“Not being able to speak
is not the same as not having anything to say.” — Rosemary Crossley
Using AAC at Home with Your Child Parent Info Session
English
Usar Comunicación Augmentative y alternativa (CAA) en casa
con su hijo Spanish
1.
Executive Functioning Strategies
ADHD
affects executive functioning, which includes organizing thoughts, remembering
instructions, and completing tasks. SLPs can focus on helping children develop
these skills to improve their communication.
TECHNIQUES:
RESOURCES:
Book:
“The
Executive Functioning Workbook for Kids: 40 Fun Activities to Improve Memory,
Flexibility, Self-Control, and More” by Sharon Grand, PsyD, provides practical
strategies for improving executive functioning. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8WcXUaC
2.
Behavioral Techniques
Children
with ADHD benefit from structured feedback, reinforcement, and explicit rules
for communication tasks.
TECHNIQUES:
3.
Attention-Enhancing Techniques
ADHD
makes sustained attention difficult, so therapy should include strategies to
help children stay focused during communication tasks.
TECHNIQUES:
RESOURCES:
App:
GoNoodle offers movement-based activities to give children "brain
breaks" that improve attention during therapy sessions. GoNoodle Website https://www.gonoodle.com/
4.
Language and Communication Techniques
Children
with ADHD often struggle with expressive language, word retrieval, and
pragmatic (social) communication skills.
TECHNIQUES:
RESOURCES:
Book: "The
Incredible 5-Point Scale: Assisting Students in Understanding Social
Interactions and Controlling Their Emotional Responses" by
Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis. This book provides a practical framework to
help children with ADHD and other social communication difficulties understand
and manage their emotions and behaviors. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3w5PkRe
5.
Metacognitive Strategies
Teaching
children to think about their thinking (metacognition) helps them regulate
their communication and problem-solving strategies.
TECHNIQUES:
RESOURCES:
Book:
"The ADHD Workbook for Kids" by Lawrence Shapiro provides interactive
exercises for improving focus, organization, and self-control. Available on
Amazon: The ADHD Workbook for Kids https://a.co/d/9Y94dnl
6.
Pragmatic/Social Skills Interventions
Children
with ADHD often struggle with social communication, understanding non-verbal
cues, and following conversational rules.
TECHNIQUES:
RESOURCES:
Video
Modeling: https://youtu.be/38y_1EWIE9I?si=4wLFFsf_2scNDQYZ
School
Talk - Comic strip conversations: https://youtu.be/_laRP2-ZPZ4?si=AO62YyLzwB0r0BEu
Communication: https://autismteachingstrategies.com/communication/
Interaction:
https://autismteachingstrategies.com/interaction/
Emotions:
Free downloads activities https://autismteachingstrategies.com/emotions/
7.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Children
with ADHD benefit from mindfulness exercises that help them regulate their
emotions and improve focus during therapy.
TECHNIQUES:
Breathing
Exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to help children calm down and
manage impulsivity.
Mindfulness
Games: To improve sustained attention, use activities requiring sensory input
(e.g., focusing on sounds and textures).
RESOURCES:
Book:
“Sitting
Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)" by
Eline Snel. This book provides simple, playful mindfulness exercises for
children to help them develop focus, calmness, and emotional regulation. It’s
easy to integrate into therapy sessions and helps kids manage their ADHD
symptoms through mindfulness. Available
on Amazon: https://a.co/d/27Pkw6v
Additional
Resources:
Books:
“How
to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD” by Sandra Rief: A resource for
managing attention difficulties and supporting communication in educational
settings. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/38mEktc
Websites:
The
ADHD Foundation: Offers strategies and resources for ADHD management, including
improving communication and social skills. ADHD Foundation Website https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/
ADDitude:
Articles, tools, and printable guides for managing ADHD, with a focus on
communication, attention, and organization. https://www.additudemag.com
Social Skills Activities for Children
with Autism, AutismTeachingStrategies.com by Joel Shaul
https://autismteachingstrategies.com/ in many languages, many great printouts.
1. Auditory
Discrimination Training
STRATEGY:
Focused auditory discrimination exercises, a highly effective and
confidence-boosting method, can help children with hearing devices
differentiate between speech sounds. Exercises should involve contrasting
minimal pairs (words that differ by only one sound, like “bat” and
“pat”) to teach sound differentiation. Gradually increasing the complexity
from simple sounds to more complex sentence structures helps children become
better at distinguishing between speech sounds in connected speech.
