Coordinating Care between ABA and Speech Therapy: Addressing Gestalt Language Processing and Verbal Operants
Hosted by the AzABA Coordination of Care SIG

1 CEUs will be available for attendance

Location: 
Zoom (Login will be emailed prior to the presentation)

Presenters: Rodrigo Esteban Mendoza Salinas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, IBA & Ricki Abrams-Stern, M.S., CCC-SLP

Summary:

The coordination of care between Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) aims to optimize treatment and outcomes for clients, particularly those with complex language and communication needs. Language acquisition is viewed differently by SLPs and BCBAs, but integrating both perspectives creates a more robust treatment plan. From the SLP's perspective, children acquire their first "units of meaning" from the speech stream around them, progressing from single words to phrases and sentences. Conversely, ABA focuses on verbal operants like mands, tacts, and intraverbals, which represent functional language units used to interact with the environment.

A challenge arises when clients present with gestalt language units—long "wholes" such as entire sentences, songs, or stories—rather than discrete words. These units are processed as whole rather than stepwise combinations. In ABA, gestalt units are categorized based on their impact on the environment, including both external and internal stimuli.

This training will explore how SLP and ABA methodologies can be aligned to address the language needs of clients exhibiting both typical language development and gestalt processing patterns.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding Gestalt Units:
   • Define gestalt units and their significance in communication from both a speech therapy perspective and an ABA analysis.
   • Discuss concepts such as echolalia, natural language learning development, and how these relate to ABA terminology.
2. Identification and Observation:
   • Explain how to observe and identify gestalt units in clients.
   • Define the behavior of interest to prepare an appropriate treatment plan within a collaborative Client Assessment framework.
3. Collaborative Assessment:
   • Learn effective strategies for collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs during client assessments.
   • Understand how to evaluate a client’s language repertoire across multiple contexts.
4. Intervention Plan Development:
   • Teach strategies for integrating SLP and ABA perspectives into intervention plans, using a case study example.
   • Explore holistic treatment approaches and potential contrasts between SLP and ABA methodologies.
5. Effective Presentation of Treatment Plans:
   • Develop skills to communicate treatment plans to clients and caregivers clearly and collaboratively.
6. Post-Evaluation Review:
   • Guide the process for post-evaluation meetings to review client progress and plan subsequent steps, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making.

Speakers:

Rodrigo Esteban Mendoza Salinas, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, IBA

ABA Department Lead, T.E.A.M. 4 Kids Pediatric Therapy

Rodrigo Mendoza is a licensed behavior analyst in the state of Arizona and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB®). He has expertise in autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behaviors in pediatric/school settings, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with adolescents and adults. Additionally, he has specialized knowledge in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), applying behavioral principles to improve performance and outcomes within organizations. Dr. Mendoza earned his master's degree from Arizona State University and his Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

He is currently the chair of the Coordination of Care special interest group at the AZABA, the ABA program director at TEAM 4 Kids Pediatric Therapy in Arizona, the founder of BIOBA Consulting, and serves as the Executive Director of ABA Chile, an association in Chile. Dr. Mendoza also contributes his expertise as a member of the advisory board for the International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO) and Raintree Systems.

Dr. Mendoza believes that behaviorism is an essential approach to solving the complex issues that challenge our current society. He understands that to achieve this goal, it is the responsibility of the Behavior Analysts to mentor other professionals following the core principles that underpin the functional treatment of behavior.

Ricki Abrams-Stern, M.S., CCC-SLP

Department Lead, Speech Team, TEAM 4 Kids

Ricki Abrams-Stern is a seasoned speech-language pathologist with over 11 years of experience in the field. She currently leads the speech team at TEAM 4 Kids, where she has been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Ricki’s career has encompassed work in private practices, home health settings, and public schools, providing her with a broad and adaptable skill set that she applies to her current role.

As a department lead, Ricki is dedicated to empowering her team, enhancing their competence and confidence to deliver the highest quality care to their clients. She places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between the speech and ABA departments, understanding that such teamwork is key to providing consistent and effective care.

Ricki’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that in an ever-changing world, the power of collaboration, understanding, and shared knowledge is essential to maintaining control over the quality of services provided.

Ricki holds a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and a Bachelor of Arts in Language, Literature, and Criticism along with a minor in Psychology. Her academic background, combined with her practical experience, provides a solid foundation for her leadership and clinical expertise.

Registration: 

AzABA  Members: Free
Non-Members: $10 or $15 for CEU credit