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

Are the learners in your class or therapy room engaging in behaviors that create barriers to learning? What can you do?Bailey Payne, author of Behavior Breakthrough: 12 Skills to Transform Behavior at Home and in the Classroom, offers data-driven, evidence-based strategies to help parents and educators reshape their responses, modify environments, and create lasting change. Her book makes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts accessible, empowering caregivers and teachers to foster a more peaceful learning space.Where to start?Bailey emphasizes teaching essential skills using a clear framework: Why is it important? What is it? How does it look in practice? Today, we explore descriptive praise—a powerful tool for guiding children toward positive behaviors. Unlike general praise, descriptive praise explicitly recounts a child’s actions, showing them how to access attention appropriately without resorting to behaviors that produce a barrier to learning.With teachers already overwhelmed, strategies like descriptive praise offer a simple yet proactive way to remove learning barriers. By intentionally reinforcing desired behaviors, educators can create a more structured, supportive environment—one where every child has the opportunity to succeed.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:How to break through barriers to learning.Teaching skills to transform behavior.What is descriptive praise, and how can it help?Mentioned In This Episode:Behavior Breakthrough: 12 Skills to Transform Behavior at Home and in the ClassroomBailey PayneBehavior Breakthrough with Bailey Payne (@behavior_breakthrough) on Instagram BehaviorBreakthrough (@behaviorbreakthro) on TikTokABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

I’m talking with Jessica DeMarco about outside-of-the-box thinking to promote and teach social skills while enriching students’ lives. Project Social Code is a unique program that uses block coding to help children develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills while exploring STEM. Funded by a $2.5 million, five-year grant, it ensures that kids of all abilities, including those with disabilities who are often excluded from traditional STEM programs, have the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow.Block coding provides a visual, user-friendly way for students to collaborate, think critically, and express creativity. Through structured lesson plans designed for every skill level, students practice parallel play, teamwork, and problem-solving while building confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Teachers receive free resources, professional development, and in-class demos to integrate coding into their classrooms effortlessly.At the heart of the program is DASH, a special robot (there’s a virtual version too) that students bring to life through their own coding. DASH moves, makes sounds, and responds to their commands, making coding an interactive, hands-on experience that reinforces both technical and social skills.Project Social Code is more than just a STEM program—it’s an opportunity for every child to develop essential life skills, build new interests, and be part of an inclusive learning experience. And best of all, it’s free. Learn more and access resources at Project Social Code’s website.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is Project Social Code?How can you use block coding to work on social skills?Free information, resources, and tools.Mentioned In This Episode:Project Social CodeABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

Dr. Michael C. Selbst and Dr. Jennifer Cruz from Behavior Therapy Associates joined me to explore Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a subtype of autism spectrum characteristics marked by an anxiety-based drive for control. PDA triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response to both explicit and implied demands, making traditional interventions ineffective. Individuals with PDA often have highly sensitive nervous systems and struggle with the removal of control, leading to heightened anxiety.While there are no evidence-based strategies yet, emerging approaches emphasize collaboration over compliance. Rather than coercion, effective support comes from building trusting relationships, presenting expectations in a meaningful way, and embedding socio-emotional learning opportunities. The focus is not just on moving away from discomfort but helping individuals experience it with compassion and cooperation. As caregivers and clinicians, we must lend our calm, practice emotional intelligence, and reflect on how we show up in these interactions.Although research in the U.S. is still developing, Dr. Selbst and Dr. Cruz recommend the UK-based PDA Society as a valuable resource for further information. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is PDA?What causes Anxiety Based Drive for Control?What strategies can be used to work with learners with PDA?Do all learners with PDA have autism?Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Selbst and Dr. Cruz have the authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT commission, allowing her to provide telepsychology to clients in many states. To see if your state is included, please click on this link: https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap PDA SocietyBehavior Therapy AssociatesABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership

