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

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

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