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

Every student deserves a way to communicate with the world, and that belief has guided my work from the very beginning.
Today, I’m sharing something incredibly special, the story behind my new book, Say It With Me: Naturalistic Tools to Spark Speech and Social Engagement. This is the resource I wish I had when I first started working with autistic learners who were not yet speaking, struggled to engage in therapy, or faced behavioral barriers that made learning more challenging.
I take you behind the scenes of my journey, from my early days at the Cleveland Clinic Autism Center to the lessons that shaped the compassionate, collaborative approach I use today. I also walk through the practical strategies featured in the book, including assessment, joint attention, play-based learning, AAC, social engagement, group therapy, behavior supports, and meaningful goal writing. My goal has always been to make research approachable and actionable so you can feel confident putting these ideas into practice right away.
Whether you're a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, educator, or parent, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged and equipped with new ways to support learners who are often the hardest to reach.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Building the foundation for communication through engagement, play, and joint attention
Practical strategies for AAC, language development, and meaningful generalization
Supporting learners with behavioral barriers through collaborative care
Writing effective goals and creating stronger IEP and team meetings
Mentioned In This Episode:
Grab Say it With Me
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Some kids are picky eaters, but when does it become something more?
Feeding challenges can feel overwhelming for families, especially when mealtimes become stressful, food choices become extremely limited, or concerns about nutrition start to grow. That's why I was excited to welcome feeding specialist Margaryta Kuzmin to the podcast. Together, we unpacked the difference between typical picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders, and why early support can make such a meaningful difference.
Margaryta shares the developmental reasons many children go through selective eating phases, along with important red flags that may signal a deeper concern. We also explore why feeding difficulties are rarely about food alone. Medical, nutritional, motor, sensory, and social factors can all play a role. I especially loved our discussion about how providers can approach these conversations with families in a supportive, compassionate way.
Whether you're a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, educator, or parent, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration and why feeding concerns deserve attention early on.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
The difference between picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders
Common feeding red flags that professionals and parents should watch for
Why medical, nutritional, sensory, and motor factors all matter
The professionals who make up a strong feeding team and how they work together
Mentioned In This Episode:
Feeding Matters
Kuzmin SLP
Margaryta Kuzmin on Instagram
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Child-led therapy doesn’t mean lowering expectations. It means meeting children where they are and building meaningful learning opportunities from what matters most to them.
I’m joined by Dr. Katherine Pickard, Dr. Rachel Yosick, and Dr. Tracy Argueta from the Marcus Autism Center to explore how child-led Applied Behavior Analysis is shaping the future of autism intervention. We unpack Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), what they are, how they differ from more traditional ABA approaches, and why they continue to gain momentum in both research and practice.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is the discussion around “de-implementation,” the idea that sometimes improving our practice requires letting go of strategies that no longer serve children and families as effectively. We also talk about common misconceptions around child-led therapy, how to balance NDBI and structured teaching, and practical ways clinicians can begin incorporating more naturalistic, developmentally appropriate strategies into their sessions.
If you've ever wondered whether child-led approaches are "ABA enough" or how to start making meaningful changes in your own practice, this conversation offers thoughtful, research-based guidance that is both encouraging and actionable.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
What NDBIs are and why they are rooted in ABA
The role of child-led learning in effective intervention
Why some traditional practices may need to be reduced or reconsidered
Practical ways clinicians can begin using more naturalistic strategies
Mentioned In This Episode:
Marcus Autism Center
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

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