448 Search Results for autism

Appy Learning with The Speech Techie

June 29, 2015 by - Leave your thoughts

Appy Learning with the Speech Techie

  What a wonderful way to start off a summer of learning! Last week, I was fortunate to be able to sit alongside a wonderful group of SLPs, OTs, teachers, and graduate students and participate in two full days of learning from  Sean Sweeney, known to many of you as The Speech Techie. Thanks to the generous support of the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) and the Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism (PEPSA), funded by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, we were able to offer this workshop for free. The topic, Apps in Context: Aligning Technology with Methodologies and Clinical Objectives for Students with Autism, is one that is near and dear to my heart. Like many on you, I am always looking for new ways to engage AAC learners, and using fun apps is a great... [Read More...]

Summer Reading: Five AAC Suggestions

June 8, 2015 by - Leave your thoughts

Summer Reading: Five AAC Suggestions

It is sunny and hot where we live, and we’re honoring the tradition of using beach and pool time to catch up on some of the books and articles that have been piling up throughout the year.  Are you looking for summer reading material that goes beyond magazines and light fiction? Here are a few AAC selections to round out your summer reading list. The Impact of IQ on Using High-tech Augmentative Alternative Communication AAC in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Drs. Rana Zeina, Laila Al-Ayadhi, and Shahid Bashir AAC in the Schools: Best Practices for Intervention by Drs. Nancy Robinson and Gloria Soto  Aided Augmentative Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Dr. Jennifer Ganz Critical Issues Using Brain-Computer Interfaces for Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Dr. Katya Hill, Mr. Thomas Kovacs, and Sangeun Shin Real-Life Challenges in Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral... [Read More...]

Video of the Week: Communication Supports for Problem Behavior with Dr. Pat Mirenda

May 13, 2015 by - 2 Comments

Video of the Week: Communication Supports for Problem Behavior with Dr. Pat Mirenda

Last month, it was such a great honor to host Dr. Pat Mirenda at the UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). As some of you know, she was the presenter at our annual Issues in Autism Conference, and also was kind enough to record a shorter version of the presentation for the CARD eLearning site, CARD VINE. You can view that presentation below, and get the handout for it here.  

Video of the Week: SGDs for People with ASD

April 29, 2015 by - 1 Comment

Video of the Week: SGDs for People with ASD

To wrap up Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, we turn to the Autism Internet Modules, created by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ellen Franzone introduces us to a comprehensive look at SGDs and their application with people who have ASD. You may have to register to access the site, but the information is worth the extra effort. Also, don’t miss the downloadable resources, such as this SGD Implementation Checklist.     Direct Link: http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/mod_intro.php?mod_id=35 Franzone, E., & Collet-Klingenberg, L. (2010). Speech generating devices for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Madison: The University of Wisconsin, The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Waisman Center.  

AAC Posts from PrAACtical Week # 15: April 2015

April 12, 2015 by - Leave your thoughts

AAC Posts from PrAACtical Week # 15: April 2015

Monday – 20 Ways for SLPs to Celebrate Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month Tuesday – PrAACtical Thoughts on Mastery Wednesday – Video of the Week: AAC for Students Who Can Speak Thursday – How We Do It: S’MORRES and Partner Augmented Input with Dr. Jill Senner & Matthew Baud Friday – Autism Support Lives Here

Video of the Week: AAC for Students Who Can Speak

April 8, 2015 by - Leave your thoughts

Video of the Week: AAC for Students Who Can Speak

“But my student can speak. Why would we use AAC?” We often get this question from our fellow SLPs, particularly those who work with students who have autism. From the question alone, it seems like AAC is not needed, and would be a step backward for this particular student. But what happens when we dig a little deeper? The last time this question was posed to me, it was about Marcella, an 8 year old with ASD. As the conversation progressed, we learned more about Marcella’s communication profile. Independently, she uses 2-3 word sentences to ask for things she wants (e.g., “Want that popsicle.” “More Dora”) and single words to protest (“No!”). With prompting Marcella uses 1-2 words for greeting (e.g., “Hi Tony”), labelling (e.g., “Dora book”), answer questions, (e.g., “here,” “sunny”) and a few other social purposes. So, what’s the problem? For starters, Marcella is capable of more. In... [Read More...]

Video of the Week: AAC and ASD

April 1, 2015 by - Leave your thoughts

Video of the Week: AAC and ASD

To kick off Autism Awareness and Acceptance month, we turn to a video on AAC and ASD. Thanks to Michael McSheehan and the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire for this helpful video. https://vimeo.com/album/2645578/video/97834273  

Growing Our Ranks: An AAC Confessional

March 5, 2015 by - Leave your thoughts

Growing Our Ranks: An AAC Confessional

It’s funny where life takes you. A former student of mine was unhappy as an attorney, but found deep satisfaction in becoming an SLP. Another one enjoyed her work as an SLP, but reached even more lives by founding a company for low tech communication and literacy materials. As SLP students, we might not have considered the role that people with AAC needs would play on our caseloads. And with over 90% of school-based SLPs serving kids with autism, my guess is that many who are now supporting nonverbal or minimally verbal students had no intention of specializing in AAC. And yet, there they are: a language lifeline for students who cannot communicate effectively through speech. I am so grateful to today’s guest author, Sara Barnhill, for sharing her own experience in becoming an AAC service provider. Sara is an SLP who has has worked at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at... [Read More...]