ommunication. AAC is communication in a variety of ways, other than talking. This could be Alternative communication, to be used in place of speech. Or it can be Augmentative, to be used to support speech in order to make it more effective. 

AAC can include no-tech options, low-tech options, or high-tech options. Examples include:

AAC can be used for a variety of individuals, including young children with developmental disabilities, Autistic individuals, or adults who have acquired a disorder later on in life. 

These modes of communication allow for independence in the user’s environment. This could include allowing a child to communicate wants at home, being able to participate in conversations at school, making friends with same-age peers, and advocating for themselves in a variety of situations

All individuals have the fundamental right to communication. Reach out to your therapists with any questions you may have. 

https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/#collapse_1

https://www.asha.org/njc/communication-bill-of-rights/

AAC. What is it, and is it Right For My Child?

Are you worried that your child might have dyslexia? There is so much information available online and in the community about dyslexia, that it can be tricky to know what to believe and when to seek help. Here is a quick look at just a few of the common myths about dyslexia and some guidance for seeking help if your child is struggling with reading or pre reading skills.

MYTH- If a child reverses letters such as “p,b,d, and/or q”, they have dyslexia.

FACT- Letter reversals may be an indication that your child has dyslexia if they persist beyond the end of first grade or past the age of seven. Prior to this, letter reversals are common and do not indicate the need for evaluation or intervention when occurring in isolation.

MYTH- Dyslexia is only a concern for school age children.

FACT- Dyslexia does not suddenly appear when children begin school. Many children who are later diagnosed with dyslexia were late talkers and/or struggled with non-developmental phonological processing disorders (patterns of speech sound errors). Children with language and speech sound disorders in preschool should be closely monitored for pre reading and early reading skills prior to beginning school. 

FACT- Individuals do not outgrown dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language based, neurological disorder that can be treated. Individuals with dyslexia learn to decode and spell through systematic, explicit instruction that may be multisensory based.

FACT- Dyslexia is not a problem with vision, although individuals with dyslexia can also have vision issues. It is important to screen and evaluate for vision deficits to rule out any effects of poor vision.

MYTH- Non-English speakers or English Language Learners cannot have dyslexia.

FACT- Dyslexia is not specific to English. It affects all cultures and languages; and individuals who have difficulty reading and writing in their native language will also have difficulty reading and writing in English.

MYTH- Only individuals with a high or low IQ can have dyslexia.

FACT- There is no correlation between cognition and dyslexia. Dyslexia is present across the continuum of cognitive functioning. Difficulty with reading can be present in those with a high IQ as well as those with lower IQs. Low IQ no longer disqualifies individuals from receiving intervention to address reading disorders.

MYTH- Reading to your child will cure dyslexia.

FACT- Reading to your child is key for building speech, language, and literacy awareness. It is also a tremendous way to encourage bonding, closeness, and shared attention. Shared reading will not, however, cure dyslexia. Intervention for dyslexia must include systematic, explicit teaching of the rules and patterns for decoding and spelling.

You should speak to your child’s SLP about dyslexia/written language disorder:

Dyslexia Myths

Hey everyone! The speech-language pathologists at Marshall Pediatric Therapy wanted to share some fun and enriching activities you can try with your family. The weather is finally warming up, creating perfect moments to learn outside. Take your child on a nature walk or go on a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood. We can use these opportunities to work on our speech/language skills:

Take items from your outside adventures and make a nature collage suncatcher using a paper plate and contact paper!

Growing Speech Skills Outdoors

Are you concerned that your child is not talking? Most children say their first words around 12 months, and can expand their vocabulary up to 50 words by the time they are 18 months old! Children are so smart, and can often do this on their own. However, oftentimes there are children that need a little encouragement. Here are some tricks to get your child talking:

If you don’t see improvement in your child’s vocabulary after trying these strategies, it might be time to seek the help of a Speech Language Pathologist.

Speech Therapy

AAC. What is it, and is it Right For My Child?

Dyslexia Myths

Growing Speech Skills Outdoors

Addressing Early Language Skills at Home