Will an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Keep My Child From Talking?

Our Speech Therapy team discusses the benefits of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. View this email in your browser Will an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device Keep My Child From Talking?     "My child's SLP recommended that we trial an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system and I'm worried that this means we are giving up on spoken speech. If my child uses AAC, will it keep him from talking? I'm also worried that he will just want to use the device to watch videos or play games. Is this a good recommendation for my child?" We hear this concern from parents quite often. But… did you know that the research actually shows that AAC facilitates communication, rather than hindering it? In addition, multiple research studies have shown that providing an alternate means for communication can effectively reduce challenging behaviors and expand language and communication skills. Access to AAC can foster independence, support natural speech development, increase participation in classroom activities, and provide opportunities for social interaction with peers, teachers, and family members. Many of the behaviors we see are related to inability to communicate. Using an AAC system can increase self-advocacy and autonomy, so your child can communicate more effectively to: - protest an activity or indicate a desire to transition to something new (e.g., "stop," "don't," "no," "I don't want to!" "I don't like this!" "Leave me alone") - indicate sensory needs (e.g., "loud," "swing," "Give me a push," "It's break time") - make requests for desired items or activities (e.g., "play," "eat," "swing," "give it to me!" "time to go!" "Let's listen to Super Simple Songs") - ask for assistance (e.g., "help," "open," "Can you get that," "Help me out here!") - communicate emotions (e.g., "mad," "lonely," "I'm so happy!") - share about new experiences (e.g., "go," "worried," "new," "Where are we going?") - engage socially with others to find common interests and share experiences (e.g., "hi," "mine," "Wanna play?") - share enjoyment (e.g., "love," "favorite," "so much fun!") Did you know AAC can also support literacy skills? AAC provides tools for early literacy experiences, such as recognizing letters, sounds, and words, paired with visual symbols. This early exposure helps build a great foundation for later literacy learning. Also, providing access to AAC can help support shared reading activities and can later expand comprehension, including understanding and interpreting text. Is your child a gestalt language processor? We also have many options to customize your child's AAC system to fit their unique learning style. AAC systems can be tailored to an individual's specific needs, preferences, and communication goals, making them highly versatile and effective tools, regardless of their language learning style. We can record programmed words and gestalts with real voices with rich intonation, making it motivating and engaging. We can also add gestalts from your child's favorite media sources using video pop-ups, or by recording the original audio. The options for customization are truly endless! Will my child use AAC long-term? Some children do use AAC long-term and prefer it as their primary method of communication, while some need it only temporarily while their spoken skills are expanding. We all use various forms of AAC (e.g., texting, email, written messages) in daily life, so having a "back-up" option for communication can be helpful, even for speaking people. It is also common for neurodivergent individuals to experience situational mutism, or moments where they can't access spoken speech. In these cases, AAC is vital. But what if my child exits the AAC app and wants to play games or scroll videos? We look at each case individually, but there are settings available to guide your child to stay in the communication app. We also individualize the language system to be highly motivating for your child and our goal is to get their "buy-in" so they will want to use the device to communicate with others. Also, devices funded by insurance and Medicaid are designed to be solely for communication, and will not have other apps accessible. Speaking from clinical experience, in my 15 years of working as an SLP, I haven't seen a single case where AAC prevented a child from talking. It consistently enhances communication and increases access and learning. Also, in our high-tech world, most kids are highly motivated by technology. AAC provides a great opportunity for us to utilize technology in a positive way! AAC has been shown to consistently improve communication outcomes, so don't be afraid to give it a try!   References: Kasari et al. (2014): "Communication Interventions for Minimally Verbal Children With Autism: Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial." Millar, Light, & Schlosser (2006): "The Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on the Speech Production of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: A Research Review." Sedey Rosin & Miller (1991): "Augmentative Communication and Early Intervention: Myths and Realities." Carr & Durand (1985): "Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training." Drager Light & Mcnaughton (2010): "Effects of AAC interventions on communication and language for young children with complex communication needs." Robinson & Owens (1995): "Functional augmentative communication and behavioral change.         CONTACT US Share Tweet Forward Website Facebook Copyright © 2025 Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or offline form Our mailing address is: Cutting Edge Pediatric Therapy 900 Junction Drive Allen, TX 75013 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Why torticollis doesn't just disappear

Hello! Torticollis is when your baby has a tight neck and prefers to look in just one direction. This is often associated with a tilt to one side. Contrary to what you may here, your baby won't just grow out of it. In fact, even with therapy it can keep popping up as your child grows. I know what you may be thinking: That's Crazy! As a parent of a child with torticollis I have seen it. It's because they grow so much and change their skill demands so much that they are constantly overusing that tight side as things change. It's just like us either opening our mouths as we apply mascara or moving our bodies as we try to play video games. Our bodies default to postures that stabilize and are easy to get into. So what can you do? If your child was already seen for torticollis you can reach back out to their therapist for a check in. If they are a baby and you are noticing a preference get into a PT right away! Also, here are some resources that can support you and your child! Stacy P.S. 'Wait and See' is almost never the answer!

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The Latest from Radio Health Journal - 02/24/25

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View this email in your browser The latest from Radio Health Journal: How A Fungal Pandemic Could Create Real-Life Zombies Published: Feb 23, 2025 05:05 am Dr. Arturo Casadevall explains what a future fungal pandemic might look like. Comments | Read in browser » The Secret To Successful Aging: Outdoor-Based Activities To Keep You Young Published: Feb 23, 2025 05:04 am Our experts explain the benefits to prioritizing outdoor-based interventions and group activities. Comments | Read in browser » Medical Notes: Why Hopeful Fathers Should Live In Cold Weather, How Dialysis Is Improving Access To Clean Water, And The Dangers Of Using A Smartwatch Published: Feb 19, 2025 05:05 am How can you tell if your sniffles are just allergies or something worse? Should men be living in colder climates? The medical field is helping to increase access to clean water. Your smart watch may not be as great for your health as you thought. Comments | Read in browser »   Listen to the RHJ podcast: Looking for more to listen to? Grab-and-go content with trending AURN-produced podcasts: Find exclusive content and support our show by following us on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube using the links below. Copyright © 2025 American Urban Radio Networks, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at radiohealthjorunal.org to receive our newsletter. Our mailing address is: American Urban Radio Networks 938 Penn Ave Ste 701 Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3710 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

When you just need a time out!

Hello! Ever have one of those days where you feel like everything is going wrong and you don't have any patience left for anything? I often call those days my 'does not play well with others' days! This is where we need our emotional regulation. Our ability to respond instead of react. Add in a child who is also having a hard time regulating their emotions and it can be a tough day. Well don't worry we have some ideas for you that can help! Check out our Emotional Regulation post that has a few quick and easy ideas. If you want to work on this with your child you can also try out some yoga. Our alphabet yoga cards make it fun. Download your free starter set now. Here's to coregulating with your kids! Stacy P.S. It's always on the days that I am struggling that my child seems to have the hardest time. Sometimes I just wrap him in a tight hug and either whisper 'I love you' over and over to him or take slow deep breaths so he can feel my chest rising and falling.

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