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

Comparing vocabulary instruction for children who use AAC is not a one size fits all decision, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so valuable.
Vocabulary intervention is one of the topics I get asked about most often, and there is still so much to learn about the best ways to support children who use AAC. I’m joined by Dr. Courtney Trevino to unpack her research comparing explicit vocabulary instruction with more naturalistic, incidental teaching. We explore what each approach looks like in practice, how vocabulary was selected for the study, and what the findings can teach us as clinicians.
One strategy that really stood out to me was navigation description, talking out loud through the path you take to find a word on an AAC system. It is such a practical way to support learning, while also helping parents, teachers, RBTs, and other team members become more confident using AAC. I walked away thinking differently about how I teach vocabulary, and I think you will too. If you are looking for practical, research-backed ideas that you can start using right away, this conversation is full of them.
#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:
Why explicit vocabulary instruction led to stronger word learning outcomes
How navigation description can support both AAC users and communication partners
Choosing vocabulary for early AAC learners, including developmental versus core words
Practical ways to blend structured teaching into everyday therapy
Mentioned In This Episode:
Comparing Two Vocabulary Interventions for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Dr. Courtney Trevino
AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Building a business that reflects your values takes more than hard work. It takes intention, clear systems, and a vision that keeps you grounded when growth starts to feel overwhelming.
Stephen Smith and I explore what it really takes to build an ethical, sustainable ABA practice without losing sight of why you started in the first place. We talk about the importance of defining your vision early, especially if you're starting a business with a partner, and why having the right legal and financial support can save you from major headaches down the road.
We also dive into delegation, something every business owner struggles with at some point. Letting go of tasks can feel uncomfortable, but creating systems, documenting processes, and trusting your team are essential if you want to avoid burnout and create a business that can grow beyond you. I also share a few of the books and tools that have helped me think differently about leadership, delegation, and protecting my own creativity as a business owner. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen an established practice, I think you'll walk away with practical ideas you can put into action right away.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why every clinic owner needs a clear vision before focusing on growth
Business systems, delegation, and avoiding burnout
The legal and financial foundations every practice should have
Practical books, tools, and strategies for building a sustainable business

Mentioned In This Episode:
Grab Say it With Me
The ABA Business Leader's Guide by Stephen Smith
3 Pie Squared
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

If you've ever wondered whether constant stress is simply part of being a helping professional, this conversation is for you. Burnout isn't a badge of honor, and crying in your car or pushing through physical symptoms shouldn't be considered normal.
I’m joined by Tiffany N. Arango to explore what clinician wellness really looks like and why so many dedicated professionals end up running on empty. Tiffany shares her own experience of reaching severe burnout while working in what she believed was her dream job, and how that experience changed the direction of her career. We talk about the workplace red flags that are easy to overlook, why so many of us normalize unhealthy environments, and how psychological flexibility can help us respond with intention instead of simply surviving each day.
We also explore the role leaders play in creating healthy workplace cultures and why genuine care for employees should never be viewed as a weakness. Whether you're a speech therapist, BCBA, RBT, or another helping professional, I hope this conversation reminds you that your well-being matters just as much as the people you serve. If you're feeling overwhelmed, please know you don't have to navigate it alone. Reach out, find your community, and seek support.

#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Red flags that can signal workplace burnout
How psychological flexibility supports clinician well-being
Practical ways leaders can create healthier workplace cultures
Why caring for yourself is essential to caring for others
Mentioned In This Episode:
Grab Say it With Me
The Behavior Station
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

The best outcomes happen when we stop working in silos and start learning from each other.
I recently had the chance to be a guest on Dr. Selena J. Layden's podcast, and I knew I wanted to share our conversation with you because it highlights something I'm deeply passionate about, meaningful collaboration between speech-language pathologists and BCBAs. When we recognize each other's expertise and work together, we create better outcomes for the students we serve.
We talked about my journey from school-based speech therapy into the world of ABA, how those experiences shaped ABA Speech, and why I believe communication and behavior support are strongest when they are aligned. We also explored common misconceptions between our professions, practical ways to build trust with colleagues, and why curiosity and open communication can go a long way.
One of my favorite parts of our discussion was sharing what I wish every school-based BCBA understood about speech-language pathology. Our training is incredibly broad, and many of us continue developing our expertise long after graduate school. The same is true for BCBAs, which is why ongoing learning and collaboration matter so much.
Whether you're an SLP, BCBA, educator, or part of an interdisciplinary team, I hope this conversation encourages you to build stronger partnerships that help every student communicate and thrive.
#speechtherapy #autism
What’s Inside:
Why speech therapy and ABA are stronger together
Simple ways to build meaningful collaboration in school settings
What I wish every school-based BCBA knew about speech-language pathology
How mutual respect and ongoing learning improve student outcomes
Mentioned In This Episode:
Grab Say it With Me
The Behavior Education Connection
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

What happens when two SLPs and BCBAs get together to tackle the biggest conversations in our fields? You get an honest discussion about collaboration, research, and keeping students at the center of every decision.
Today, we're flipping the script and I'm answering some of the questions I hear most often about speech therapy and ABA, from choosing AAC vocabulary to navigating current topics like gestalt language processing, prompting, and aided language modeling. I share why I believe we have to move beyond an "all or nothing" mindset and focus on what the research tells us while making thoughtful, ethical decisions for each individual learner. 
Dr. Giles and I also dig into functional communication, response forms, and why collecting meaningful data should guide every intervention we use. My hope is that these conversations help bridge the gap between disciplines so we can spend less time debating and more time helping our students communicate with confidence.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
Why collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs leads to better outcomes for learners
How I think about AAC vocabulary, response forms, and functional communication
My perspective on gestalt language processing, prompting, and current research
Why data driven decision making should shape every communication intervention
Mentioned In This Episode:
Grab Say it With Me
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home