Category Speech Therapy

Communication is the bedrock of human interaction, yet for individuals on the autism spectrum, expressing oneself can be a challenging journey. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods offer a lifeline, providing diverse tools and strategies to bridge the gap between silence and expression. For those with autism, AAC isn't just a means of communication; it's a pathway to empowerment, independence, and inclusion.

Desiree Kaur
May 4, 2024

Autism, Early Intervention Programs, Education, Interventions, Occupational Therapy, Special Needs, Speech Therapy

SPELL: A Framework That Puts Autistics, First

Each training, approach or modality has it's benefits. There is no one approach that is the perfect fit for a family or particular person. Most often, an individual may require a combination of different approaches or styles. With SPELL, there are some rather obvious uniqueness to it.

Desiree Kaur
July 28, 2023

Early Intervention Programs, Education, Interventions, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy

6 Red Flags When Choosing Schools & Therapists

Finding a therapist, teacher or school for a child with special needs that is a perfect fit, is like striking gold. Suffice to say, parents who have the tough choice to make between affording the best and finding the best affordable option, will resonate with this feeling. Nevertheless, it is quite important to recognise certain red flags when selecting a school or therapist for a child with special needs.

Desiree Kaur
November 26, 2022

Autism, Down's Syndrome, Interventions, Pathalogical Demand Avoidance, Special Needs, Speech Therapy, Uncategorized

More on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Some key questions about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) answered by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Yong Ennie. This the the final part in a 3-part series featured on Spectrum of Voices by Project Haans in conjunction with AAC Month of October.

Desiree Kaur
October 29, 2022

Autism, Down's Syndrome, Interventions, Pathalogical Demand Avoidance, Special Needs, Speech Therapy

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Month

Some key questions about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) answered by a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

Desiree Kaur
October 16, 2022

Autism, Education, Interventions, Special Needs, Speech Therapy

Communication Method For Autistic Children: Whose Choice?

“I want my child to speak.”

All parents want that. As a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), I want to help parents achieve this goal as well. However, is this a choice for us to make? It is estimated that about 25-30% of children diagnosed with autism are non-verbal or minimally verbal (NVMV)

Desiree Kaur
October 9, 2022

Autism, Down's Syndrome, Early Intervention Programs, Education, Interventions, Special Needs, Speech Therapy, Uncategorized

Imitation & Symbolic Play in Speech Development

This is a combination of 3 pieces first published on Speech Sisters’ blog. The Speech Sisters are Brooke and Bridget who have more than 20-years of combined experience a Speech Therapists, working with children who have communication disorders and delays. Learn about imitation and symbolic play with tips from speech therapists.

Desiree Kaur
June 11, 2022

Autism, Down's Syndrome, Dyscalculia, Early Intervention Programs, Education, Interventions, Occupational Therapy, Pathalogical Demand Avoidance, Special Needs, Speech Therapy

Introducing Visual Support

We learn differently and the identified learning styles are visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic as developed in 1992 by Neil D. Fleming and Coleen E. Mills. We do have a preferred learning style or a preferred combination of learning style. For younger children and children with special needs, pictures or images is a method of communication.

Desiree Kaur
May 27, 2022

Autism, Down's Syndrome, Education, Interventions, Parents, Pathalogical Demand Avoidance, Reviews, Special Needs, Speech Therapy

5 Common Misconceptions of Using an AAC Device

An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, is used to help non-verbal or minimally verbal people communicate. Augmentative means to add on to speech, while alternative means to be used instead of speech.

Desiree Kaur
April 9, 2022

Autism, Early Intervention Programs, Education, News, Occupational Therapy, Parents, Special Needs, Speech Therapy, Uncategorized

My Story: Starting to Learn About Autism

There is no parenting book or blog that can prepare you for the moment you have to utter the words “My child has autism”. A week after I received this official diagnosis, it suddenly dawned on me – What did I know about autism? The answer scared me: Not enough.

Desiree Kaur
March 11, 2019