Speech pathologists have an important role to play in literacy instruciton. Unfortunately, my graduate program never taught me what that role was or ... Read more
Viewing category: AAC
Shared Reading as Evidence-Based Practice
Did you know that shared storybook reading is an evidence-based practice for increasing expressive language skills? Not only does research support ... Read more
Core Vocabulary for Evidence-Based Practice
The following is a portion of a research paper combined with additional thoughts about using core vocabulary boards in my ... Read more
Core or PECS for students with ASD?
At the beginning of this year, multiple people in my district began discussing communication for children with autism. The early childhood ... Read more
Low-tech AAC: Picture Exchange (Pros and Cons)
Please note before I begin this post that I am aware that PECS is a specific and trademarked system. I have been through the formal training, however, ... Read more
Low-tech AAC: Core Vocabulary (Pros and Cons)
Last year, several SLPs in my district attended a fantastic conference by Gail Van Tatenhove. By the end of the two days, we were ready to make some ... Read more
Low-tech AAC: PODD (Pros and Cons)
Seventeen years ago I was a brand new SLP graduate. I accepted the only mid-year job that I could find (overage for 2 SLPs with high caseloads) and ... Read more
How to use a mini core board
Have you ever considered attaching a core board to your body? Since we are often on the move with students, having one on you at all times would be ... Read more
Engage AAC users with a manipulative core board!
Although picture exchange can be an effective communication system for some individuals (Tien, 2008), there are limitations to its use ... Read more
5 ways to teach the alphabet to early language learners
Ms. T walked into the class to observe and was a little shocked. She saw the speech pathologist singing and signing the alphabet to a group of ... Read more
What is LAMP? How does it help communication?
When my lovely Kindergarten student began school, she had an iPad and an app with 30 words on it. She was primarily using gestures, facial ... Read more
Learning core words- one letter at a time
Have you ever had a student with almost no words but you knew that they had a lot to say? These are the students that fascinate me the most. I ... Read more
Modeling Language- A Free Course
When you work with a student who is non-verbal or minimally verbal, do you wonder what to do? During my first year out of grad school, I was ... Read more
eMerging SLPs: Merging into the self-contained classroom
As far as speech pathology jobs go, I have a tough population. I wear Kevlar sleeves as part of my uniform. I have developed wicked fast reflexes. I ... Read more