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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Emily Kearney, BCBA, who has been working in the field since 1999, joins the show to dive into a topic we haven’t explored in depth before: matching as a skill. Though it may seem simple, matching is foundational for learners of all ages. This critical skill supports language, play, leisure, problem solving, and actions across the lifespan.

We discuss how matching isn’t always identical—it can be based on features, categories, or associations—and how it develops from early learning readiness into more complex skills for older learners. Emily highlights teaching strategies like multiple exemplar training and ensuring stimulus control by using the variety of cues learners encounter in real-world settings. For example, a “cup” can vary in material, size, color, shape, or function, but learning to recognize it in all its forms builds observation skills, problem-solving, and perseverance.

For older learners, we explore adding a language component, asking questions like “how do you know it’s a match?” to encourage reasoning and verbalization. Matching isn’t just a simple game; it's a prerequisite for broader communication, life, and learning.

For questions or mentorship opportunities, reach out to Emily at emily@kearneybehaviorconsulting.com.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• Why matching is a critical skill across all ages
• Matching isn't about just finding identical matches
• Teaching strategies including multiple exemplar training and stimulus control
• Real-world examples to generalize matching skills across environments
• The language component of matching for older learners

Mentioned In This Episode:

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In this solo minisode, I’m diving into five of the questions I hear most often—covering selective mutism, collaboration, AAC, core words, and the path to dual certification. These are the topics that come up again and again in our field, and today I’m offering practical guidance, real examples, and links to deeper learning.

1. Does ABA Speech have resources for selective mutism?
   Yes! I share some of my own experience supporting learners with selective mutism and point you to a full episode on the topic with Annie DiVello. And keep an eye out—a CEU on selective mutism is coming in 2026.
2. How do you build collaboration when an SLP pushes back or says “stay in your lane”?
   I talk through ways to create ongoing communication, get permission to coordinate care, and document collaboration attempts. If the relationship still isn’t coming together, involving administration for support can be the next step.
3. How do you make suggestions when a provider uses the same core words with every student and progress feels limited?
   This can feel like a sensitive conversation. I share how to approach it thoughtfully and recommend our journal article course on core words, along with the linked episode featuring Allison Bean and Bethany Frick Semmler.
4. When is it appropriate to transition away from AAC if a student becomes verbal?
   I use an example from my own caseload to highlight the importance of individualized goals. The aim isn’t always to eliminate the device, but to identify what’s functional, meaningful, and supportive for that specific learner.
5. How do you become a dually certified SLP/BCBA?
   I walk through my own path—starting as an SLP, discovering the power of behavior analysis, completing coursework and supervision, and ultimately passing the exam using the BDS modules.

Don’t forget to check out ABA Speech for all of your CEU needs—link below!

What’s Inside:

• Resources and upcoming CEUs for selective mutism
• How to navigate collaboration when communication feels strained
• Approaching difficult conversations around core words and progress
• Determining when (or if) to transition away from AAC
• The steps to becoming a dually certified SLP/BCBA

Mentioned In This Episode:

Episode #068: Annie DiVello – Supporting Students With Selective Mutism
​​Episode #121: Core Vocabulary and Typical Language Development with Allison Bean and Bethany Frick Semmler
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Guest Meghan Edwards, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and School-Based Behavior Specialist, joins the show to share her journey from providing in-home services to becoming a public school BCBA. With over a decade of experience, Meghan helps schools build proactive systems for behavior and staff support—bridging the gap between behavior analysis and the real-world classroom.

We talk about what it means to be a school-based BCBA, including the top three things to consider when transitioning to a school role. From navigating the noise and unpredictability of the school day to collaborating closely with teachers and administrators, Meghan emphasizes the importance of relationships and rapport in making an impact. She shares how her weekly newsletters, staff shoutouts, and open communication help her connect across teams.

Meghan also discusses how her Instagram community, @school_based_bcba, evolved into The Behavior Lounge, a mentorship hub for school-based BCBAs. Plus, she highlights her passion project, The Paraprofessional Training Manual, created to empower the staff members who support high-needs students but often receive the least training.

Be on the lookout for a CEU with Meghan coming to ABA Speech Connection in Fall 2026!

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• What it’s like to transition into a school-based BCBA role
• Top 3 tips for success in the school setting
• Building strong relationships with teachers and administrators
• Supporting paraprofessionals through intentional training and resources

Mentioned In This Episode:

School Based BCBA
Meghan Edwards BCBA Mentor and Behavior Support for Schools
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Guest Marie Martinez, a dual-certified SLP/BCBA, joins the show to share her passion for empowering parents and supporting communication in everyday moments. She’s the author of Path for Words: Five-Minute Language Learning Activities for Children Ages 1–3 Years, a book that helps families turn daily routines into powerful language opportunities.

Marie talks about identifying the small moments that matter most—because communication doesn’t just happen at the table with flashcards, it happens all day long. She also offers great advice for anyone passionate about their work (and maybe thinking about writing a book!): if you see a need, fill it. Her work helps parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to help their children thrive in their communication journey.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• How Path for Words helps parents build language naturally
• Finding purpose and inspiration in dual certification
• Empowering parents through practical communication tools
• Why the little moments make the biggest impact
• Advice for professionals ready to write or create something new

Mentioned In This Episode:

Path For Words (@pathforwords) on Instagram
​​Marie Martinez on LinkedIn
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Leah and Dr. Shelly, both occupational therapists who have either earned or are working toward dual certification as BCBAs, join me to talk about the power and challenges of blending these two worlds. Believe it or not, there aren’t even statistics on how many dual-certified professionals are out there—but the impact of this crossover is clear. Their work centers on collaboration with families and other professionals, finding common ground between OT and ABA.

We talk about the funding and system barriers that can make integration tough, and how learning to understand each other’s “jargon” helps break those walls down. As Dr. Shelly says, OTs and BCBAs are often working toward the same goals—they just use different words. Sometimes, you have to “massage the message” so everyone can connect and understand.

Dr. Shelly also shares insight into the business and insurance side of implementation, while Leah highlights the importance of spreading the word about the tools ABA offers. Their message is simple: put the egos aside, keep listening, and stay open to learning from each other.

#autism #speechtherapy

What’s Inside:

• The growing overlap between OT and ABA
• Why collaboration starts with learning each other’s “language”
• Navigating funding and system barriers that limit integration
• Putting egos aside to focus on shared goals and learning from one another

Mentioned In This Episode:

Is This My Child?: Sensory Integration Simplified
Circle Care Services
The Autism Roundtable Podcast - Circle Care Services
My BCBA Life Podcast - Circle Care Services
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