Tag: autism
-
Deciding on the Speak for Yourself AAC App During the Autism Acceptance Sale
The Speak for Yourself augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app will be 50% off April 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2018! This worldwide sale is in honor of the many individuals on the autism spectrum who benefit from the use of AAC. We are privileged to meet and directly work with many students who use the…
-
How We Met in the Year of Bubbles
On the day Renee and I met, I was annoyed that she was there. It wasn’t her fault. She didn’t know. My annoyance had been building for almost two years by the time she walked into my world. Every year around this time, I reflect on the events that led to the creation of the…
-
Autism Acceptance Sale Dates: Speak for Yourself Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) App
The Speak for Yourself app will be on sale for 50% off ($149.99 USD) from March 31st through April 4th, 2017 (Friday through Tuesday) in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. There are a large number of individuals on the autism spectrum who use the Speak for Yourself app successfully to communicate throughout their day. We…
-
Presuming Competence in Practice
“Presume Competence” has become a mantra of many excellent parents and professionals who are implementing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with complex communication needs (CCN). I’ve also experienced some misunderstandings in person and in online groups suggesting that presuming competence is not evidence-based in its idealism. So I’ve been paying attention to the…
-
Authentic AAC: The Fourth (and final) Week!
May is #BHSM so last month I shared an ?#?AuthenticAAC? moment each day that didn’t go exactly as planned, something I missed or something I would have done differently in hindsight. My intention was for anyone reading who was afraid to implement augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to be more comfortable in the knowledge that things aren’t always…
-
Authentic AAC: The Third Week
I’m sharing an Authentic AAC moment each day this month for #BHSM, because sometimes, even with a lot of AAC experience and knowledge, things are missed, mistakes are made, and plans don’t work out. Thanks to all of you who are also contributing with this month of #AuthenticAAC. In case you’re not following the Speak for Yourself Facebook…
-
Authentic AAC: The Second Week
This month, I’m sharing the #AuthenticAAC moments that I learn from each day during #BHSM (Better Hearing and Speech Month). Then I’m posting a round up each week for those of you who are not on the Speak for Yourself Facebook page or prefer to read all at once. I hope you gain confidence in your ability to…
-
Authentic AAC: The First Week Round Up
In case you missed my blog post on Monday, I’m sharing Authentic AAC moments this month for #BHSM16 in an effort to expose my “behind the scenes,” less-than-ideal experiences. So, if you’re insecure about making mistakes or missing something, know you’re not alone. I strive to improve every day. We learn from our mistakes, and maybe by looking at…
-
Deconstructing the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Glass Cubicle
Trigger warning: This post mentions self-injury and low expectations of autistic individuals and people with complex communication needs (CCN). Can you imagine the frustration? Words are all around you and pouring into you. They expand within you and your mind aches to speak them. They overflow, like a rushing waterfall, but with no escape. They stay…
-
Let’s Talk About Appropriate Behavior
Trigger warning: This post will discuss applied behavior analysis (ABA) and low expectations of autistic individuals and people with complex communication needs (CCN). I stop at red lights. I avoid fast food. I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer…A LOT! I don’t do any of these things because I enjoy them. I would love…