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

Rose Griffin
  • 4.8 (88)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    #298: What You Need to Know About Selective Mutism with Chelsea Gamache

    Selective mutism isn’t a choice, defiance, or simply being shy. It’s about being unable to speak when speaking is socially expected because anxiety can make communication feel incredibly difficult. Chelsea Gamache brings such an important perspective to this topic, both as a BCBA and as someone diagnosed with selective mutism at age five. We talk about what selective mutism can actually look like, including whispering, using an altered voice, or communicating freely at home while being unable to speak at school or in the community. One of my biggest takeaways is the importance of meeting learners where they are. We can use behavioral principles like positive reinforcement, gradual exposure, shaping, stimulus fading, and visual supports, but we also have to understand the anxiety component. Communication should never become something we pressure out of a learner. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why selective mutism is different from shyness, defiance, or choosing not to speakHow pressure to communicate can make people and environments feel unsafeUsing gradual exposure, reinforcement, shaping, and stimulus fading compassionatelyWhy collaboration, family involvement, and learner autonomy matterMentioned In This Episode: Chelsea on TikTok Outloud the Selective Mutism Podcast SMART Center I Am Brave Child Mind Institute Boston Child Study Center Selective Mutism Association Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection

  2. Sep 8

    #297: Supporting Functional Communication Skills with Ashley Whitaker

    Functional communication is about more than getting a learner to request. It’s about helping them communicate what they want and need spontaneously, across people, places, and real-life situations. Ashley Whitaker joins me to share practical clinical shifts that can make a big difference for autistic learners, especially those who are prompt dependent or seem stuck in their communication progress. We talk about why a simple prompt like “What do you want?” can unintentionally become a barrier to spontaneous communication, and how we can create a stronger connection between motivation and independent requesting. We also dig into data collection and why tracking both prompted and spontaneous communication gives us valuable information about whether a learner needs more opportunities or a change in programming. Ashley shares practical ways to build communication opportunities throughout the day without making every interaction feel like a structured therapy trial. Finally, we explore speech clarity and teaching functional communication before moments of escalation. When learners practice responses like “more time,” “all done,” or “no” outside of crisis situations, we can help them build communication skills they can actually access when they need them most. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Reducing verbal prompts to encourage spontaneous communicationUsing prompted and independent communication data to guide programmingSupporting speech clarity with slower, exaggerated vocal modelsPracticing functional communication before escalation occursMentioned In This Episode: VB-MAPP The Verbal Behavior Approach Lighthouse Autism Center Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

  3. Sep 1

    #296: Social Skills and Mealtimes with Dr. Katherine Bateman

    Mealtimes are full of natural opportunities for communication, connection, and friendship, but we may be overlooking just how valuable those moments can be. Dr. Katherine Bateman joins me to explore Snack Talk, a simple visual communication support designed to help learners engage with peers during meals and snacks. We talk about using personalized questions and visual choices to make communication accessible across modalities, including speech, gestures, AAC, and other forms of communication. What I love about Snack Talk is how practical it is. We can build visuals around what our learners genuinely enjoy, rotate topics to keep them meaningful, and use prompting to support engagement without making implementation complicated. Katie also shares how this approach can help educators become more intentional during typically unstructured times while creating opportunities for SLPs, BCBAs, teachers, and paraprofessionals to collaborate. Ultimately, this is about more than answering social questions. It is about belonging, friendship, and giving learners meaningful ways to connect with the people around them. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why mealtimes are an underused opportunity for social communicationHow Snack Talk supports different communication modalitiesWays to individualize visual supports around interests, culture, and preferencesUsing Snack Talk to foster peer relationships and interdisciplinary collaborationMentioned In This Episode: Visual Supports to Increase Conversation Engagement for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Mealtimes Snack Talk Haring Center for Inclusive Education, University of Washington Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

  4. Aug 25

    #295: The Motas Assessment with Dr. Anika Hoybjerg

    Have you ever picked up an assessment and thought, “This still isn’t giving me the information I need?” That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment and Assessment Scale, or MOTAS. Dr. Anika Hoybjerg shares how she and co-creator Casey Barron developed a comprehensive assessment that keeps meaningful, individualized outcomes at the center. What immediately stood out to me is how practical and approachable the MOTAS feels. It addresses areas like communication, flexibility, social behavior, transitions, personal care, leisure, self-awareness, and perspective taking. There is also an Early Learner version that incorporates developmental milestones and AAC considerations. I especially love the LOOP interviews, which bring clients, caregivers, and other professionals directly into treatment planning. Instead of assuming what matters most, we can ask, prioritize, and continue checking whether our goals are actually meaningful. That collaboration can make such a difference in creating functional treatment plans that support independence and quality of life. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: How the MOTAS fills gaps Dr. Hoybjerg noticed in existing assessmentsUsing LOOP interviews to prioritize meaningful goals with clients and caregiversHow the MOTAS supports individualized, collaborative treatment planningWho can use the MOTAS and why it was designed to be approachable for cliniciansMentioned In This Episode: Get the MOTAS ABA Education Center Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