2. Articulation
and Pronunciation Practice
3. Memory
Training to Strengthen Working Memory
4. Incorporating
Visual and Tactile Cues
5. Repetition
and Consistency in Language Exposure
STRATEGY:
Regular and consistent exposure to speech sounds and structured auditory input
is key to solidifying speech and language development. A language-rich
environment is essential to encourage children to use their auditory skills
consistently.
RESEARCH: According to Estabrooks et al. (2016), children benefit from daily auditory routines embedded in their school and home environments, which help them generalize learned speech sounds into everyday contexts. Create routines that involve storytelling, read-aloud sessions, or structured conversations in which the child is encouraged to use newly learned words or sounds. Daily practice and repetition help build memory and articulation accuracy.
RESOURCE:
"Auditory-Verbal Therapy: Science, Research, and Practice" by
Warren Estabrooks highlights strategies to ensure repetition and
consistency in auditory learning for children with hearing loss. Available on
Amazon: https://a.co/d/9MHzrXu
Getting organized before the school year starts can
save you time and stress later on. Here’s a practical approach to organizing
your speech therapy materials so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
1. Sort by Goals and Skills
Example: Start by grouping your materials according to
the specific goals and skills you’ll be targeting, like articulation, language,
social skills, or fluency. Use clear plastic bins or file folders for each
category. Label them with specific skills like “/s/ Articulation,” “Vocabulary
Development,” or “Pragmatic Language.” This way, when you have a student who
needs to work on a particular skill, you can easily grab the appropriate
materials.
2. Use a Binder System for Worksheets
Example: Gather all your printable worksheets and
activities into binders organized by topic. For instance, have one binder for
articulation, another for grammar, and another for social skills. Within each
binder, use dividers to further organize by specific sounds or grammar targets.
You can use sheet protectors to keep everything neat and reusable. Make sure to
have a “go-to” binder for frequently used materials to pull out what you need
quickly.
3. Create a Digital Resource Library
Example: For any digital resources you use, like apps,
PDFs, or online games, create a well-organized folder system on your computer
or cloud storage. Name your folders clearly, like “Speech Apps,” “Digital
Flashcards,” or “Interactive Games.” Bookmark your favorite online resources in
a dedicated browser folder. Consider creating a digital inventory list to find
and access what you need during sessions quickly.
4. Develop a “Grab-and-Go” Kit
Example: Use a portable kit with essential items you
use frequently, like a small mirror, articulation cards, a tally counter, and a
dry-erase board with markers. Keep this kit in a tote bag or small bin near
your desk so it’s easy to grab when you’re moving between rooms or working with
different students. This way, you’re always prepared, even if you need to
adjust your plan on the fly.
5. Color-Code by Grade Level
Example: Color-coding your materials can be a
game-changer if you work with different age groups. Use different colored bins,
folders, or labels for each grade level. For instance, red is for kindergarten,
blue is for 1st-2nd grade, green is for 3rd-5th grade, and so on. This helps
you quickly locate materials appropriate for each group.
6. Label Everything
Example: Invest in a good label maker or use clear,
printed labels to mark your bins, folders, binders, and shelves. Be specific
with your labels – instead of just “Articulation,” try “Articulation – Initial
/r/.” This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for without
digging through piles of materials.
7. Set Up a Rotating System
Example: For materials you use seasonally or
thematically, like Halloween or winter-themed activities, set up a rotating
storage system. Keep the current season’s materials easily accessible in your
main storage area, and store off-season materials in a separate spot, like a
closet or high shelf. Rotate them as the year progresses so they are always ready
with fresh, relevant materials.
8. Create a Central Storage Area
Example: Designate a specific area in your therapy
room as your central storage hub. This could be a bookshelf, a rolling cart, or
a set of drawers. Keep all your most-used materials here, organized by category
and clearly labeled. Consider using clear bins or baskets to see what’s inside
at a glance. Ensure everything has a designated spot, so it’s easy to put
things back after each session.
