-vocal expression of verbal behavior.Liz describes it as having various components: Designing a program based on learner values, measuring engagement and Assent withdrawal, teaching and reinforcing assent withdrawal, as well as creating boundaries for safety and respect. Check out Liz’s hot off the press checklist to analyze your current therapy and see if you are incorporating an Assent Based Model. What do you need to shift and change? She includes examples and non examples to clarify these subtle components and how they should be embedded.If you’re ready for the first steps toward embedding an Assent Based Model in your therapy sessions, Liz has some tips.See her guide and checklist and take a good look at the current state of therapy.Take it one piece at a time. Make small changes as you can, it might be too heavy of a lift to change it all at once.Finally, listen and learn about the “Anti-ABA Movement”. Understand the harm caused by past ABA experiences so you can be a part of the change!When we know better, we do better. Assent is a crucial part of doing better, as my goal for therapy is to keep things fun AND functional!#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:—What is Assent?—A new guide to analyze how you’re using Assent in therapy.—The first steps for embedding an Assent Based Model.—The importance of learner values and interests in therapy.Mentioned In This Episode:Assent Based Treatment ChecklistOctave-TrainingAssent ConferenceStart Communicating Today Webinar

Dr. Kelle DeBoth Foust is one of my best friends; we’ve been friends for over 15 years. She is an Occupational Therapist and an Associate Professor of OT at Cleveland State University. She has a passion for working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities and today she shares her wealth of knowledge with us.What is Occupational Therapy? No, it has nothing to do with helping people find jobs! Dr. DeBoth Foust describes it as therapy to regain the skills necessary for meaningful activities or occupational roles. This is a skill or activity that you LOVE to do and the foundational skills necessary to help you do it. For kids and young learners, this is commonly play or school participation.Occupational Therapists work frequently with sensory processing disorders and help use sensory integration for regulation. Dr. DeBoth Foust talks about "sensory diets,” which are strict schedules for sensory activities, and how these can sometimes not be very helpful. Working with sensory issues needs to be totally individualized, and teachers need to “be a detective” to see what triggers or helps students. Students should have some choice and be able to self identify how they feel and what they need to regulate. We also discuss a hot topic I love; collaboration. As we are all highly trained in our fields and we want what's best for the learner, collaboration can be tough if we don't fully understand each other's roles. When it comes to BCBAs and OTs collaborating, they can often butt heads because it might feel like OTs are reinforcing problem behaviors with sensory integration. Dr. DeBoth Foust explains it well when she says, "Not every behavior problem is a sensory issue and not every sensory issue is a behavior problem”. Dr. DeBoth Foust and her work focus on increasing engagement and participation in play! You can find out more about her work through CSU or the program PLAAY on the Move.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:What is Occupational Therapy?What school is required to become an OT?Common goals and skills OTs practice.What are sensory processing disorders?What is a sensory diet?What are the barriers to collaboration with BCBAs and OTs?Mentioned In This Episode:PLAAY on the MoveKelle Kathleen DeBoth Foust, PhD, OTR/L

It’s May, and it can be a time when a lot of stress and overwhelm can be occurring. How do you know when you’re headed toward burnout? What do you do?Jasmine Yepez, The ABA Lady, is passionate about burnout and mental health advocacy for professionals and shares with me today her journey to healing after experiencing burnout. Burnout can be caused by a variety of things, like unhealthy boundaries with work. Are you consistently bringing work home with you? Checking your email during your time off? It can also be caused by a work environment that perpetuates negativity or overwork. Do they not help you set boundaries? Do they require work out of the office or during time off? Do they set unreasonable expectations? Whether it’s one or a combination, if you’re starting to feel burnout symptoms, you need to make some changes.Jasmine was in a position where she needed to take a break from the field. You may also feel that it is necessary, or you might feel that with additional steps, you can work through the burnout. Work through and heal burnout:Seek support: talk with a trusted supervisor, friend, or family member.Seek therapy: ACT, or Cognitive Behavior Therapy can be especially helpful.Learn about burnout: find books, podcasts, and social media accounts that can guide your journey.Pursue personal identity: Dive into a passion project (like Jasmine with wedding planning!) or spend time doing hobbies you love outside of work.If you’re new to the field or coming back from a break due to mental health, what can you do to ensure your employer has a positive culture that won’t lead to burnout? Jasmine shares some great questions and considerations for interviewing that can help you find the right employer.What are the leaders like? Do they foster collaboration and communication throughout the WHOLE team?What is the work life balance? Ask for actual policies and expectations!What is the PTO policy? Is time off REALLY time off? Are you expected to make up for billable hours?What is the turnover rate? A position with high turnover may not be a place with a positive environment.As you head into a busy and often stressful season, put yourself first! Have the care, compassion, and patience you would have for your clients for yourself as well! It is okay to take care of yourself, and it is always okay to question your job, there may even be ways you can use your certification that you haven't even considered yet! #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Burnout care and prevention.Burnout symptoms, what to look for?Mental health advocacy for ABA professionals.How to heal from burnout.Questions to ask to ensure a positive work culture from future employers.Mentioned In This Episode:@TheABALady on Instagram

You may have heard of the term "ACT," or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, before, but this is a new topic for the show! I was so excited to learn about this impactful therapy approach from BCBA Kody Harms. What is ACT? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is all about accepting that variables and challenging things will occur in life, but developing mental flexibility through positive values can be overcome. As a therapist working with parents, teachers, and other professionals engaged in the special education community, Kody found this to be the strongest force, especially with post- COVID concerns. He focuses especially on those that will have an impact on children with special needs.The approach to this therapy involves action based sessions. Creating daily actions to reflect who you want to be and systematic goals based on your environment. During intake, you have a values assessment to understand who you are and what you want to be. And weekly check-ins involving a health score from 1-10. The idea is that a healthier mind and mental space lead to more positive outcomes and change toward your goals. You can expect role play, narrative exercises, and other tactics that drive towards an overall shift toward a positive mindset.Whether you’re a mom looking to be a better, more positive parent towards your special needs child or a professional working towards handling contentious situations with special needs children and their parents, ACT can be a really healthy and balanced way to reach those goals. Before we close, Kody shares his 5 second rule when it comes to when you don’t really want to do something. I know I am going to use this right away!You can find out more about Kody and ACT therapy with Curated Family Therapeutics online at their website and Instagram.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:What is ACT?The power of positive values and mindset.What is the ‘5 Second Rule’?What is Mental Flexibility?Traditional ABA vs ACT.Mentioned In This Episode:Curated Family TherapeuticsCFT InstagramGet Your Free Autism Toolbox

Whether you are a seasoned professional, parent, or brand new to the field, IEP meetings are a reality when it comes to school based settings. With over 20 years of experience, I have 5 top tips to keep you positive, prepared, and confident no matter the tone of the meeting. Have your special education director or administrator present - Sometimes lawyers and advocates are going to attend the meeting, in that event, make sure you have support on your side beyond your building principal.Complete a robust assessment AND/OR be comfortable with most recent assessment - Check out my prior episode on assessments like the PFA, Rossetti, VB-Mapp, Communication Matrix, and more. Include baseline data - This demonstrates a need for a goal. Be specific with accuracy and dates to track goals and progress. Send a draft home for a review - I recommend a week prior, but every district is different. The parent needs a chance to review and give feedback with their home team, and then you have a chance to receive and consider that feedback prior to the meeting or be prepared to discuss more during the IEP.Be prepared, remain calm, be professional, and seek help - You deserve to be treated with respect and do not have to accept verbal abuse, even during difficult and contentious IEP meetings.If you ever need extra support, whether you’re a parent or professional, I am here, and you can book a coaching call with me. Not every IEP meeting will be warm and fuzzy, but we can live in a world where we do not dread them! #autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Do you dread IEP meetings?5 survival tips for a positive IEP meeting.When to seek support in an IEP meeting.What to know about assessments prior to an IEP meeting.Why is a draft SO important before an IEP meeting.Why do contentious IEP meetings occur?Mentioned In This Episode:Autism Outreach Podcast - Episode 54: Autism AssessmentsBook a coaching call with RoseGet Your Free Autism Toolbox

