Autism Outreach

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 Membership
Rise Educational Advocacy
Join 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 #speectherapy

What’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.6.0
ABA SPEECH Intraverbal Printable: Speech Therapy Activity: Focus on Comprehension & Expressive Language
Boom Cards for Comprehension
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership - Membership ABA Speech
Join 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 #speechtherapy

What’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 Membership
Join the bootcamp here: https://aba-speech-llc.ck.page/38b4953816

Today we’re featuring more accessible research! We’re talking about a topic I am really passionate about; Modified Leisure with play, social skills, and joint attention all mixed in. 

Dr. Erin Barton explains the research involved in her study, Teaching Board Game Play to Young Children With Disabilities. Her work focused on expanding play research from pretend play to play with peers, with an emphasis on the least amount of adult intervention. Dr. Barton makes an important note that every child deserves a 100% chance that they will have at least 1 chance for a positive interaction with their peers. Board game play is a naturally occurring chance for small group play with functionality that applies beyond the therapy room.

The children involved in the study had limited speech, developmental delays and required no peer aversions, specific motor skills related to game play, and the ability to follow one-step directions. They generalized board game play with visual cues and step by step guides among an array of games that were picked daily by rotating student choice. In the study, they found that after between 5 and 10 sessions, children were able to generalize and maintain the skill. 


Dr. Barton also shares some tips that everyday clinicians can use today in the therapy room. 

• Cooperation focus: change games so they meet the needs of the child, they don't have to be the original win/lose function.
• Adaptations: create visual cues and prompts that can become a part of the game and do not need to be faded.
• Student interests: use games and interests the students enjoy to reinforce the process.

Did you like this episode? Let me know if you’d like more like this, and I'll keep bridging the gap between research and practice!

#autism #speechtherapy


What’s Inside:

• Increasing chances for positive peer to peer interactions.
• Generalizing board game play with cues and adaptations.
• Supporting peer to peer interactions with play and limited adult intervention.
• How to teach board game play for the everyday clinician. 

Mentioned In This Episode:
ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

“We have to see learners as a part of their community.” Brittany Schmidt, BCBA-SLP, explains a major point of the AAC Trial process, having the device be effective across all of the learners' environments and communication partners.

It’s hard to stay up to date and fully understand AAC when you’re not working with it on a regular basis. In this episode, Brittany shares some specific points and ideas when it comes to finding the right AAC device for a learner and avoiding device abandonment.

Over the years, there has been an incredible evolution of access. There is more affordability and availability of devices and applications with unique features that can be programmed for diverse learners. Ease and functionality, response and consequence changing, power words, and realistic goal setting are among some of the great points Brittany and I discuss.

You can find out more about Brittany through Thrive Clinical Solutions or reach out to her via email. Be on the lookout for her talk and CEUs on AAC through ABA Speech Connection.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Understanding the varying modes of intent to communicate, including problem behaviors.
• Helping learners communicate across environments and partners.
• The evolution of access to AAC.
• Unique app features that can help a variety of learners needs.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Thrive Clinical Solutions
schmidt@thriveclinicalsolutions.com
ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

As a fellow busy SLP-BCBA, I know it's hard to keep up to date with research. That's why I’ve been combing through articles and inviting these researchers in our field on the podcast! I am on a mission to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Stephanie Gonzalez is a BCBA doctoral candidate at the University of Florida and the author of the article, Teaching Children to Respond to Questions About the Past: A Preliminary Analysis. While her research into this topic is ongoing, Stephanie and I had a great conversation about recall skills and how some may not see them as an available skill for their learners. The work she has done shows how this skill can be worked on alongside other important targets.

What did you do at school today? What did you do this weekend? What movie did you see? What toy did you play with? These are all valuable questions that recall the past and unlock conversations, especially for parents who want to know what their child is up to.

Using probe fading, Stephanie gradually builds a delay in recall, using differential reinforcements every time a learner correctly recalls. In fact, with the learners she's worked with, she has surprisingly built the 30 minute recall very quickly. Stephanie explains the base skills her learners have and how others may build this into their treatment package.

Be sure to read Stephanie’s article and stay tuned for more important research made accessible!

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Bridging the gap between research and practice.
• Research making recall skills available to learners.
• How to use probe fading to increase recall conversations with clients.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Autism Outreach: #107 The Importance of Comprehension Skills with Dr. Merrill Winston
Teaching Children to Respond to Questions About the Past: A Preliminary Analysis
ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

While schools in the past have focused on a consultative model when it comes to BCBAs, it has become a growing trend in the field for schools to hire a district wide BCBA of their own. When you move from a consultant to an actual school employee this opens up a lot of room for dialogue. BCBA, Dr. Bruce Tinor joins me to chime in with this conversation.

Dr. Tinor agrees that hiring BCBAs is the right step but just one is not enough. There are certain roles in a school where 1 overseer is enough, but being an effective BCBA requires a lot of hands-on work and direct contact. If you do find yourself in the daunting task of being your district's only BCBA, Dr. Tinor has some great tips to systematically attack and support your school. Even if you are the only BCBA employee of the school, find a community to collaborate and share knowledge and support.

Along with all of his wisdom and insight for active school based BCBAs, he shares some advice that applies to even new BCBAs wherever they may land. Pair with your clients. This might mean students, parents, or even other staff but when you have paired up and built rapport, success and trust will follow.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• The role of a school based BCBA.
• Tips for working in a school district as a BCBA.
• The value of collaborating with other BCBAs.
• Advice for new BCBAs.

Mentioned In This Episode:
ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

Joining me from Upstate Caring Partners is Dr. Erik Jacobson. The agency works with a large population of individuals with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Upstate CP is focused on changing lives with compassionate care.

During our conversation, Dr. Jacobson discusses how Upstate CP has reflected on their previous caretaking model, evaluating hand over hand crafts and goals that don’t last the lifespan. They have transitioned into an instructional model that builds strong relationships and creates a safe environment in a dignified way.

Dr. Jacobson shares how their staffing and teams have changed, starting with hiring their very first BCBA in 2019. With a focus on making their program less like school and more like life, they are making lasting changes that are going to positively impact the individuals in their care for life. You can find more about Upstate Caring Partners on their website.

 #autism #speechtherapy 

What’s Inside:

• What is Upstate Caring Partners?
• Transitioning from a caretaking model to an instructional model.
• How to build strong relationships and create a safe environment in a dignified way.

Mentioned In This Episode:
 Upstate Caring Partners
ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (or training), also known largely as ACT, is a relatively new premise in the field of ABA. Kate Nasuti who has been a BCBA for over a decade and in the field of ABA for 20+ years, joins me to discuss this important topic.

Kate shares her experience learning about ACT and how it's benefited her personally, even comparing “ACT Boot Camp” to a yoga retreat. It’s that impactful. She uses this technique now with parents and providers, giving access to this incredible therapy via coaching with individuals who would not otherwise benefit from ABA.

We go through some of the core processes of ACT: Mindfulness, Diffusion, Committed Action, Self as context, Values, and Acceptance. Kate describes some of these in detail, like Value Clarification. She uses this really beautiful quote from Michelangelo on his sculpture of David, “I just chipped all the way through the parts that aren’t David ''...to reveal that for clarification of our own values, we must just remove all the values that aren't ours.

Kate shares a ton of great resources, like the ACT course available on PRAXIS and Dr. Steven C. Hayes’ book, The Liberated Mind. ACT is such a beneficial addition to the science of ABA that I really encourage everyone to learn more!

 #autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is ACT?
• What are the 6 core processes of ACT?
• Who can benefit from ACT?
• Where to find more information and resources on ACT.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Get access to Kate’s ASHA and ACE course: Is It Really Burnout? Anxiety? How Words Can Get Us Stuck by joining the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership

Replay: Episode 107

As SLPs and BCBAs, we are tasked with teaching comprehension to our learners, but do they really understand these skills? Dr. Merrill Winston joined me to discuss not only reading comprehension but comprehension in everyday life and the building block skills to be successful.

What is comprehension?

Whether you're reading a book or listening to a statement, there are 3 markers for comprehension.

• Repeat it.
• Follow the Directions or Instructions within it.
• Talk about it.

Dr. Winston and I get into the nitty gritty of that last marker and talk about it when it comes to comprehension of daily life. He says that a major prerequisite for reading comprehension is comprehending their day. You can check this by having your learner sequence, or "serieate," their day. (First I did this, then I did this, then we did that…)
 
With this skill, students are pulling information from the past and making a time reference. You can practice by working in smaller increments, like the last hour even. This doesn't have to be verbal; it can be in pictures or icons as well! But the important thing is to ask those questions!! Students may not be able to serialize their day simply because they aren't being asked these questions.

We also talk about goal setting and realistic expectations. If you're considering setting a comprehension goal for your learner, Dr. Winston says to be sure to ask: What is the end goal? Where is this skill going to take them? Every skill you spend time on should have a goal that extends across the lifespan and opens more doors and opportunities. He even goes as far as to say that working on a goal for too long without progress is careless!
 
This was such a great chat with a leader in the field of ABA, and I hope you found it helpful!

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What does comprehension really mean?
• How should providers be working on comprehension?
• What is “seriating your day” and why is it important?
• Determining functional goals for your learners.
• How goals and skills build to reach larger goals.
• Goals that will impact your learners life.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Winston Behavioral Solutions 
ABASpeechByRose - Rose Griffin - Instagram
Membership - ABA Speech 

Replay: Episode 105

I love talking about joint attention, but a lot of my ideas and strategies in my courses may feel like they are geared toward older preschool age students. My tips today are for the youngest learners, toddlers age 2 to 3. Joint attention is an important foundational skill and it is never too early to get started with these strategies!

3 Ways to Get Started with Joint Attention with Your Toddler Today

Books
Books are the lifeline for learning and sharing activities and time with our little ones. For these young learners, when reading use a positive, energetic voice. Try using board books and interactive books with flaps. With your own child, make a goal to embed at least 15 minutes to read and interact with a book everyday!
Some of my favorites: Huggy Kissy and the Llama Llama series

Songs
Use YOUR Voice. Learn songs with motions to sing with your toddler. If toddlers aren't speaking they can join in by using the gestures and doing the motions as you sing. You can also use visuals like toys that match the song or printed visuals from my TPT store for early intervention songs.
Some of my favorites: Wheels on the Bus, 5 Little Monkeys, Happy and You Know It, Old McDonald

Play
Playing with toddlers is so fun and you never know what they will love and enjoy. Focus on not asking questions but just modeling simple language and narrating the activity.
Some of my favorites: Bubbles, Sensory Bins, Cars with Tracks

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• 3 ways you can work on joint attention at home today!
• Joint attention strategies for toddlers.
• Tips and tricks for embedding joint attention work in your day to day.
• How to read books, sing songs, and play with your child to assist with joint attention.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Books For Speech Therapy For Toddlers
Songs for Early Intervention by ABA SPEECH | TPT
Membership - ABA Speech

GLP – Gestalt Language Processing, is taking social media by storm. BCBAs and SLPs alike are talking about it… But should it be something we follow and jump into without question? Dually Certified SLP-BCBA Sari Risen joins me to discuss her findings on GLP along with some warnings.

So what is GLP? It is basically a distinction against NLA – Natural Language Acquisition, in which NLA individuals learn by developing single words and increasing over time, whereas GLP individuals have longer and longer utterances and develop single words over time. Sari uses the example of a toddler who says “ohh da do” [meaning open the door] will eventually learn the words open, the, and door but would start with the longer utterance before knowing the words individually.

Sari took Marge Blanc's 15 hour course on the topic and explained the history of GLP when Dr. Ann Peters made this distinction between NLA and GLP in the 70s. While information on Gestalt is available, it is mostly anecdotal, with very few official studies or evidence.

Educate yourself so that you can understand and explain GLP when and if parents ask. Sari and I warn practitioners to think critically about the strategies and theories they use and not to follow something just because of social media.

 #autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)?
• Natural Language Acquisition vs Gestalt Language Processing.
• Should BCBAs be using GLP?
• What information and evidence is available about GLP.

Mentioned In This Episode:
srisen@actionpotentialservices.ca
www.actionpotentialservices.ca
Membership - ABA Speech

It can be hard to stay up to date on research when you’re busy working with clients. That’s why I love being able to take these important topics and break them down into bite-sized chunks! Today, Landon Cowan, a Doctoral Candidate at Marquette University, shares with me his work on the research article, A Decision-Making Tool for Evaluating and Selecting Prompting Strategies.

I think sometimes it can be difficult to see the importance of basic ideas, so we break some of these ideas down to their core. Landon defines a prompt as anything that elicits a desirable response. These are as simple as vocal modeling, visual cues, and gestures, and they are even more frequently used in everyday life with digital alerts and sticky notes.

As we discuss the types of prompting and the need for relevant prompting strategies, Landon discusses common inconsistencies and cautions for some prompting. Always holding the final goal in view. The research article includes some really helpful flowcharts to help guide and make data-based decisions on prompting strategies that are relevant to your learner. Landon explains the charts and the other supplemental resources available that can not only assist therapists but can also aid in staff training for a consistent understanding of prompting.

Be sure to check out the full article and find Landon on Research Gate and LinkedIn for questions and to follow his other work. Did you like this episode? Please let me know if you want more easy-to-consume research content and what other topics you’d like to hear about!


#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is a prompt?
• What types of prompts are available to use?
• How to make data based decisions for prompting strategies.
• Resources and tools for prompting strategies.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Landon Cowan Marquette University · Department of Psychology (Behavior Analysis)
Landon Cowan on LinkedIn
A Decision-Making Tool for Evaluating and Selecting Prompting Strategies - PMC
Membership - ABA Speech

“Fell in love with teaching; fell in love with watching him learn." That's a quote from my guest, Dr. Bridget Taylor. She has a long list of accomplishments, among them being a BCBA and Licensed Psychologist. She shares about her journey into the field and something she has noticed changed since conference early in her career in the 90s. 

At the time, the ABA profession was still growing, and conferences she spoke at were attended more by parents, with this momentum driven by families who wanted information to help their children. Now, parents are still an equal part of the process as ever, but those seats are filled by professionals who need to then transfer information, support, and training over to these families.

We discuss some of the work she has done in this area, including parent training and particularly compassionate care and relationship building. She points out a familiar phrase: ‘People don't care how much you know unless you show how much you care’. This really speaks to the way relationships with families create buy-in, collaboration, and ultimately more positive outcomes for the client. 

Dr. Taylor describes compassion as empathy in action. She explains that it requires endurance through uncomfortable feelings and an emphasis on listening during those times so that you can understand and support families. As we close, she shares her recommendations on how clinicians can better help parents by attending training, reading articles, seeking mentorship, and truly practicing listening as a skill.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• The shift in knowledge seeking conferences since the 90s.
• What can clinicians do to help parents?
• What is compassionate care when it comes to parent conversations?
• Skills and resources for parent training.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Building and Sustaining Compassionate Relationships with Caregivers | ABA Technologies
Membership - ABA Speech

Family and parent support and education are so important, especially when it comes to our youngest learners. Today, I am talking with Dr. Tracy Raulston. She is such a bright spot in the field, with so much information to spread and a great project in the works.

Dr. Raulston helps me discern the difference between Natural Environment Training and NDBI. When we are working with young learners in early intervention, play-based therapy is so crucial. Dr. Raulston explains how NDBI utilizes developmentally based instruction and strategies with child development front and center. Providers using NDBI are using protocols focusing on social connection, sensory exploration, and speech milestones.

The Mindful Routines Project is Dr. Raulston's initiative to provide clear and seamless tools to support parents and families. Being a parent is hard, and parents of autistic children are at an increased risk of stress. This project embeds mindful tools like noticing and validating thoughts and feelings without judgment and encourages parents to be more compassionate with themselves. As Dr. Raulston builds this project, she anticipates an 8-week curriculum for BCBA’s providing family guidance.

Families and parents are our learners' biggest influences and advocates. It is so great to hear about more awareness and tools for BCBAs to work to support these important members of our community.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How providers can support families and parents.
• Are parents of autistic children at risk of increased stress?
• What is the Mindful Routines Project?
• What is the difference between Natural Environment Training and NDBI?

Mentioned In This Episode:

tjr27@txstate.edu
Dr. Tracy Raulston on LinkedIn
Membership - ABA Speech

When Jeannette Passanisi landed on my TikTok For You Page (‘the FYP’ if you’re familiar with the popular social media platform), I knew I had to have her on the show. Jeannette is a mom of 3, with her youngest son, Robbie, being autistic.

Jeannette shares his developmental delays, swept aside early on as being the baby of the family; however, she soon realized he was not developing like her older girls and sought advice. Eventually leading to a diagnosis of PDD NOS at age 4. At the time, autism diagnoses were harder to get, especially at a young age. During our conversation, she shares how his diagnosis changed in 2017 to level 3 autism and, more recently, to more profound autism.

Having a profoundly autistic son requires a lot of direct care. As Jeannette mentions his lack of sleep, tendencies to rage pace, and other behaviors, Robbie needs to always be accompanied and needs assistance with a lot of daily tasks. Jeannette is also Robbie's #1 advocate, always making sure that he receives the best quality and most positive therapy techniques. She provides great examples of how she advocates for her son.

“Everyone has the ability to improve at their own pace” is just one gem from Jeannette’s and my talk. You can learn more about her family and autism journey on TikTok @Running4Robbie.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• A mother sharing her autism journey on TikTok.
• Seeing signs of autism at age 4.
• How availability and quality of diagnosis has changed over time.
• Navigating and advocating therapy services for older autistic children and adults.

Mentioned In This Episode:
Running4Robbie - TikTok
Membership - ABA Speech

Here we are at episode 150! I am so happy to be here sharing and disseminating this important information with you every week. To celebrate this milestone, my favorite guest, friend, mentor, and colleague, Dr. Mary Barbera, joins me.

If you’re not familiar with her amazing work, she shares her remarkable journey into the autism world. Working as a nurse and starting her family, her world and purpose changed when her oldest son Lucas was diagnosed with autism just before his 3rd birthday. She went from a mom in denial to a BCBA, author, online educator, and podcast host on a mission to create awareness and help parents and families with autistic children get the best outcomes for their children.

We cover a really important topic in early intervention...  Is it a speech delay or autism? She breaks down the procedures necessary to get started when you’re working with a child who is not yet speaking. When it comes to her Turn Autism Around Framework, the first step is Asses. She advises assessing the child’s Expressive & Receptive Language (verbal and nonverbal), as well as feeding and sleeping habits. 

Mary Barbera really encourages parents to be the “Captain of the Ship”. Parents are a child's best advocate, and she has an abundance of tools and resources for parents via her Turn Autism Around book, Online Courses and Community, and her new digital assessment. Her goal is to help every child reach their fullest potential while being as safe, happy, and independent as possible. 

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How to get started with Early Intervention?
• Tools and Resources for parents of autistic children.
• A new digital assessment for your child.
• What is the Turn Autism Around Framework?
• Tips for parents to take action and become the captain of the ship.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Dr. Mary Barbera
Membership - ABA Speech

Things are bound to happen. Whether you are a new or seasoned provider, you will surely encounter an ethical dilemma. Licensed Clinical Psychologist and BCBA-D, Dr. Linda LeBlanc, is on to talk about the importance of ethics, provider values, and her new book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts.

For many, your position in the field of ABA is the first professional role where you are officially responsible for the outcome of a vulnerable person. Your personal underlying values are important to decision making when it comes to the code of ethics. Ethical situations in this field can bring questions to boundaries and relationships appropriate for the role.

The first response to an ethical situation is often a gut response. But Dr. LeBlanc poses the idea of how providers can be proactive in their ethical framework before specific ethical dilemmas even arise. She explains the big picture of her up and coming book in three parts that will cover history, values, and personal behavior, a dissection of each section of the ethics code, and practical everyday management of ethics.

Following the code of ethics is not about perfection; it is about being planned, intentional, and thoughtful in a way that protects you and your client. You can find out more about Dr. Linda LeBlanc at her website and read a preview of her book at Sloan Publishing.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• How new providers may encounter ethical dilemmas.
• The underlying values and personal decision making behind the ethical code.
• A framework for proactive ethical management.
• Dr. Lina LeBlanc’s book, Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts

Mentioned In This Episode:
LeBlanc Behavioral Consulting
​​Sloan Publishing - Ethics: Proactive and Practical Decision Making for Behavior Analysts
Membership - ABA Speech

As an SLP - BCBA working in the field for the last two decades, I have certainly made mistakes and learned along the way. Today I am sharing my top 5 mistakes and what I would do differently. Because when we know better, we do better.

1. Yes/No Questions – working on this too early is not productive; it is important but requires a much higher level language!
2. Not setting specific goals on Joint Attention - Good providers have these opportunities naturally, but it's necessary to set specific goals and specific focus using the three-part framework - Books, Music, and Play!
3. JARGON - using too much professional jargon is not the right move unless you’re talking to ONLY other members of your profession. Ethically, you need to use words that are understandable by all!
4. The term “Red Flags” - in reference to autism “Red Flags” have a negative connotation. Use language that supports your learners; try language like “Signs” or “Characteristics”.
5. Eye Contact as a goal - while eye contact can be a helpful skill, it's not directly important to communication and will often be a natural by-product of focusing on joint attention. 

In a world where 1 in 36 individuals has autism, we have to be striving to support autistic learners in every way we can.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• Top 5 Mistakes when working with autistic students.
• Changing your language to support autistic learners.
• Why you shouldn't use jargon in IEP meetings.
• Are Yes/No questions important?
• How to set goals for joint attention.
• Can eye contact be a by-product of other communication goals?

Mentioned In This Episode:
IEP Goals for Students with Autism - ABA Speech
Membership - ABA Speech

Enjoy this free training from my new series, Communication Without Limits. In this presentation, I am providing an introduction to AAC.

AAC is a powerful tool that can help learners communicate and find their voice for the very first time. I share a personal story from my career where AAC did just that. What an amazing feeling!

I cover important information to support SLPs-BCBAs such as the Communication Bill of Rights, as well as who to turn to for support when it comes to finding devices, programs, and collaborating in your district or center. Utilizing an AAC requires a team; this is the learners voice and everyone has to be on the same page, including SLPs, BCBAs, OTs, Teachers, Parents, etc.

How do you know you need an AAC? I go over the steps of a comprehensive assessment involving Case History, Ecological Inventory, Self-Report, and Sensory-Motor Status. Once you’ve determined the need for AAC, you need to determine the system that will optimize communication for your learner. This is an important feature matching process where, as the provider, you determine access, language systems, and the materials or devices appropriate for the learner.

I hope you continue to tune in to future free training on important topics in ABA. To stay in the loop, receive more in depth training and tutorials, and connect with other professionals, consider joining the ABA Speech Connection Membership.

#autism #speectherapy

What’s Inside:

• What is AAC?
• An introduction and guide for SLP-BCBAs in AAC.
• What is involved in a comprehensive assessment for AAC?
• Who can help with an AAC?
• How to choose the right AAC.

Mentioned In This Episode:
AAC - Slides and Handouts
Membership - ABA Speech