9. Plan a Weekly Reorganization Routine
Example: Dedicate a few minutes at the end of each
week to tidy up and reorganize. Refile worksheets, restock your “grab-and-go”
kit and make sure everything is back in its place. This routine helps you stay
organized throughout the school year and prevents clutter from piling up.
10. Keep a Master Inventory List
Example: Create a simple spreadsheet or document that
lists all your materials, including what you have, where it’s stored, and when
you last used it. This is especially helpful for digital resources or items
that might get lost in the shuffle. Review your inventory at the start and end
of each semester to ensure you’re not missing anything important. 
By taking the time to organize your speech therapy
materials now, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free school year.
When everything has its place and is easy to find, you can focus on what really
matters: helping your students succeed.
1. Celebrate Small Wins
Recognize and celebrate even the smallest progress your students make. These small victories are significant, whether it’s a new sound, a gesture, or an attempt at communication. Keeping a journal of these moments can help you stay motivated. Example: If a non-verbal child with Autism spontaneously uses a picture card to request a snack for the first time, celebrate this achievement! You could create a “Progress Wall” in your therapy room where you post small victories for each student. Seeing this wall grow can be a daily reminder of your impact.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Develop strong connections with your students. Understanding their unique personalities, strengths, and challenges can make your work more meaningful. The bonds you form can be a source of joy and fulfillment. For instance, spend the first few minutes of each session connecting with your students. This could be particularly beneficial for a child with Cerebral Palsy who enjoys music. Starting each session with a short song or rhythm activity can help build rapport and make the child feel more comfortable, setting a positive tone for the therapy session.
3. Practice Self-Care
Prioritize your well-being. Regular breaks, physical activity, and hobbies outside of work are not just essential, but they are a way of showing respect to yourself. Self-care helps you recharge and maintain a positive mindset. Example: Establish a routine that includes daily self-care. This could be a 10-minute walk during lunch, meditation, or a hobby you enjoy, such as reading or painting. Set aside time at least once a week to do something just for yourself, like taking a yoga class or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
4. Collaborate with Colleagues
Surround yourself with a supportive team. Share experiences, challenges, and successes with other therapists and educators. Collaboration provides new perspectives and fosters a sense of connection and support, reducing feelings of isolation. Example: Organize a monthly meeting with other speech therapists and special educators at your school to share strategies, resources, and successes. For instance, if a colleague has found a successful way to engage a child with a hearing impairment, they can share that method with the group.
5. Set Realistic Goals
Understand that progress may be gradual. Setting realistic, achievable goals for your students will help you stay positive and avoid frustration. Remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Example: Break down larger goals into manageable steps. For a student with cognitive delays, instead of aiming for complete sentence formation immediately, focus first on two-word combinations. Use visual aids like a “Goal Ladder,” where each rung represents a small step toward the ultimate goal, making progress visible and motivating.
6. Stay Flexible and Adaptable
Each day can bring new challenges, and being adaptable is key. Flexibility in your approach will allow you to meet your student’s needs more effectively and reduce stress. Example: If a therapy session isn’t going as planned, be ready to switch gears. For example, if a child with Autism becomes overwhelmed by a task, switch to a sensory activity like playing with a fidget toy or taking a short walk. Being adaptable reduces frustration for both you and the student.
7. Seek Continuous Learning
Engage in professional development to keep your skills
sharp and stay inspired. Learning new techniques and approaches can reignite
your passion and provide fresh ideas for your practice. Example: Attend workshops or webinars focused
on the specific needs of your students, such as communication strategies for
children with hearing loss. Implement one new strategy you’ve learned each
month, and track how it affects your students’ progress. Share your findings
with your team.
8. Focus on the Bigger Picture
Keep in mind the long-term impact of your work. You are crucial to your students' development, helping them communicate and connect with the world. This perspective can be a powerful motivator. Example: When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself of the long-term benefits of your work. For instance, helping a child with severe speech delays eventually communicate more effectively can improve social interactions and academic performance. Consider writing a personal mission statement that you can refer to on challenging days.
9. Practice Gratitude
Regularly reflect on the positive aspects of your job. Gratitude for the relationships you build, the progress you witness, and the difference you make can significantly boost your attitude. Example: Start a “Gratitude Journal” where you write down one thing you’re grateful for at the end of each day. It could be a smile from a child, a positive interaction with a parent, or a breakthrough in therapy. Reflecting on these moments helps keep a positive mindset.
