The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals

Apraxia is something a lot of my listeners are really interested in learning about. I had Dr. Edythe Strand on the two-part episode, number 44. Today Dr. Jennifer Moore, SLP, and co-owner of Brave Wings Therapy brings us some strategies on understanding Apraxia with autism and applying the interventions to autistic learners. What is Apraxia and is it common in autism?Childhood Apraxia Speech is when the brain has difficulty planning and directing the muscles in a sequence to produce speech. Students with Apraxia might have difficult transitions from one syllable to another, you might see oral groping, vowel distortion, or errors in prosody. Autism rates have risen, current studies show approximately 1 in 44 children is diagnosed with autism. Although research does vary, within that subpopulation there is a coexistence of Apraxia in about ⅔ of those cases. How can Apraxia interventions be applied to autistic learners?Many SLP’s struggles because there are great evidence-based assessments such as DTTC and REST for apraxia. However, with these approaches, there are many prerequisite skills required for an authentic, best practice result that do not align with the “box” our autistic learners need. Effective assessments for these learners will require outside-of-the-box thinking using a mix of these approaches with modifications unique to each learner.When assessing an autistic learner, we really have to be dynamic in our approach. This means looking at sensory differences, current communication style, AAC use, receptive language, and cognitive ability and assessing each of these areas. Jennifer suggests structuring the therapy environment and before therapy, activities to be conducive to the learner and the assessments. Picking functional targets for autistic learners?Jennifer uses the term “Power Words” as an important start for learning targets. This means words that are of high use for them in their everyday life that are going to be heard and used often with a big impact. With these functional words, SLPs can look at what the student already has in terms of the sounds and oral motor skills and how to shape it. The Principles for Motor Learning guides instruction, practice, and retention for learners with apraxia and Jennifer provides great guidance on this.This was such an informative episode on modifying assessment and treatment for Apraxia in autistic learners. You can find out more about Jennifer and her work on Instagram, Facebook, and on the Brave Wings Therapy website.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:What are Apraxia assessments?How sensory differences that may affect autistic learners.How to pick targets for autistic learners.Communication when working on interdisciplinary teams.Mentioned in this episode: Don’t miss Pyramid Educational Consultants’ Second Annual FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th and 5th, 2022! Pyramid’s international team of behavior analysts, and dually certified speech pathologists, led by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, the developers of PECS, have created all new and expanded content that includes a broad range of practical information related to the field of behavior analysis. Day one will focus on content related to educational programming and program development. Day two of the virtual conference will present information related to behavior analysis and communication. Earn up to 8.0 BACB CEUs including one ethics and one supervision credit when you attend the full virtual conference. To learn more about attending the FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th & 5th,  visit pecsusa.com! — Dr. Moore on Instagram— Brave Wings Therapy

I often get requests for how therapists can help students who are engaging in problem behaviors that create a barrier to learning. In this interview, my colleague Sasha Long of The Autism Helper shared her “Five Favorite Antecedent Strategies”. If you’re not sure what antecedent means, Sasha gives a great explanation. For the purpose of this list, antecedent means to be proactive. This is a list of best practices that when used to their fullest potential can help teachers, therapists, and even parents become proactive instead of reactive in the face of problem behavior. 1. Evaluate the Physical Environment. Remove elements of distraction or possible sensory overload. We might not always be able to remove it all together, but we can minimize or be aware to be of support to the learner.2. Routines. Kids and adults thrive off of routine and knowing what to expect. Be sure to include several grounding activities throughout the day. We’re all human and things come up but how can you plan ahead to maintain a routine even when there is a change in the day?3. Schedules. We often have schedules for the whole day but mini schedules are the secret sauce. Try to break down the steps into every group and activity. If you can associate each activity with a visual cue in the order it happens. Keep it simple and applicable to the receptive language skills of the learners.4. Visuals. We all use them, but, why are you using them? Take a look at the receptive language skills of your learners and figure out what kind of visuals they need. Make visuals a purposeful strategy as opposed to pictures used for the sake of taking up wall space. 