Best Slp Autonomy Podcasts (2025)

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How ASHA Built a Monopoly in Speech-Language Pathology, and Why We Filed a Federal Complaint 1:15:02

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5d ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Fix SLP was never just about making noise—it was built to challenge systems that gatekeep, exploit, and mislead. In this foundational episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, explain why the CCC isn’t just unnecessary—it might be illegal. We walk through the Sherman Antitrust Act, our official complaint to the Federal Trade Commissi…

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How Mentorship Is Failing SLPs — And What We Can Do About It 1:02:32

12d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Mentorship is supposed to shape confident, competent SLPs, but too often, it leaves them overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsupported. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas talks with Lynsie Erickson-Facca, MS/SLP, of The Speech Pack, to unpack the mentorship crisis in our field, from outdated supervisors to broken systems, and what ethical, empower…

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Ep. 237: Beyond Accommodations: How Neurodivergent Students Can Thrive in College with Eric Endlich, Ph.D 40:10

12d ago40:10

40:10

Joining us this week is returning guest Eric Endlich, Ph.D. Dr. Endlich is a clinical psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants®, which specializes in guiding neurodivergent students through the college application process. An advocate and expert in the field and a neurodivergent adult himself, he co-teaches a UC Irvine course for educati…

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Mentorship Is Broken and New SLPs Are Paying the Price 56:34

19d ago56:34

56:34

New SLPs are burning out—and it’s not their fault. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP talks with Nikki Rosner, MA/SLP and Hylan Noble, MS/SLP from The Mentorship Collective about the growing mentorship crisis in speech-language pathology. Together, they unpack why so many new grads feel overwhelmed, unsupported, and unprepared in their firs…

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Ep. 236: Beyond Racial Stress: Empowering Teens to Navigate Cultural Identity and Build Resilience with Dr. Ryan DeLapp 33:52

26d ago33:52

33:52

We warmly welcome Dr. Ryan DeLapp to Diverse Thinking Different Learning to discuss how to help teens manage and overcome racial stress. Dr. Ryan C.T. DeLapp is a licensed psychologist and the founder of the REACH program at The Ross Center, specializing in helping individuals cope with racial and cultural stress. With more than ten years of resear…

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SLPs: Stop Getting Underpaid. Start Contracting. 1:04:13

26d ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Are staffing agencies and investor-backed companies pocketing the profits while you do the work? In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP sit down with Elise Mitchell, MS/SLP, founder of The Therapist Support Network, to expose how contracting puts the power—and the paycheck—back in your hands. Whether you're in schools…

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You’re Not Making $60/hour: The Lies Buried in SLP Job Posts 53:28

1M ago53:28

53:28

Ready to finally understand what you’re really getting paid—and what’s being kept from you in SLP job listings? In this jaw-dropping episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP sit down with Dr. Meredith Harold, SLP, founder of The Informed SLP and Informed Jobs, to expose the hidden red flags in speech-language pathology job posti…

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Ep. 235: Why Stress Sabotages Learning and How Parents and Educators Can Help with Jerome Schultz, PhD 37:00

1M ago37:00

37:00

We are happy to welcome Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Schultz to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week. Dr. Schultz is a clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer at Harvard Medical School with nearly four decades of experience working with children and young adults with learning and behavioral challenges. A former special education teacher and author o…

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Texas Trouble: ASHA’s Quiet Power Grab Exposed 32:01

1M ago32:01

32:01

ASHA’s fingerprints are all over a sneaky new Texas bill—and the receipts are here. This episode exposes how ASHA is quietly pushing policies that keep SLPs trapped in their CCC web, fueling fear and gatekeeping in the profession. Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, break down Texas SB 905, revealing the hidden clause that inflate…

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The Moment You Say No: How Clinicians Took Back Their Power 41:03

2M ago41:03

41:03

Change doesn’t come by asking nicely—it comes by saying NO when it matters most. In this episode, we’re taking a hard look at boundaries, advocacy, and why protecting yourself is non-negotiable. Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, listen to real-world stories from clinicians who stood their ground against unsafe workplaces, unethi…

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Ep. 234: Understanding and Addressing Math Anxiety with Aditya Nagrath, PhD 35:35

2M ago35:35

35:35

This week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning, we welcome Dr. Aditya Nagrath. Dr. Nagrath is the founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy and helps students overcome math anxiety, rapidly advancing their skills with just ten minutes of practice a few times a week. He holds a PhD in Mathematics and Computer Sciences and has over three dec…

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Unlicensed, Unclear, and Untamed: The SLPA Regulation Mess 37:40

2M ago37:40

37:40

SLPAs are everywhere, but are states ready for them? From total chaos to silent overreach, this episode examines the regulatory mess that’s leaving clinicians confused and patients at risk. Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, question the shocking inconsistencies in SLPA and SLP aide requirements across the U.S.—from untrained…

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Ep. 233: Body-Based Interventions for Neurodivergent Students with Megan Beardmore, PhD, NCSP 39:19

2M ago39:19

39:19

Joining us this week on Diverse Thinking Different Learning is Dr. Megan Beardmore. Dr. Beardmore is a licensed school psychologist with expertise in assessing and treating children, adolescents, and young adults with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as co-occurring anxiety and depression. She r…

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Burn It Down, Build It Better 45:55

2M ago45:55

45:55

What would you build if ASHA disappeared tomorrow? This week, we're rewriting the rules of our profession—from the dues to leadership to culture—with bold, unapologetic ideas for what a better SLP organization could look like. We're talking transparent budgets, free CEUs, mental health access, and an end to credential gatekeeping. Dr. Jeanette Beni…

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Abandoning the System, Not the Patient 54:59

2M ago54:59

54:59

Your boss says taking sick leave is patient abandonment? Let’s talk about what’s actually legal — and what’s pure manipulation. This episode might just be the most important one you hear all year. In this fiery and deeply personal episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, expose the truth about patient abandonment—what it is, w…

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Ep. 232: Turning Kids’ Passions and Enthusiasms into Superpowers with Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP (Re-Air) 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

We are doing a reairing this week of episode 80 of Diverse Thinking Different Learning in which we talked with Dr. Barry Prizant. This episode is being revisited at a perfect time because this is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. In this episode, Dr. Prizant helps us understand why it’s important to stop labeling certain behaviors in children …

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Compact Confusion: Is the CCC Sneaking Into the Interstate Compact? 48:49

3M ago48:49

48:49

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, welcomes Candice Harrell, a North Carolina-based SLP and grassroots advocate, to chat about one of the most confusing—and potentially transformative—developments in the field: the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC). Together, they unravel what the Compact is, what it isn’t, and why it matte…

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Ep. 231: How to Use Students’ Interest and Creativity to Enhance Learning with Victoria Waller, Ed.D. 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

We are so happy to be welcoming Victoria Waller, Ed.D. back to the podcast this episode. Dr. Waller is a seasoned reading specialist and educational therapist with more than four decades of experience helping children with learning differences, especially ones who teachers have sadly given up on. She is the author of Yes! Your Child Can, a finali…

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Ep. 230: Executive Functioning & Navigating the Yearly Calendar with Michelle Porjes 41:04

3M ago41:04

41:04

We are honored to welcome returning guest Michelle Porjes to the show for this episode. Michelle is a licensed educational psychologist and credentialed school psychologist in California with over twenty-five years of experience in education. She holds advanced degrees in Educational and School Psychology from the University of Denver and the Unive…

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The Lies We Keep Telling Ourselves 36:26

3M ago36:26

36:26

How do outdated myths continue to hold SLPs back? From false claims about state licensing boards to misleading job postings and the ASHA NOMs fiasco, it’s time to set the record straight. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, take on the repeated misinformation that keeps circulating in the field—and why they refuse…

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Ep. 229: Boosting a Child’s Autonomy with Self-Care Routines with Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA & Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

For this episode of Diverse Thinking Different Learning, we are excited to welcome two guests - Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA and Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D! Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, is a behavior analyst specializing in helping children and families build independent living skills through her private practice in Locust Valley, New York. With expe…

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The Hustle is a Lie 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, discusses the challenges and myths of the hustle culture in the field of speech-language pathology. She reflects on her own burnout and the need for SLPs to reassess their priorities and workloads. Dr. Benigas criticizes ASHA’s role in perpetuating overwork and emphasizes that SLPs’ value is not solely determined by crede…

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Ep. 228: Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) with Dr. Samantha Levy 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

We are excited to have Samantha Levy, PhD join the show again this week to discuss Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Dr. Samantha Levy is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders. She uses a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional struggles, working with children, families, and parents …

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Ep. 227: Teen Depression Gone Viral with Dr. Meredith Gansner 39:21

3M ago39:21

39:21

We are joined this week by Dr. Meredith Gansner. Dr. Gansner is a child psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital and an instructor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in high-risk digital media use in teens. She has received multiple research grants, including a K23 career development award from the National Institute on Drug Ab…

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ASHA’s Proposed Certification Revisions: What’s at Stake? 1:05:43

3M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Dr. Tim Stockdale, SLPD, review ASHA’s Call for Peer Review of Proposed Changes to ASHA’s Speech-Language Pathology Certification Standards and explain what these revisions could mean for the field's future. They critically examine proposed changes such as removing undergraduate coursework, addi…

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Ep. 226: Is It Autism? Recognizing, Assessing & Supporting Children and Teens with Dr. Chandni Singh 41:55

