Bridging Connections: Therapeutic Approach to Growth with Brooke Wagner

On the Young Special Podcast, host interviews Brooke Wagner, owner of Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG) and host of the “Finding Hope on the Spectrum” podcast, about her 25+ years in autism services and how the field has shifted from traditional discrete trial drills toward presuming competence and more meaningful, child-focused supports. Wagner explains ABA as a science of shaping behavior and describes TAG’s naturalistic, play-based model that emphasizes internal motivation over token systems and external reinforcers. She details Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) as a parent-empowering, family-focused approach centered on building a guiding relationship, quality of life, and connection through strategies like declarative communication. They discuss collaboration challenges with schools, funding sources (regional centers, insurance, districts), concerns about private equity in ABA, her podcast’s goal of sharing overlooked resources, and her message to parents to keep hope and set a clear vision for their child’s future.

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👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1