Afleveringen
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Stephanie Howard, a BCBA and mother, faced a turning point when her son was diagnosed with ADHD at age five. She realized the same executive functioning tools she used professionally could support both her parenting and her son's development.
Executive functioningâskills like planning, impulse control, and focusâis often disrupted in ADHD, autism, and trauma. Itâs more than behavior; itâs about how the brain organizes and responds to the world.
Stephanie shares, for listeners, the Executive Functioning Skill Questionnaire and other free resources that have helped her understand and support her sonâs needs. These tools are designed to guide both parents and professionals in identifying strengths and areas for growth.
She also shares some of the specific goals sheâs set at home, showing how executive functioning skills can be built through everyday routines. Programs like the Flexible and Focused Program and ROPES help break down executive dysfunction into manageable steps.
To generalize these skills, Stephanie offers practical tips: use timers and task lists, give clear warnings before transitions, and turn tasks into games to hold attention. She highlights the power of caregiver education, understanding the difference between antecedents and consequences, and working with a team.
For Stephanie, itâs not just about managing behaviorâitâs about supporting the brain.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
What is Executive Functioning?Assessment for EF skills (FREE resources).Goal examples to use in therapy and at home.Managing and supporting Executive Dysfunction.Mentioned In This Episode:
25 Executive Skills Questionnaire â Peg Dawson & Richard Guare Step I: Read each item below and then rate that item based
Executive Skills Questionnaire â Revised (ESQ-R) â NovoPsych
Membership - ABA Speech
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Bombarding parents or colleagues with information can shut down meaningful dialogue. Instead, Dr. Monica Gilbert shares how we can use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to foster collaboration and encourage change through using the core principlesâOARS + I:
Open-Ended QuestionsâInvite Discussion: "How do you see this working for you?"AffirmationsâReinforce strengths: "I see how much you care about this."Reflective ListeningâShow understanding by paraphrasing their thoughts.SummarizationâClarify key points to ensure alignment.Information ExchangeâShare insights in a way that invites engagement: "Would it help if I shared some strategies?"Using motivational interviewing keeps conversations about change productive, builds trust, and supports meaningful discussions across all professional dialogue with parents and colleagues.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
What is Motivational Interviewing?How open ended questions can build rapport and gather informationUsing Affirmations in professional dialogueMentioned In This Episode:
Dr. Monica Gilbert
Motivational Interviewing Academy
Membership - ABA Speech
ABA Speech: Home -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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At the ASHA conference in Seattle, I had the opportunity to meet Gabriella Cameron and Jennifer Kent, who presented on their Theme-Based Collaborative Groups within the Endeavour Program at Ivymount, a nonpublic, publicly funded special education environment serving students aged 5â21.
Gabriella and Jenâs theme-based groups are embedded within Endeavour, offering structured but flexible learning experiences tailored to each student. Any student who can tolerate working in a group is a candidate, as the focus is on skill exposure rather than mastery, creating opportunities for participation at varying levels.
Each group consists of 5â6 students, each supported by a 1:1 aide, alongside a specialist (SLP, OT, PT) and a group leader. The framework includes:
Selecting a theme (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.).Adapting a story/song for accessibility.Identifying vocabulary using a language board.Asking WH-questions, allowing responses through speech or AAC.Engaging in a supplemental activity, such as an OT craft or a PT movement task.Looking ahead, Gabriella and Jen are exploring ways to measure skill acquisition, enhance motivation, incorporate high-tech AAC, and share their resources more broadlyâpaving the way for more inclusive and meaningful learning experiences.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
Small groups foster an inclusive learning approach.The repeatable framework of theme-based collaborative groups.The value of skill exposure.An environment that increases multidisciplinary support. Future goals for theme-based collaborative groups.Mentioned In This Episode:
Membership - ABA Speech
ABA Speech: Home -
JD Barker, New York Times bestselling author, was diagnosed with autism at 22âa late discovery that brought long-overdue clarity to challenges heâd faced since childhood. Early in his career, a stint in anger management led a counselor to suggest autism, prompting JD to begin therapy. There, he worked on basics like making eye contact and organizing his thoughtsâskills that helped him better navigate both personal life and the demands of his writing career.
