Presentation Overview

INTERACT to Say: A Quick Guide to Early Speech Development

Speech is shaped — not commanded. This 30-minute Learning CEU gives RBTs a practical, behavior-analytic view of early speech development, from prelinguistic vocalizations and phonetically consistent forms through intelligible approximations of mands. Participants will learn to recognize typical vocal milestones, use pairing and echoic trials with a 1–2 second delay to evoke vocalizations, and differentially reinforce approximations by delivering the reinforcer more quickly, in greater quantity, or for longer duration — the “I talk, I get” contingency. The training also covers the RBT’s role in transcribing mand approximations, spontaneous vocalizations, and Early Echoic Skills Assessment items for the supervising BCBA/SLP, and clarifies the scope-of-practice boundary between implementing a shaping program and designing one, consistent with the RBT Ethics Code (2.0).

Learning Objectives

What you'll learn...after completing this presentation, participants will be able to

  • Identify the sequence of early vocal milestones (cooing, babbling, phonetically consistent forms, word approximations, two-word combinations) and describe at least two RBT behaviors that pair the spoken word with reinforcement during delivery.

  • Demonstrate the procedure for delivering 3–5 echoic trials with a 1–2 second delay during contrived mand opportunities within a playcha

  • Differentially reinforce vocal approximations of a mand by adjusting latency, quantity, or duration of the reinforcer, and accurately transcribe approximations for the supervising BCBA/SLP

Continuing Education

The NDBI Navigator is an approved continuing education provider for the BACB, QABA, and IBAO.

Professionals from other disciplines will receive a professional development certificate, which they can submit to their respective licensing boards for consideration.

Your Presenter

Tamara Kasper, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA, LBA

Tamara Kasper, is a dually certified speech-language pathologist and behavior analyst with nearly 40 years dedicated to advancing engagement, communication, and speech production for individuals with autism. Mentored by Dr. Vincent Carbone, she earned her BCBA in 2006 and later partnered with Nancy Kaufman to develop the K&K Sign/Select to Talk Kit. A WISHA Clinical Achievement Award recipient and ASHA DiCarlo Award nominee, she has contributed to leading texts in ethics and language development for autistic learners. Known for her “inspirational” and “empowering” teaching, Tamara is an international lecturer recognized for practical, evidence-based methods that build early non-vocal communication, social behavioral playchains, assent, AAC, and functional speech. She previously directed The Center for Autism Treatment and now provides consulting, training, and products through Kasper Enterprises. She is also co-founder and contributor to BRIDGIFY, a global network bridging expert voices and practical tools for greater impact.

Presentation Content

  1. 1

    • About the Presentation

    • Meet Tamara Kasper

    • Professional Practice Reminder

    • Video: INTERACT to Say: A Quick Guide to Early Speech Development

    • Presentation Handout

    • Quiz

    • Survey