Bridging ABA, Speech Pathology, and Cultural Humility with Dr. Mei-Hua Li

In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben welcomes Mei-Hua Li, BCBA-D and speech-language pathology clinical fellow, for a discussion that sits at the intersection of behaviour analysis, communication, and cultural responsiveness. Drawing from her unique dual training in applied behaviour analysis and speech-language pathology, Mei-Hua explores how collaboration between BCBAs and SLPs can improve outcomes for autistic individuals and others with communication needs.

The conversation examines AAC and speech-generating devices, language development, aphasia, apraxia, and verbal behaviour, and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary practice. Mei-Hua shares practical examples of how behavioural assessment and intervention can complement speech and language expertise to create more effective, individualized support plans.

A major focus of the episode is culturally responsive care. Mei-Hua discusses her work with Chinese and Chinese-American families, the influence of Confucian values such as filial piety, and the importance of cultural humility when delivering services. She offers concrete strategies for working effectively with interpreters, understanding family perspectives, addressing stigma surrounding autism, and building trust through meaningful collaboration. 

The episode concludes with a look at Mei-Hua's work with Chinatown Child Respite Care, a nonprofit supporting Chinese-speaking immigrant families of neurodivergent children through respite services, community building, education, and advocacy.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/msdfio-VbuA

Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop)

BACB: 1.0 Ethics
IBAO:  1.0 Cultural
QABA: 1.0 Ethics
CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity

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Links

Chinatown Respite Care

https://www.chinatownrespite.com/

https://www.instagram.com/chinatown.respite/

Articles Referenced

Masters, C., Robinson, D., Faulkner, S., Patterson, E., McIlraith, T., & Ansari, A. (2019). Addressing Biases in Patient Care with The 5Rs of Cultural Humility, a Clinician Coaching Tool. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34(4), 627–630. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4814-y

Moreno, G., Wong-Lo, M., Short, M., & Bullock, L. M. (2014). Implementing a culturally attuned functional behavioural assessment to understand and address challenging behaviours demonstrated by students from diverse backgrounds. Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties, 19(4), 343–355. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632752.2013.860682

Related Episodes:

Culturally Responsive Family-Centred PBS for Chinese Immigrant Famiies with Chloe Wang

https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/building-culturally-responsive-family-centred-pbs-for-chinese-immigrant-families-chloe-wang/

Supporting Children Across Cultures with ABA and PBS with Dianna Yip
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-270-beyond-compliance-supporting-children-across-cultures-with-aba-and-pbs-with-dianna-yip-med-bcba/
 
Empowering The Chinese Autism Community with Hazel Lim
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-212-empowering-the-chinese-autism-community-with-hazel-lim/
 
Collaboration and Mentorship with Landria Seals-Green
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-57-huddle-up-collaboration-and-mentorship-with-landria-seals-green-ccc-slp-bcba/