Avsnitt
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Joining me today is the SLP behind the Instagram account @language_processing, Kathleen Oppenheimer. She caught my attention because she consistently shares excellent information on her page about language processing and the research behind it.
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a hot topic these days. Kathleen defines GLP as a hypothesis about how language is acquired, in contrast to Analytic Language Processing (ALP). It’s important to note that these terms are not commonly used outside this specific context, nor are they frequently found in research articles. For many in the autism community, GLP currently serves as an identity label for their echolalia, but it's crucial to distinguish this from its use as a clinical label to guide therapy.
We also discuss the abundance of ongoing research and debates in the field. If you’re not aware of what's available, you might not know what to trust. Kathleen emphasizes that pseudoscience can appear scientific but is not applied in a scientifically rigorous manner (e.g., ignoring parts of research, relying solely on anecdotal evidence, not being evidence-based, etc.). When navigating the internet, you may come across ASHA journals, clinical research, peer-reviewed articles, white papers, anecdotal articles, and viewpoint articles—it’s essential to understand the publication requirements for each before applying them to your practice.
As a final thought, Kathleen reminds social media consumers: You don’t know what you don’t know, especially when it comes to research and research methods. Be sure to check out her page for more insights on language processing!
What’s Inside:
What is Gestalt Language Processing and Analytic Language Processing?What is pseudoscience?What kind of research is out there and what should you trust?Mentioned In This Episode:
Kathleen Oppenheimer - Google Scholar
What's Language Processing (@language_processing) on Instagram
@TheLanguageScientists
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram -
Today, I learned about a new tool in therapy and AAC, speaking with guests Dr. David McNaughton and Dana Patenaude, who collaborated on the research article "Using Visual Scene Displays With Young Children: An Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis," published in the Journal of Special Education Technology.
Visual Scene Displays (VSDs) are interactive visual representations, such as photos or images, that depict scenes, objects, or events. They allow users to engage with elements within the image, providing a more immersive and interactive communication experience. VSDs can be used with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, offering a more contextual and personalized way for users to communicate. This is not an either/or tool but a powerful resource that can be combined with other AAC methods.
This study found that VSDs are an evidence-based practice. Their use can be personalized with meaningful photos, tailored to individual interests. Children can even participate in creating and selecting "hot spots," giving them real-time language engagement with the parts of the scene that interest them most. There are also ways to create video VSDs or VSDs that incorporate literacy.
VSDs can be used for shared storybook reading, setting/environment photos, culturally responsive elements, and more! David and Dana do a great job of breaking down this comprehensive research and explaining how effective VSDs can be across various settings. Be sure to check out the links provided to access this open article and find resources on getting started with VSD apps.
#autism #speectherapy
What are VSDs?How can VSDs be used alongside AAC?How to engage in shared storybook reading with VSDs?How to create culturally responsive and individualized Visual Scene Displays?
What’s Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:
Patenaude, D., McNaughton, D., & Liang, Z. (2024). Using Visual Scene Displays With Young Children: An Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis. Journal of Special Education Technology, 01626434241263061.
Video Visual Scene Displays (provides information on other studies that used video visual scene displays, including links to videos of research participants and links to apps that support VSDs and video VSDs)
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Approximately 25–30% of autistic children are minimally verbal, often requiring alternative communication methods like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Jean Jarrett, SLP-BCBA, joins us to continue highlighting AAC during the month of October. Selecting the right AAC system can be overwhelming due to the many factors involved: communication partners, environments, and caregiver involvement. The process requires input from various disciplines, careful planning, and individualized support.
A common misconception is that children need to reach certain milestones before starting AAC, but there are no prerequisites. There is no need to wait or delay getting started with AAC to meet certain skills, but a learner’s skillset does play a critical part in the device chosen. When choosing an AAC system, factors to guide decision-making include device programming, environments in which it will be used, and potential insurance reimbursement.
Providers must be equipped to handle pseudoscientific approaches, such as Rapid Prompting or Spelling to Communicate, and focus on evidence-based practices like AAC, which can make a profound difference when used effectively. The journey with AAC doesn't end when the device is received; that's just the beginning.
#autism #speectherapy
How to handle an overwhelming AAC assessment?Are there prerequisites for AAC?Questions and factors to consider when choosing an AAC device.Being equipped to handle pseudoscience.
What’s Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:Jean Jarrett on LinkedIn
Don't wake the baby!