He began as a ghostwriter and book doctor, eventually becoming a bestselling author in his own right. JD credits autism for giving him a unique mental edgeâhe can juggle eight books at once, all meticulously organized in his head. While public speaking remains a challengeâhe once went two years without speaking to anyoneâhe now co-hosts Writers Inc., a podcast where he interviews fellow authors about their creative journeys.
As a therapist who works to make learners successful across the lifespan, itâs interesting and encouraging to hear from autistic adults. You can find more about JD at his website or follow him @JDBarker on all social media.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
The impact of a late autism diagnosis.How autism-related skills positively impact JDs career.Working through social skills as an autistic adult.Mentioned In This Episode:
J.D. Barker
Membership - ABA Speech
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Dr. Matt Zakreski, PsyD, joins me to explore neurodiversityâa term often used, but not always fully understood. Neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, and more, experience measurable differences in how their brains function. Itâs not about wonât, but canâtâand that distinction matters.
In classrooms, teachers frequently encounter neurodiverse learners, yet most lack proper training to support their unique needs. Dr. Matt addresses this gap through his conference talks, educator training, and his book, The Neurodiversity Playbook.
Expecting neurodivergent students to thrive without tailored support is like asking a child to ride a bike without training wheels or a helmet. Their brains arenât wired to naturally absorb social and emotional skills in the same way neurotypical peers do. But research shows that with intentional, structured support, these learners become more social, adaptable, and engaged.
This creates a powerful cycle: when students do better, they feel betterâand when they feel better, they do even better.
Dr. Matt offers practical resources for neurodivergent individuals and those who support them, aiming to foster environments where every learner can succeed.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
What is Nuerodivergent and does it apply to?Outlining the manifestations of ADHDSupporting learners in social emotional learning.Mentioned In This Episode:
Dr Matt Zakreski
Dr. Matt Zakreski on Facebook
Matthew Zakreski on LinkedIn
Dr. Matt Zakreski (@drmattzakreski) on Instagram
ABA Speech: Home -
ââAs professionals, we inevitably face contentious subjects across the field. Today I am sharing a recent example of disagreement met with collaboration. In this case, an SLP determined that a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP) was not yet in the Natural Language Acquisition stage to answer questions. Meanwhile, the BCBA set a goal for the learner to respond to Personal Safety Questions. The team ultimately collaborated to prioritize safety-related questions as a goal important for this specific learner. This case highlights an essential responsibility: ethical collaboration to support the best possible outcomes for our learners.
I also encourage you to check out the Systematic Review on Gestalt Language Processing published in December 2024. The review summary concluded that there is currently insufficient empirical evidence to support GLP as an effective intervention. As providers, itâs our duty to evaluate emerging practices while ensuring our approaches remain evidence-based.
At ABA Speech, our mission is to equip professionals with the tools they need to help autistic learners communicate with the world. We do this one CEU at a time. If you havenât taken our ethics course, âNavigating Conflict Ethically,â which focuses on AAC, Verbal Imitation, and Gestalt Language Processing, consider exploring it through the ABA Speech Connection Membership.
By fostering collaboration, prioritizing ethics, and staying informed, we can create meaningful communication opportunities for every learner.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
What is GLP? What is NLA?Specific case study for conflict surrounding GestaltSystematic Review on Gestalt Language Processing.Mentioned In This Episode:
Take the ethics course by joining the ABA Speech Connection
Read the systematic review
ABA Speech: Home -
Are the learners in your class or therapy room engaging in behaviors that create barriers to learning? What can you do?
Bailey Payne, author of Behavior Breakthrough: 12 Skills to Transform Behavior at Home and in the Classroom, offers data-driven, evidence-based strategies to help parents and educators reshape their responses, modify environments, and create lasting change. Her book makes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts accessible, empowering caregivers and teachers to foster a more peaceful learning space.
Where to start?
