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

Kathleen Oppenheimer, a speech-language pathologist and the mind behind @language_processing, dives into the nuances of language acquisition and processing. She explains Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and its impact on communication in autistic individuals. Kathleen warns against pseudoscience in the field, stressing the importance of critically evaluating research. The discussion also covers the role of echolalia and the need for speech professionals to engage with current research methodologies to better understand and support language needs.

Today, I learned about a new tool in therapy and AAC, speaking with guests Dr. David McNaughton and Dana Patenaude, who collaborated on the research article "Using Visual Scene Displays With Young Children: An Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis," published in the Journal of Special Education Technology.Visual Scene Displays (VSDs) are interactive visual representations, such as photos or images, that depict scenes, objects, or events. They allow users to engage with elements within the image, providing a more immersive and interactive communication experience. VSDs can be used with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, offering a more contextual and personalized way for users to communicate. This is not an either/or tool but a powerful resource that can be combined with other AAC methods.This study found that VSDs are an evidence-based practice. Their use can be personalized with meaningful photos, tailored to individual interests. Children can even participate in creating and selecting "hot spots," giving them real-time language engagement with the parts of the scene that interest them most. There are also ways to create video VSDs or VSDs that incorporate literacy.VSDs can be used for shared storybook reading, setting/environment photos, culturally responsive elements, and more! David and Dana do a great job of breaking down this comprehensive research and explaining how effective VSDs can be across various settings. Be sure to check out the links provided to access this open article and find resources on getting started with VSD apps.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:What are VSDs?How can VSDs be used alongside AAC?How to engage in shared storybook reading with VSDs?How to create culturally responsive and individualized Visual Scene Displays?Mentioned In This Episode:Patenaude, D., McNaughton, D., & Liang, Z. (2024). Using Visual Scene Displays With Young Children: An Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis. Journal of Special Education Technology, 01626434241263061. Video Visual Scene Displays (provides information on other studies that used video visual scene displays, including links to videos of research participants and links to apps that support VSDs and video VSDs)Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

Approximately 25–30% of autistic children are minimally verbal, often requiring alternative communication methods like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Jean Jarrett, SLP-BCBA, joins us to continue highlighting AAC during the month of October. Selecting the right AAC system can be overwhelming due to the many factors involved: communication partners, environments, and caregiver involvement. The process requires input from various disciplines, careful planning, and individualized support.A common misconception is that children need to reach certain milestones before starting AAC, but there are no prerequisites. There is no need to wait or delay getting started with AAC to meet certain skills, but a learner’s skillset does play a critical part in the device chosen. When choosing an AAC system, factors to guide decision-making include device programming, environments in which it will be used, and potential insurance reimbursement. Providers must be equipped to handle pseudoscientific approaches, such as Rapid Prompting or Spelling to Communicate, and focus on evidence-based practices like AAC, which can make a profound difference when used effectively. The journey with AAC doesn't end when the device is received; that's just the beginning.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:How to handle an overwhelming AAC assessment?Are there prerequisites for AAC?Questions and factors to consider when choosing an AAC device.Being equipped to handle pseudoscience. Mentioned In This Episode:Jean Jarrett on LinkedInjjarret@unc.eduJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

October is AAC Awareness Month! Today’s guest, Chris Bugaj, is the co-host of the *Talking with Tech* podcast, which explores the world of AAC, inclusive design, and the creators, providers, and users behind these systems. As an SLP, Chris realized early in his career that he had a knack for technology, which led to his role on his district's Assistive Technology Team for Inclusive Learning.During our chat, we discussed the history of early AAC devices, their flaws, and how these limitations impacted our ability to set effective goals. We’re so fortunate that technology and access to it have improved dramatically for our learners over the past two decades. We also touched on the concept of a growth mindset—a philosophy focused on breaking free from fixed ideas about abilities and embracing the "power of yet," ensuring we don't limit any learners in any way.Chris has his formula for professional development in AAC down to a science. It begins with a facilitation meeting to assess training needs, followed by teaching sessions where communication partners join in-person or online courses focused on modeling through a unique training and coaching format. Finally, there are follow-up practice sessions and feedback to reinforce learning.When AAC training and coaching are effective, they impact not just one learner but every learner that provider or teacher will work with in the future. We offer many AAC courses at ABA Speech Connection, so don’t forget to check them out and join us! #autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:October is AAC Awareness Month.The history of AAC.A clear plan for professional development and training for AAC.Find more info through AAC course on ABA Speech Connection.Mentioned In This Episode:Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRose Griffin-Autism Speech Therapy Tips (@abaspeechbyrose) • Instagram

