The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals

As I continue to bridge the gap in research to the therapy room, I also see deficits in pre-service training that can make therapy a better experience for both providers and families.Jessica Rohrer, BCBA-D, joins me to discuss her work with soft skills, using tools to measure and build compassion skills in the therapy room. Her research uses the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, a tool primarily used to check compassion in the medical field, as a pre and post measurement on the impact of compassionate skills training. Dr. Rohrer developed the Compassionate Collaboration Tool as a checklist for provider self-reflection and a helpful next step to incorporating compassion skills in their therapy. The tool focuses on three skill sets in providers. Basic interview skills: introductions, note taking, nodding, and back channeling.Interest skills: asking and reflecting positivity on client interests and asking and reflecting caregiver priorities.Joining with the family: empathy statements, normalizing skills, and partnering skills.It can be easy to forget the emotional time our clients and their families may be experiencing when entering therapy, which is why it is crucial to focus on empathy and compassion in our basic skills for a positive experience. New clinicians may particularly experience more difficulty. If you’re looking for next steps to include compassion in your therapy, Dr. Rohrer reminds you to self-monitor and reflect, consider group behavior skills training, and remember that every client and every family will have varying needs for compassion.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Bridging the gap in research in the therapy room. Why are compassion skills important in ABA?Tools for measuring and reflecting on soft skills.Next steps for incorporating compassion skills into your everyday therapy.Mentioned In This Episode:Soft Skills: The Case for Compassionate Approaches or How Behavior Analysis Keeps Finding Its Heart(PDF) Teaching Compassion Skills to Students of Behavior Analysis: A Preliminary InvestigationJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

The title of Joe Veneziano and Dr. Shannon Shea’s research article, They Have a Voice, Are We Listening?, caught my eye and I had to read it. These two BCBAs met at a Journal Club and connected over the need to shed light on the history and nuance of ABA and Behavior Analysis.With the field growing and opinions of professionals being so diverse, educating incoming BCBAs on the history of behavior analysis is crucial. Their paper examines “indistinguishability” and its implications by defining “indistinguishable” in behavior analytic terms. They write about well known studies, such as the Lovaas seminal paper (1987). There are many critiques of ABA in the field and in the in the media today. Is it evil or bad? Is it perfect? Neither is true, but the field and practice of behavior analysis rely on the lens of the research you undertake.Together, we discuss the importance of evaluating research critically and understanding the difference between pseudoscience and robust research. We also highlight the need for an emphasis on the underrepresented voices of autism, including queer individuals, POCs, and women. Research and an open mind are crucial to the success of ABA and the impact it will have on individuals receiving it. As quoted in their article, “Go forward with empathy and cultural humility.”#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Understanding the history of Applied Behavior Analysis.Evaluating research critically is necessary to get the best understanding.Pseudoscience vs. robust research.Emphasizing underrepresented autistic voices.Mentioned In This Episode:They have a Voice; are we Listening? - PMC Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

After 2 decades of working in a clinical long term care setting as an SLP, Susan Browning was looking for something different amidst the pandemic. This change led her to her role in pediatric SLP in an ABA setting.We discuss one of my favorite topics, collaboration. Susan, bursting with positive energy for the field, talks about how she worked to find her niche to collaborate and complement the work of the other providers and BCBAs in the clinic. With the large scope that SLP spans in the field, it is such a nuanced science. Susan explains some of her interesting presentations coming up to show this large scope, and she draws comparisons from her long term care patients to her pediatric patients with the importance of blending cognition and language. Enjoy this really positive conversation and check out the link to a special ABA Speech Connection CEU, SLP in an ABA Setting.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:Featuring a member of the ABA Speech Connection.Translating long-term care experience into an ABA role.Finding your niche when SLPs and BCBAs collaborate.Mentioned In This Episode:CEU Library - ABA SpeechJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 

Maura Weis is the mother of two, a son and a daughter. The Weis family’s autism journey began when their youngest, Hannah, experienced early life difficulties, and then concerns with delays started occurring at 18 months.Maura shares about their early experiences and her pediatrician visits. Even more concerns grew after a move due to her husband’s coaching career. As they worked through tests and possibilities, Hannah began school with an ABA program and received several diagnoses. Maura wrote Miles From The Sideline: A Mother's Journey With Her Special Needs Daughter when her daughter was 8 years old as a resource for family members of families with special needs children. She also created the Hannah and Friends Family Foundation with her retired NFL and college football coach husband, Charlie Weis. Hannah, turning 29, now lives on the Hannah and Friends property in Indiana. There are 13 residents who have Daily Programs, Summer Camps, and After school activities. It’s a wide, open space to create a life. Among her experiences and family's journey, Maura shares an important sentiment for families to embrace all experiences, even the difficult ones, because they are important learning opportunities for their children. You can find out more about Maura Weis and her foundation by reading her book, visiting the Hannah and Friends website, or on Facebook. #autism #speectherapy What’s Inside:What is Hannah and Friends Family Foundation?Maura Weis’s book for family members of special needs families.A family’s journey through autism and other special needs diagnoses.Mentioned In This Episode:Miles From The Sideline: A Mother's Journey With Her Special Needs DaughterHannah and FriendsHannah and FriendsJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

