Speech Language Therapy and ABA …
There are many similarities between the practice of speech language therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Both Speech Language Practitioners (SLPs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBAs) receive formal training in language. However, the underlying philosophies that have shaped the development of the fields are distinctly different. The underlying philosophies that have shaped the field of speech language therapy are eclectic. Speech language therapy has been influenced by the fields of childhood development, communication sciences and disorders, and biology. In contrast, the field of ABA has a single underlying philosophy from which all science and practices developed: behavioral science (psychology).
SLPs treat individuals in the areas of communication, social skills, and feeding. SLPs areas of expertise include fluency disorders, speech, voice, articulation, swallowing, child development, and diagnostics. In contrast, BCBAs areas of expertise include science of learning, systematic teaching, data analysis, functional assessment and the treatment of challenging behaviors, and verbal behavior (language). The SLPs approach to language development is structural (e.g., syntax, morphology, phonology). The BCBAs approach to language development is functional; in other words, we select language that we want to teach based on the impact it has on the speaker or listener (e.g., requests, labels, comments). Effective collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs provide invaluable opportunities to deliver comprehensive services for our learners.
Speech language consultation services are provided at no cost to families, on an as-needed basis. Examples of consultation services include…
Program Consultation:
Staff training on areas within speech language (e.g., AAC, apraxia)
Individual Child Consultation:
Recommendations for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) modality (e.g., sign, vocal speech, speech generating device, apps)
Teaching plans to shape vocal speech in young children
Teaching plans for development of AAC
Recommendations for service models (e.g., direct vs. consultative model)
Meet Sophie Millon, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA…
SPEECH PATHOLOGIST & BEHAVIOR ANALYST
Sophie Millon is a dual-certified speech-language pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 15 years of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis. Sophie Millon obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She earned her Master of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Portland State University and completed a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Cincinnati. While attending Portland State University, Sophie served as coordinator of the Autism and Social Communication Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Amy Donaldson. She completed her clinical fellowship with Easter Seals Southern California Autism Services. Sophie is currently licensed in Georgia and Oregon and has practiced in clinical, non-public, and public school settings with individuals from 18 months to young adulthood. She is an adjunct instructor in the Applied Behavior Analysis and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education certificate programs at Portland State University. Sophie is committed to promoting interprofessional education and collaboration. She is passionate about supporting individuals in achieving their communicative potential while promoting their autonomy, culture, and strengths. In addition to her BCBA credential, Sophie maintains her American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) and a Level 4 credential in Practical Functional Assessment and Skills Based Training (PFA/SBT).