10. Know When to Ask for Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek support, whether it’s through supervision, counseling, or peer support groups. Knowing you have a support system can make a big difference. Example: If you struggle with a particular case, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a more experienced colleague or supervisor. For example, if you’re working with a non-verbal child with severe Autism and feel stuck, reaching out to a specialist for guidance can provide new insights and relieve stress.
11. Keep the Joy Alive
Infuse your sessions with fun and creativity. Whether
through games, music, or play, keeping therapy enjoyable for both you and your
students can maintain a positive atmosphere. Example: Incorporate fun and
creativity into your sessions. If a child loves superheroes, use
superhero-themed activities or games to teach speech sounds or vocabulary. For
a child who enjoys art, integrate drawing or painting into your therapy to make
learning enjoyable. Keeping sessions playful and engaging benefits the child
and makes your work more enjoyable.
By staying mindful of these strategies, you can
maintain a positive attitude throughout the school year and make a lasting
impact on the lives of the children you work with.
Brainstorming can be a powerful tool in speech
therapy, helping students express themselves, think creatively, and engage in
the learning process. Here’s how to effectively brainstorm ideas with your students:
1. Create a Welcoming Environment
Example: Start by arranging the room to feel inviting.
Sit in a circle on the floor or around a table to create a sense of equality
and openness. Let the students know that all ideas are welcome, and there’s no
wrong answer. You might say, “Today, we’re going to share our thoughts, and
every idea is a great idea!”
2. Use Visual Prompts
Example: Use picture cards, objects, or storybooks to
spark ideas. For instance, if you’re working on a theme like “Animals,” show a
picture of a zoo and ask, “What animals do you think live here? What sounds do
they make?” Encourage each student to share their thoughts.
3. Incorporate Movement
Example: For younger students or those with high
energy, incorporate movement into your brainstorming. Use a “talking stick” or
a small ball that students pass around. Only the person holding the stick or
ball can speak. This not only gets them moving but also gives each student a
chance to think before they speak.
4. Use Open-Ended Questions
Example: Ask questions that can have multiple answers,
such as “What could we do if we were stuck in a jungle?” or “How many ways can
we say hello?” This approach encourages students to think creatively and come
up with a variety of responses.
5. Draw It Out
Example: Provide paper and markers for students to
draw their ideas. For instance, if brainstorming ways to tell a story, ask them
to draw what happens next in a sequence. Then, have them share their drawings
with the group and explain their ideas. This helps students who may struggle
with verbal expression but can communicate through art.
6. Use Technology
Example: If you have access to a smartboard or tablet,
use it to display images, videos, or interactive apps. For example, show a
short video clip and pause it at a key moment. Ask, “What do you think will
happen next?” or “How do you think the character is feeling?” Let students come
up to the board to draw or write their answers.
7. Create a Word Web
Example: Start with a central word or idea on a
whiteboard, like “Summer Vacation.” Ask students to shout out words or phrases
related to it, and draw lines connecting them to the central idea, forming a
web. Words like “beach,” “sun,” “ice cream,” and “swimming” might come up. This
visual method helps students see connections between ideas and expand their
thinking.
8. Role-Playing Scenarios
Example: Set up a role-playing scenario related to a
theme you’re working on. For example, if the topic is “Going to the Doctor,”
have students brainstorm what might happen during a visit. One student could be
the doctor, another the patient, and the rest can suggest what each should say.
This not only generates ideas but also practices social communication skills.
9. Group Storytelling
Example: Start a story with a simple sentence like,
“Once upon a time, there was a cat who…” and then go around the room, letting
each student add a sentence. Encourage them to think of what could happen next
and be ready to support them with prompts if they get stuck. This helps with
narrative structure and creative thinking.
10. Use a Brainstorming Box
Example: Create a “Brainstorming Box” filled with
random objects, pictures, or word cards. Let each student pick an item from the
box and use it as a prompt. For instance, if a student pulls out a picture of a
rocket, you could ask, “What would you take with you if you went to space?”
This makes the brainstorming process fun and unpredictable.