Bailey emphasizes teaching essential skills using a clear framework: Why is it important? What is it? How does it look in practice? Today, we explore descriptive praiseâa powerful tool for guiding children toward positive behaviors. Unlike general praise, descriptive praise explicitly recounts a childâs actions, showing them how to access attention appropriately without resorting to behaviors that produce a barrier to learning.With teachers already overwhelmed, strategies like descriptive praise offer a simple yet proactive way to remove learning barriers. By intentionally reinforcing desired behaviors, educators can create a more structured, supportive environmentâone where every child has the opportunity to succeed.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
How to break through barriers to learning.Teaching skills to transform behavior.What is descriptive praise, and how can it help?Mentioned In This Episode:
Behavior Breakthrough: 12 Skills to Transform Behavior at Home and in the Classroom
Bailey Payne
Behavior Breakthrough with Bailey Payne (@behavior_breakthrough) on Instagram
BehaviorBreakthrough (@behaviorbreakthro) on TikTok
ABA Speech: Home
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Iâm talking with Jessica DeMarco about outside-of-the-box thinking to promote and teach social skills while enriching studentsâ lives. Project Social Code is a unique program that uses block coding to help children develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills while exploring STEM. Funded by a $2.5 million, five-year grant, it ensures that kids of all abilities, including those with disabilities who are often excluded from traditional STEM programs, have the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow.
Block coding provides a visual, user-friendly way for students to collaborate, think critically, and express creativity. Through structured lesson plans designed for every skill level, students practice parallel play, teamwork, and problem-solving while building confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Teachers receive free resources, professional development, and in-class demos to integrate coding into their classrooms effortlessly.
At the heart of the program is DASH, a special robot (thereâs a virtual version too) that students bring to life through their own coding. DASH moves, makes sounds, and responds to their commands, making coding an interactive, hands-on experience that reinforces both technical and social skills.
Project Social Code is more than just a STEM programâitâs an opportunity for every child to develop essential life skills, build new interests, and be part of an inclusive learning experience. And best of all, itâs free. Learn more and access resources at Project Social Codeâs website.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
What is Project Social Code?How can you use block coding to work on social skills?Free information, resources, and tools.Mentioned In This Episode:
Project Social Code
ABA Speech: Home
Join the aba speech connection membership -
Dr. Michael C. Selbst and Dr. Jennifer Cruz from Behavior Therapy Associates joined me to explore Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a subtype of autism spectrum characteristics marked by an anxiety-based drive for control. PDA triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response to both explicit and implied demands, making traditional interventions ineffective. Individuals with PDA often have highly sensitive nervous systems and struggle with the removal of control, leading to heightened anxiety.
While there are no evidence-based strategies yet, emerging approaches emphasize collaboration over compliance. Rather than coercion, effective support comes from building trusting relationships, presenting expectations in a meaningful way, and embedding socio-emotional learning opportunities. The focus is not just on moving away from discomfort but helping individuals experience it with compassion and cooperation. As caregivers and clinicians, we must lend our calm, practice emotional intelligence, and reflect on how we show up in these interactions.
Although research in the U.S. is still developing, Dr. Selbst and Dr. Cruz recommend the UK-based PDA Society as a valuable resource for further information.
#autism #speechtherapy
Whatâs Inside:
What is PDA?What causes Anxiety Based Drive for Control?What strategies can be used to work with learners with PDA?Do all learners with PDA have autism?Mentioned In This Episode:
Dr. Selbst and Dr. Cruz have the authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT commission, allowing her to provide telepsychology to clients in many states. To see if your state is included, please click on this link: https://psypact.site-ym.com/page/psypactmap
PDA Society
Behavior Therapy Associates
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Are you supporting students struggling with reading? Marty Schultz introduces an incredible learning resource, Buddy Books, which provides access to over a million books to help students build confidence and improve literacy.
Designed for students in lower socio-economic districts and those with learning differences like ADHD, autism, or selective mutism, Buddy Books offers a structured yet engaging way to develop reading skills. A student reads a line, then the AI reads a line, creating an interactive and supportive experience. With books tailored to student interests, this approach keeps learners engaged while AI software analyzes challenges and tracks progress.
Schools and providers have seen amazing results, particularly in second grade and beyond, as students gain confidence and fluency. There is also a home version too! Marty Schultz shares inspiring stories of Buddy Books at work, showing how struggling readers make measurable progress. The ultimate goal? That learners no longer need Buddy Booksâbecause theyâve become independent, enthusiastic readers.
