Finally done with my summer semester of grad school for speech-language pathology! In the fall, I will be at my first off-site placement at an outpatient OT and SLP interdisciplinary clinic. Any advice on navigating my first clinical placement outside the university clinic?

Environmental Influence on AAC Device Use and Research Insights

AAC devices aren't just about tech; the environment and personal interactions matter a lot, too.

Vocabulary Limits: Many AAC devices focus on nouns, missing out on other essential words. This restricts conversations to basic functions such as requests and leaves out vital functions such as refusing or asking questions. Also, in standard English, creating a grammatically correct and clear sentence using only nouns in the positions of subject, verb, and object is challenging, if not impossible, without resorting to creative or non-standard interpretations. Crafting full sentences with a heavy noun emphasis, therefore, becomes tricky -- if not impossible.

Latency Time: Sometimes, users need a bit more time to find the right words on their device. However, this can sometimes disrupt the flow of a conversation, leading to potential awkward pauses -- which can sometimes cause a partner to interpret, non verbally, what a user might be trying to say.

Helpful, but...: Occasionally, people might step in to assist AAC users finish their thoughts. While the intent is kind, it can unintentionally overshadow what the AAC user is trying to express.

Ways to Improve:

Tweak the Device: Make it user-friendly. With faster word-finding, conversations become more fluid.

Broaden Word Choices: AAC devices should include a variety of core and fringe vocabulary — not just nouns but also verbs, adjectives, and more. Remember: you can rarely create sentences with only nouns, which are often fringe vocabulary words (e.g. YouTube). A diverse word selection paves the way for richer conversations.

Training for Friends & Family: Educating familiar conversation partners to be patient and allow the AAC user to lead can foster a more inclusive communication environment. When a new AAC user starts school, both their family and the school staff should receive training on how to use, model, and respond to the device in relevant situations.

Research Validates This...

There's strong research supporting these points. Works by Beukelman and Mirenda shed light on AAC's nuances, emphasizing the importance of a vast vocabulary and nurturing conversations. Many clinicians concur: understanding and addressing these aspects are pivotal for AAC users to engage in successful conversations.

Here's an alternative way to introduce new words when working on parent coaching: rather than look into what word a child should say, determine what problem can be solved by using a word. For example, teaching the word "more," solves the problem of getting access to something that has gone away -- some juice, an activity, a song, etc. Core words, such as "more", allow children to use them for multiple purposes. "Robot", on the other hand, has limited utility and doesn't necessarily solve many problems in numerous environments. When a word solves a problem, the child is more likely to use that word throughout the day, thereby integrating it into their functional vocabulary.

Hi! I am considering working as an SLP contractor (1099). Does anyone have experience with this? This would be for WA state.

Where can I find the most recent Spanish articulation norms? Thank you!

I'm going LIVE tomorrow (7/19/2023) on Youtube with Jordyn Carroll for a discussion on Black hair and the phrase, "Don't Touch My Hair" in the profession and speech therapy. We're going LIVE at 3pm CT on YouTube LIVE! You can subscribe and get notified here: youtube.com/@pediatricspeechsisternetwork

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Hello my fellow SLPs! I have been working on a startup to help children with speech and language difficulties. My app's name is ASD 123. I would love any feedback from you on your thoughts on it. I want it to be something useful. The child powers our activities by using their voice.

Our prototype is on the App store and Google Play store (linked below) I am aware we have bugs at this time. Really looking to have it tried out in schools and in clinics and happy to work with you as a co-developer to evolve it.

on the app store at

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/asd-123/id1577037312

and on GooglePlay at

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.asd123.asd123_app&gl=GB

Check out our blog on tips for report writing! Here is a short summary from our very popular 60-minute report writing class and you can access the blog here: https://www.easyreportpro.com/blogs/3_best_tips.cfm

This information is perfect for grad students, CFs and new to the school-based setting SLPs.

Report writing is an essential part of being an SLP so we have to use technology to our advantage. Try our dynamic templates with easyReportPRO at https://www.easyreportpro.com/

If you are interested in accessing our full class please DM me and I will send you the YouTube link:) Happy Reporting!

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