Archives

Integrating Low Tech Options and Eye Gaze

March 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Use this resource and supportive clinical materials to implement low tech eye gaze options for those with multiple disabilities. Holyfield, C., Caron, J., Lorah, E., & Norton, B. (2023). Effect of low-tech augmentative and alternative communication intervention on intentional triadic gaze as alternative access by school-age children with multiple disabilities. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services […]
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Early Introduction of AAC in Medically Complex Infants

December 31, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Early introduction to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an evidence-based intervention for children at risk for developing speech and language delays secondary to medical complexity. This handout provides information related to the importance of early introduction to AAC to aid the development of language skills. Davidoff, B. E. (2017). AAC With Energy—Earlier: Research shows […]
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How to Assess and Support Light Tech AAC Users

September 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This resource provides a general roadmap for assessing and implementing light augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tasks and activities for clients who are either non-speaking or with delayed initiation of verbal communication. Rowland, C., & Fried-Oken, M. (2010). Communication matrix: A clinical and Research Assessment tool targeting children with severe communication disorders. Journal of Pediatric […]
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Comparative Effects of Picture Symbol With Paired Text and Text-Only Augmentative and Alternative Communication Representations on Communication From Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (2021)

January 16, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The author used a very small sample size with a total of four students, who were all male, and attended elementary school in self-contained special education classrooms. The study required that the students have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder with minimal functional speech, be able to isolate their finger to point to images […]
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Strategies to Develop Receptive and Expressive Language Skills with Children Who Use AAC

January 9, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Many families find it difficult to support the communicative needs of their little ones who depend on AAC for participation in activities of daily living. This resource is for therapists, parents, caregivers, and educators who are seeking ideas and activities to build receptive and expressive language skills with their children who use aided AAC.
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Modeling Language with AAC

December 30, 2021 by Megan Berg.
This therapy intervention task is designed for pediatric clinicians working with children to use AAC devices to effectively communicate wants, needs, and ideas. The printable resource includes a PDF with instructions on how to model language using AAC and includes a quick practice board with the words “want,” “go,” “stop,” “help,” “turn,” and “more.”
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Mealtime Communication Mat

December 29, 2021 by Megan Berg.
Feeding therapy or mealtimes in general can be stressful for children with sensory processing issues or communication difficulties. Use this communication mat during snack, meals, or feeding therapy to model language for early learners.
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Increasing Functional Communication Exchanges with AAC: Beyond Requesting

December 27, 2021 by Megan Berg.
AAC devices are often used in limited capacities and the focus is on teaching the user to request as the main function, but that’s not how voiced individuals communicate. This resource provides examples and activities to engage AAC users to expand their language beyond simply requesting.
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Core Word Picture Cards for Everyday Therapy

December 23, 2021 by Megan Berg.
These visual cards can be used in therapy and at home as a functional activity. One way to use these cards is during play routines (e.g., practice “in” and “out” while playing with a toy; prompt the child by asking, “Is the ball in the box or out of the box?” and point to the correct cord word image).
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