5. Reinforcement of replacement behaviors. When you build up good behavior, you’re not going to need to be reactive. Provide praise when students are engaged in positive replacement behaviors. Find the good even if it's small!Our end goal when working with students and implementing this list to see an increase in communication and a decrease in problem behaviors. Sasha is a wealth of information. You can find out more about her and her work through her blog and podcast, The Autism Helper. #autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Proactive strategies for students who engage in problem behavior. What to do when problem behavior becomes a barrier to learning.How to help students who engage in unsafe behavior during therapy.What are Sasha Long’s Top 5 Antecedent Intervention Strategies?How  to set up your therapy environment for the safety of your students.Mentioned In This Episode:Don’t miss Pyramid Educational Consultants’ Second Annual FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th and 5th, 2022! Pyramid’s international team of behavior analysts, and dually certified speech pathologists, led by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, the developers of PECS, have created all new and expanded content that includes a broad range of practical information related to the field of behavior analysis. Day one will focus on content related to educational programming and program development. Day two of the virtual conference will present information related to behavior analysis and communication. Earn up to 8.0 BACB CEUs including one ethics and one supervision credit when you attend the full virtual conference. To learn more about attending the FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th & 5th  visit, pecsusa.com!The Autism HelperABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource 

I am announcing a huge upcoming event, the Autism Connection. If you are an SLP, BCBA, teacher, or even a parent, this is going to be a great event. I partner with Sasha Long who’s also a BCBA and she’s got really great strategies that are actionable and applicable. This is a live PD in which participants will receive CEUs and certificates of attendance. Be sure to check out the talking points, event schedule, and get registered!Learn about the Autism Connection. The inaugural LIVE PD event is taking place on March 12th. Brought to you by ABA SPEECH and The Autism Helper. A LIVE ASHA approved and ACE event! Schedule: (Eastern Time) Time: 9:45 am -10:00 am Topic: Welcome Presenters: With Rose and Sasha Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am Topic: Make the Environment a Tool not an Obstacle Presenters: Sasha Long M.A. BCBATime: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm  Topic: The Performative Power of Language in Therapeutic Spaces: Steps Towards Neurodivergent Affirming PracticesPresenters: Mari Cerda BCBA LBA Time: 12:00 pm -12:15 pm  Topic: Break Presenters: Break Time: 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Topic: Modified Play and Leisure Skills For Preschool and Elementary Aged Students Presenters: Rose Griffin M.A. CCC/SLP BCBATime:  1:15 pm - 2:30 pm Topic: LUNCH BREAKPresenters: LUNCH BREAKTime:  2:30 pm- 3:30 pm  Topic: AAC Intervention: Supporting Communication Partners and AAC Users in Naturalistic Communication EnvironmentsPresenters: Kate Grandbois, MS, CCC-SLPBCBATime:  3:30 pm - 4:30 pm   Topic: The Best Kept Secrets of Collaborative IEP Goal Writing Presenters: Stephanie DeLussey and Rose Griffin M.A. CCC/SLP BCBATime:  4:30 pm - 4:45 pm  Topic: Wrap Up and CEU RemindersPresenters: Rose and Sasha Get Registered for the Autism Connection Now!Thank you to our sponsor: Don’t miss Pyramid Educational Consultants’ Second Annual FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th and 5th, 2022! Pyramid’s international team of behavior analysts, and dually certified speech pathologists, led by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, the developers of PECS, have created all new and expanded content that includes a broad range of practical information related to the field of behavior analysis. Day one will focus on content related to educational programming and program development. Day two of the virtual conference will present information related to behavior analysis and communication. Earn up to 8.0 BACB CEUs including one ethics and one supervision credit when you attend the full virtual conference. To learn more about attending the FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th & 5th, visit pecsusa.com!What’s Inside:What is the Autism Connection, Live PD event?How can you attend this live event?Can you receive CEUs or other certificates by attending the Autism Connection?All about a great live event for SLPs, BCBAs, teachers, and parents. Mentioned In This Episode:Get Registered for the Autism Connection Now! ABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource 