[email protected]
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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October is AAC Awareness Month! Today’s guest, Chris Bugaj, is the co-host of the *Talking with Tech* podcast, which explores the world of AAC, inclusive design, and the creators, providers, and users behind these systems. As an SLP, Chris realized early in his career that he had a knack for technology, which led to his role on his district's Assistive Technology Team for Inclusive Learning.
During our chat, we discussed the history of early AAC devices, their flaws, and how these limitations impacted our ability to set effective goals. We’re so fortunate that technology and access to it have improved dramatically for our learners over the past two decades. We also touched on the concept of a growth mindset—a philosophy focused on breaking free from fixed ideas about abilities and embracing the "power of yet," ensuring we don't limit any learners in any way.
Chris has his formula for professional development in AAC down to a science. It begins with a facilitation meeting to assess training needs, followed by teaching sessions where communication partners join in-person or online courses focused on modeling through a unique training and coaching format. Finally, there are follow-up practice sessions and feedback to reinforce learning.
When AAC training and coaching are effective, they impact not just one learner but every learner that provider or teacher will work with in the future. We offer many AAC courses at ABA Speech Connection, so don’t forget to check them out and join us!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
October is AAC Awareness Month.The history of AAC.A clear plan for professional development and training for AAC.Find more info through AAC course on ABA Speech Connection.
Don't wake the baby!
Mentioned In This Episode:
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Rose Griffin-Autism Speech Therapy Tips (@abaspeechbyrose) • Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Are you ready to transform your approach to autism therapy with naturalistic interventions?
Introducing my new self-paced CEU course, Naturalistic Interventions for Autistic Learners – Next Steps. This 5-hour course is divided into 7 bite-sized modules covering essential topics like play, social skills, joint attention, parent support, and more!
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is quickly becoming the standard in our field, but how do you get started? Play-based therapy is rich with nuance, and this course offers clear, practical guidance to help you create meaningful, functional, and evidence-based child-led therapy.
My life's work has been dedicated to reaching learners who are traditionally harder to engage and helping them find the best ways to learn and communicate. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between research and therapy, ensuring that effective strategies reach the therapy room.
Don’t miss out—sign up now for Naturalistic Interventions for Autistic Learners—Next Steps, available for a limited time. And while you're at it, explore my membership program, ABA Speech Connection!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
A BRAND NEW course at ABA Speech. What is Naturalistic Intervention?Building a bridge between research and therapy.Resources and information for evidence-based, child-led therapy.
Mentioned In This Episode:
Naturalistic Interventions For Autistic Learners – Get the Course for A Limited Time
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram -
Dr. Rick Kubina, a distinguished Professor of Special Education at The Pennsylvania State University, has had a dynamic career, collaborating with prominent figures in the fields of special education and applied behavior analysis (ABA). In our discussion, we delve into a topic that is close to my heart as both a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): the critical role of data in effective decision-making. Dr. Kubina emphasizes that the foundation of quality decision-making lies in the integrity of the data collected. Without accurate baseline data, it's impossible to chart a meaningful course toward improvement. He advocates for standardized measurement tools, arguing that consistent data collection is key to achieving standardized outcomes, which are crucial for comparing and understanding progress across diverse populations.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Kubina serves as the research director for CentralReach LLC, a company that provides innovative practice management and clinical solutions for therapy service organizations, particularly those focused on ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. CentralReach's platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for data collection, billing, scheduling, and staff management, all designed to streamline operations and enhance outcomes for clients, especially those with developmental disabilities like autism. As the field evolves, Dr. Kubina is keenly aware of the potential and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). CentralReach is committed to harnessing the power of AI to improve data-driven decision-making while addressing concerns about its integration, ensuring that AI serves as a powerful, supportive tool for practitioners in the future of therapy and education.
#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:
Why quality decision-making is critical to data.Streamlining the data process and creating standardized outcomes.How AI can serve as a powerful, supportive tool for the field of ABA.Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Rick Kubina - CentralReach, LLC | LinkedIn
CentralReach
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Register for our Naturalistic Interventions Course
Rose Griffin-Autism Speech Therapy Tips (@abaspeechbyrose) • Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Linda Thoresen joins me today for a special Member Spotlight. She is an SLP and a member of ABA Speech Connection, and I first met her in her onboarding meeting. During this conversation, Linda shares about her journey from medical therapy to teletherapy.
