Functional Communication Training can change everything when behavior is really communication and we take the time to listen.

In this reprise episode, I’m revisiting one of our most popular conversations of the year, all about Functional Communication Training and how to get started in a way that is practical, ethical, and truly supportive for students. I hear so many questions about what to do when students are struggling to express their needs and emotions and how to move beyond problem behavior into meaningful communication. This conversation with Dr. Bethjoy Houck gives you a clear, research-based way forward.

We walk through what Functional Communication Training actually is, why it is different from simple mand training, and why identifying the true function of behavior through assessment is essential before jumping into intervention. We also break down how to thoughtfully select functional communication responses so they are easy to prompt, meaningful to the learner, and sustainable across environments. Whether you are a speech-language pathologist, BCBA, RBT, or parent, this episode is filled with real-world examples that bring the research to life and help you apply FCT with confidence and compassion.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What Functional Communication Training really is, and why it goes beyond basic mand training
• Why identifying the function of behavior is essential before implementing FCT
• How to select communication responses that are easy to prompt, ethical, and effective
• Practical examples of using AAC, visuals, and object exchange to support meaningful communication

Mentioned In This Episode:

A Practitioner’s Guide for Selecting Functional Communication Responses
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Strength training and structured fitness can transform quality of life for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Eric Chessen began developing meaningful fitness programs after realizing there was almost no guidance on how to safely and effectively support this population. His work focuses on bridging the gap between exercise science and positive behavior support so individuals of all ability levels can build strength, confidence, and long-term independence.

We discuss why traditional motivations for fitness (like aesthetics or sports performance) often don’t apply to neurodivergent athletes and how professionals can create programs that prioritize functional movement, daily living skills, and proactive behavior support. Eric explains why “stronger is safer,” how resistance training supports fall prevention and mobility, and why distinguishing structured exercise from loosely defined movement is essential. He also highlights collaboration opportunities with SLPs, OTs, BCBAs, and parents, sharing how fitness can be integrated into therapy sessions in consistent, scalable ways.

For clinicians, educators, and families wanting to bring structured, neuroaffirming fitness into their work, Eric offers Autism Fitness certifications worldwide, along with site-based programming and individualized athlete coaching. For more information, check out his website below.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How Eric combined behavior science and exercise science to develop fitness programs for neurodivergent individuals
• Why strength training is foundational for independence, mobility, and long-term health
• The difference between “moving around” and a true, structured exercise program
• How proactive, energizing movement can support regulation and reduce challenging behaviors
• Ways SLPs, OTs, BCBAs, and parents can integrate fitness into therapy through scalable, consistent routines
• What Autism Fitness certification offers for professionals and families who want to bring meaningful fitness into their practice

Mentioned In This Episode:

Autism Fitness Website
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“We can’t sleep for them, but we can support and set the stage for healthy sleep”. Guest Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA joins the show to talk about supporting sleep through a compassionate, neuroaffirming, science-based lens. Nicole works with families whose autistic children struggle with falling asleep, bedtime resistance, night waking, or inconsistent sleep schedules—helping parents understand where to begin when exhaustion and overwhelm have taken over.

We discuss what makes someone a good candidate for sleep coaching and how behavior analysts can look beyond behavior alone by considering factors like diet, medical needs, and overall wellness. Nicole walks us through how she supports families with clear start dates, meaningful data collection, and recommendations tailored to each child’s unique sleep profile.

Nicole also shares five core sleep support tips that families and clinicians can start using right away:

1. Consistent Wake Time
   Sleeping in can make nights harder. Work toward steady morning wake times to anchor the day.
2. Diet & Nutrition
   Support families in creating a more balanced diet and identify barriers that may be impacting sleep quality.
3. Bedtime Resistance & Connection
   Prioritize connection and co-regulation—offer fully present, attuned attention in the hour before bedtime.
4. Outdoor Time & Daylight Exposure
   Daylight helps regulate circadian rhythm. Brainstorm safe ways to increase outdoor time.
5. Medical Considerations
   Rule out medical issues that could be impacting sleep. A doctor’s perspective can bring clarity and direction.

For BCBAs interested in becoming more confident in sleep support, Nicole offers a Sleep Certification Program every February and September. More information can be found at her website.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Who is a good candidate for sleep coaching
• Key factors that interfere with consistent sleep
• How BCBAs can collaborate across diet, medical, and wellness concerns
• Nicole’s framework for supporting families: start dates, data tracking, and individualized plans
• Five practical sleep tips families can start using today
• Details about Nicole’s Sleep Certification Program for BCBAs

Mentioned In This Episode:

Nicole Shallow., M.Ed., BCBA - LinkedIn
Your Behaviour Gal
Sleep Expert & Behavior Analyst - Nicole Shallow, M.Ed on Instagram
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