We focus a lot on therapy for young learners, but what about when they grow up? Support for older autistic learners and adults is so important. In this episode, I interviewed Jared Stewart, autistic adult, professional, and BCBA. For many, characteristics of autism may not be apparent until life demands exceed their skill set. He shares his experience in the school system, how bullying, and the skill demands affected him. He finished his 7th-grade year with a refusal to return to school and spent the next year doing correspondence school from his bedroom. He began school again at the start of 9th grade with the realization that everything he wanted to do was on the other side of education. Jared talks about a calendar planner one of his teachers helped him create that really changed the way he managed school, giving him a new sense of control. At that point, he learned that he could learn the systems of success. Creating systems is a really great tool for autistic individuals and with the mastery of these, anyone can learn to do bigger and better things. From his first-hand experience as a high school student to college student, Jared has excellent insight on the needs for public school support and beyond. Focusing on strengths and building up the confidence of your autistic learners is key to their success as they move from school to the real world. Additionally, helping learners understand their unique challenges and working on them is important too. Masking is a hot topic in the autism world today, Jared shared his take on what he calls authentic masking as an important skill to connect your authentic self with your neurotypical community. Jared pointed out that we often forget that autism is a developmental delay. As autistic individuals get older, brain development begins to catch up to neurotypicals and they can really do some powerful things. He sees it first hand with his work at the Scenic View Academy, a residential academy in which autistic adults live, work and get paid for their work. The school customizes plans for students that last on average about 2-3 years. In this program, they learn all the skills to function and keep themselves safe in daily life physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually. This was a great chat about focusing on the transition mindset when preparing autistic learners for beyond public school.  Jared is so knowledgeable and passionate about helping others. If you’re interested in the Scenic View Academy you can find out more information online or if you’d like, you can get in touch with Jared who is happy to help in any way he can.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Making school more impactful for all learners.How to help older students understand their strengths.How we can frame how we will support older students.How to identify the areas students might need support after school and why.Mentioned In This Episode:Don’t miss Pyramid Educational Consultants’ Second Annual FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th and 5th, 2022! Pyramid’s international team of behavior analysts, and dually certified speech pathologists, led by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, the developers of PECS, have created all new and expanded content that includes a broad range of practical information related to the field of behavior analysis. Day one will focus on content related to educational programming and program development. Day two of the virtual conference will present information related to behavior analysis and communication. Earn up to 8.0 BACB CEUs including one ethics and one supervision credit when you attend the full virtual conference. To learn more about attending the FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th & 5th,  visit pecsusa.com!ScenicView Academy

As Speech-Language Pathologists, it can be overwhelming to create a therapy plan for learners with no speech at all. Where do you get started? In this episode, I talk with Terri Smith. She is an SLP and the founder and owner of Bluebird Speech Therapy and Consulting Services.Help Me Find My Voice and Start Communicating Now are two courses I offer online for professionals and parents. Terri shared with me how she found ABA Speech and has attended and utilized these resources. She describes her takeaway from these courses as a “Road Map” for therapy with autistic or nonverbal learners. These courses provide real actionable tips, step-by-step ideas for therapy, and most important assessments that focus on communication skills that are crucial for nonverbal learners.Requesting is an important skill that Terri focuses on in her therapy. She finds that this gives her learners power by realizing their communication means something! Additionally, it's all about the fun, child-led activities built into social and gameplay that make a big difference, especially when working with nonverbal students. One rule she works by is planning therapy based on learners' developmental age, not their chronological age.Terri works with students with autism to support functional communication and behavior strategies through play-based activities. As a consultant, she also supports other professionals in the field. Oftentimes, SLPs and BCBAs work together simultaneously with families and clients. Even myself as both can sometimes disagree on treatment plans. It’s important to remember when it comes to speech that the SLP is the expert, but also to continue to have that professional dialogue. Regardless of the points of disagreement when a professional is passionate about something it is obvious that their intention is just what's best for the learner.Every student we see is very different with very different needs, it is important for therapy to match that and change client to client. This