In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, Stephen and April Smith sit down with Dr. Brian Lopez, PhD, BCBA, licensed clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, and Director of Psychological Services and Research at JumpStart Autism Collective.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in autism services, diagnostics, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Lopez explains why better outcomes for ABA learners require more than strong clinical programming. From early diagnosis and interdisciplinary collaboration to telehealth innovation and scalable service delivery, he shares how providers can build systems that support children, families, clinicians, and communities.

What Systems Best Support ABA Learners?

Dr. Lopez explains how coordinated systems connecting diagnostics, ABA therapy, healthcare providers, schools, families, and community resources create stronger learner outcomes.

Why Is Early Autism Diagnosis So Important?

Early diagnosis helps families access services sooner, reduce delays in intervention, and support better developmental outcomes for children with autism.

How Can ABA Providers Improve Access to Care?

The conversation explores how telehealth, operational systems, and innovative service models are expanding ABA services to underserved and rural communities.

Why Does Collaboration Matter in ABA?

Dr. Lopez highlights the importance of collaboration between psychologists, BCBAs, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatricians, and families in supporting learner success.

What Can ABA Business Owners Learn From This Episode?

Listeners will gain insights into leadership, sustainable growth, scalable systems, and maintaining clinical quality while expanding services.

Have a Question for Stephen and April?

📞 ABA Business Leaders Hotline: (737) 330-1432

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Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.

Want to launch or grow a podcast for your business?

https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

Resources & Links

SILNA:

https://www.silnahealth.com/?ref=3Pie#get-started

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

What happens when a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) becomes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)? In this episode of the ABA Business Leaders Podcast, April and Stephen sit down with Rose Griffin, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, founder of ABA Speech, to discuss the intersection of speech therapy and applied behavior analysis.

The conversation explores common misconceptions between disciplines, how ABA companies can successfully integrate speech services, and why communication goals should be developed through genuine interdisciplinary collaboration. Rose also discusses the importance of developmental milestones, AAC implementation, ethical collaboration, and her upcoming book designed to help professionals better support communication development.

How can BCBAs and Speech-Language Pathologists work together more effectively?

Rose explains why collaboration between ABA and speech professionals can be challenging and shares practical strategies for building stronger interdisciplinary partnerships that improve outcomes for autistic learners.

Should ABA companies hire Speech-Language Pathologists?

Learn the benefits, challenges, and key considerations for ABA organizations looking to integrate speech therapy services into their practice, including what leaders should know before hiring an SLP.

What communication skills should behavior analysts understand?

Rose discusses foundational communication development, language milestones, joint attention, AAC, and why understanding speech and language development helps BCBAs create more effective interventions.

This podcast was produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand? Reach out here: https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact

Resources & Links

Pre-order link of Rose Griffin’s book: https://abaspeech.lpages.co/say-it-with-me-book-page/

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group:

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

What happens when behavior analysts shift from compliance to connection?

In this episode of ABA Business Leaders, Stephen and April Smith talk with Sarah Moore, CEO of The Jai Institute for Parenting, founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting, and author of Peaceful Discipline. They explore nervous system regulation, emotional safety, authenticity, and what it means to show up as a human being.

Drawing from her expertise in attachment science and regulation, Sarah explains how emotional suppression affects relationships, leadership, and connection. The conversation highlights how many ABA professionals are trained to “shut it off,” and how that mindset often carries into both business and personal life. They also discuss what it takes to create genuine emotional safety for ourselves and others.

Questions To Be Answered

• What is nervous system regulation and why does it matter?
• Why is authenticity important?
• How does emotional suppression affect leaders?
• Are we too focused on compliance?
• How can you regulate during stress?

Can unhealthy coping mechanisms prevent emotional growth?

Stephen, April, and Sarah discuss how substances, food, and other forms of emotional avoidance can temporarily numb difficult feelings while ultimately making long-term regulation more difficult. The conversation emphasizes building healthier coping skills and developing a wider range of emotional tools.

Resources & Links

Business Essentials List

https://www.3piesquared.com/blog/the-essential-list-for-a-successful-business_24

ABA Business Leaders Support Group

https://forms.office.com/r/LLpAHCXUN8

Schedule a Consultation with Stephen

https://3piesquared.com/stephen-booking-page

Free ABA Business Readiness Assessment

https://3piesquared.com/aba-business-readiness-assessment

ABA Billing Tips Guide

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Billing_Tips

ABA Business Leaders Podcast CEUs

https://3piesquared.com/productDetails/ABA_Business_Leaders_Podcast_CEUs

MarginKeepers:

https://3piesquared.com/business-affiliate/MarginKeepers

Produced by Max McLellan of MKM Audio.

Want to start or grow a podcast for your business or brand?

https://www.mkmaudio.com/contact