Communication 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why communication access must be individualized and context-driven
• Common misconceptions about AAC and over-reliance on high-tech solutions
• How collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs improves real-world outcomes

Mentioned In This Episode:

Bridgify
Bridgify's Community
Idaho ABA Conference 2026
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

Collaboration 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why collaboration can feel challenging for teachers and how to build trust with school teams
• How replacement behaviors support both regulation and communication in the classroom
• Practical ways to embed communication goals into everyday classroom routines
• Strategies for simplifying data collection so teachers can realistically implement supports

Mentioned In This Episode:
Class on Task
Class on Task Summit
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

How can technology help us diagnose autism earlier and get kids the support they need sooner?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cheryl Tierney to talk about an exciting advancement in autism diagnostics and how technology is helping clinicians and families access answers faster. With long waitlists and limited specialists in many areas, getting an autism diagnosis can sometimes take months or even years. Dr. Tierney shares how new technology is helping change that.

We dive into the EarliPoint system, an FDA-cleared diagnostic aid that uses eye-tracking technology to analyze a child’s viewing behavior while watching short social videos. The system collects an incredible 120 data points per second, giving clinicians objective data to support diagnostic decision-making. Even more exciting, the assessment takes only about 12 minutes and can be used with children as young as 16 months.

Beyond diagnosis, we also talk about how this technology can support clinicians like speech therapists, BCBAs, and occupational therapists by providing data on social engagement, receptive language indicators, and problem-solving skills. That means we can track progress over time and better understand whether interventions are truly moving the needle.

I also loved our conversation about interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of having someone “quarterback” a child’s care so families receive consistent guidance. This episode highlights how innovation, research, and teamwork can make earlier diagnosis and better support possible for so many families.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the field
• The ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplines
• Why refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learners
  
  

Mentioned In This Episode:

EarliPoint Health
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Two trends I’m seeing in speech therapy and ABA have been on my mind lately, and honestly, they worry me about the future of our fields.

First, I saw a discussion where future BCBAs were debating whether they even needed to read the Cooper book. For me, that text was foundational when learning the science of behavior analysis. When professionals start skipping core readings just to pass a test, it raises questions about how strong our foundation really is as a field.

The second concern came from a speech therapy discussion where a private practice owner planned to refuse services to any child who also receives ABA. That really stopped me in my tracks. Our ethical codes call us to collaborate, and our learners deserve coordinated care, even when collaboration isn’t always easy.

These conversations matter because the strength of our fields depends on professionals who value the science and are willing to work together to support the students we serve.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why skipping foundational ABA texts worries me for the future of the field
• The ethical responsibility professionals have to collaborate across disciplines
• Why refusing services based on another therapy provider can harm learners

Mentioned In This Episode:
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection

ABA Speech: Home

What if we could safely practice real-world situations before our students ever experience them?

In this episode, I’m joined by Marsha and Rita from Floreo to talk about how virtual reality is supporting autistic learners in building social, communication, safety, and life skills. Floreo is a VR platform that allows learners to step into immersive environments like airport security lines, grocery stores, and even digital conversations, all while being coached in real time by a therapist, teacher, or parent.

What I love most is how functional these lessons are. From responding to TSA questions to recognizing red flags in online interactions, these scenarios reflect the real challenges our students face. We also discuss the growing research behind VR-assisted therapy, including published studies showing improvements in social skills and skill maintenance.

We talk through how VR can fit naturally into speech therapy and ABA sessions, with pre-teaching, guided practice, and generalization built in. Plus, we cover funding options, including school-based access and the temporary VR-assisted therapy billing modifier 0770T.

Technology is powerful when it’s clinically driven, and this conversation highlights how innovation can truly empower our learners.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How VR supports social, communication, and life skills
• Research behind VR-assisted therapy
• Ways to integrate VR into speech and ABA sessions

Mentioned In This Episode:

FloreoVR
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
ABA Speech: Home

If AAC has ever felt intimidating, you are not alone, and this episode is going to give you a clear, practical path forward.

In this conversation, I sat down with Gabriella Wendling, an AAC specialist who has dedicated her entire career to assistive technology and augmentative communication. We talk honestly about how most of us received minimal AAC training in graduate school and how real confidence comes from experience, collaboration, and ongoing learning.

We walk through what AAC evaluations actually look like, including timelines, feature matching, and access considerations like switches and eye gaze. Gabriella explains why getting the device is only the first step and why delays are often related to funding, not clinician performance.

One of my favorite parts of this episode is our discussion about what happens after the device arrives. Gabriella shares her coaching-based model for training communication partners, including teachers and families. She emphasizes micro goals, small, meaningful targets that fit naturally into daily routines, so AAC becomes functional instead of overwhelming.

We also tackle a hot topic around prompting and unpack why modeling and systematic prompting are essential for emergent communicators when done thoughtfully and ethically.

If you want AAC implementation that is sustainable, collaborative, and truly supportive for students, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What AAC evaluations really involve
• Why communication partner coaching is critical
• How micro goals create meaningful progress
• A thoughtful discussion on prompting and independence

Mentioned In This Episode:

AAC & Me
AAC & Me on Instagram
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ABA Speech: Home

When you move from treatment rooms to team meetings, everything changes, including how you show up as a BCBA.

In this episode, I talk with Shalini Solomon about her transition from clinic-based ABA to working as a school-based BCBA. If you’ve worked in both settings like I have, you know they are completely different worlds. In a clinic, you’re often running sessions. In a school, you’re collaborating, coaching, and translating ABA into language that makes sense to teachers and administrators.

Shalini shares what helped her navigate that shift, from simplifying behavior intervention plans so they actually work in busy classrooms to minimizing jargon and building buy-in with staff. We also talk about why understanding IDEA, IEPs, FAPE, and district systems is critical if you’re stepping into a school role, especially if you’re one of the first BCBAs in your district.