is such a great interview in which Terri and I talk about some great tips, tools, and guidelines for getting started with therapy, as well as the big difference my online courses can make!What’s Inside:How can ABA Speech online courses help SLPs and other professionals?Where to get started in intervention.How you can help your students communicate.How to bring fun into therapy.The assessments and roadmap for beginning therapy.Mentioned In This Episode:Thank You To Our Sponsor: Don’t miss Pyramid Educational Consultant’s Second Annual FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th and 5th, 2022! Pyramid’s international team of behavior analysts, and dually certified speech pathologists, led by Andy Bondy and Lori Frost, the developers of PECS, have created all new and expanded content that includes a broad range of practical information related to the field of behavior analysis. Day one will focus on content related to educational programming and program development. Day two of the virtual conference will present information related to behavior analysis and communication. Earn up to 8.0 BACB CEUs including one ethics and one supervision credit when you attend the full virtual conference. To learn more about attending the FUNctional Behavior Conference on April 4th & 5th,  visit pecsusa.com!Pecsusa.combluebirdspeechtherapy@gmail.com Bluebird Speech on Facebook Facebook: @TerriSmithSLPInstagram: @BlueBirdSpeechABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource 

I always love to get parents' perspectives but it’s not often I get to hear the unique view of a parent turned professional. In this episode, I interview Emily Estades, my friend, graduate student, parent, and SLP.  Emily is the mother of two children, her daughter, the oldest, has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Rett Syndrome, and her son with Anxiety and ADHD. Her journey started with her daughter's many appointments, meetings, and therapies, eventually inspiring her career as an SLP.Prior to dealing with speech therapists for her daughter, Emily remembers speech therapy as something kids got pulled out for in the middle of class but not much else. Through attending therapy with her daughter, she got an inside look at what it really was and she began to question and learn. She feels that the time period in which they were first attending therapy with their new diagnosis was a transitional time for the profession and her initial experience was really affected by this. Everyone was working in the best interest of her child, but it felt like they were learning right alongside them. That has really influenced how she works with families now as an SLP. Trying to keep an open mind, provide support wherever she can, and provide information and resources if they are wanting to learn too. Emily really gets it as a parent and SLP. As someone who attended IEPs on the other side of the table long before she became a professional, I wanted her advice on how providers can keep parents as a vital part of the team. She had some great tips!How can providers lead parent-inclusive IEP meetings?•Be mindful of the perspective and language you are using with the parent.•Be compassionate and be empathetic, parents are doing the best they can.•It is the professional's job to build the bridge between home and school or home and therapy.•Not everyone likes to be called mom and dad. Give them their identity, use their name or ask for their preference.•Do not doubt parents when they talk about positive behaviors that are happening at home. •Take that opportunity to learn and build rapport. •Encourage parents to take part in the team, provide videos, write in the daily notebook, etc.•Build rapport and be gentle. Diagnosis is only the beginning for a parent, this is the hardest thing for them to talk about.These are some great things to keep in mind for professionals out there wanting to be sure their parents are included. And for parents, remember these are things you and your family deserve, be sure to advocate for them during IEP meetings. Emily is a dear friend and it was great to hear her perspective on this. You can learn more about her and her practice at The Inspired SLP.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: A unique parent perspective at the IEP table.Tips for professionals on leading a parent inclusive meeting.Tips for parents from diagnosis to advocacy.The parent and professional journey of Emily Estades, The Inspired SLPMentioned In This Episode:www.theinspiredslp.netinspiredslp@gmail.comABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource FREE Masterclass- Best Strategies in 2022 To Reach Your Autistic Students