If you walk away with anything from today’s episode, let it be: It will get better. My guest, Kelley Coleman, is a mother of 2 and wrote the book she desperately needed when it came to navigating the extensive list of diagnoses for her youngest son. We discuss her book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide To the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports and the daunting overwhelm that comes with a disability diagnosis.Being a parent or caregiver is difficult enough, but throw in a medical diagnosis, nuerodivergence, and, in Kelley’s case, many comorbidities and more questions than answers and you’ve got a recipe for distress. Kelley talks about how a big win for her family was the support and openness of their pediatrician, but not every provider is this way, and for many families, it can feel like no one is in your corner. If that's you, you will find so many resources and support in this book. As we bring our talk to a close, Kelley ties up her multitude of knowledge and advice into this tip; Get started with something that will bring an easy victory! It is reassuring to see the fruit of your labor. Do the one thing, get the win and keep that system going.Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide To the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports launched on March 12th. You can find it anywhere you buy books and ask your libraries to carry it too so that this amazing advice can reach as many families as possible.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:The daunting overwhelm that comes with a disability diagnosis.A book to support parents and caregivers.Advice on how to get through tough moments as a caregiver of an individual with disabilities.Mentioned In This Episode:Kelley ColemanJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

In the age of smartphones and tablets, video modeling is more accessible than it ever has been before. Dr. Teresa Cardon dives into the research on how effective video modeling is and how to move based on perceived barriers.Video modeling research shows that learners respond faster than with live modeling and you can use it to teach a variety of skills including self help, play, and imitation. Dr. Cardon explains that most barriers providers find for video modeling, time or training, are based on a perception that video modeling is difficult or needs perfection. Studies show that the model in the video can be anyone as long as the desired skill is being modeled correctly, the age or connection to the client has no bearing on the success of the video model.To get started, decide on your target skills or actions to be modeled. Pre-film the action (although Dr. Cardon mentions quick perception filming of your own hands works too), play for the client, provide the necessary items for the action, and the hardest part…keep quiet. Dr. Cardon mentions you can do as many as 5-10 video models per session with videos that are 20 to 40 seconds long. Dr. Cardon’s advice for listeners is to just do the video model! Don’t let perceived barriers stop you from using this super effective evidence based practice. #autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Research and tips on the evidence based practice of video modeling.What skills can video modeling teach?How to use video modeling in your therapy session today.Mentioned In This Episode:teresa.cardon@unt.edu Dr. Teresa Cardon on LinkedInTeresa CARDON | Speech & Hearing Science; Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Chicago School of Professional Psychology | Ph.D. Program in Applied Behavior Analysis | Research profileVideo Modeling Imitation Training Manual.pdfJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

Whether you’re a keynote speaker or you’re attending a small group team meeting, front of the room speaking opportunities are abundant in the autism healthcare field. And they are mutually beneficial. Dr. Breanne Hartley is BCBA-D who is passionate about public speaking. These opportunities create an environment of learning, collaboration, and sharing ideas and thoughts. Public Speaking Strategies for SLPs, BCBAs, and anyone with a front of the room opportunity:Conceptualize any opportunity as a “front of the room” opportunity.Be prepared. Consider what ideas you want to convey, plan key points with supporting material and real world examplesAsk yourself questions: How do you want the audience to think and feel?Know your audience. Who are you talking to SLPs? BCBAs? Parents? Study other public speakers in your field. What do you want to emulate and what do you want to avoid?Have a back up plan. (Dr. Hartley’s pro tip - PRINT YOUR SLIDES!)Sound and Memorable Concluding Remarks. Consider a quote or a call to action for your audience.Along with these great tips, we also discuss Dr. Hartley’s work as the Chief Clinical Officer at UNIFI Autism Care. UNIFI is on a mission to level up autism care and create a unified experience between providers and clinicians for the benefit of the patient.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:Finding opportunities for public speaking, big and small, as a providerThe mutual benefits of public speaking opportunities for providers and speakers.Strategies for public speaking for anyone!What is UNIFI Autism Care?Mentioned In This Episode:ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipC.A.R.E. AutismBreanne Hartley, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA - Chief Clinical Officer - UNIFI Autism Care | LinkedInJoin the bootcamp here

