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

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
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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
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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

What if your documentation could protect your clinic instead of putting it at risk?
I’m joined by Aidan Kelly from Brellium to talk about one of the biggest stressors for growing clinics, documentation quality and compliance. As organizations scale, it becomes nearly impossible to manually track every note, and small gaps can turn into major audit risks. Aidan shares how outdated systems and manual reviews create blind spots, and how AI can bring real-time visibility into documentation practices.
We also talk about the real financial impact of audits and clawbacks, and why strong compliance infrastructure is essential if you want to grow sustainably. I love how Brellium works behind the scenes, supporting clinicians without adding extra work, while giving leaders actionable insights to improve quality across their teams.
#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
Why manual chart reviews fail as clinics grow
Common documentation gaps that trigger audit risk
How AI can support compliance and improve quality
Mentioned In This Episode:
Brellium
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home