The ABA Speech Podcast - Easy Strategies For Parents and Professionals
Rose Griffin
Join Rose Griffin, a dedicated Speech Therapist and BCBA from ABA SPEECH, as she shares her compassionate approach to supporting the communication needs of auti...
#214: Using Technology To Streamline Therapy Services with Dr. Givona Sandiford
Dr. Givona Sandiford is a friend, colleague, and speech-language pathologist with nearly 20 years of experience and a passion for innovation. As the founder of Melospeech, Dr. Givona is transforming the field by introducing technology-driven tools that help SLPs streamline their workflows, increase efficiency, and even boost their income. Her forward-thinking approach has made her a trailblazer, inspiring professionals to embrace new ways of working while maintaining balance in their lives.On the day of this recording, Melospeech released their latest innovation, The Communication Milestone Screening Protocol: Birth to Five (CMSP:B-5). A tech program designed for SLPs and early intervention professionals, this tool simplifies the process of screening communication milestones for children, producing a detailed report in under 10 minutes. It’s a game-changer for those looking to maximize their impact, offering timely support to more children while saving valuable time. Dr. Givona explains how tools like this don’t replace the work of SLPs but act as powerful assistants, allowing professionals to focus on what matters most—providing care.Throughout the conversation, Dr. Givona reminds us that working harder and longer is not a badge of honor. Instead, the true goal behind her work is to achieve meaningful results while enjoying a balanced life filled with time for family and loved ones. Whether you are highly invested in the latest tech innovations or you haven't even tried public access AI like ChatGPT, you have to hear this chat with Dr. Givona and learn how technology can enhance your practice and bring your work-life balance to the next level!#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:How can technology streamline and improve work as an SLP?Using technology to boost efficiency AND income. Using tech tools to assist you and save you time. Mentioned In This Episode:Melospeech ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership
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26:12
#213: The Importance of Soft Skills with DeTerrence Allen
DeTerrence Allen, a dedicated behavior scientist, comes from a family of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts, including his wife. His passion for ABA is rooted in a heartwarming “love story” for the field. A dynamic speaker, DeTerrence recently delivered an inspiring talk on soft skills at the Black Men of Behavior Analysis Conference.So, what are soft skills? DeTerrence highlights critical communication skills rooted in kindness and respect, understanding the function behind your words, and ensuring you’ve built rapport with those you engage with. Soft skills are essential for effective collaboration and creating meaningful change.Passing the BCBA exam is just the beginning. DeTerrence emphasizes the importance of continuing to learn and refine your approach. For new BCBAs, he advises seeking out supportive supervisors and mentors, building a professional network, and having regular discussions with colleagues. ABA also needs to be thoughtfully defined across different contexts, as its application varies.To connect with DeTerrence Allen and learn more about soft skills and professional growth in ABA, visit his LinkedIn profile. He’s passionate about supporting clinicians in their development and helping them thrive in the field.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:What are soft skills?The importance of building rapport for communication.How new BCBAs can increase soft skills.Mentioned In This Episode:DeTerrence Allen on LinkedInABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership
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39:12
#212: Restraint and Seclusion in Public School Settings with Dr. Matthew Brodhead
Welcome to the ABA Speech Podcast. We will continue discussing autism and broadening our scope with important topics in the field. I’m joined by Dr. Matthew Brodhead, whose career has been shaped by a passion for understanding human behavior and how we can influence it. His article, Maintaining Professional Relationships in an Interdisciplinary Setting: Strategies for Navigating Nonbehavioral Treatment Recommendations for Individuals with Autism, written 10 years ago, has greatly influenced my work and focus on collaboration.Today we discuss restraint and seclusion in addressing dangerous and challenging behavior. Restraint involves physically restraining an individual’s body, while seclusion involves isolating an individual in a room alone. Both strategies are intended to prevent individuals from harming themselves or others, and it is important to equip teachers and providers with helpful and safe strategies for handling these situations.However, in the educational system, there is often drift and infidelity in the use of these practices, as well as a lack of oversight and proper training. Increasing accountability in school districts and improving tracking and training for restraint and seclusion is essential. If you witness dangerous, unsafe, or unethical use of these practices, it is critical to take action, including contacting the police.#autism #speectherapyWhat’s Inside:New name, same show: Welcome to ABA Speech.Dr. Matthew Brodhead's influential articles in the field.Restraint and Seclusion in dangerous, challenging behavior.Solutions for schools and special education teachers for challenging behavior.Mentioned In This Episode: mattbrodhead.com ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership
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38:14
#211: Functional Communication Training- Getting Started with Dr. Bethjoy Houck
Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a proven strategy to replace problem behaviors with effective communication skills. In her article, Practitioners Guide for Selecting Functional Communication Responses, published in Behavior Analysis in Practice, Dr. Bethjoy Houck offers practical advice to help clinicians implement FCT successfully.FCT focuses on giving learners a way to express their needs that works for them, whether through speech, sign language, cue cards, object exchanges, or even video clips. Dr. Houck shares creative examples that encourage thinking beyond traditional methods to meet each learner’s unique needs.She stresses the importance of starting with assessments like Ringdahl's MTA or Valentino et al. to identify the best Functional Communication Responses (FCRs) for the individual. Practitioners should select FCRs that reinforce desired behaviors or are incompatible with the problem behavior. FCRs should be taken seriously and not unnecessarily restricted, as maintaining open and accessible communication is key to the success of FCT.Dr. Houck emphasizes that FCT is about meeting learners where they are and giving them tools to express themselves in ways that make sense for their abilities. Whether verbal or nonverbal, communication is an essential skill, and FCT helps individuals share their needs while fostering meaningful growth. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:What is Functional Communication Training?5 FCT recommendations for clinicians.What is an FCR?Getting started with FCT assessments.Mentioned In This Episode:ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership
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33:58
#210: Autism Evaluations with Zest Pediatrics with Dr. Michael Perisa
Getting an autism evaluation for a child can be a daunting process, fraught with long waitlists, high out-of-pocket costs, and navigating complicated systems. Every moment matters when it comes to early intervention, and Dr. Michael Perisa of Zest Pediatrics is working to simplify the journey for families.Zest Pediatrics, the first pediatric direct primary care network in the country, offers a membership-based model that removes many of the headaches families face with traditional primary care. By operating outside of insurance restrictions, Zest Pediatrics delivers care in a way that prioritizes what children truly need, without delays or limitations.Dr. Perisa and his team across Zest Pediatrics are uniquely equipped to provide timely autism evaluations. With specialized training and the flexibility to focus on individual patients, they can intervene quickly to ensure children are seen and supported. An autism evaluation at Zest Pediatrics includes a comprehensive history intake, a behavioral assessment, and a standardized questionnaire, all analyzed to determine a diagnosis or not.Because Zest Pediatrics doesn’t bill insurance, they offer evaluations at a flat rate of $1,250 and are actively collaborating with communities and therapy centers to help reduce financial burdens for families. If you have concerns about your child and need a faster path to evaluation, visit zestpeds.com/autism to learn more.Speaking with Dr. Michael Perisa highlighted the importance of making care more accessible for children and families navigating autism concerns. Early intervention is critical, and Zest Pediatrics is paving the way for better, more efficient solutions. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside:The challenges of getting an Autism EvaluationWhat is a Pediatric Direct Primary Care Network?How does Zest Pediatrics serve the Autism Community?The cost and components of an Autism Evaluation.Mentioned In This Episode:Zest Pediatric Network Autism - Zest Pediatric Network ABA Speech: HomeJoin the aba speech connection membership
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.
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