The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs
Join Rose Griffin, a dedicated Speech Therapist and BCBA from ABA SPEECH, as she shares her compassionate approach to supporting the communication needs of autistic individuals. With 20 years of experience, Rose is committed to respecting and understanding the diverse ways autistic people communicate and interact with the world.
This podcast is a resource for professionals and parents alike, offering practical strategies that honor each person's unique communication style. Rose covers a wide range of topics, including how to recognize and support autistic communication from an early age, the distinctions between autism and speech differences, and effective, respectful approaches to fostering communication, whether a child is non-speaking, minimally speaking, or verbal.
Through a mix of interviews and solo episodes, Rose explores how to enhance meaningful connections, address challenges with empathy, and celebrate the strengths of autistic individuals. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, you'll find valuable insights and actionable advice to create supportive environments that empower communication and honor neurodiversity.
Hit subscribe and learn more at www.abaspeech.org.
The ABA Speech Podcast- Easy Strategies for Speech Therapists, BCBAs, and RBTs
#259: Effective and Meaningful Fitness for All with Eric Chessen
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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