Membership Spotlight, SLP JourneyMedical therapy vs teletherapyChanges in the field ABA Speech Connection Membership
As a seasoned therapist, Linda has been in the field for 20+ years. We discuss the changes in course work from her training to the present day, as well as the change in working with adults to now school-age and autistic learners. She has a great perspective to share on her membership with ABA Speech about her ASHA course library access and the comprehensive education available.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Register for our Naturalistic Interventions Course
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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There’s been a noticeable shift in the field of behavior analysis, with more BCBAs being hired as full-time employees in public schools. This is a big change from the past, when BCBAs were typically brought in as outside consultants. Schools are now seeing the benefits of having these experts on staff to support students with specialized needs directly in their school environment, rather than sending them out of the district. Today, I spoke with Melissa Connor-Santos, someone I connected with on LinkedIn who is deeply passionate about improving behavior-analytic services for children in public schools. Melissa and I both believe in the power of public schools to provide the least restrictive environment for our learners, and she shared some valuable insights on how BCBAs can make the most impact in these settings.
Working as a BCBA in a public school comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Public schools are large systems where you might not have much control over certain decisions, so it’s crucial to focus on collaboration and relationship-building across the entire school team, from administrators to teachers and support staff. To thrive in this environment, BCBAs need to refine their skills to fit this setting. Melissa emphasized the importance of finding a mentor, even if they’re not a BCBA, but someone with experience in public schools who can provide guidance. She also warns that while public forums and online (Facebook) groups can be helpful, they need to be used wisely and carefully. And above all, sticking to the ethics code is non-negotiable—it’s the foundation of our work and crucial for maintaining trust and effectiveness in the school community.
#autism #speectherapy
Why are more BCBAs being employed in public schools?How to navigate ethics as a BCBA in a public school setting.The most important skill for BCBAs is collaboration.Tips for BCBAs in public schools.
What’s Inside:
Don't wake the baby!
Mentioned In This Episode:
Oceanview Behavior Solutions
[email protected]
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Parents
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Professionals
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Today we welcome returning guest, Cindy Watson. Be sure to check out episode 115, where we discuss Early Intervention Speech Therapy. Along with Cindy, we are joined by MC, Cindy’s youngest daughter. MC shares about her story, autism diagnosis, and her perspective as a middle schooler.
Autism in girls, what does it mean to be “the easy kid”?Middle school therapy: What works? What doesn’t?Helping older learners with the stigma of therapy and services.Using likes and interests to create motivating, engaging therapy.
Cindy shares about MC’s life pre-diagnosis and the concerns she noticed along the way. Labeled often as “the easy kid”, MC shied away from social settings and talking with peers. And her mom fought judgment as a provider; everyone saw her as a mom and thought “everyone has autism”. But parents should trust their instincts!
We hear straight from MC about her preferences in therapy, like focusing on topics that highlight her interests. As well as her struggles and dislikes from group therapy to handling unkind words from kids her age. An important piece of therapy for older learners is to emphasize naturalistic and discrete therapy styles. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of, but the reality is that middle and high schoolers do face a stigma when it comes to their peers.
This is a great chat opening up about autism in girls, therapy for older learners, and how we can best serve our middle schoolers in therapy!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Episode #115: Early Intervention Speech Therapy Services - A Talk With Cindy Watson
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Parents
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Professionals
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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I love hearing from Autistic Adults, and Paige Layle has garnered quite a following on TikTok and Instagram, sharing her story and creating resonating content for her viewers traveling similar journeys.
Who is Paige Layle?Using social media to share the autistic voice.What it's like to receive an autism diagnosis as a teen.
Paige’s recently published memoir, But Everyone Feels This Way: How an Autism Diagnosis Saved My Life, has been an opportunity to reach her followers on a deeper level, connect beyond the internet, and create a resource for those that relate to her story. Just two weeks before her 15th birthday, Paige received her diagnosis. It was what she calls “Life Shattering”. She describes that she had been internally begging and pleading for an explanation of why life is so hard for her; the diagnosis was just that.
She took to social media after becoming comfortable with these platforms across her life, in her second year of university. Paige made her first autism-focused video discussing her anger about “trending sounds” insulting autistic individuals, which pushed her to start educating and sharing the autistic voice. She now creates content full-time, with the bulk of her income coming from public speaking events and consulting with schools and other organizations.
Paige reminds parents not to be scared. If you have concerns about delays or other symptoms in your child, just know that whatever information you collect will help you, she says. And for those of us out there consuming content, she informs us that not all autistic people want to be advocates, so be respectful, as well as diversify your resources so that you may hear a variety of voices. You can find Paige on Instagram and TikTok at @PaigeLayle.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Paige Layle
Paige on TikTok
Paige on Instagram
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Parents
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Professionals
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Lisa is a BCBA and the mom of 3 boys, including Kruz. He is Lisa’s youngest child and has Autism Spectrum Disorder. You may be familiar with their journey as they share it with you through @CruisingWithKruz on Instagram.
Kruz and family, their autism journey.Understanding what it takes to advocate and begin services and support.An update on progress January 2023 to June 2024.Parent Support: Join our parent portal!
During our conversation, Lisa dives into the struggles that take place when it comes to advocating for a diagnosis and the other ones that pile on once you do get it! Waitlists can be excruciatingly long, not only for evaluations but for services too. That’s why it’s key to stay in communication with your team. It’s not easy once you enter services either. Lisa talks about the financial weight of high insurance premiums as well as high maximum out of pocket costs.
Lisa shares Kruz’s progress in the last year and a half. He has participated in 25 hours a week of ABA, weekly speeches, and been involved with his family, friends, and community. A look at Kruz’s skills in January 2023 would show nonverbal communication and dangerous self-injurious behavior. Now his progress, reflected in June 2024, reveals conversational communication, a blossoming sense of humor, and critically reduced self-injurious behavior. With this great news, they are able to target other needs and reduce the intensity of services.
Parent education and training is something Lisa is very passionate about, as she heeds other parents advice to advocate, advocate, advocate. If you’re noticing a delay or have heightened concerns, do not wait! You will NEVER regret providing support and intervention. But you will regret losing time. Lisa is heading up our brand new parent portal that you can access with an ABA Speech Connection Membershi
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
CruisingWithKruz (@cruisingwithkruz) on Instagram
Cruising With Kruz
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Parents
Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection for Professionals
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Parents are an important piece of the team. Today I am talking with Dr. Janie Funk about parent training in ABA. Caregiver engagement is imperative to an individual's success. Dr. Janie explains how her team at Behaven Kids supports parents through a strong team of clinicians with great interpersonal skills, a referral network for access to services in collaboration with other providers, and ensuring systems are in place to support caregiver concerns and questions.
How to plan parent trainingHow to support parents and familiesBarriers in supporting parents and caregiversWorking with ABA and Mental Health
Parental support is a mandated requirement for most insurance payers. Dr. Janie talks through how she meets these requirements by maximizing caregiver engagement from the beginning of the process with families, even when quantifiable minimums of these efforts may not be presented.
We also touch on children with dual diagnoses across Autism and Mental Health. At Behaven Kids, Dr. Janie has the opportunity to work within her scope of practice across this demographic and collaborate in a way that isn't often seen in the field. “From outpatient therapy services to specialized day programs to medication management, Behaven Kids strives to provide the services a family needs to maximize each child and adolescent’s potential for individual success.”
Let’s keep talking about these important topics! Leave a review where you listen to podcasts to let me know what you think or want to hear next.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:
Don't wake the baby!
Mentioned In This Episode:
Behaven Kids
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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I always love the opportunity to talk with a parent and hear their story. I feel it really provides an opportunity for learning and growth as a provider. Susanna Peace Lovell, a professional life coach and advocate, joins me to discuss her journey as a parent of a child with autism and her book on the topic, Your True Self is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism.
A Parent’s Autism StoryNavigating honoring your child’s experience and your experience as the caregiverWhat to do when you're facing challenges with your child and suspect developmental delays?
In her book Your True Self is Enough, Susanna shares her story of being of support and service to parents and families with similar stories. This journey begins at the birth of her first child, Arizona. The difficulties began right away with food allergies and skin issues, and the diagnosis and challenges just kept coming. Susana says that her daughter cried for what felt like nonstop for the entirety of her first 18 months of life. At age 2.5, Arizona was diagnosed with ASD. This was nearly 16 years ago, and for Susanna, this was a challenging and unfamiliar experience.
You can find out more about Susanna's journey in her book, which she describes as part memoir, part guidebook, where she finds a balance between honoring her child’s experience while also honoring her own journey and voice. Her daughter, Arizona, wrote the foreword and inspired the title.
If you have this feeling that something is different, Susanna says to stay in tune with that feeling, which she calls the “Caregiver Gut." Write everything down; no detail is too little. She reminds us that being an advocate for your child requires tenacity and a help seeking mentality. The doors can be opened just a little bit more when you’re vulnerable to those who can help.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Susanna Peace Lovell
Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism by Susanna Peace Lovell
Get our Ethics Course about SLP/BCBA Collaboration in the ABA SPEECH Connection
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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“Well, I guess you better figure it out”. Those are words you do NOT want to hear from your CFY supervisor. Supervision in your Clinical Fellowship Year is so important for setting the tone for the rest of your career. Lynn Dudek shares her experience on both sides of the spectrum, from not meeting any of her expectations to exceeding them all.
