Cozy chats about speech, language and learning
For many children on the autism spectrum, language isn’t simply about words—it’s about connection. A child may be verbal—able to use words, phrases, or even full sentences—yet still not understand that these verbalizations are messages meant for another person. They may echo phrases repeatedly (echolalia),…
As a seasoned speech-language pathologist, I’ve had AAC users on my caseload for years. This course was a fresh reminder that successful AAC use isn’t just about the technology—it’s about relationships, responsiveness, and readiness. This blog will give AAC family coaching tips for speech-language pathologists.…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how we deliver speech and language services. From real-time data collection to virtual articulation tools, AI offers both exciting opportunities and new challenges for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). In this post, we explore…
Teaching greetings to a student on the autism spectrum using a multi-sensory approach can be highly effective, especially for those who crave sensory stimulation. Here’s a structured plan that incorporates various sensory modalities: 1. Visual Supports 2. Auditory Supports 3. Tactile Supports 4. Kinesthetic Supports…
Augmentative Communication Unlocks Potential, improves communication, enhances social interactions, increases participation in education.
Aided Language Input When working with children that are using an augmentative communication system it is important that every child has their own personal communication system. It is also important the adults that are interacting with the children are using a similar symbol system so…
As speech and language pathologists, we evaluate student’s speech and language skills. Although there is a wealth of evaluation tools for students for speech and language it is sometimes difficult to find tools for our students with severe disabilities. We especially want a tool that…
One of the shifts in working with students with significant disabilities has been the selection of vocabulary that we teach and how we introduce that. Previously we would teach concrete nouns that were in the child’s environment or were part of a lesson. It would…
I have been a speech and language pathologist, for now, forty-one years and over that time I have experienced changes in how we conduct therapy as research further defines best practices. One area that has been rapidly changing is in our work with students with…
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is constantly evolving not just the technology surrounding it but also the vocabulary that we emphasis as we teach it. I have been in the field for forty-one years and have seen the transformation of how we think of AAC.…