Are you ready to transform your approach to autism therapy with naturalistic interventions?Introducing my new self-paced CEU course, Naturalistic Interventions for Autistic Learners – Next Steps. This 5-hour course is divided into 7 bite-sized modules covering essential topics like play, social skills, joint attention, parent support, and more!Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is quickly becoming the standard in our field, but how do you get started? Play-based therapy is rich with nuance, and this course offers clear, practical guidance to help you create meaningful, functional, and evidence-based child-led therapy.My life's work has been dedicated to reaching learners who are traditionally harder to engage and helping them find the best ways to learn and communicate. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between research and therapy, ensuring that effective strategies reach the therapy room.Don’t miss out—sign up now for Naturalistic Interventions for Autistic Learners—Next Steps, available for a limited time. And while you're at it, explore my membership program, ABA Speech Connection!#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:A BRAND NEW course at ABA Speech. What is Naturalistic Intervention?Building a bridge between research and therapy.Resources and information for evidence-based, child-led therapy.Mentioned In This Episode:Naturalistic Interventions For Autistic Learners – Get the Course for A Limited TimeJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

Dr. Rick Kubina, a distinguished Professor of Special Education at The Pennsylvania State University, has had a dynamic career, collaborating with prominent figures in the fields of special education and applied behavior analysis (ABA). In our discussion, we delve into a topic that is close to my heart as both a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): the critical role of data in effective decision-making. Dr. Kubina emphasizes that the foundation of quality decision-making lies in the integrity of the data collected. Without accurate baseline data, it's impossible to chart a meaningful course toward improvement. He advocates for standardized measurement tools, arguing that consistent data collection is key to achieving standardized outcomes, which are crucial for comparing and understanding progress across diverse populations.In addition to his academic work, Dr. Kubina serves as the research director for CentralReach LLC, a company that provides innovative practice management and clinical solutions for therapy service organizations, particularly those focused on ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. CentralReach's platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for data collection, billing, scheduling, and staff management, all designed to streamline operations and enhance outcomes for clients, especially those with developmental disabilities like autism. As the field evolves, Dr. Kubina is keenly aware of the potential and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). CentralReach is committed to harnessing the power of AI to improve data-driven decision-making while addressing concerns about its integration, ensuring that AI serves as a powerful, supportive tool for practitioners in the future of therapy and education. #autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Why quality decision-making is critical to data.Streamlining the data process and creating standardized outcomes.How AI can serve as a powerful, supportive tool for the field of ABA.Mentioned In This Episode:Rick Kubina - CentralReach, LLC | LinkedInCentralReachJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership Register for our Naturalistic Interventions Course Rose Griffin-Autism Speech Therapy Tips (@abaspeechbyrose) • Instagram

Linda Thoresen joins me today for a special Member Spotlight. She is an SLP and a member of ABA Speech Connection, and I first met her in her onboarding meeting. During this conversation, Linda shares about her journey from medical therapy to teletherapy. As a seasoned therapist, Linda has been in the field for 20+ years. We discuss the changes in course work from her training to the present day, as well as the change in working with adults to now school-age and autistic learners. She has a great perspective to share on her membership with ABA Speech about her ASHA course library access and the comprehensive education available.  #autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Membership Spotlight, SLP JourneyMedical therapy vs teletherapyChanges in the field ABA Speech Connection MembershipMentioned In This Episode:Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRegister for our Naturalistic Interventions CourseRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

There’s been a noticeable shift in the field of behavior analysis, with more BCBAs being hired as full-time employees in public schools. This is a big change from the past, when BCBAs were typically brought in as outside consultants. Schools are now seeing the benefits of having these experts on staff to support students with specialized needs directly in their school environment, rather than sending them out of the district. Today, I spoke with Melissa Connor-Santos, someone I connected with on LinkedIn who is deeply passionate about improving behavior-analytic services for children in public schools. Melissa and I both believe in the power of public schools to provide the least restrictive environment for our learners, and she shared some valuable insights on how BCBAs can make the most impact in these settings.Working as a BCBA in a public school comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Public schools are large systems where you might not have much control over certain decisions, so it’s crucial to focus on collaboration and relationship-building across the entire school team, from administrators to teachers and support staff. To thrive in this environment, BCBAs need to refine their skills to fit this setting. Melissa emphasized the importance of finding a mentor, even if they’re not a BCBA, but someone with experience in public schools who can provide guidance. She also warns that while public forums and online (Facebook) groups can be helpful, they need to be used wisely and carefully. And above all, sticking to the ethics code is non-negotiable—it’s the foundation of our work and crucial for maintaining trust and effectiveness in the school community.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Why are more BCBAs being employed in public schools?How to navigate ethics as a BCBA in a public school setting.The most important skill for BCBAs is collaboration.Tips for BCBAs in public schools.Mentioned In This Episode:Oceanview Behavior SolutionsOceanviewbehaviorsolutions@gmail.comJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for ParentsJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for ProfessionalsRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

Today we welcome returning guest, Cindy Watson. Be sure to check out episode 115, where we discuss Early Intervention Speech Therapy. Along with Cindy, we are joined by MC, Cindy’s youngest daughter. MC shares about her story, autism diagnosis, and her perspective as a middle schooler.Cindy shares about MC’s life pre-diagnosis and the concerns she noticed along the way. Labeled often as “the easy kid”, MC shied away from social settings and talking with peers. And her mom fought judgment as a provider; everyone saw her as a mom and thought “everyone has autism”. But parents should trust their instincts!We hear straight from MC about her preferences in therapy, like focusing on topics that highlight her interests. As well as her struggles and dislikes from group therapy to handling unkind words from kids her age. An important piece of therapy for older learners is to emphasize naturalistic and discrete therapy styles. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of, but the reality is that middle and high schoolers do face a stigma when it comes to their peers.This is a great chat opening up about autism in girls, therapy for older learners, and how we can best serve our middle schoolers in therapy!#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Autism in girls, what does it mean to be “the easy kid”?Middle school therapy: What works? What doesn’t?Helping older learners with the stigma of therapy and services.Using likes and interests to create motivating, engaging therapy.Mentioned In This Episode:Episode #115: Early Intervention Speech Therapy Services - A Talk With Cindy WatsonJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for ParentsJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for ProfessionalsRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

I love hearing from Autistic Adults, and Paige Layle has garnered quite a following on TikTok and Instagram, sharing her story and creating resonating content for her viewers traveling similar journeys.Paige’s recently published memoir, But Everyone Feels This Way: How an Autism Diagnosis Saved My Life, has been an opportunity to reach her followers on a deeper level, connect beyond the internet, and create a resource for those that relate to her story. Just two weeks before her 15th birthday, Paige received her diagnosis. It was what she calls “Life Shattering”. She describes that she had been internally begging and pleading for an explanation of why life is so hard for her; the diagnosis was just that. She took to social media after becoming comfortable with these platforms across her life, in her second year of university. Paige made her first autism-focused video discussing her anger about “trending sounds” insulting autistic individuals, which pushed her to start educating and sharing the autistic voice. She now creates content full-time, with the bulk of her income coming from public speaking events and consulting with schools and other organizations. Paige reminds parents not to be scared. If you have concerns about delays or other symptoms in your child, just know that whatever information you collect will help you, she says. And for those of us out there consuming content, she informs us that not all autistic people want to be advocates, so be respectful, as well as diversify your resources so that you may hear a variety of voices. You can find Paige on Instagram and TikTok at @PaigeLayle.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Who is Paige Layle?Using social media to share the autistic voice.What it's like to receive an autism diagnosis as a teen.Mentioned In This Episode:Paige LaylePaige on TikTokPaige on InstagramJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for ParentsJoin us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for ProfessionalsRose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram