Some kids are picky eaters, but when does it become something more?

Feeding challenges can feel overwhelming for families, especially when mealtimes become stressful, food choices become extremely limited, or concerns about nutrition start to grow. That's why I was excited to welcome feeding specialist Margaryta Kuzmin to the podcast. Together, we unpacked the difference between typical picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders, and why early support can make such a meaningful difference.

Margaryta shares the developmental reasons many children go through selective eating phases, along with important red flags that may signal a deeper concern. We also explore why feeding difficulties are rarely about food alone. Medical, nutritional, motor, sensory, and social factors can all play a role. I especially loved our discussion about how providers can approach these conversations with families in a supportive, compassionate way.

Whether you're a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, educator, or parent, this conversation highlights the power of collaboration and why feeding concerns deserve attention early on.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The difference between picky eating and pediatric feeding disorders
• Common feeding red flags that professionals and parents should watch for
• Why medical, nutritional, sensory, and motor factors all matter
• The professionals who make up a strong feeding team and how they work together

Mentioned In This Episode:
Feeding Matters
Kuzmin SLP
Margaryta Kuzmin on Instagram
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Child-led therapy doesn’t mean lowering expectations. It means meeting children where they are and building meaningful learning opportunities from what matters most to them.

I’m joined by Dr. Katherine Pickard, Dr. Rachel Yosick, and Dr. Tracy Argueta from the Marcus Autism Center to explore how child-led Applied Behavior Analysis is shaping the future of autism intervention. We unpack Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), what they are, how they differ from more traditional ABA approaches, and why they continue to gain momentum in both research and practice.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is the discussion around “de-implementation,” the idea that sometimes improving our practice requires letting go of strategies that no longer serve children and families as effectively. We also talk about common misconceptions around child-led therapy, how to balance NDBI and structured teaching, and practical ways clinicians can begin incorporating more naturalistic, developmentally appropriate strategies into their sessions.

If you've ever wondered whether child-led approaches are "ABA enough" or how to start making meaningful changes in your own practice, this conversation offers thoughtful, research-based guidance that is both encouraging and actionable.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What NDBIs are and why they are rooted in ABA
• The role of child-led learning in effective intervention
• Why some traditional practices may need to be reduced or reconsidered
• Practical ways clinicians can begin using more naturalistic strategies

Mentioned In This Episode:
Marcus Autism Center
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AAC can feel overwhelming for clinicians, but it does not have to stay that way.

I’m joined by Valerie Zimmerman from Mindcolor Autism to talk about what happens when BCBAs and SLPs come together to better support autistic learners who use AAC. Valerie shares how her team has prioritized AAC training across their organization, even though many clinicians receive little to no formal instruction in this area. We dig into the real questions providers are asking, from ethical considerations around programming devices to understanding the role of collaboration in helping students communicate more effectively.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how Mindcolor Autism created a clinical consultation model that gives staff ongoing support when they encounter challenging cases or communication questions. I love seeing organizations build systems that help clinicians feel less alone and more confident in their work.

We also talk about the importance of practical, immediately applicable training. Whether you are a BCBA, SLP, RBT, or parent, this conversation highlights how much growth can happen when teams learn together and stay curious about communication. AAC is not just about devices, it is about giving students meaningful ways to connect with the world around them.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why AAC training is essential for both BCBAs and SLPs
• Common misconceptions about supporting students who use AAC
• How Mindcolor Autism built a clinical consultation support model
• Practical ways teams can collaborate around communication goals

Mentioned In This Episode:
Mindcolor Autism
AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs
All About AAC Bundle
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Have you ever looked at an AAC device and thought, “Where do I even start?” I’ve been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel.

For years, I supported students using AAC while secretly feeling unsure of myself behind the scenes. I could teach communication strategies all day long, but when it came to navigating new systems and vocabulary sets, I remember leaving work feeling defeated and questioning whether I was truly helping my students. That experience completely changed the way I approach AAC today.

I’m sharing the story behind our brand-new course, AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs, and why I created it for professionals who want practical, real-world support with AAC instead of more theory that never translates into therapy sessions. This course brings together incredible AAC experts to talk about assessment, motor planning, collaboration, bilingual learners, switch access, parent support, and so much more.

My goal is simple. I want you to feel confident supporting every AAC user on your caseload. Whether you’re brand new to AAC or you’ve been in the field for years, I want you to walk away with strategies you can actually use right away.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why motor planning matters more than you think
• AAC assessment tips and funding guidance
• Collaboration strategies for SLPs and BCBAs
• Real case studies and practical AAC problem-solving

Mentioned In This Episode:

AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs
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What 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How self-video modeling differs from traditional video modeling
• Ways to target communication, vocational, and daily living skills
• Using visualization to reduce challenging behaviors
• Why personalized tech tools can increase independence and confidence

Mentioned In This Episode:
The Babel Group
Wide Therapy
Voiceitt
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What 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why carryover matters so much for speech sound progress
• How SpeechLP uses AI to support articulation practice
• Ways clinicians can use technology to support home practice
• The importance of making speech practice motivating for kids

Mentioned In This Episode:
SpeechLP
ParagraphAI
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Sometimes 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Real examples of collaboration going well and breaking down
• Where SLP and BCBA tensions come from
• Practical ways to build trust and shared understanding
• Why AAC training is essential for all providers

Mentioned In This Episode:

Mirific LLC
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What 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why manual chart reviews fail as clinics grow
• Common documentation gaps that trigger audit risk
• How AI can support compliance and improve quality

Mentioned In This Episode:

Brellium
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Strong 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why parent support is the foundation of effective therapy
• How to build trust and connection with families
• Creative ways to support and retain your team

Mentioned In This Episode:

Steady Strides Behavior Solutions
Khaliah Moody on LinkedIn
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Everything 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What a late ADHD diagnosis can reveal about your past
• Parenting neurodivergent children and finding the right supports
• Practical strategies that support regulation and success
• The role of masking, self-advocacy, and community

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

Raising 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 #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The gap between the public autism narrative and real family life
• Why AAC is a powerful tool for connection and growth
• How to build collaborative, parent-centered therapy teams

Mentioned In This Episode:
Inchstones
Inchstones on Instagram
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