4M ago41:55

41:55

This week on the podcast, we are happy to have Dr. Chandni Singh on the show. Dr. Singh is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a decade of experience in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults. She is committed to providing evidence-based assessments an…

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Defying Gravity: The Fight for SLP Freedom 1:02:05

4M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In this episode, host Dr. Jeanette Benigas is joined by Australian speech pathologist Niall Taylor for a powerful discussion that draws striking parallels between the musical production Wicked and the current state of the speech-language pathology profession. Together, they unpack the themes of control, self-liberation, and the fight against restri…

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Ep. 225: Moving Beyond Accommodations and Modifications to Cognitive Change for Academic Gains with Shelley Woon 37:09

4M ago37:09

37:09

This week on the podcast, we welcome Shelley Woon to the conversation. Shelley is a dedicated educator and school leader with over three decades of experience supporting students, families, and staff in overcoming learning challenges. She holds a Master of Education in Leadership, has specialized qualifications in Special Education and Reading, and…

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Ep. 224: Should I Medicate My Child? – Part 2 with Lance Steinberg, M.D. 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

Following up on last week’s episode, we are joined once again by Lance Steinberg, M.D. to further discuss the complex issue of medicating children with conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and if you missed part 1 of the discussion, be sure to go back and listen to that before diving into part 2! In this continuation of our discussion, Dr…

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Ep. 223: Should I Medicate My Child? – Part 1 with Lance Steinberg, M.D. 32:37

4M ago32:37

32:37

We are joined this week by Lance Steinberg, M.D. Dr. Steinberg is an expert in psychopharmacology, specializing in conditions such as OCD, ADHD, and autism. He has taught internationally and at institutions like UCLA, earning multiple awards for his outstanding teaching. He completed his medical training at Dartmouth, UCLA, and Stanford, and he cur…

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SLPs, OTs, and PTs: How Employers Steal Your Wages (And How to Stop It) 50:57

4M ago50:57

50:57

Are you working extra hours off the clock? Feeling the squeeze from unrealistic productivity quotas? You’re not alone—and it’s time to fight back. In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, uncover the legal battle that shook the rehab industry. Loy v. Rehab Synergies was a landmark case where clinicians fought back agai…

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Ep. 222: Wildfires and Mental Health: Understanding the Impact and Strategies for Recovery with Dr. Jyoti Mishra 36:23

5M ago36:23

36:23

We are joined for this episode by Dr. Jyoti Mishra to help us discuss an incredibly important and timely topic - the impact of wildfires on mental health. Dr. Mishra is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Diego, the founder of NEATLabs, and co-director of the UC-wide Climate Change and Mental Health Initiative. Dr. Mishra specializes in …

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Patients or Profits? 41:23

5M ago41:23

41:23

In this episode, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Preston Lewis talk with "Polly" (not her real name), a seasoned speech-language pathologist working in a skilled nursing facility who bravely shares her experiences with unethical workplace practices. Polly sheds light on the troubling realities many clinicians face daily, from excessive productivity demand…

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Thriving in SLP: Mental Health, Connection, and Compassion 58:55

5M ago58:55

58:55

In this episode, special guest Ruchi Kapila, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share their powerful mental health journey, openly discussing life with ADHD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. They emphasize the transformative importance of self-care, finding joy in one's work, and leaning on community support. Beyond personal reflections, thi…

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Ep. 221: Would a Behavioral Aide/Shadow Help My Child? 37:51

5M ago37:51

37:51

This week, Lisa Topp, M.S., BCBA joins us to talk about the role of behavioral aides or "shadows" in schools, focusing on how they help children with unique behavioral challenges thrive in the classroom. Lisa is a board-certified behavior analyst with a master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and more than a decade of experience in private practice. …

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Ep. 220: How to Support Children and Teens with Chronic Pain with Dr. Samantha Levy 41:44

5M ago41:44

41:44

Dr. Samantha Levy joins us this week to discuss the challenges of supporting kids with chronic pain. Samantha is a clinical psychologist specializing in youth with chronic pain disorders, using a biopsychosocial approach to address both physical and emotional challenges. She also supports parents through individual sessions, group facilitation, and…

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Parents Speak, ASHA Shrugs: A GLP Story 42:41

5M ago42:41

42:41

In this episode of the Fix SLP podcast, Dr. Jeanette Benigas and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, are joined by Jessica, a parent and advocate, to discuss Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and its impact on autistic individuals. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of GLP, the challenges families face in accessing meaningful support, and…

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Ep. 219: Understanding Dysgraphia: Signs, Strategies, and Support for Struggling Writers with Natasha Gray 33:21