Is ABA therapy the right choice for your autistic child? Today Rebecca Shellito, mother, wife, nurse, and non-profit organizer join me to share her family's autism journey. Rebecca’s son Nico received his autism diagnosis shortly before his third birthday and by 4 years old he was in full-time ABA therapy. They were incredibly lucky to find a local provider, covered by insurance that they were comfortable with. I know some clients and friends personally that drive to see their preferred provider outside of their local area. Wherever your provider is, comfortability is key.  Speak up. Ask questions. Don’t stop until you feel comfortable. ABA comes with so many logistics and scientific terms. As a parent, it can feel like a foreign language and be both overwhelming and intimidating. Rebecca took my online course, Help Me Find My Voice, early on in Nico’s ABA journey, and she said it changed the game. The course gave her the confidence to interact with Nico’s therapists and truly understand everything that was happening. No longer did she feel like a sidebar they had to break things down for but more of an active participant in her son’s therapy team. Starting full-time ABA at the age of 4, Nico is now 9 and has seen some real progress. Beginning in a developmental preschool and then regular preschool with an ABA aide, he has now fully moved into a traditional elementary school. Nico is in 3rd grade and participates in general education for half his day and a more restrictive environment in special ed the other half. Rebecca plans to enroll him in some ABA after-school programs and playgroups in the future. No matter how prepared you are, getting the diagnosis of autism for your child can be overwhelming. Rebecca shares some great advice for parents and families just beginning their journey with autism and ABA. You can learn all about the great things she’s doing through her non-profit Uniquely Nico, where she supports parents and autistic children.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Is ABA the right choice for your autistic child?How to find the right provider for ABA therapy?How progress through ABA can transform your child’s life?How the Help Me Find My Voice course can help families.Mentioned In This Episode:Uniquely NicoUniquely Nico on FacebookUniquely Nico on InstagramABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource Best Strategies in 2022 To Reach Your Autistic Students

Assessments are extremely necessary for understanding the skill set of your learner, setting goals, and making meaningful progress. As a therapist, administering these assessments can be so overwhelming and frustrating, especially when your students have complex needs and are not able to meet the standardized completion. Today, I am sharing my top 5 tips and strategies for autism assessments to make assessments a positive tool in your goal setting for therapy. 1. The Functional Communication Profile - RevisedA readily available, informal but thorough assessment. I love this assessment because it looks at a student's ability to attend to a task, receptive language, expressive language, and social language. The FCPR gives a great baseline for your student's overall speech skills. Most speech therapists have it right in their therapy office, it’s been around for a while and it is available through a variety of distributors. 2. VB-MAPPThe Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program really streamlined my process for my students who were autistic or had complex communication needs. The information that a VB-MAPP will give you is so necessary for goal setting. It’s broken into three developmental levels, Level 1: 0-18 months, Level 2: 18-30 months, and Level 3: 38-40 months. 3. Informal ScreenersIn my ASHA-approved programs Start Communicating Today and  Help Me Find My Voice, I include informal screeners. These have been put together based on my 20 years in the field and what I find helpful to look at. For students with complex needs, these screeners help take a clear look at foundational skills. Also for older students, these screeners can facilitate questions like what have we tried before and how did that go? This is a great supplement for the road map to progress alongside formal assessments. 4. ObservationObservation makes up a gold standard assessment. Spontaneous communication can be notated just on pen and paper. This can be during structured or unstructured time, preferably both, so you can understand the different modes and attempts for the students' communications in different settings. The most valuable information comes from the questions, what does my student look like as a communicator in these different areas?5. Parent or Team InterviewTalk to the team of teachers working with the student and talk with the parent. Sometimes teachers are the lead on a case and may be sending home forms that include really valuable information. Also, talking to the parents is crucial because it's important to understand where they are coming from and what their concerns may be. Communication with the team will also facilitate understanding progress being made across the students' environment.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Top 5 tips and strategies for an autism assessment.How to get a robust assessment for goal setting. How to build a step-by-step road map for meaningful progress for your learners.Mentioned In This Episode:ABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource 