  5. Aug 18

    #294: Feel Confident Supporting Autistic Students

    I still remember what it felt like to walk into a therapy session and have no idea how to move forward. Early in my career, I was working with autistic learners with complex communication and behavioral needs, and I quickly realized graduate school had not prepared me for everything I was seeing. I wanted to help, but I didn’t always have practical strategies I could use when a learner struggled to attend, engage, or communicate. That experience sent me searching for better answers and ultimately shaped the way I practice today. More than 20 years later, I want clinicians to have something I desperately needed back then: support, practical education, and a community that helps you feel confident about what to do next. That’s why I created the ABA Speech Connection. It brings speech therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs together to learn evidence-based strategies, earn CEUs, collaborate, and immediately apply what they’re learning with autistic students. From AAC and functional communication to clinical roundtables and live learning, everything is designed to make professional development practical and useful. You don’t have to spend hours searching for your next CEU or wonder whether you’re doing enough. You can have a place to learn, ask questions, and keep growing alongside professionals who care about helping every student communicate with the world. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why my early clinical experiences shaped the ABA Speech ConnectionHow ongoing education can build confidence and strengthen clinical practicePractical learning around AAC, communication, and evidence-based interventionHow the Connection supports individuals and professional teamsMentioned In This Episode: Say It With Me by Rose Griffin AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

  6. Aug 11

    #293: Providing SLP, OT and ABA Under One Roof with Colleen Lama

    What happens when collaboration is built into a practice from the very beginning? The results can be powerful for clinicians, families, and most importantly, the children we serve. I love hearing how different professionals find their path, and Colleen Lama's story is such a great reminder that unexpected career moments can lead to something even better. As both a speech-language pathologist and BCBA, she shares how becoming dual certified helped her better support autistic learners and inspired her to create a practice where speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA truly work together. We also talk about the realities of growing a multidisciplinary practice, from navigating insurance challenges to building a team that values collaboration and family-centered care. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to provide coordinated services under one roof, I think you'll find plenty of practical insights and encouragement here. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why Colleen became both an SLP and BCBA, and how that shaped her careerThe benefits of offering speech, OT, and ABA in one collaborative practiceChallenges that come with multidisciplinary care and how strong communication keeps teams alignedHow the ABA Speech Connection supports ongoing learning for SLPs, BCBAs, and RBTsMentioned In This Episode: Lama Pediatric Therapy Selective Mutism, Anxiety and Communication AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

  7. Aug 4

    #292: Comparing Vocabulary Intervention For Children Who Use AAC with Dr. Courtney Trevino

    Comparing vocabulary instruction for children who use AAC is not a one size fits all decision, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so valuable. Vocabulary intervention is one of the topics I get asked about most often, and there is still so much to learn about the best ways to support children who use AAC. I’m joined by Dr. Courtney Trevino to unpack her research comparing explicit vocabulary instruction with more naturalistic, incidental teaching. We explore what each approach looks like in practice, how vocabulary was selected for the study, and what the findings can teach us as clinicians. One strategy that really stood out to me was navigation description, talking out loud through the path you take to find a word on an AAC system. It is such a practical way to support learning, while also helping parents, teachers, RBTs, and other team members become more confident using AAC. I walked away thinking differently about how I teach vocabulary, and I think you will too. If you are looking for practical, research-backed ideas that you can start using right away, this conversation is full of them. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why explicit vocabulary instruction led to stronger word learning outcomesHow navigation description can support both AAC users and communication partnersChoosing vocabulary for early AAC learners, including developmental versus core wordsPractical ways to blend structured teaching into everyday therapyMentioned In This Episode: Comparing Two Vocabulary Interventions for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication Dr. Courtney Trevino AAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAs Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

  8. Jul 28

    #291: Business Strategies For Clinic Owners with Stephen Smith

    Building a business that reflects your values takes more than hard work. It takes intention, clear systems, and a vision that keeps you grounded when growth starts to feel overwhelming. Stephen Smith and I explore what it really takes to build an ethical, sustainable ABA practice without losing sight of why you started in the first place. We talk about the importance of defining your vision early, especially if you're starting a business with a partner, and why having the right legal and financial support can save you from major headaches down the road. We also dive into delegation, something every business owner struggles with at some point. Letting go of tasks can feel uncomfortable, but creating systems, documenting processes, and trusting your team are essential if you want to avoid burnout and create a business that can grow beyond you. I also share a few of the books and tools that have helped me think differently about leadership, delegation, and protecting my own creativity as a business owner. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen an established practice, I think you'll walk away with practical ideas you can put into action right away. #autism #speechtherapy What’s Inside: Why every clinic owner needs a clear vision before focusing on growthBusiness systems, delegation, and avoiding burnoutThe legal and financial foundations every practice should havePractical books, tools, and strategies for building a sustainable business Mentioned In This Episode: Grab Say it With Me The ABA Business Leader's Guide by Stephen Smith 3 Pie Squared Earn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech Connection ABA Speech: Home

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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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