5M ago33:21

33:21

This week, we discuss the complexities of dysgraphia, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can greatly affect written expression. We are joined by Natasha Gray, founder of Spark Learning in the Caribbean. We unpack dysgraphia and what it is and highlight its varied types and how it often overlaps with other challenges such as ADHD and dyslexia. Natas…

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Shaking Up States 53:13

5M ago53:13

53:13

Dr. Jeanette Benigas and cohost Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, are joined by Mikayla Treynor, MA/SLP, to discuss the vital work being done by Fix SLP’s state teams, from addressing Medicaid CCC requirements to educating legislators on the impact of outdated policies. The team emphasizes the importance of persistence, collaboration, and education in driving…

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Ep. 218: Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans: Which One Is Right for Your Child? - Marisol Chianello 39:31

6M ago39:31

39:31

In this episode, we had a wonderful conversation with Marisol Chianello, TIGER Director at Learning Rights Law Center where she empowers parents of children in special education through the "Know Your Rights" program. With a legal career that began in 2005, Marisol has worked with many nonprofits advocating for marginalized groups, and she also cur…

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Just More SLP: Your Vision for the New Year 46:59

6M ago46:59

46:59

As 2024 comes to a close, join Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MA/SLP, as they celebrate Fix SLP’s remarkable achievements and share their vision for an empowering 2025. From significant Medicaid credentialing changes to progress in eliminating barriers like the CCC requirement, they reflect on the year’s milestones and discuss their …

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Ep. 217: Assessing Learning Differences in Bilingual Students & Students in Dual Language Programs with Dr. Vindia Fernandez 35:02

6M ago35:02

35:02

Joining us for this episode of the podcast is Dr. Vindia Fernandez, who has been on the show before back in episode 3. Dr. Fernandez earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Houston and completed her APA-accredited internship and fellowship at UCLA, specializing in neurodevelopmental issues like autism, ADHD, and learning disa…

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Money Talks, ASHA Whispers 49:54

6M ago49:54

49:54

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, examine the financial landscape of speech-language pathology, highlighting ASHA's $65 million in cash reserves and $71 million in investments. They critique ASHA's spending priorities, including minimal investment in lobbying, and question how these funds could better …

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The ASHA Convention That Changed Everything 1:00:38

6M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

In this episode, Colleen Ashford, MS/SLP, joins Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, to share her first-time experience at the ASHA convention. She takes us inside the ASHA leadership Q&A at this year’s convention, where only a small handful of attendees showed up out of 13,000. From overhearing conversations about extravagant dinners to realizing how discon…

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Ep. 216: Teen Anxiety: Signs, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options with Dr. Ashley Smith 36:02

6M ago36:02

36:02

This week, we had an engaging and enlightening discussion with Dr. Ashley Smith about teen anxiety. Dr. Ashley Smith is an award-winning licensed psychologist and expert in anxiety, and we explore the critical differences between stress and anxiety, the various factors that are causing the surge in teen anxiety, and actionable strategies for parent…

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The $72 Million ASHA Money Machine 49:46

6M ago49:46

49:46

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, and Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, dig into ASHA’s revenue streams, breaking down key categories such as member dues, convention profits, and special interest groups while highlighting the ongoing lack of financial transparency. A powerful minivan meltdown story illustrates the importance of knowing you…

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Ep. 215: How to Support Students Who Struggle with Reading Comprehension - with Dr. Emily Levy 25:09

6M ago25:09

25:09

This week we sit down with Dr. Emily Levy, founder and director of EBL Coaching, to explore the complexities of reading comprehension, a skill crucial for learners of all ages. While phonics and decoding often dominate discussions around reading challenges, Dr. Levy highlights the often-overlooked significance of comprehension, explaining that it’s…

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ASHA's Million Dollar Meals 46:02

6M ago46:02

46:02

In this episode of Fix SLP, Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, discusses the hot topic of ASHA's finances, joined by Elizabeth Nielsen, MA/SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP. The trio unpacks key insights from ASHA's 2023 Form 990, discussing eyebrow-raising numbers like the $1.3 million catering bill and the hefty salaries of executives. They also explore the…

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Ep. 214: Private Neuropsychological Evaluation vs. School Evaluation 19:59

6M ago19:59

19:59

Listen in to dive into a topic this week that often confuses parents, educators, and professionals alike: the differences between neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational evaluations, and school-based assessments. Listen as Karen breaks down the purpose, scope, and key distinctions of these evaluations. We begin by exploring the reasons wh…

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The Myth of the Mandatory CCC 54:57

7M ago54:57

54:57

Dr. Jeanette Benigas, SLP, and Preston Lewis, MS/SLP, tackle common myths in speech-language pathology, focusing on the necessity of the CCC. They debunk the misconception that the CCC is required to bill Medicare, emphasizing that Medicare policy is federal and does not vary by state. They clarify that reinstating the CCC involves only a fee, a pa…