Dower and Associates, Inc.

04/04/2026

04/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1TRn4Ks7Ym/

03/04/2026

🤝(2017) Speech-Language Pathologists and Behavior Analysts: Perspectives Regarding Theories and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder ~ by Teresa Cardon

This article examines the theoretical foundations and clinical practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and behavior analysts (BAs) who treat individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Through a survey of ten clinical scenarios, the author identifies significant disciplinary differences in how these professionals approach language acquisition, assessment, and behavioral intervention.

While SLPs typically rely on developmental and cognitive frameworks, BAs adhere almost exclusively to Skinner’s behavioral constructs. The results highlight a critical need for interprofessional education to bridge gaps in terminology and scope of practice. Improved collaboration between these fields is recommended to ensure that patients receive comprehensive, evidence-based care.

Ultimately, the study suggests that recognizing the unique expertise of each discipline can lead to more effective integrated treatment for the growing autism population.

https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/persp2.SIG1.27

03/04/2026

The Organization for Autism Research offers a curated library of autism-related ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app, by OverDrive. The library includes popular fiction and non-fiction books, clinical texts, guidebooks, kids’ books, and more for community members to borrow for free from the...

03/04/2026

🥰

SPABA’s 2026 Family Scholarship Opportunity

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and steward of interprofessional practice, SPABA launched an annual Family Scholarship program in 2025!

2026 Award Amount: $500

Eligible Uses: Speech/language therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), or cross-disciplinary care coordination.

This scholarship helps us better understand your family’s needs and how $500 can support access to high-quality, collaborative care.

At SPABA, we are committed to advancing evidence-based practices and promoting equitable access to services that improve lives and communication outcomes.

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT

Eligibility: Open to families residing in the United States
Apply here: https://forms.gle/pGRPdkco72gYrR5M8

Applicants will be notified by May 31, 2026.

Our Mission:
The Speech Pathology Applied Behavior Analysis (SPABA) Special Interest Group is dedicated to advancing equitable, evidence-based care through interprofessional collaboration. We support families and professionals working to improve communication access and quality of life for individuals with complex needs.

Please share in your networks!

01/04/2026

🧩💙❤️♾️ April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month 🧩💙❤️♾️

At Dower and Associates, Inc., this month is a time to reflect, learn, and most importantly, listen.

You may notice different symbols and colors being shared throughout April. Each has a history and meaning:

🧩 The blue puzzle piece
First introduced in 1963, the puzzle piece was created to raise awareness about autism long before many of today’s conversations began. Over time, it has evolved, with more colors added to reflect the wide range of experiences and perspectives within the autism community.

❤️ Red for acceptance
In response to calls for deeper understanding and inclusion, many began wearing red as part of the “Light It Up Red” movement. The focus shifted from awareness alone to acceptance, support, and meaningful inclusion in everyday life.

♾️ The infinity symbol
More recently, the infinity symbol has emerged as a way to represent the vast diversity of autistic experiences, strengths, and identities. It reflects that there is no single way to be autistic.

So where does that leave us?

Red or blue, you do you.

What matters most is not the symbol or the color, but the commitment behind it.
⏺ Listening to autistic voices and their families.
⏺ Supporting valid communication in all its forms.
⏺ Practicing evidence-based, compassionate care.
⏺ Creating environments where individuals are understood and respected.

To past and present clients, families, and colleagues, thank you for trusting my work and being part of it.

Acceptance is not a moment in April. It is what we do every day.

27/03/2026

Tomorrow! Heather O'Neill Bolaños will be presenting "ABA for SLPs" as part of Celebrations Speech Group's EduSeries Webinar Series.
Register here for free! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4UF4KqXEzQBAvzHmzpIG6J2C3JHX2y1VjaT8-BkcSzl2uDA/viewform

24/03/2026

Here is perhaps the strongest quote from the post that’s lost me 50+ subscribers (and counting) on Substack, in under 24 hours!

The post is about misinformation and credible sources for learning about behaviorism. I did my thing, where i use a self example and talked about behavioral self-compassion for being late to say HBD. Then, I named some dis-credible sources of information about Skinner and BA, and then some credible ones, with lots of links and resources.

I thought hard about which publication to put the post in— Everyday Behaviorist (creative writing) or Behavior Curious (more technical). I chose EB because it’d reach more people, as that was the point, to counter misinformation.

I didn’t realize that I would lose 15% of my subscribers overnight!! It wasn’t even controversial, unless these people are huge Sapolsky or Chomsky fans — or they just don’t want any hint of behaviorism in their feed!

Behaviorism has a PR problem, and it starts with any mention of the word “behavior” or “Skinner.” My publication is called "Everyday Behaviorist," so it is strange that so many people would be surprised or offput by one data point that strayed teach-y.

In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, I will persist!

It’d be AWESOME if you subscribed to one of my pubs, EB or Behavior Curious. Or any of the other BA accounts tagged in this post (linked in comments). Idk if you all realize this, but every subscriber on Substack is hard-earned. No one is giving their email addresses away easily, not even for the real human work that goes into it. THANK YOU ALWAYS to those who do. 🙏

Link in comments

22/03/2026

🎤 What if we treated speech not as something mysterious… but as something observable, teachable, and measurable?

In her 2018 National Autism Conference presentation, Vocal Training Basics: Tips for Target Selection and Application, Dr. Barbara Esch delivers exactly that kind of clarity.

Her framework cuts through ambiguity with this powerful reminder:

✨ Speech acquisition is a behavioral process
✨ Speech acquisition is a mechanical process
✨ Speech acquisition is a coarticulation process

This is not just theory. It is a call to action for how we assess, select targets, and teach vocal behavior with precision.

For SLPs and BCBAs, this matters. When we conceptualize speech through a behavioral and physiological lens, we move away from guesswork and toward systematic, replicable intervention. Target selection becomes more strategic. Instruction becomes more efficient. Outcomes become more meaningful.

This is the intersection of science and practice. This is where collaboration lives.

📺 Watch the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egj959rxDx8

If you are serious about evidence-based practice in speech and language, this is required viewing.