Episode #274: Accessing Communication For All with Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill “Dr. RY”

Communication isn’t owned by one profession, it’s something we all share and protect together.

I’m joined by Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill “Dr. RY” for a thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to ensure communication access for every learner. We talk about her journey from sign language interpreter to dually certified SLP and BCBA, and how that shaped her passion for collaboration and innovation.

We dig into some of the biggest friction points between disciplines, especially when it comes to AAC. One of the biggest takeaways is this, there is no one right tool or pathway. We have to start with the learner, the context, and the full communication repertoire. I also loved our conversation about moving away from quick fixes and toward meaningful, individualized support that actually generalizes.

We also share a preview of her upcoming course inside the ABA Speech Connection, where we’ll explore sign language, AAC, and how to thoughtfully select communication modalities that truly fit each learner.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Lilith Reuter-Yuill “Dr. RY”, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D, LBA (“Dr. RY,” like rye bread), is a strong advocate for communication access. She is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist and behavior analyst who specializes in working with individuals with diverse communication needs and their families. Her clinical and research interests include the application of verbal behavior and functional [dynamic] assessment in the treatment of communication disorders, as well as maximizing therapeutic benefit through interprofessional collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs. She believes that innovation occurs at the intersection of different disciplines and voices. Along with her co-founder, Tamara Kasper, she believes it’s time to take bold steps toward building interprofessional solutions that combat pseudoscience, misinformation, and disinformation. That’s why they co-founded Bridgify—to bridge knowledge into action by connecting research and practice. Bridgify collaborates with experts to create practical, actionable tools for professionals and parents, ensuring evidence-based practices move off the shelves and into the hands of the people who need them most.

What’s Inside: