Podcast
The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs
Hosted by Rose Griffin · EN
Join Rose Griffin, a dedicated Speech Therapist and BCBA from ABA SPEECH, as she shares her compassionate approach to supporting the communication needs of autistic individuals. With 20 years of experience, Rose is committed to respecting and understanding the diverse ways autistic people communicate and interact with the world.
This podcast is a resource for professionals and parents alike, offering practical strategies that honor each person's unique communication style. Rose covers a wide range of topics, including how to recognize and support autistic communication from an early age, the distinctions between autism and speech differences, and effective, respectful approaches to fostering communication, whether a child is non-speaking, minimally speaking, or verbal.
Through a mix of interviews and solo episodes, Rose explores how to enhance meaningful connections, address challenges with empathy, and celebrate the strengths of autistic individuals. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, you'll find valuable insights and actionable advice to create supportive environments that empower communication and honor neurodiversity.
Hit subscribe and learn more at www.abaspeech.org.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#282: Using Self-video Modeling in Therapy with Dr. Rachel Khasky-Levy & Rinat Hitelman
2d ago00:25:56Tap to summarizeWhat 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:How self-video modeling differs from traditional video modelingWays to target communication, vocational, and daily living skillsUsing visualization to reduce challenging behaviorsWhy personalized tech tools can increase independence and confidenceMentioned In This Episode:The Babel GroupWide TherapyVoiceittEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#281: Carryover For Speech Sound Practice with Shail Silver
1w ago00:22:31Tap to summarizeWhat 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Why carryover matters so much for speech sound progressHow SpeechLP uses AI to support articulation practiceWays clinicians can use technology to support home practiceThe importance of making speech practice motivating for kidsMentioned In This Episode:SpeechLPParagraphAIEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#280: Working Through SLP/BCBA Tensions with Jenny Argueta
2w ago00:27:23Tap to summarizeSometimes 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking downWhere SLP and BCBA tensions come fromPractical ways to build trust and shared understandingWhy AAC training is essential for all providersMentioned In This Episode:Mirific LLCEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#279: Clinical Quality and Compliance with Brellium
3w ago00:23:19Tap to summarizeWhat 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Why manual chart reviews fail as clinics growCommon documentation gaps that trigger audit riskHow AI can support compliance and improve qualityMentioned In This Episode:BrelliumEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#278: The Importance of Parent Support When Providing Therapy with Khaliah Moody
Apr 2800:25:03Tap to summarizeStrong therapy starts with strong support, and that begins with the parent.I’m joined by Khaliah Moody, and this conversation really stayed with me. We talk about what it truly looks like to support families in a meaningful way, especially when life outside of sessions includes real challenges like poverty, housing instability, and stress. Khaliah shares how her background in social work shaped the way she leads her clinic and supports both clients and staff. One of the biggest takeaways is that therapy cannot thrive if the parent is overwhelmed and unsupported. We have to meet families where they are, build real relationships, and focus on connection before intervention.We also get into staff retention, building a positive team culture, and how community partnerships can extend impact far beyond traditional services. This is a powerful reminder that compassionate care is both clinical and human.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Why parent support is the foundation of effective therapyHow to build trust and connection with familiesCreative ways to support and retain your teamMentioned In This Episode:Steady Strides Behavior SolutionsKhaliah Moody on LinkedInEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#277: Navigating a Late ADHD Diagnosis with Lindsay Costigan
Apr 2100:38:57Tap to summarizeEverything made sense once I saw the full picture.Receiving a later-in-life ADHD diagnosis can be both validating and eye-opening, and that’s exactly what we explore in this conversation. As I talk with Lindsay, I’m struck by how her story reflects something I see often, high-achieving, capable individuals who have been compensating and masking for years without realizing why things felt harder behind the scenes.We talk through what it looked like for her to thrive in a fast-paced Wall Street environment while quietly navigating challenges with time management, comprehension, and testing. Her diagnosis came after her children were identified as neurodivergent, which is such a common pathway for families.I also love how openly she shares the realities of parenting two neurodivergent children, from early sensory challenges to finding the right supports and building a strong community. We get into practical strategies that truly make a difference, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and structure.This conversation is a powerful reminder that ADHD can be a strength, and that understanding your brain can unlock better support, connection, and self-advocacy.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:What a late ADHD diagnosis can reveal about your pastParenting neurodivergent children and finding the right supportsPractical strategies that support regulation and successThe role of masking, self-advocacy, and communityMentioned In This Episode:Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#276: Raising Children with Profound Special Needs with Sarah Kernion
Apr 1400:31:03Tap to summarizeRaising 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:The gap between the public autism narrative and real family lifeWhy AAC is a powerful tool for connection and growthHow to build collaborative, parent-centered therapy teamsMentioned In This Episode:InchstonesInchstones on InstagramEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#275: AAC, AI and Speech Pathology with Dr. Nerissa Hall & Dr. Michelle Boisvert
Apr 700:32:35Tap to summarizeEver 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:AAC misconceptions and mindset shifts that support autonomyEasy, practical ways to begin AAC implementationHow AI can support clinicians without replacing expertiseEthical considerations and simple ways to start using AIMentioned In This Episode:Easy Report ProTate BehavioralAAC CommunicareEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#274: Accessing Communication For All with Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill "Dr. RY"
Mar 3100:35:32Tap to summarizeCommunication 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Why communication access must be individualized and context-drivenCommon misconceptions about AAC and over-reliance on high-tech solutionsHow collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs improves real-world outcomesMentioned In This Episode:BridgifyBridgify's CommunityIdaho ABA Conference 2026Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
Transcribe →#273: Supporting Educators with Communication Strategies with Ashley Patton
Mar 2400:30:14Tap to summarizeCollaboration 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 #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Why collaboration can feel challenging for teachers and how to build trust with school teamsHow replacement behaviors support both regulation and communication in the classroomPractical ways to embed communication goals into everyday classroom routinesStrategies for simplifying data collection so teachers can realistically implement supportsMentioned In This Episode:Class on TaskClass on Task SummitEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
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