Archives

Supporting Literacy Development in AAC Users

June 30, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Literacy, the ability to read and write, is an essential skill for academic success in individuals with disabilities especially those utilizing AAC as a primary means of communication. This resource summarizes how to support AAC users in early literacy development.
This content is only available to members.

Parent Training Tips for AAC Implementation

May 31, 2024 by Ashley Zhinin.
Parents and caregivers are the initial teachers of communication skills to young children. Children who require augmentative and alternative communication to support language require additional support from caregivers to acquire the language as well as access the language within their system to functionally communicate.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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 […]
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.

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.”
This content is only available to members.

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.
This content is only available to members.