#autism #speectherapy
Whatâs Inside:
A resource for improving confidence and fluency in reading.What is Buddy Books?Mentioned In This Episode:
ObjectiveEd
[email protected]
ABA Speech: Home
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At the Marcus Autism Center, Dr. Kathleen Edmier, BCBA, and Karen Guerra, SLP, work together to bridge the gap between their fields, demonstrating the power of collaboration in supporting individuals with autism. Their work showcases how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) can align their approaches to maximize positive outcomes.
For professionals looking to collaborate, the key lies in relationship building and mutual respect. Shifting from a multidisciplinary to an interdisciplinary model allows for deeper integration of tools and strategies, creating a unified approach to intervention. This partnership also enhances the generalization of procedures and plans, ensuring that individuals and their families receive cohesive and effective support.
One of the most impactful areas of collaboration is in addressing complex topics such as verbal imitation and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Despite differences in terminology, both disciplines focus on developing essential social skills. Open dialogue between professionals helps them recognize shared goals and complementary strategies, fostering a more effective and comprehensive support system.
For SLPs and BCBAs, embracing collaboration means building a synergistic approach that enhances family support. Prioritizing understanding, flexibility, and mutual respect creates a stronger network of care. By adopting the mindset of "having grace for one another," professionals can work together to drive meaningful progress and improve outcomes for those they serve.
#autism #speectherapy
Whatâs Inside:
Bridging SLP-BCBA CollaborationInterdisciplinary vs. Multidisciplinary WorkAligning Goals and StrategiesCollaborating on hot button topics in the field.Mentioned In This Episode:
ABA Speech: Home
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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. Itâs 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 donât replace the work of SLPs but act as powerful assistants, allowing professionals to focus on what matters mostâproviding 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 #speectherapy
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.
Whatâs Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:
Melospeech
ABA Speech: Home
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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 âlove storyâ 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 youâve 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. Heâs passionate about supporting clinicians in their development and helping them thrive in the field.
#autism #speectherapyWhatâs 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 LinkedIn
ABA Speech: Home
Join the aba speech connection membership -
Welcome to the ABA Speech Podcast. We will continue discussing autism and broadening our scope with important topics in the field. Iâm 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 individualâs 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 #speectherapyWhatâs 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: Home
Join the aba speech connection membership -
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 learnerâs 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 #speechtherapyWhatâs 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: Home
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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 doesnât 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
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.
Whatâs Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
Zest Pediatric Network
Autism - Zest Pediatric Network
ABA Speech: Home
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Enjoy this replay of this favorite two-part episode!
In part one of my interview with Dr. Edythe Strand. A renowned speech pathologist and former professor at Mayo College, Dr. Strand has led groundbreaking research on developmental, acquired, and progressive apraxia of speech.
Dr. Strand explains that apraxia is not a medical diagnosis but a label for a speech-sound disorder impacting the movements required to produce speech. Unlike other speech disorders, apraxia affects programming and planning movements, leading to awkward transitions, distorted sounds, and inconsistency. Therapy focuses on movement, not just sound production. Using Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), clinicians emphasize the physical gestures that create sounds rather than isolated phonemes.
Dynamic assessments are crucial for evaluating Apraxia. Dr. Strandâs own Dynamic Evaluation of Motor-Speech Skill (DEMS) provides insight into a childâs preferred cueing and severity of their disorder. This method contrasts with traditional static assessments, which rely on single responses to stimuli.
In part two of this interview, Dr. Strand delves deeper into DTTC, a treatment she developed for children with severe apraxia. Unlike typical therapies, DTTC involves a hierarchy of cues to teach motor speech skills. Dr. Strand highlights the importance of functional, fundamental words in therapy for children with severe Apraxia, particularly those with autism.
Dr. Strandâs passion for helping children communicate shines through her work, blending research and practice to improve lives. Donât miss the valuable resources she shares in this episode and the links to her groundbreaking research!
#autism #speectherapy
The characteristics of Apraxia.What is Dynamic Assessment?How to approach therapy with students who have Apraxia?What is DTTC treatment?Taking data with DTTC and Dynamic Assessment.Choosing important words for treatment.Is there a connection between Apraxia and Autism?