Do you hear the word parent advocate and immediately anticipate a contentious IEP meeting with an US vs THEM mentality? It doesn’t have to be that way. April Rehrig is an advocate with over 20 years of experience as a school psychologist, teacher, and parent in the public school system. In our conversations, April explains how her philosophy is about reaching across the table to work together and resolve concerns. She is a virtual advocate working with clients across the country and offering an embedded coaching model with on-demand online courses, letter templates, and parent training. This model goes beyond advocacy and helps parents learn and understand how they can themselves advocate for their child.Not everyone can afford an advocate, April affirms, which is one reason she provides coaching and training to empower parents for future IEP meetings. Most advocates are fee-based, but you can also find low-cost and sliding-scale options too. She shares some great insight when it comes to looking for an advocate, like understanding the difference between advocates, attorneys, and coaches. It’s important to know what you need and want with this support. April provides examples of questions to be sure to ask when finding the right fit.There is a lot of value for parents and families as well as provider teams when it comes to providing advocacy support, especially when the goal for all is positivity and collaboration. If you like this episode and want to see more of this type of content, be sure to rate and review on Apple Podcasts. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:The value an advocate can bring to an IEP meeting.How to resolve core concerns of the parents.What’s the difference between an advocate, attorney, or coach?How to find an advocate near you.Mentioned In This Episode:ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipRise Educational AdvocacyJoin the bootcamp here

When it comes to teaching comprehension to autistic learners, it can be difficult to know where to get started. This is an important skill leading to independent communication, and it’s crucial to have a robust system for teaching the skills. I’m going over some of the foundational skills leading to comprehension. Labeling is a progressional skill that should start with the preferred terms of the learner, then onto more functional beyond the therapy room for their day to day life. Intraverbals and (to keep things simple) filling in the blanks are another skill that is a cornerstone of conversation and a foundation of comprehension learning. Don’t forget to check out Dr. Sundberg’s supplement that I discuss in this episode.WH questions are a specific target to get started with in comprehension. You can get very specific with criteria and data when creating learning targets and IEP goals for this skill. You can teach this skill with visuals (I share a resource for this today too!) and very importantly, you can use WH questions to teach and generalize personal safety questions: What is your name? What is your guardian's name? What is your phone number? Etc. There are great links and resources for you to check out today, so don’t miss those! And if you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to leave a review or reach out to me at ABAspeech.org with any questions.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:How to support a learner with struggling comprehension skills.A robust system for teaching comprehension with autistic students.Creating functional IEP goals for comprehension with WH questions.Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Sundberg Intraverbal Supplement: Intraverbal Subtest V.6.0ABA SPEECH Intraverbal Printable: Speech Therapy Activity: Focus on Comprehension & Expressive LanguageBoom Cards for ComprehensionJoin the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership - Membership ABA SpeechJoin the bootcamp here: Dynamic Content Joint Attention Bootcamp 

*Alexa play Get Along by Kenny Chesney*Rachel Stotts wrote the article, Accepting Different Opinions About Autism in the Nov/Dec issue of ASHA Leader. It is bright positive energy in a space that really needs it. She is an SLP and a mother of 4.  Rachel’s passion for autism is so important professionally and personally, as she has her adult autistic son at home.  Rachel shares her thoughts on the controversy surrounding the autism puzzle piece. For her, autism is a puzzle—figuring out all the right support, services, and needs. When it comes to different opinions and information, she reminds us to listen, stay informed, and evaluate based on our values and knowledge.  One person, one therapy, one anything—it just doesn't work in the autism population. There is always someone offended, a trending opinion, or a hot button topic. So how do we navigate all of the information and opinions online and on social media? -Remember who you are in this industry for: It’s not about likes and validation; it's about making a difference in the child’s life.-Be cautious about the content you’re consuming.-Find community away from negative online spaces.Unfortunately, not everyone is going to see eye to eye on interventions, but as long as we support people and the people supporting the people, we can find positivity and make a difference!#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:ASHA Leader Article: Accepting Different Opinions About Autism by Rachel Stotts.Thoughts on the Autism Puzzle Piece.How to navigate online information.Finding support from negative spaces.Mentioned In This Episode:ABA SPEECH Connection MembershipJoin the bootcamp here: https://aba-speech-llc.ck.page/38b4953816