If you’ve been listening for any amount of time, you know that I am all about keeping therapy fun and functional. In this episode, I have some great examples of games for your therapy or at home with your child that you can put into practice right away. These games are all about leisure skills. We spend the majority of our lifespan participating in leisure skills so it is so important to work on these skills with our learners. Two of the best assessments for identifying and understanding the needs for leisure skills with your students are the Assessment of Functional Life Skills and the Functional Communication Profile Revised. Both of these have direct sections and questions that pertain directly to leisure skills as life skills and clue you into what your learner needs to work on. Observation is also key. My favorite thing to do is take a look at my students' gym classes and see their communication, leisure, and social skills at work in a less structured setting. When planning for therapy you really have to ask, what skills can we work on in therapy that will help them with their overall engagement, peer interaction, social skills, and most importantly their joy and happiness? Modified leisure skills are so fun to work on and really make a difference beyond therapy and into their shared time with family and for older students when they join the general community. What we do every single day is important. Not just in therapy but also when they go home with their family.  Today I share a few of my favorite modified games for working on leisure skills. I go into how I make them accessible for my students and where to find resources for these games. Many of these games highlight skills like turn-taking, imitation, duration of the task, direction following and so much more. Activities and Games for Leisure Skills:Modified ScrabbleModified UnoDouble UpGrocery Store GameThe Game GalYogaLifting WeightsListening to MusicThese are just some examples of really functional and exciting ways to take on social and leisure skills. I really urge you to take a look at your therapy and the skills you’re working on and ask yourself, why am I working on this? What purpose do the skills and activities you’re currently working on serve? What we are doing every day needs to transcend beyond the classroom and be important across their lifespan!  #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:—What are modified leisure activities? — Why are leisure skills important? — How are your therapy practices transcending the classroom? — How do skills build across the lifespan? — Can therapy be fun and functional? — How can therapy activities be generalized for family time?Mentioned In This Episode:Social skills for students with autism - MODIFIED UNOSocial skills for students with autism - Modified ScrabbleSocial skills for students with autism- The Grocery Store GameSocial skills game for mixed groups - ABA SpeechWord Generator - The Game GalABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource

As we close out the year, I wanted to highlight my most popular episode. This week, I’m re-sharing Episode 3, where I break down IEPs and discuss everything that goes into creating goals in speech therapy for autistic learners.Setting IEP goals for autistic learners can be incredibly difficult, especially when you’re working with emerging communicators. At the beginning of my career, assessment tools were limited and I found out along the way the goals I set for my students were unclear and hard to measure. Assessment, collaboration, and functional goals are all important pieces of the puzzle for setting up your student and the therapy for success. Standardized tests are commonly used in the classroom, but they are so tricky because they often do not give us the snapshot of skills we need for autistic learners. Assessment tools I recommend if you have access are the VB-MAPP and the Functional Communication Profile. If you don’t yet have access or need to start on a more basic level, I like to look for specific early learner skills. These are those small basic skills that lead to learning bigger skills and tasks. These are measurable communication skills that start in even really young learners such as labeling, verbal imitation, intraverbal skills like filling in the blank, matching, and group listening.  When you have brought all the pieces together, it’s time to set the vision for their communication programming. I have 5 questions for you to ask as a part of my practical and systematic approach to establishing functional goals for your autistic learner. What behavior are we targeting?Is it appropriate for our client?How is this goal specific?Is the goal observable?What does mastery look like?No matter the skill level, the age, or the context of your therapy practice, this approach will help you consider all the important pieces behind each goal. If you’re a parent, this can help you know what questions to ask your therapist and IEP team to ensure the right goals are being observed and measured for your child. As a part of this episode, I have included a downloadable link for my IEP Goal Bank, be sure to check it out as you work with your team and parents to set specific, actionable IEP goals for your autistic learners.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Strategies for embedding parents’ concerns into their child’s IEP goals.Examples of what a specific, observable goal looks like in the classroom.My recommendation for assessment tools for autistic learners with limited or emerging communication.What skills should we be looking at in our autistic learners?Mentioned In This Episode:IEP Goals for Students with Autism - ABA SpeechWorking with toddlers and preschool aged autistic learners- learn more about our Start Communicating Today Autism CourseWorking with school aged autistic learners- learn more about our autism course- Help Me Find My Voice ABA Speech: HomeABA SPEECH Your Autism Resource