11. Involve Students in Goal Setting
Example: At the start of a session, ask students to brainstorm goals they want to work on. You could say, “What do you want to get better at?” or “What do you want to learn today?” Write down their ideas and revisit them at the end of the session to see how they’ve progressed.
Brainstorming in the speech therapy room is all about
encouraging creativity, building confidence, and making sure every student
feels heard. By using these techniques, you can turn your sessions into a
collaborative, dynamic experience that supports both language development and
self-expression.
Ways a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can find new ideas
for therapy:
1. Attend Professional Development Workshops and Conferences
Why: Workshops and conferences are excellent opportunities
to learn the latest research, strategies, and tools in speech therapy.
How: Look for local, national, or international conferences
on speech-language pathology, special education, or specific areas like
Autism, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), or dysphagia.
Organizations like ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) often
host events.
2. Join Professional Organizations
Why: Professional organizations offer many resources,
including journals, webinars, and networking opportunities.
How: Join organizations like ASHA, the International Society
for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), or other relevant
groups. These organizations often provide access to cutting-edge research,
online forums, and expert-led discussions.
3. Engage in Online Communities and Forums
Why: Online communities allow SLPs to exchange ideas,
discuss challenges, and share resources with peers from around the world.
How: Join online forums, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn groups
specifically for speech-language pathologists. Websites like The Speech Room
News, SLP Now, or Teachers Pay Teachers also offer forums where you can
exchange ideas and find inspiration.
4. Read Professional Journals and Blogs
Why: Keeping up with the latest research and trends ensures
you’re using evidence-based practices.
How: Subscribe to journals like the American Journal of
Speech-Language Pathology or Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools.
Additionally, follow blogs by experienced SLPs who share creative therapy
ideas, tips, and resources.
5. Collaborate with Colleagues
Why: Working with other professionals can provide new
perspectives and strategies that you may not have considered.
How: Schedule regular meetings with other SLPs, special
education teachers, or occupational therapists in your school or district to
share ideas. Collaboration often sparks creativity and leads to new approaches
that can benefit your students.
6. Explore Online Resources and Apps
Why: Technology can offer innovative and engaging tools for
therapy.
How: Explore educational apps, websites, and software
designed for speech therapy. Apps like Proloquo2Go for AAC, Articulation
Station for speech sounds, or Whisper for auditory processing can be excellent
additions to your therapy toolkit.
7. Observe and Reflect
Why: Reflection on your own practice can help you identify
areas where you need new ideas or approaches.
How: After each session, take a few minutes to reflect on
what worked well and what didn’t. Over time, you may notice patterns that
suggest new areas to explore. Additionally, other therapists should be observed
in action whenever possible to see different techniques and strategies in use.
8. Participate in Research Projects
Why: Engaging in research keeps you at the forefront of the
field and exposes you to innovative methods and practices.
How: Reach out to local universities or research
institutions to see if they have any ongoing projects related to
speech-language pathology that you can participate in or contribute to. Being
involved in research can also provide access to the latest findings before
they’re widely published.
9. Use Social Media
Why: Social media platforms are rich with ideas, resources,
and communities of practice.
How: Follow SLPs, special education experts, and related
hashtags on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. For example,
hashtags like #SLPeeps or #SLPtherapy can lead you to new resources and ideas.
10. Experiment with Creative Arts
Why: Integrating creative arts can make therapy more
engaging and effective.
How: Incorporate music, art, drama, or storytelling into
your sessions. For example, role-playing games can be used to work on social communication, or students can draw their responses to prompts to reinforce
language concepts. Sometimes, thinking outside the box and blending different
disciplines can lead to breakthroughs in therapy.
11. Attend Interdisciplinary Meetings
Why: Interdisciplinary meetings expose you to different
perspectives and approaches.
How: Attend IEP meetings, case conferences, or team meetings
with other professionals who work with your students. This might include
occupational therapists, physical therapists, special education teachers, or
psychologists. These professionals may have insights or strategies that can
enhance your therapy sessions.
12. Utilize Teletherapy Resources
Why: The rise of teletherapy has led to the development of
many online tools and resources that can be adapted for in-person sessions.
How: Explore platforms and resources that were developed or expanded during the increase in teletherapy, such as Boom Cards or interactive PDFs. These can often be adapted for in-person use, bringing a fresh dynamic to your sessions.