Are you supporting students struggling with reading? Marty Schultz introduces an incredible learning resource, Buddy Books, which provides access to over a million books to help students build confidence and improve literacy.Designed for students in lower socio-economic districts and those with learning differences like ADHD, autism, or selective mutism, Buddy Books offers a structured yet engaging way to develop reading skills. A student reads a line, then the AI reads a line, creating an interactive and supportive experience. With books tailored to student interests, this approach keeps learners engaged while AI software analyzes challenges and tracks progress.Schools and providers have seen amazing results, particularly in second grade and beyond, as students gain confidence and fluency. There is also a home version too! Marty Schultz shares inspiring stories of Buddy Books at work, showing how struggling readers make measurable progress. The ultimate goal? That learners no longer need Buddy Books—because they’ve become independent, enthusiastic readers.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:A resource for improving confidence and fluency in reading.What is Buddy Books?Mentioned In This Episode:ObjectiveEdinfo@objectiveed.com ABA Speech: HomeJoin the ABA Speech Connection membership 

At the Marcus Autism Center, Dr. Kathleen Edmier, BCBA, and Karen Guerra, SLP, work together to bridge the gap between their fields, demonstrating the power of collaboration in supporting individuals with autism. Their work showcases how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) can align their approaches to maximize positive outcomes.For professionals looking to collaborate, the key lies in relationship building and mutual respect. Shifting from a multidisciplinary to an interdisciplinary model allows for deeper integration of tools and strategies, creating a unified approach to intervention. This partnership also enhances the generalization of procedures and plans, ensuring that individuals and their families receive cohesive and effective support.One of the most impactful areas of collaboration is in addressing complex topics such as verbal imitation and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Despite differences in terminology, both disciplines focus on developing essential social skills. Open dialogue between professionals helps them recognize shared goals and complementary strategies, fostering a more effective and comprehensive support system.For SLPs and BCBAs, embracing collaboration means building a synergistic approach that enhances family support. Prioritizing understanding, flexibility, and mutual respect creates a stronger network of care. By adopting the mindset of "having grace for one another," professionals can work together to drive meaningful progress and improve outcomes for those they serve.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Bridging SLP-BCBA CollaborationInterdisciplinary vs. Multidisciplinary WorkAligning Goals and StrategiesCollaborating on hot button topics in the field. Mentioned In This Episode:ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

Dr. Givona Sandiford is a friend, colleague, and speech-language pathologist with nearly 20 years of experience and a passion for innovation. As the founder of Melospeech, Dr. Givona is transforming the field by introducing technology-driven tools that help SLPs streamline their workflows, increase efficiency, and even boost their income. Her forward-thinking approach has made her a trailblazer, inspiring professionals to embrace new ways of working while maintaining balance in their lives.On the day of this recording, Melospeech released their latest innovation, The Communication Milestone Screening Protocol: Birth to Five (CMSP:B-5). A tech program designed for SLPs and early intervention professionals, this tool simplifies the process of screening communication milestones for children, producing a detailed report in under 10 minutes. It’s a game-changer for those looking to maximize their impact, offering timely support to more children while saving valuable time. Dr. Givona explains how tools like this don’t replace the work of SLPs but act as powerful assistants, allowing professionals to focus on what matters most—providing care.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Givona reminds us that working harder and longer is not a badge of honor. Instead, the true goal behind her work is to achieve meaningful results while enjoying a balanced life filled with time for family and loved ones. Whether you are highly invested in the latest tech innovations or you haven't even tried public access AI like ChatGPT, you have to hear this chat with Dr. Givona and learn how technology can enhance your practice and bring your work-life balance to the next level!#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:How can technology streamline and improve work as an SLP?Using technology to boost efficiency AND income. Using tech tools to assist you and save you time. Mentioned In This Episode:Melospeech ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

DeTerrence Allen, a dedicated behavior scientist, comes from a family of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, including his wife. His passion for ABA is rooted in a heartwarming “love story” for the field. A dynamic speaker, DeTerrence recently delivered an inspiring talk on soft skills at the Black Men of Behavior Analysis Conference.So, what are soft skills? DeTerrence highlights critical communication skills rooted in kindness and respect, understanding the function behind your words, and ensuring you’ve built rapport with those you engage with. Soft skills are essential for effective collaboration and creating meaningful change.Passing the BCBA exam is just the beginning. DeTerrence emphasizes the importance of continuing to learn and refine your approach. For new BCBAs, he advises seeking out supportive supervisors and mentors, building a professional network, and having regular discussions with colleagues. ABA also needs to be thoughtfully defined across different contexts, as its application varies.To connect with DeTerrence Allen and learn more about soft skills and professional growth in ABA, visit his LinkedIn profile. He’s passionate about supporting clinicians in their development and helping them thrive in the field.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:What are soft skills?The importance of building rapport for communication.How new BCBAs can increase soft skills.Mentioned In This Episode:DeTerrence Allen on LinkedInABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