Mentorship and supervision in your CFY (Clinical Fellowship Year)What makes a wonderful mentor and supervisor?What breaks a supervision experience?What to do when your supervision isn't what you expected?How to get started as a CFY supervisor.
What makes a positive mentor and supervisor? It all comes down to communication and these qualities Lynn lists for us are: being a good communicator, setting professional goals, building relationships and connections, assessing performance, and providing specific feedback. Ultimately, it's great practice for a supervisor to begin this relationship with this question; “What do you expect from this experience?”. Lynn explains how she interviews her mentees and has gotten her supervision down to a science with standard forms to provide the best possible outcome.
Lynn shared her own personal experience of a not so great mentor. What should someone in their CFY do if their supervision just doesn't feel right? The truth is, it might be hard, but you need to discuss it directly with your supervisor with direct, open communication. Lay out your expectations, find compromise, and lean on ASHA and state requirements.
If YOU are looking to become a supervisor, Lynn recommends knowing yourself and what you're capable of so that you’re able to give the best mentorship possible. It affects someone's entire career and all the clients they work with subsequently. Check out ASHA for CEUs and assessments for becoming a supervisor, or reach out to your state with questions!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Episode #109: The Power of SLP and BCBA Collaboration with Lynn M. Dudek - ABA Speech
Get our Ethics Course about SLP/BCBA Collaboration in the ABA SPEECH Connection
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Enjoy this replay from episode 62.
How to increase learner engagement?What is joint attention?How to embed joint attention across a student's day.Where to start with joint attention.Integrating shared activities into therapy.Why should you focus on the connection before communication?
Joint attention is closely linked to receptive and expressive language skills, highlighting the power of communication. To build connection before communication, use shared activities like playing with toys, singing songs, and reading books. Even if students aren't fully engaged initially, tracking their baseline data and progressing with goals can lead to impressive transformations and excitement.
Toys: Playing with toys in therapy is all about creating interaction in a semi-structured environment. Remember to use simple language, allow for natural curiosity and play, and not bombard with questions. Toys I personally love to use include: cars and car tracks, mini objects, and farm sets.
Literacy: Build excitement around the book, use books with repetition, and if your kids like it try an animated voice, which can be really fun. A few books I love to keep in my therapy bag that are a great success for joint attention are: Pete the Cat and his White Shoes, Brown Bear, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
Music: Students love songs because they are familiar and create engagement. I also love to use visuals, which can be just laminated pictures or little toys that match the activity of the song. It can also be engaging to sing songs that have motions for the words. My favorite songs to use are Old Macdonald, Wheels on the Bus, Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.
It can be difficult to keep data and set goals around these abstract ideas, be sure to check out my goal bank on ABA speech. I hope you love these ideas, and I can’t wait for you to try them out in your next therapy session!
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
IEP Goals for Students with Autism - ABA Speech
Get our Ethics Course about SLP/BCBA Collaboration in the ABA SPEECH Connection
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Conflict is part of what we do as a provider in this field. When it comes to helping the most difficult learners, it's no surprise we might find ourselves contentious at IEP meetings, I’ve definitely had my fair share in my 20+ year career. But you CAN get through them with the best interest of the learner at hand.
Here are my top 5 tips for navigating contentious IEP meetings:
Know the guest list. Who's gonna be there? Lawyers, advocates, etc., you need to know so you can properly prepare.It is not okay to be verbally abused at work. Whether it's admin or parents, come in with boundaries and confidence. Set the tone at the beginning of the meeting!Prep with your team prior to the meeting and take time to debrief after. There will always be conflict. *Check out the ethics course with ABA SPEECH Connection for more about the article I discuss here.*Try to understand the motive of the conflict. When you can understand how the team member is feeling, you can work toward a solution together!We all want to help maximize outcomes for our learners; we are all there for the benefit of the learner! You can get through these difficult, contentious, and often conflict filled meetings if you keep these 5 tips in mind.
#autism #speectherapy
How to navigate contentious IEP meetings.5 tips for getting through IEP meetings.
What’s Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:
Take our ASHA and ACE approved course about Navigating Contentious IEP Meetings Ethically With Confidence
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram -
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. These are communication devices, systems, strategies and tools that replace or support spoken language. We have talked about this many times on the podcast but I am sharing some top tips for AAC that I have learned along the way during my 20+ years!