One of my big goals with ABA Speech and The Autism Outreach Podcast is to disseminate information to help professionals stay in touch with the latest research and information in our field. When the article, Examining Core Vocabulary with Language Development for Early Symbolic Communicators, written by Dr. Allison Bean and Dr. Bethany Frick showed up in a professional Facebook group, I knew I had to know more.Let’s first start by breaking down the definition of the vocabulary discussed in this article and today’s episode.  Core Vocabulary is made up of 200–400 words that occur frequently across individuals, settings, and contexts - pronouns, verbs, auxiliary verbs, prepositions, and determiners (it, more, that, is).Fringe Vocabulary is all the other words specific to an individual or activity - mostly nouns. In their research, Dr. Bean and Dr. Semmler examined 7 core vocabulary lists, looking at the composition of the list, what portion were nouns/verbs/etc and when they are acquired under typical development. They found the lists to very well match the definitions in our field, and the majority of words were acquired by typical language learners from ages 25 - 66 months. As we discuss the findings from their research, we consider how practitioners are choosing, using, and teaching words to AAC learners. AAC is still critical language development, just with a different modality. It is crucial to continue to use your clinical expertise and training in language development as you are choosing words and teaching your AAC users.At some point in time, every single SLP will encounter a learner who uses AAC. How are you developing their language? How are you choosing meaningful words specific to the learner?Dr. Bean and Dr. Semmler get to the heart of these important questions and have a great discussion about this important research! #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is core vocabulary?What is fringe vocabulary?How to choose specific and meaningful words for your AAC user?AAC users and language development.Core vocabulary and acquisition with typical language development. Mentioned In This Episode:Thank you to our sponsor LINGGO. For more information, visit  www.linggo.com or contact info@linggo.comAllison F. Bean | Department of Speech and Hearing Science (osu.edu)ABA Speech: Learn About Current ASHA and ACE CEUs

When you are post-certification and become a practitioner, it can be difficult to stay in touch with the latest research. Dr. Amber Valentino, Chief Clinical Officer at Trumpet Behavioral Health, discusses some of the ways to break beyond the barriers of research as a clinician and make ABA research more accessible.Dr. Valentino wrote a paper with her colleague, Jessica Juanico, on the barriers to research for practitioners who had a real desire to continue research during their field careers. This was the inspiration for her book, Applied Behavior Analysis Research Made Easy: A Handbook for Practitioners Conducting Research Post-Certification.  Dr. Valentino expresses the importance and place for field research that looks different, may be less structured, and embraces the mess that is everyday clinic work. I’ve set a goal for myself to read three journal articles a week because learning and disseminating information are important to me. Dr. Valentino shares some ways she recommends creating digestible goals to consume research, like “lit in a min” and time blocking.We also talk a bit about public speaking. Whether you are live on socials, a podcast, an IEP, or a parent meeting, speaking can be nerve wracking. She says to prepare, practice, and know your audience. That is the best way to soothe your nerves and nail your talk!You can find out more about Dr. Amber Valentino and her work by visiting the website for Trumpet Behavioral Health or checking out her personal website, Behavioral-Mom.  #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What should you be doing to help your clients?Sticking to evidence based practice and research in therapyStrategies for staying in touch with literature and current research.Public speaking as a provider.Mentioned In This Episode:Behavior MomTrumpet Behavioral HealthABA Speech: Learn About Current ASHA and ACE CEUsThank you to our sponsor LINGGO. For more information, visit www.linggo.com or contact info@linggo.com 

Have you ever met a provider, with a “Sit down! Do your work! Kids need to listen!” mentality? Jennifer Posey is a BCBA and adjunct professor at Endicott College. In this episode, she shares about her new tool, the Joy Index, which is currently in the research and peer review process.The Joy Index is a tool that measures assent, autonomy, embedded choice, and relationship building. It involves 32 indicators with yes or no answers that can be used by parents and professionals. As providers, our goal is to have a positive impact, but there are those who have raised concerns about the practice of ABA. This tool is to keep those concerns in check and ensure we are creating a joyful experience in therapy. Honor the learner, follow their lead, provide choice in play materials and instruction, these are all parts of the dance between instructor and child to create a meaningful interaction. The Joy Index is currently under peer review, so stay tuned for future information on this incredible tool. Contact Jennifer Posey via email and look out for her at upcoming conferences this year. #autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:What is the Joy index?Honoring the learner in every therapy session.A field with the goal to create positive change.Active strategies to create joy in therapy.What does joy in therapy look like?What is assent and what does it mean?Mentioned In This Episode:jposey@endicott.edu ABA Speech: Learn About Current ASHA and ACE CEUsThank you to our sponsor LINGGO. For more information, visit www.linggo.com or contact info@linggo.com.