The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs

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 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.

  1. 5 days ago

    #282: Using Self-video Modeling in Therapy with Dr. Rachel Khasky-Levy & Rinat Hitelman

    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 modelingWays to target communication, vocational, and daily living skillsUsing visualization to reduce challenging behaviorsWhy personalized tech tools can increase independence and confidenceMentioned In This Episode: The Babel Group Wide Therapy Voiceitt Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

    26 min
  2. 19 May

    #281: Carryover For Speech Sound Practice with Shail Silver

    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 progressHow SpeechLP uses AI to support articulation practiceWays clinicians can use technology to support home practiceThe importance of making speech practice motivating for kidsMentioned In This Episode: SpeechLP ParagraphAI Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

    23 min
  3. 12 May

    #280: Working Through SLP/BCBA Tensions with Jenny Argueta

    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 downWhere SLP and BCBA tensions come fromPractical ways to build trust and shared understandingWhy AAC training is essential for all providersMentioned In This Episode: Mirific LLC Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

    27 min
  4. 21 Apr

    #277: Navigating a Late ADHD Diagnosis with Lindsay Costigan

    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 pastParenting neurodivergent children and finding the right supportsPractical strategies that support regulation and successThe role of masking, self-advocacy, and communityMentioned In This Episode: Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

    39 min
  5. 14 Apr

    #276: Raising Children with Profound Special Needs with Sarah Kernion

    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 lifeWhy AAC is a powerful tool for connection and growthHow to build collaborative, parent-centered therapy teamsMentioned In This Episode: Inchstones Inchstones on Instagram Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

    31 min

About

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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