Episode #215: SLP/BCBA Collaboration Using Naturalistic Interventions with Dr. Kathleen Edmier and Karen Guerra

At the Marcus Autism Center, Dr. Kathleen Edmier, BCBA, and Karen Guerra, SLP, work together to bridge the gap between their fields, demonstrating the power of collaboration in supporting individuals with autism. Their work showcases how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) can align their approaches to maximize positive outcomes.

For professionals looking to collaborate, the key lies in relationship building and mutual respect. Shifting from a multidisciplinary to an interdisciplinary model allows for deeper integration of tools and strategies, creating a unified approach to intervention. This partnership also enhances the generalization of procedures and plans, ensuring that individuals and their families receive cohesive and effective support.

One of the most impactful areas of collaboration is in addressing complex topics such as verbal imitation and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Despite differences in terminology, both disciplines focus on developing essential social skills. Open dialogue between professionals helps them recognize shared goals and complementary strategies, fostering a more effective and comprehensive support system.

For SLPs and BCBAs, embracing collaboration means building a synergistic approach that enhances family support. Prioritizing understanding, flexibility, and mutual respect creates a stronger network of care. By adopting the mindset of “having grace for one another,” professionals can work together to drive meaningful progress and improve outcomes for those they serve.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Kathleen Edmier, PsyD, BCBA Psychologist & Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant Professor, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Kathleen Edmier, PsyD, BCBA, is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst in the Skill Acquisition Program at Marcus Autism Center. Dr. Edmier completed her doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in child and adolescent clinical psychology at Adler University, Chicago, IL. She obtained her certification in applied behavior analysis from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Marcus Autism Center and Emory University School of Medicine, where she gained substantial experience working with autistic children and their families, particularly those impacted by significant language delays, behavioral difficulties, and feeding challenges. Dr. Edmier’s research interests include evidence-based strategies and recommendations for increasing social and communication skills in children on the autism spectrum. She is also interested in promoting culturally responsive and trauma-informed care within behavior analytic services.

Karen Guerra, M.S., CCC-SLP is a bilingual (Spanish/English), bicultural speech-language pathologist at the Marcus Autism Center/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She has over twenty years of experience providing culturally responsive care to Spanish/English speaking children and families across a variety of settings (schools, home health, etc.). Karen is certified in Project ImPACT and provides ongoing consultation to providers within Babies Can’t Wait (Georgia’s Part C). In addition to her work with community providers, Karen has been collaborating with behavior analysts (BCBAs, RBTs, Psychologists) at the Skill Acquisition clinic at Marcus Autism Center, piloting SLP services and consultation. Recent research collaborations emphasizing the experiences of monolingual and multilingual Latin American communities in Georgia have been published in leading journals such as Autism, Journal of Early Intervention, and the AJSLP (American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology). In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and speaking “Spanglish” with her friends and family.

What’s Inside:

• Bridging SLP-BCBA Collaboration
• Interdisciplinary vs. Multidisciplinary Work
• Aligning Goals and Strategies
• Collaborating on hot button topics in the field.

Mentioned In This Episode

• ABA Speech: Home
• Join the aba speech connection membership

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