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

• #257: The Importance of Matching as a Skill with Emily Kearney

  Emily Kearney, BCBA, who has been working in the field since 1999, joins the show to dive into a topic we haven’t explored in depth before: matching as a skill. Though it may seem simple, matching is foundational for learners of all ages. This critical skill supports language, play, leisure, problem solving, and actions across the lifespan.We discuss how matching isn’t always identical—it can be based on features, categories, or associations—and how it develops from early learning readiness into more complex skills for older learners. Emily highlights teaching strategies like multiple exemplar training and ensuring stimulus control by using the variety of cues learners encounter in real-world settings. For example, a “cup” can vary in material, size, color, shape, or function, but learning to recognize it in all its forms builds observation skills, problem-solving, and perseverance.For older learners, we explore adding a language component, asking questions like “how do you know it’s a match?” to encourage reasoning and verbalization. Matching isn’t just a simple game; it's a prerequisite for broader communication, life, and learning.For questions or mentorship opportunities, reach out to Emily at [email protected].#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Why matching is a critical skill across all agesMatching isn't about just finding identical matchesTeaching strategies including multiple exemplar training and stimulus controlReal-world examples to generalize matching skills across environmentsThe language component of matching for older learnersMentioned In This Episode:Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

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• #256: Questions I Get Asked All the Time

  In this solo minisode, I’m diving into five of the questions I hear most often—covering selective mutism, collaboration, AAC, core words, and the path to dual certification. These are the topics that come up again and again in our field, and today I’m offering practical guidance, real examples, and links to deeper learning.Does ABA Speech have resources for selective mutism?Yes! I share some of my own experience supporting learners with selective mutism and point you to a full episode on the topic with Annie DiVello. And keep an eye out—a CEU on selective mutism is coming in 2026.How do you build collaboration when an SLP pushes back or says “stay in your lane”?I talk through ways to create ongoing communication, get permission to coordinate care, and document collaboration attempts. If the relationship still isn’t coming together, involving administration for support can be the next step.How do you make suggestions when a provider uses the same core words with every student and progress feels limited?This can feel like a sensitive conversation. I share how to approach it thoughtfully and recommend our journal article course on core words, along with the linked episode featuring Allison Bean and Bethany Frick Semmler.When is it appropriate to transition away from AAC if a student becomes verbal?I use an example from my own caseload to highlight the importance of individualized goals. The aim isn’t always to eliminate the device, but to identify what’s functional, meaningful, and supportive for that specific learner.How do you become a dually certified SLP/BCBA?I walk through my own path—starting as an SLP, discovering the power of behavior analysis, completing coursework and supervision, and ultimately passing the exam using the BDS modules.Don’t forget to check out ABA Speech for all of your CEU needs—link below!What’s Inside:Resources and upcoming CEUs for selective mutismHow to navigate collaboration when communication feels strainedApproaching difficult conversations around core words and progressDetermining when (or if) to transition away from AACThe steps to becoming a dually certified SLP/BCBAMentioned In This Episode:Episode #068: Annie DiVello – Supporting Students With Selective Mutism​​Episode #121: Core Vocabulary and Typical Language Development with Allison Bean and Bethany Frick Semmler Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

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• #255: Home-Based to School-Based BCBA Services with Meghan Edwards

  Guest Meghan Edwards, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and School-Based Behavior Specialist, joins the show to share her journey from providing in-home services to becoming a public school BCBA. With over a decade of experience, Meghan helps schools build proactive systems for behavior and staff support—bridging the gap between behavior analysis and the real-world classroom.We talk about what it means to be a school-based BCBA, including the top three things to consider when transitioning to a school role. From navigating the noise and unpredictability of the school day to collaborating closely with teachers and administrators, Meghan emphasizes the importance of relationships and rapport in making an impact. She shares how her weekly newsletters, staff shoutouts, and open communication help her connect across teams.Meghan also discusses how her Instagram community, @school_based_bcba, evolved into The Behavior Lounge, a mentorship hub for school-based BCBAs. Plus, she highlights her passion project, The Paraprofessional Training Manual, created to empower the staff members who support high-needs students but often receive the least training.Be on the lookout for a CEU with Meghan coming to ABA Speech Connection in Fall 2026!#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:What it’s like to transition into a school-based BCBA roleTop 3 tips for success in the school settingBuilding strong relationships with teachers and administratorsSupporting paraprofessionals through intentional training and resourcesMentioned In This Episode:School Based BCBAMeghan Edwards BCBA Mentor and Behavior Support for Schools Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home

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• #254: Early Intervention and Communication with Marie Martinez

  Guest Marie Martinez, a dual-certified SLP/BCBA, joins the show to share her passion for empowering parents and supporting communication in everyday moments. She’s the author of Path for Words: Five-Minute Language Learning Activities for Children Ages 1–3 Years, a book that helps families turn daily routines into powerful language opportunities.Marie talks about identifying the small moments that matter most—because communication doesn’t just happen at the table with flashcards, it happens all day long. She also offers great advice for anyone passionate about their work (and maybe thinking about writing a book!): if you see a need, fill it. Her work helps parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to help their children thrive in their communication journey.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:How Path for Words helps parents build language naturallyFinding purpose and inspiration in dual certificationEmpowering parents through practical communication toolsWhy the little moments make the biggest impactAdvice for professionals ready to write or create something newMentioned In This Episode:Path For Words (@pathforwords) on Instagram​​Marie Martinez on LinkedIn Join the aba speech connection  ABA Speech: Home

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• #253: Working together: Occupational Therapists and BCBAs with Leah Gross and Dr. Shelley Margow

  Leah and Dr. Shelly, both occupational therapists who have either earned or are working toward dual certification as BCBAs, join me to talk about the power and challenges of blending these two worlds. Believe it or not, there aren’t even statistics on how many dual-certified professionals are out there—but the impact of this crossover is clear. Their work centers on collaboration with families and other professionals, finding common ground between OT and ABA.We talk about the funding and system barriers that can make integration tough, and how learning to understand each other’s “jargon” helps break those walls down. As Dr. Shelly says, OTs and BCBAs are often working toward the same goals—they just use different words. Sometimes, you have to “massage the message” so everyone can connect and understand.Dr. Shelly also shares insight into the business and insurance side of implementation, while Leah highlights the importance of spreading the word about the tools ABA offers. Their message is simple: put the egos aside, keep listening, and stay open to learning from each other.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:The growing overlap between OT and ABAWhy collaboration starts with learning each other’s “language”Navigating funding and system barriers that limit integrationPutting egos aside to focus on shared goals and learning from one anotherMentioned In This Episode:Is This My Child?: Sensory Integration SimplifiedCircle Care ServicesThe Autism Roundtable Podcast - Circle Care ServicesMy BCBA Life Podcast - Circle Care Services Join the ABA Speech Connection  ABA Speech: Home

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