I try approach early language intervention and acquisition in the most natural settings as possible and will address your child’s interests and preferences. I will meet your child where they are and  model new utterances throughout the sessions. Continually taking data on what communication exchanges happen is very important for goal building and will give me concrete examples of what parents should work on for optimal carry over. 

That’s one thing I love so much about speech therapy-how broad it is and how it can help so many people. I work with elementary-high school students on academic language goals as well, incorporating technology as needed. I have over 10 years of experience with reading comprehension interventions, organizational techniques, building vocabulary and formal writing. 

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. I came by being an A/AAC specialist by chance, and now I love it. AAC can be low tech, which means non electronic/paper, or it can be high tech, which means an electronic device that speaks various words and messages. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.

AAC users should not stop using speech if they are able to do so. The AAC aids and devices are used to enhance their communication. Link to: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/

• Non-speaking students
• Speaking students who need assistance with increasing functional language
• Students with reduced social language
• Students who benefit from pragmatic models, such as conversation. 
• Students with reduced grammar
• Students with motor planning difficulties such as apraxia
• Students with medical conditions/disorders that prevent them from producing oral speech, or intelligible oral speech. 

No! In fact, AAC promotes oral speech. Some truths about AAC:

• AAC will NOT keep someone from developing or using natural speech.
• AAC tends to have a positive effect on speech production and has been recommended as a treatment method for development of natural speech
• Gains in speech production following introduction of AAC vary from individual-to-individual
• AAC is part of an individual’s overall communication system that includes natural speech.
• AAC enhances an individual’s ability to communicate effectively and independently

I am currently out-of-network for all insurance but I will gladly provide you with a receipt that includes all of the necessary billing information for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. 

AAC research results:

• Millar, Light & Schlosser (2006) reviewed previously published studies that, among other criteria, presented data on “speech production before, during and after AAC intervention.” This review revealed that participants demonstrated the following: – Increases in speech production—89% – No change in speech production—11% – Decreases in speech production—0%
• Schlosser & Wendt (2008) reviewed previously published studies describing the “effects of AAC on speech production in children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified.” They reported that a majority of studies revealed increases in speech production and “none…reported a decline.”
• Hux et al. (2006) found that evidence supporting the use of AAC to enhance speech production for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) exists. In addition to enhancing speech, AAC often supplemented it. That is, AAC was used in combination with natural speech.
• Finally, Hux et al. (2010) found that the best conversational outcome came when a person with aphasia used both her speech and AAC as opposed to wither form of communication individually. It is important to note that the communication board used in this study was shared by the communication partner and the person with aphasia. (adapted from Tobii Dynavox)

Good question! I will begin by taking background information to understand how your child communicates. At the time of the eval, I will try several AAC applications and recommend one for a trial. The evaluation can span 2-3 sessions depending on your child’s needs and comfortability. I will assist you with the paperwork for the loaner and come for a follow up training and implementation session.