Aided language input, also referred to as aided language stimulation or modeling, is a communication partner strategy in which a communication partner activates buttons or points to icons on a communicator’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system as they interact with the individual verbally (Goosens’, Crane, and Elder, 1992). For example, touching the button for “Look” as a communication partner verbally says, “Look at that!”
Read MoreWhen selecting vocabulary for an emerging Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) user, many individuals first think of words the individual needs to express their wants and needs. On a vocabulary selection inventory, parents may provide an extensive list of their child’s favorite toys and snacks as words to include on their child’s AAC system. While we cannot undermine the importance of words that allow an individual to request, it is essential to consider additional communicative functions (e.g., refusing, commenting, describing, directing actions and attention, asking and answering questions) when selecting vocabulary.
Read MoreI’m sharing ideas for a pizza-themed therapy session for emerging Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users. These activities are adaptable based on the age and language level of your kiddos. I’ll focus on AAC users within the context of this blog post, but this is by no means all encompassing. While I’ve carried out these activities via teletherapy, they can alos be implemented in person. Flexibility is the name of the game with therapy materials and home practice.
Read MoreDoes anyone else feel as though we are moving a million miles a minute? Describing our society as fast-paced is an understatement. When you bring kids into the picture, things move even faster.
However, what happens when we pause? Slowing down is important for so many reasons (e.g., mental, physical, emotional). However, slowing down when talking with our children is especially important when we consider language development, particularly for those with language delays and disorders.
Read MoreResearch shows that approximately 15% of toddlers exhibit delayed language skills whereas only 3% of preschoolers present with a language delay/disorder (Paul, 1996). This means that many toddlers with language delays will catch up to their typically-developing peers with speech therapy and/or time.
I don’t have a crystal ball to predict whether a child’s language delay will persist or resolve. However, research on language delays and disorders have identified factors that help us determine whether a child is at an increased risk of a language disorder, or language deficits that persist into school-age years and/or beyond.
Read MoreWith the Core Word of the Week, we focus on modeling one core word each week. It’s been amazing to observe the progress for both my kiddos and their families. As for the kids, they’re using core words to communicate in novel and flexible ways. As for the parents, they’ve become experts at modeling their child’s AAC system.
Read More