It’s okay to not have all the answers!! Let this be your mantra. Students will be using different devices and software. You can’t know everything, but you can learn.What access do you have to an AAC consultant? There are people whose job it is to help!Collaboration is vital—collaborate and communicate with the learner’s team from assessment to receiving and learning a device to daily use!Contact AAC companies! They have resources that you need and want.It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You will always be learning, and that's exactly where you should be. Connect with experts and always be available to learn!If you’re loving this summer series of short, easy-to-consume topics, let me know! Leave a review or send me a message on Instagram.
What is AAC?What have I learned about working with AAC in my 20 year career?5 tips for working with AAC.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Get our Ethics Course about SLP/BCBA Collaboration in the ABA SPEECH Connection
Message me on Instagram -
Even though I started as a school-based SLP, when I found my way to an ABA setting, I also found my true passion to help all autistic learners find communication. Navigating a non-public program can have challenges and is certainly different than working in a school, so I want to share a few of my own gems of wisdom with you!
What I wish I knew: 5 tips for working in an ABA setting:
It's a different, challenging, and sometimes intense setting. You are working with children who are traditionally harder to reach.Safety first! Training is so important for crisis intervention and unsafe behaviors.Collaboration is essential. Who is on your team?Plan for generalization! Work on goals, share the targets, and practice outside the therapy room.AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Don’t let it scare you; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.If you’re loving this summer series of short, easy-to-consume topics, let me know! Leave a review or send me a message on Instagram.
Summer Series: Bite sized episodes packed with knowledge.What I wish I knew in my first year working in ABA.Navigating a non-public, ABA setting.
#autism #speectherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Get our Ethics Course about SLP/BCBA Collaboration in the ABA SPEECH Connection
Rose Griffin-Autism Speech Therapy Tips (@abaspeechbyrose) • Instagram -
Are you transitioning into a school-based SLP role? Let me share the gems of wisdom I have learned looking back on my first year in a public school setting. I am back with another short episode for my summer series, sharing 5 top tips and strategies as a school-based SLP!
The administrative assistant and the custodian are your best friends, go out of your way to be kind and friendly because they can help you SO much!You will NOT have all the answers. It’s okay to ask when you don't know something; “I’m not sure about that, let me ask” can be your magic words.Find a mentor. Yes, in your first year, you'll have a CYF supervisor if you're an SLP, but if you’re a BCBA and need more support, find a mentor you can lean on and learn from. (We’re here for you in the ABA Speech Connection).Try to analyze and take notes about what you do and don’t love in your job, so you know what to look for in the next role.Listen more, talk less. You’re learning the lay of the land; do your part, but take time to listen and take in the culture of your workplace.No matter if you’re an SLP, BCBA, teacher, Para-Pro, or RBT and you're working in a school, let me know what you thought of this episode! Help me get the word out that we are talking about important things over here!
#autism #speechtherapy
Summer Series: bite-sized episodes packed with knowledge.5 tips and strategies for school-based professionals.What I wish I knew working in a public school setting.
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech -
Welcome to the Summer Series! I’m going to be doing a series of solo shows on topics and questions I get through the summer, packaged up into bite-sized, easy-to-consume episodes for those of you enjoying your summer vacation.
Wisdom and lessons from a 20+ year career in SLP and Behavior Analysis.How did Rose become dually certified?Time consuming coursework and resources involved in becoming a BCBA
Today I am talking all about my journey of becoming a dually certified SLP, BCBA, a unicorn certification of less than 500 people in the entire world! Over my 20+ year career, I’ve gained some wisdom and learned some lessons that I want to share with you.
I started my career as an SLP in a school setting. There I had my first opportunity to work with autistic learners and I loved getting the opportunity to see these amazing breakthroughs. But when I changed jobs to a clinical setting and had my first experience with ABA…I was lit up. We were working with learners who had traditionally been difficult to reach and helping them communicate for the very first time. As a provider, I felt true joy for these learners but also feelings of sadness that they had gone so long without access to their environment through communication when they really didn't have to.
As I conclude this mini-episode, I share the time-consuming course work, resources, and testing that went into becoming a certified BCBA 12 years ago. I share this with you because I believe in the power of ABA to create a world where all students have a way to communicate and access their environment.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Don't wake the baby!
Membership - ABA Speech
Unwind to a wholesome mix of parenting stories, quirky humour, and cosy craftingListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
- Visa fler
