#250: Celebrating Episode 250 of The ABA Speech Podcast
I’m so excited to celebrate 250 episodes of the podcast, and I couldn’t think of a better way than by sharing a little sneak peek into my own life. For this milestone, my 10-year-old son, Paxton—an aspiring podcaster himself—joins me to ask some fun questions about the show, my path to becoming an SLP, and a few behind-the-scenes facts you may not know.To mark this celebration, I’m also sharing links to some of our most popular and meaningful episodes. And if you haven’t yet, come join us at ABA Speech Connection, where we keep the conversations going, unpack important topics in the ABA world, and offer CEUs designed to truly support your work.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Celebrating 250 episodes!Meet my son Paxton.A sneak peek into my life, aspirations, and motivations. Mentioned In This Episode:Episode 1 Welcome to Autism OutreachEpisode 62 Autism Early Intervention and Joint AttentionEpisode 44 How To Help Students with Apraxia of Speech with Dr. Edythe Strand Pt. 1Episode 44 How To Help Students with Apraxia of Speech with Dr. Edythe Strand Pt. 2 Episode 45 Executive Functioning with Sara WardJoin the aba speech connection ABA Speech: Home
--------
12:19
--------
12:19
#249: Autism Out Loud with Kate Swenson
“I can’t be the only one who feels this way.” That was the thought that led Kate Swenson to use her passion for writing to share her family’s journey. Kate is the founder of Finding Cooper’s Voice and the author of Finding Cooper’s Voice and Autism Out Loud. Her work highlights that autism is a family diagnosis, and she has made it her mission to connect the community, start conversations, and give families a voice.Kate and I talk about the isolation many families feel after an autism diagnosis and how simple acts of presence and connection can make a difference. Sometimes autism makes it harder for families to leave the house and their world feels smaller—just being there, talking, and offering support can open doors again.We also discuss the importance of creating opportunities for families to spend time together. For Kate’s family, that joy is found in boating—something they made accessible for her son and enjoyable for everyone. She encourages families to get comfortable hosting, bringing fun and community into their own homes when going out feels too difficult.Through her writing, her membership communities on Facebook and YouTube, and the platform she has built with Finding Cooper’s Voice, Kate is helping families feel seen, supported, and less alone.#autism #speechtherapyWhat’s Inside:Creating a space for autism families.Discovering leisure activities for the whole family.Finding community in the isolation of autism.Mentioned In This Episode:Finding Cooper's Voice Finding Cooper’s Voice - Facebook Kate (@findingcoopersvoice) on InstagramKate Swenson | Substack Join the aba speech connection ABA Speech: Home
--------
29:35
--------
29:35
#248: Good Therapy Happens Through Play with Erin Stern
Erin Stern, BCBA, Founder and President of STEPS Behavioral Health, shares how her clinic takes an integrative approach by combining ABA, Speech, OT, and PT to support early learners. With a strong focus on flexibility and tailoring every goal to the individual, Erin highlights the importance of thoughtful intake and assessment, working closely with families, preparing children for school, and weaving in everyday experiences and milestones.Erin discusses the clinic’s Early Steps Program, which supports newly diagnosed learners through Kindergarten and beyond. With no “hard lines,” the focus is always on finding the right placement, environment, and balance of clinic- and home-based services. Erin explains how determining intervention hours involves multiple factors—age, behaviors, skill needs, family dynamics, and insurance—while maintaining flexibility to meet each learner’s individual needs.Our conversation also highlights the value of providers immersing themselves in a learner’s AAC system, staying committed to professional growth, and never forgetting the power of play. As Erin reminds us, “Don’t forget to play,” because natural learning and connection thrive in those moments.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:STEPS Behavioral Health and the Early Steps Program.Tailoring early intervention to individual learner needs.Important factors to consider when determining intervention hours.Why play is one of the most important factors of a learner's success.Mentioned In This Episode:Stepsbh.comJoin the aba speech connection ABA Speech: Home
--------
29:27
--------
29:27
#247: How To Gamify Therapy with Lindsay Watson
Lindsay Watson, PT, CEO, and Co-Founder of Augment Therapy, is on a mission to blend augmented reality (AR) and virtual care to transform therapy. Augment Therapy offers interactive AR rehabilitation exercises and fun wellness games designed to encourage movement and improve outcomes at home and in person. With their ARWell PRO app, therapists can use the software during sessions and give patients free access at home, all while tracking progress through a customized, gamified platform.While Augment Therapy is currently used primarily by OTs and PTs, Lindsay shares exciting plans to expand into speech therapy. We also discuss the benefits of telehealth when applied intentionally and how leveraging technology can enhance repetition, generalization, and engagement—turning a tool that’s often seen as a negative into a powerful ally for therapy success.#autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is Augment Therapy?How can Augmented Reality impact therapy.Blending expertise and virtual care.Mentioned In This Episode:Augment Therapy Join the aba speech connection ABA Speech: Home
--------
29:18
--------
29:18
#246: Getting Started with the RBT Certification with Jackie Jung
Thinking about becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)? There are now over 200,000 certified RBTs, and in this episode, I’m joined by Jackie Jung, an RBT currently pursuing a career in speech-language pathology. A Registered Behavior Technician is a paraprofessional who works directly with individuals receiving ABA services, implementing treatment plans under the supervision of a BCBA.Jackie shares her journey into this role and walks us through the steps to becoming certified: completing a 40-hour training course, passing an exam, and demonstrating skills through a competency assessment—all of which may be covered or supported by your employer.We also discuss the essential skills RBTs need, including play-based strategies and de-escalation techniques, and Jackie highlights the growing need for well-trained professionals in the field. Starting in 2026, RBTs will be required to complete CEUs every two years—a change we’re ready to support at ABA Speech Connection with high-quality continuing education. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is an RBT?How can you become a Registered Behavior Technician?Transitioning in the ABA field.New requirements for RBTs coming in 2026! Mentioned In This Episode:Speech Join the aba speech connection, learn more about our RBT membership tier. ABA Speech: Home
About The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals
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.
Listen to The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals, Slay Girl Slay and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
South Africa