Whatâs Inside:Mentioned In This Episode:
ABA Speech: Home
Child Apraxia Treatment
Apraxia-kids: Home
Videos for Parents and Clinicians:
Overview of possible causes and types of problems in speech development
Definitions and Descriptions of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Examples of different levels of severity in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Differentiating Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) from other types of speech sound disorders
Diagnosis of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Treatment of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
How parents can help their child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): Other resources
Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Information for Parents
Childhood Apraxia of Speech -- by Dr. Edythe Strand, Ph.d. View video FOR FREE and receive ASHA CEUs! -
Enjoy this replay of one of my favorite episodes! Executive functioning skills are essential for all ages, and in this episode, we dive into this critical topic with Sara Ward, an SLP specializing in executive functioning. Sara brings a unique perspective, sharing practical strategies for assessment and intervention that can transform how we support students.
Sara simplifies executive functioning for young children as âsequencingâ and explains how it evolves into planning across growing windows of time and space for teens and adults. A neurotypical brain visualizes where it needs to be in the future to plan and act. However, parents and professionals often become a âprosthetic frontal lobeâ by overprompting. Sara emphasizes the importance of teaching students to visualize and take ownership of their tasks.
One standout strategy Sara shares is using gestures to support task planning. When children physically act out steps with their hands, the connected language often follows, helping them internalize the process of execution.
For assessment, Sara suggests tools like the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale, which distinguishes attention issues from executive skill deficits, and the Clinical Executive Function Inventory (CEFI) for behavior insights. She also advocates for viewing speech and language assessments through an executive functioning lens.
This episode is packed with actionable strategies and tools that Iâm excited to bring to my therapy sessions and IEP meetings. I hope you find these insights as inspiring and practical as I did!
#autism #speectherapy
What is executive functioning?Why are executive function skills important?Assessment and intervention for executive function skills.Executive functioning in young children, teens, and adults.
Whatâs Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:
ABA Speech: Home
Cognitive Connections: Executive Function -
Attending ASHA 2024, the largest conference for speech-language pathologists (SLPs), was an incredible experience for networking and professional growth. As the national association for speech therapy, ASHAâs annual event is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and learning.
I kicked off the conference by attending an insightful talk by the Speech Production Lab on speech motor chaining, setting a high bar for the days ahead. Later, the reception for CEU providers offered a fun and engaging opportunity to connect with peers and discuss the field's nuances.
Day two was packed with impactful sessions, covering topics like MTSS, group therapy for complex learners, and a critical appraisal of gestalt language processingâa particularly hot topic. I also relished conversations with other SLPs, dually certified SLP/BCBAs, former podcast guests, and ABA Speech members.
While some discussions highlighted tensions around controversial issues, this only strengthened my commitment to fostering kind and cohesive collaboration. The work we do as therapists and providers is vital, and this event reinforced how meaningful and inspiring our shared mission is.
Whatâs Inside:
What is ASHA?Highlights of ASHA 2024.Nuances, hot topics, and the need for collaboration in the field of SLP.Mentioned In This Episode:
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection - Professionals
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection - Parents
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram -
Rob Harvey specializes in cooperative, fun social skills groups, using creative strategies to teach social language in ways that truly resonate. Today, we explore the transformative power of thinking outside the box when it comes to social skills development.
Robâs innovative approach integrates therapy with theater and tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Starting with theater, learners practice social skills by engaging with scripts during rehearsals and performing in front of an audience. This structured setting provides a safe space for learners to build confidence, interact, and refine their social abilities.
Seeking opportunities to promote improvisational skills, Rob turned to one of his passions: tabletop role-playing games. These activities go beyond scripts, encouraging learners to dive into spontaneous social interactions. They donât just foster interest and motivationâthey offer real-life experiences, helping learners develop initiation skills, express emotion, and create lasting connections that extend beyond the group.
"Lead with joy" is a message Rob passionately shares, and itâs his top tip for launching bold, innovative therapy ideas. Find someone who shares your excitement, and imagine the possibilities that emerge when you embrace silliness! Breaking that barrier opens the door to incredible engagement and connection.
#autism #speectherapyWhatâs Inside:
Creating community with social language skill groups.Creative, cooperative, and out of the box therapy strategies.Table top role play and theater as social skills practice.What it means to âLead with Joyâ.Mentioned In This Episode:
Rob Harvey (@therapeuticdungeonmaster) - Instagram
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection - Professionals
Join the ABA SPEECH Connection - Parents
Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram - Laat meer zien
