NJSHA NJABA Collaborative Practice Group
INTRODUCTION
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
have much to offer to children with autism. Unfortunately, there are times when these
professionals intersect without clear understanding of the role and potential of each
other. In recognition of the significant benefits that accrue to children with autism when
speech-language pathologists and behavior analysts work collaboratively, the New
Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NJSHA) and the New Jersey
Association of Behavior Analysis (NJABA) have formed a collaborative practice group.
This group is endorsed by both NJSHA and NJABA Boards and includes
representatives from both organizations. The committee currently includes four CCC-
SLPs, three BCBAs, and two dually certified SLP/BCBAs.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote interprofessional collaboration between behavior analysts and speech-
language pathologists.
VISION STATEMENT
We envision a world in which speech-language pathologists and behavior analysts
effectively collaborate for the betterment of those they serve.
To achieve these, the group will collaborate to develop a variety of resources and
materials including
1. Discussion and explanation of terminology so that SLPs and BCBAs have a
better understanding of each others’ practices
2. Link to documents such as scope of practice and licensure language
3. Myths vs. facts about the role of each profession
4. Discussion of various scenarios that exemplify positive collaboration between
SLPs and BCBAs
5. Troubleshooting of conflicts, with suggestions for how to resolve
Updates will be posted to each association’s website as materials are developed and
approved by the group.
[see next page for List of Resources]
SLP-ABA COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE GROUP COMPILED RESOURCES
INTERPROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. Interprofessional Autism Conference (IPAC) - New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(NJSHA)
[Link]
2. Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group of Association for
Behavior Analysis International
[Link]
VIDEOS/CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES
1. ASHA and BACB Ethics for Collaboration and Tele-Health.
[Link]
2. Interprofessional Education/Interprofessional Practice (IPE/IPP).
(Video demonstrating a good example of a collaborative team meeting)
[Link]
3. SLP & ABA Collaboration Series: Using Collaboration to Generate Best Outcomes…Quicker.
[Link]
WEBPAGE ARTICLES
1. Building Working Relationship with Applied Behavior Analysts - ASHAWire.
(Brief article presenting conceptualization of and how to promote interprofessional
collaboration.)
[Link]
2. Integrating ABA and Speech Pathology - Association for Science in Autism Treatment.
(Answers to two questions posed by an SLP working in an ABA school-based program: “What is
important to know about this approach and its implications for my role? In what ways can I
support this school-based program?”)
[Link]
pathology/
3. 10 Collaboration Tips for SLPs and Behavior Analysts Treating Students with Autism – ASHAWire.
(Presents 10 concrete suggestions on how to collaborate.)
[Link]
treating-students-with-autism/full/
4. Working Together: Speech Therapy and ABA. Steinberg Behavior Solutions.
(Brief article that defines ABA and explains how, “...The collaboration between an ABA therapist
and an SLP are vital to enhancing both treatments and ensuring success for the child….”)
[Link]
PRESENTATIONS
1. Cardon, T. (2019). Strategies for Increased Interprofessional Collaboration between Behavior
Analysts and Speech Pathologists to Support Children with Communication Need (aka –
Collaboration Blind Spots!).
(Manuscript of presentation that discusses the different education, training, ethics and scope of
practice of SLPs and BCBAs and then discusses blind spots and interprofessional education
opportunities.)
[Link]
Interprofessional-Collaboration-between-Behavior-Analysts-and-Speech-Pathologists-to-
[Link]
2. Fetter, A. (2017). ABA for the SLP.
(Presentation that focuses on theoretical differences in how language is learned and classified,
addresses misconceptions of ABA, provides a primer on ABA assessment, verbal behavior,
teaching methods.)
[Link]
tro%202017_Notes.pdf
3. Gilligan, G. (2013) A Verbal Behavior Approach to Speech-Language Pathology in Educational
Settings.
(Very basic presentation that defines a variety of terms employed in verbal behavior therapy
and gives examples as used.)
[Link]
4. Lublin, K. (2009). Successful Collaboration in Language Intervention for Children with Autism: A
Team Approach to SLP and ABA.
(Presentation defines speech-language pathology and applied behavior analysis, as well as
presents roles and educational backgrounds of SLPs and BAs. Discusses commonalities and
misconceptions between the two disciplines, and explains the benefits of effective
collaboration.)
[Link]
Language-Intervention-for-Children-with-Autism_-[Link]
5. Vail, T., Plattner, C., Benson, M., Lester, C. (2015). SLP-ABA Collaboration for Children with
Autism: Developing Harmonious Interprofessional Relationships. Presented at North Carolina
Speech-Hearing Language Association Conference.
(Basic overview of ABA and BCBA credential; defines collaboration, shared practice, and
encroachment among professionals; presents and discusses overlapping scopes of practice and
competencies, different philosophical frameworks, misconceptions and stereotypes, and 8 steps
recommendations for interprofessional collaboration.)
[Link]
RESEARCH ARTICLES
1. Esch, B. E. & Forbes, H. J. (2017). An annotated bibliography of articles in the Journal of Speech
and Language Pathology – Applied Behavior Analysis. Analysis of Verbal Behavior, 33, 139-157.
(Provides a list of empirical articles illustrating SLP-ABA collaboration.)
[Link]
2. Cardon, T. (2017) Speech-Language Pathologists and Behavior Analysts: Perspectives Regarding
Theories and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
(Provides a comparative analysis of
behavior analysts’ (BAs’), speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’), and dually certified
practitioners’ (i.e., SLP-BCBAs’) responses to 10 scenarios involving individuals with autism
spectrum disorder (ASD). Various theoretical perspectives and intervention strategies used
were identified and differences became evident between the disciplines in terms of assessment
and treatment. The study concluded that there is a definitive need for interprofessional
education given the similarities and differences identified by both SLPs and BAs.
Recommendations for future areas of collaboration and education are included.)
[Link]
JOURNAL
The Journal of Speech and Language Pathology – Applied Behavior Analysis (2006-2010). Published by
the American Psychological Association.
