#301: Assent-Based Care with Cristina Theis
Teaching someone to say “no” is just as important as teaching them to say “yes.”
I’m joined by Cristina Theis, Director of Training & Educational Development at Firefly Autism, to explore what assent-based care actually looks like in practice, especially when supporting autistic learners with complex communication and behavioral needs.
We talk about moving beyond simply using terms like assent-based or trauma-informed and making sure those values show up in our everyday clinical decisions. Cristina shares why self-advocacy and communication come first, including teaching learners meaningful, understandable ways to tell us when they are, or are not, comfortable participating.
We also dig into interdisciplinary collaboration and why shared values can help BCBAs, SLPs, OTs, educators, and other professionals work through differences in clinical recommendations. I especially love Cristina’s reminder that collaboration does not mean abandoning the science. We can try something, collect data, look at the results, and come back together as a team.
#autism #speechtherapy
What’s Inside:
- What assent and assent withdrawal can look like in practice
- Why teaching “no” supports autonomy and self-advocacy
- Using shared values to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration
- Balancing compassionate care, clinical judgment, and data
Mentioned In This Episode:Firefly AutismFirefly Autism on InstagramSay It With Me by Rose GriffinAAC Mastery for SLPs and BCBAsEarn CEUs with a community of peers. Join the ABA Speech ConnectionABA Speech: Home
