Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most researched and effective strategy to use with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Instructional strategies based on ABA have been demonstrated to be effective in teaching behavior across developmental domains, including communication. Since communication differences are one of the core deficits associated with ASD, effective strategies to facilitate communication are of interest to all professionals working with clients with ASD. This course will provide information about four instructional techniques that have been shown to be effective in promoting increased quality and quantity of communication in clients with ASD.

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How can the speech language pathologist expand their choices (‘bag of tricks’) for achieving balanced oral-nasal resonance and ultimately more efficient voice production? Each patient enters voice therapy with different voice use patterns and responds to voice therapy techniques in different ways. It is important to have a wide array of therapy tools to identify what works best for the patient and yields the desired voice result. This course will review the anatomy and physiology of voice production and source-filter theory to guide the SLP in expanding therapeutic choices for achieving balanced oral-nasal resonance. At the conclusion of this course the speech language pathologist will understand various methods for achieving balanced oral-nasal resonance during voice production and the physiologic principles that guide this process.

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So you think you’d like to work in Early Intervention? The EI setting is an excellent fit for the therapist that likes to work directly and intimately with families in a coaching model and who likes to be creative and resourceful in daily interventions. It can also be intimidating when first starting out due to the independence experienced with the in-home model vs. a clinic or hospital setting. In this course, seasoned early intervention therapists will walk you through all you need to know to start or enhance an existing successful career in early intervention. Topics covered include: federal law and state implementation related to EI services; common employment opportunities in EI, including business organizations; the journey from evaluation and assessment, to IFSP, to implementation of service, to transition/discharge; recommended assessment tools and intervention strategies and supplies; and helpful resources.

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Numerous variables impact your dysphagia patient and his or her ability to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration. Aging and disease processes affect all of the senses, especially vision, smell and taste. Medications often contribute to poor appetite and weight loss. Poor dentition creates problems with chewing which often leads to decreased texture in their diet. Part one of this two part series addresses the physiologic changes that may improve appetite, nutrition and hydration for our patients. This installment also covers the impact of medications and specific disorders on nutrition.

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