Welcome to the ABA Speech Podcast. We will continue discussing autism and broadening our scope with important topics in the field. I’m joined by Dr. Matthew Brodhead, whose career has been shaped by a passion for understanding human behavior and how we can influence it. His article, Maintaining Professional Relationships in an Interdisciplinary Setting: Strategies for Navigating Nonbehavioral Treatment Recommendations for Individuals with Autism, written 10 years ago, has greatly influenced my work and focus on collaboration.Today we discuss restraint and seclusion in addressing dangerous and challenging behavior. Restraint involves physically restraining an individual’s body, while seclusion involves isolating an individual in a room alone. Both strategies are intended to prevent individuals from harming themselves or others, and it is important to equip teachers and providers with helpful and safe strategies for handling these situations.However, in the educational system, there is often drift and infidelity in the use of these practices, as well as a lack of oversight and proper training. Increasing accountability in school districts and improving tracking and training for restraint and seclusion is essential. If you witness dangerous, unsafe, or unethical use of these practices, it is critical to take action, including contacting the police.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:New name, same show: Welcome to ABA Speech.Dr. Matthew Brodhead's influential articles in the field.Restraint and Seclusion in dangerous, challenging behavior.Solutions for schools and special education teachers for challenging behavior.Mentioned In This Episode: mattbrodhead.com ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a proven strategy to replace problem behaviors with effective communication skills. In her article, Practitioners Guide for Selecting Functional Communication Responses, published in Behavior Analysis in Practice, Dr. Bethjoy Houck offers practical advice to help clinicians implement FCT successfully.FCT focuses on giving learners a way to express their needs that works for them, whether through speech, sign language, cue cards, object exchanges, or even video clips. Dr. Houck shares creative examples that encourage thinking beyond traditional methods to meet each learner’s unique needs.She stresses the importance of starting with assessments like Ringdahl's MTA or Valentino et al. to identify the best Functional Communication Responses (FCRs) for the individual. Practitioners should select FCRs that reinforce desired behaviors or are incompatible with the problem behavior. FCRs should be taken seriously and not unnecessarily restricted, as maintaining open and accessible communication is key to the success of FCT.Dr. Houck emphasizes that FCT is about meeting learners where they are and giving them tools to express themselves in ways that make sense for their abilities. Whether verbal or nonverbal, communication is an essential skill, and FCT helps individuals share their needs while fostering meaningful growth. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is Functional Communication Training?5 FCT recommendations for clinicians.What is an FCR?Getting started with FCT assessments.Mentioned In This Episode:ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership 

Getting an autism evaluation for a child can be a daunting process, fraught with long waitlists, high out-of-pocket costs, and navigating complicated systems. Every moment matters when it comes to early intervention, and Dr. Michael Perisa of Zest Pediatrics is working to simplify the journey for families.Zest Pediatrics, the first pediatric direct primary care network in the country, offers a membership-based model that removes many of the headaches families face with traditional primary care. By operating outside of insurance restrictions, Zest Pediatrics delivers care in a way that prioritizes what children truly need, without delays or limitations.Dr. Perisa and his team across Zest Pediatrics are uniquely equipped to provide timely autism evaluations. With specialized training and the flexibility to focus on individual patients, they can intervene quickly to ensure children are seen and supported. An autism evaluation at Zest Pediatrics includes a comprehensive history intake, a behavioral assessment, and a standardized questionnaire, all analyzed to determine a diagnosis or not.Because Zest Pediatrics doesn’t bill insurance, they offer evaluations at a flat rate of $1,250 and are actively collaborating with communities and therapy centers to help reduce financial burdens for families. If you have concerns about your child and need a faster path to evaluation, visit zestpeds.com/autism to learn more.Speaking with Dr. Michael Perisa highlighted the importance of making care more accessible for children and families navigating autism concerns. Early intervention is critical, and Zest Pediatrics is paving the way for better, more efficient solutions. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:The challenges of getting an Autism EvaluationWhat is a Pediatric Direct Primary Care Network?How does Zest Pediatrics serve the Autism Community?The cost and components of an Autism Evaluation.Mentioned In This Episode:Zest Pediatric Network  Autism - Zest Pediatric Network ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership