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

AAC can feel overwhelming for clinicians, but it does not have to stay that way.
I’m joined by Valerie Zimmerman from Mindcolor Autism to talk about what happens when BCBAs and SLPs come together to better support autistic learners who use AAC. Valerie shares how her team has prioritized AAC training across their organization, even though many clinicians receive little to no formal instruction in this area. We dig into the real questions providers are asking, from ethical considerations around programming devices to understanding the role of collaboration in helping students communicate more effectively.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how Mindcolor Autism created a clinical consultation model that gives staff ongoing support when they encounter challenging cases or communication questions. I love seeing organizations build systems that help clinicians feel less alone and more confident in their work.
We also talk about the importance of practical, immediately applicable training. Whether you are a BCBA, SLP, RBT, or parent, this conversation highlights how much growth can happen when teams learn together and stay curious about communication. AAC is not just about devices, it is about giving students meaningful ways to connect with the world around them.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why AAC training is essential for both BCBAs and SLPs
Common misconceptions about supporting students who use AAC
How Mindcolor Autism built a clinical consultation support model
Practical ways teams can collaborate around communication goals
Mentioned In This Episode:
Mindcolor Autism
AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs
All About AAC Bundle
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Have you ever looked at an AAC device and thought, “Where do I even start?” I’ve been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel.
For years, I supported students using AAC while secretly feeling unsure of myself behind the scenes. I could teach communication strategies all day long, but when it came to navigating new systems and vocabulary sets, I remember leaving work feeling defeated and questioning whether I was truly helping my students. That experience completely changed the way I approach AAC today.
I’m sharing the story behind our brand-new course, AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs, and why I created it for professionals who want practical, real-world support with AAC instead of more theory that never translates into therapy sessions. This course brings together incredible AAC experts to talk about assessment, motor planning, collaboration, bilingual learners, switch access, parent support, and so much more.
My goal is simple. I want you to feel confident supporting every AAC user on your caseload. Whether you’re brand new to AAC or you’ve been in the field for years, I want you to walk away with strategies you can actually use right away.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why motor planning matters more than you think
AAC assessment tips and funding guidance
Collaboration strategies for SLPs and BCBAs
Real case studies and practical AAC problem-solving

Mentioned In This Episode:

AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

What if our learners could practice success before they ever step into the real moment?

I’m bringing you a conversation that completely reframed the way I think about video modeling, independence, and skill building. We’re talking all about self-video modeling and how technology is creating more personalized, neurodiversity-affirming ways to support communication, daily living skills, and behavior regulation.

Dr. Rachel Khasky-Levy and Rinat Hitelman share how their work with The Babel Group and Wide Therapy is helping clinicians bridge the gap between therapy and real-world implementation. What stood out to me most was the idea of helping learners visualize themselves already succeeding. Whether it’s requesting a favorite snack, transitioning between activities, completing vocational tasks, or building communication skills, this approach focuses on possibility and confidence instead of correction.

I also loved hearing how self-video modeling can support learners who may not yet be able to demonstrate a skill independently in real life. By creating personalized visual rehearsals, clinicians and families can give learners repeated exposure to success in a calm, supportive way that feels meaningful and functional.

This conversation reminded me why I’ve always loved using video modeling in therapy. It’s practical, engaging, and incredibly empowering for our students across ages and settings.
#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
How self-video modeling differs from traditional video modeling
Ways to target communication, vocational, and daily living skills
Using visualization to reduce challenging behaviors
Why personalized tech tools can increase independence and confidence
Mentioned In This Episode:
The Babel Group
Wide Therapy
Voiceitt
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

What really helps speech sound practice stick once kids leave the therapy room?
I’m joined by Shail Silver, founder of SpeechLP and parent to a child receiving speech therapy services, for a thoughtful conversation about carryover, motivation, and how technology can support meaningful speech sound practice at home. As a school-based SLP, this topic is especially important to me because we know progress doesn’t just happen during therapy sessions. The real growth comes from consistent practice in everyday environments.
Shail shares how his family’s experience inspired the creation of SpeechLP, an AI-powered app designed to make articulation practice more engaging and less stressful for both parents and clinicians. We talk about the challenge of getting enough repetitions for true generalization, why carryover can be so difficult for students, and how gamified practice can help keep learners motivated. I also loved hearing how practicing SLPs are actively helping shape the platform so it stays practical and clinically relevant.
There’s so much potential in tools that support families, reduce clinician workload, and help students build confidence with communication in a fun and functional way.
#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
Why carryover matters so much for speech sound progress
How SpeechLP uses AI to support articulation practice
Ways clinicians can use technology to support home practice
The importance of making speech practice motivating for kids
Mentioned In This Episode:
SpeechLP
ParagraphAI
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Sometimes collaboration feels seamless, and other times it leaves you questioning everything.

That contrast came up in such a real way as I talked with Jenny Argueta, and it’s something so many of us have experienced but don’t always say out loud. She shared how working with one collaborative SLP felt energizing, while another interaction left her feeling small and shut out. That moment stuck with her and ultimately shaped her decision to become dually certified so she could be part of the solution.

We unpack the tension that can exist between SLPs and BCBAs and how those challenges often stem from past experiences, misunderstandings, or lack of exposure to each other’s work. I always come back to the importance of listening. When we take the time to understand someone’s perspective instead of reacting, we open the door to better collaboration.

We also talk about AAC and the gaps in training that so many providers face. Jenny shares honestly about how overwhelming AAC can feel, even as an SLP, and why ongoing learning is so important. At the end of the day, our goal is the same. We want to support meaningful communication and real progress for our students.
#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking down
Where SLP and BCBA tensions come from
Practical ways to build trust and shared understanding
Why AAC training is essential for all providers
Mentioned In This Episode:

Mirific LLC
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home