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

Raising children with profound special needs means stepping into truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

I had such a meaningful conversation with Sarah Kernion about what it really looks like to raise children with profound, nonspeaking autism, and how that reality often differs from the public narrative. Sarah shares her journey as a mom, from those early intuitive concerns to navigating diagnosis, therapy, and building a truly collaborative team.

We talk openly about the emotional weight families carry and why honoring that lived experience matters. Sarah brings such a powerful perspective on communication, reminding us that AAC enhances connection and that growth is not always linear. One of my favorite takeaways is how she reframes communication, not as a single outcome, but as a shared process between child, caregiver, and provider.

We also dive into what makes a great team. The biggest shift is moving away from hierarchy and toward true collaboration, where parents feel heard and valued. Sarah’s work through Inchstones is all about helping families feel seen, supported, and empowered in that journey.
#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
The gap between the public autism narrative and real family life
Why AAC is a powerful tool for connection and growth
How to build collaborative, parent-centered therapy teams
Mentioned In This Episode:
Inchstones
Inchstones on Instagram
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Ever feel intimidated by AAC or unsure how AI fits into your clinical work?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nerissa Hall and Dr. Michelle Boisvert to talk about two topics that can feel overwhelming but are full of possibility. We explore how AAC is not about waiting for prerequisites, but about giving individuals access to meaningful, independent communication. I share my own experience of feeling intimidated at first, and we break down simple, practical ways to get started that actually feel doable and even fun.
We also dive into AI in speech pathology, and this conversation gave me so much clarity. We talk about how AI can help us “offload” tasks like creating materials, while still keeping our clinical judgment front and center. We discuss where AI fits, where it doesn’t, and how to use it ethically and thoughtfully in your everyday work. If you’ve been curious but hesitant, this episode will help you take that first step with confidence.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
AAC misconceptions and mindset shifts that support autonomy
Easy, practical ways to begin AAC implementation
How AI can support clinicians without replacing expertise
Ethical considerations and simple ways to start using AI
Mentioned In This Episode:
Easy Report Pro
Tate Behavioral
AAC Communicare
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Communication isn’t owned by one profession, it’s something we all share and protect together.
I’m joined by Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill "Dr. RY" for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to ensure communication access for every learner. We talk about her journey from sign language interpreter to dually certified SLP and BCBA, and how that shaped her passion for collaboration and innovation.
We dig into some of the biggest friction points between disciplines, especially when it comes to AAC. One of the biggest takeaways is this, there is no one right tool or pathway. We have to start with the learner, the context, and the full communication repertoire. I also loved our conversation about moving away from quick fixes and toward meaningful, individualized support that actually generalizes.
We also share a preview of her upcoming course inside the ABA Speech Connection, where we’ll explore sign language, AAC, and how to thoughtfully select communication modalities that truly fit each learner.

#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why communication access must be individualized and context-driven
Common misconceptions about AAC and over-reliance on high-tech solutions
How collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs improves real-world outcomes
Mentioned In This Episode:
Bridgify
Bridgify's Community
Idaho ABA Conference 2026
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Collaboration in schools can feel messy, complicated, and sometimes even uncomfortable, but it is also where some of the most meaningful progress for our students can happen.

In this conversation, I sit down with Ashley Patton to talk about what real collaboration looks like between teachers, BCBAs, speech therapists, and other service providers in school settings. Ashley brings a unique perspective because she has worked as a classroom teacher, a school-based BCBA, and a consultant supporting school teams. That experience gives her a deep understanding of the pressures educators face and how behavior and communication strategies actually fit into busy classrooms.

We talk about the importance of listening first when working with teachers and building trust before offering strategies. Ashley shares practical ways teams can embed communication goals naturally into classroom routines without overwhelming teachers who already have so much on their plates.

We also discuss replacement behaviors, functional communication, and why practicing these skills before challenging moments occur can make such a big difference for students. Ashley offers thoughtful insights about simplifying data collection, supporting teachers with manageable systems, and focusing on strategies that are realistic for the classroom.

Finally, we talk about Ashley’s Class on Task Behavior Analyst in School Summit and why creating community for professionals working in schools is so important.

If you support students in schools, this episode is full of practical reminders about how collaboration, communication, and small systems can create big change.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
Why collaboration can feel challenging for teachers and how to build trust with school teams
How replacement behaviors support both regulation and communication in the classroom
Practical ways to embed communication goals into everyday classroom routines
Strategies for simplifying data collection so teachers can realistically implement supports

Mentioned In This Episode:
Class on Task
Class on Task Summit
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

How can technology help us diagnose autism earlier and get kids the support they need sooner?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Tierney to talk about an exciting advancement in autism diagnostics and how technology is helping clinicians and families access answers faster. With long waitlists and limited specialists in many areas, getting an autism diagnosis can sometimes take months or even years. Dr. Tierney shares how new technology is helping change that.

We dive into the EarliPoint system, an FDA-cleared diagnostic aid that uses eye-tracking technology to analyze a child’s viewing behavior while watching short social videos. The system collects an incredible 120 data points per second, giving clinicians objective data to support diagnostic decision-making. Even more exciting, the assessment takes only about 12 minutes and can be used with children as young as 16 months.

Beyond diagnosis, we also talk about how this technology can support clinicians like speech therapists, BCBAs, and occupational therapists by providing data on social engagement, receptive language indicators, and problem-solving skills. That means we can track progress over time and better understand whether interventions are truly moving the needle.

I also loved our conversation about interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of having someone “quarterback” a child’s care so families receive consistent guidance. This episode highlights how innovation, research, and teamwork can make earlier diagnosis and better support possible for so many families.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the field
The ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplines
Why refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learners

Mentioned In This Episode:
EarliPoint Health
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home