We also discuss her journey toward earning a doctorate in behavioral health and the importance of leadership, mentorship, and representation in our field. It’s an honest, practical conversation for anyone considering or currently navigating a school-based BCBA role.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Key differences between clinic-based and school-based BCBA roles
• How to create simple, usable behavior intervention plans
• Why policy knowledge and role clarity matter in schools
• Representation and advocacy in the ABA field

Mentioned In This Episode:

Elevate & Align Behavior
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ABA Speech: Home

Starting your own practice does not have to mean doing it all alone.

In today’s episode, I sat down with Bukhtar Khan, co-founder and CEO of Finni Health, to talk honestly about what it really looks like to start and grow an independent ABA practice. We talked about the fears BCBAs often have around finances, insurance, staffing, and burnout, and how Finni Health is built to support clinicians who want autonomy without sacrificing stability or ethics.

Bukhtar shares the heart behind Finni Health and why their work is so focused on reducing stress for clinicians, protecting quality care, and helping providers build sustainable practices that align with their “why.” If you have ever thought about starting your own clinic but felt overwhelmed by the logistics, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and a realistic look at what support can look like.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The most common concerns BCBAs have about starting their own practice
• How Finni Health supports clinicians with operations, billing, staffing, and compliance
• The balance between entrepreneurship and financial security
• Why knowing your “why” matters more than knowing every step

Mentioned In This Episode:

Finni Health
Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
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Stepping into your first leadership role can feel overwhelming, and navigating autism services as a parent can feel even harder, even when you’re already in the field.

In this episode, I sat down with Rayni McMahon for a powerful conversation about leadership, advocacy, and what happens when your professional world and personal life collide. We talked about what it really feels like to move from clinician to administrator, why so many professionals feel unprepared for leadership roles, and the one thing that can make that transition feel more manageable. Rayni shared practical, honest insights about mentorship, managing people, setting boundaries, and learning to lead with both confidence and compassion.

We also spent time talking about advocacy from a deeply personal lens. Rayni opened up about her experience as a BCBA navigating the system as a parent of an autistic child and how being “in the know” did not make accessing services easier. Her perspective highlights just how complex and exhausting the system can be, even for professionals, and why empathy, persistence, and advocacy matter so much for families.

This conversation is thoughtful, relatable, and full of takeaways for anyone who is stepping into leadership, supporting teams, or advocating for children and families within our field.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How to navigate the transition from clinician to leader without burning out
• Why mentorship and leadership support are critical in growing organizations
• The realities of advocating for autism services, even as a professional
• Lessons on balancing leadership, boundaries, and empathy

Mentioned In This Episode:
Virtue Healthcare Consulting
Rayni Brindley McMahon on LinkedIn
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ABA Speech: Home

Prompting AAC is abuse? Let’s talk about that and a few other AAC conversations that keep coming up again and again.

In today’s solo episode, I’m diving into five hot topics in AAC that have been surfacing repeatedly in my recent calls, trainings, and collaboration meetings. After more than 20 years as a speech therapist and being dually certified as a BCBA, I’ve seen how confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes divisive AAC conversations can become. I also remember very clearly when AAC felt intimidating to me too.

This episode is about cutting through the noise, grounding ourselves in research, and having better, more collaborative conversations about AAC. I share real scenarios clinicians are facing right now, from AAC evaluations that drag on far too long to device access barriers to strong opinions about prompting that simply don’t align with the science. My goal is to help you feel more confident, more informed, and better equipped to advocate for your students and clients.

Whether you’re newer to AAC or have years of experience, these topics matter. AAC is a student’s voice, and we have a responsibility to protect, support, and expand it in thoughtful, ethical ways.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why AAC evaluations should be thorough, but not take nine months, and what may be going wrong when they do
• How to approach parent-purchased devices, including those bought online, with collaboration instead of fear
• The ongoing core versus fringe vocabulary debate, and why research supports using both
• Why prompting is a teaching tool, not abuse, and how misinformation can harm collaboration and progress

Mentioned In This Episode:

Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection
Take the All About AAC bundle
ABA Speech: Home

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Dr. Kathleen Dyer, Dr. Anna Linnehan, and Dr. Mary Jane Weiss for a powerful conversation around their article Fostering Belonging in Autistic Individuals. This was actually the first time I’ve had three guests on the podcast at once, and it felt like the perfect conversation to mark that milestone.

We spent time unpacking the difference between inclusion and true belonging and why simply being “in the room” does not always mean someone feels connected or accepted. As behavior analysts and speech-language pathologists, we’ve made incredible progress with access, inclusion, and participation, but this conversation challenged us to take a deeper look at the quality of those experiences.

We talked about what happens when autistic individuals are included but don’t feel they belong, the emotional toll of masking and camouflaging, and the very real systemic barriers that still exist for autistic adults. I also loved hearing how this work grew from their experiences in higher education and from listening closely to autistic individuals and families who shared that they often had to create their own communities.

What really stood out to me was how much this conversation aligns with compassionate, individualized care. Belonging looks different for everyone, and if we’re not asking about it, observing it, and building it into our assessments and interventions, we’re missing something essential. This episode felt like an invitation for our field to stretch, reflect, and evolve, and I’m so grateful to these three leaders for helping start that dialogue.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The difference between inclusion and true belonging, and why access alone is not enough
• How masking and camouflaging impact mental health and long-term well-being
• Barriers autistic adults face in education, employment, and community participation
• Practical ways clinicians can keep belonging at the center of assessment and intervention

Mentioned In This Episode:

Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection

Get the book Perspectives on Neurodiversity and Belonging

ABA Speech: Home