Executive Function Skills and Augmentative Alternative Communication Connections

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

infant / toddler
preschool
kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12
adult

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant
deaf / hard of hearing
educator
family member / caregiver

K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired
university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 1

Description:

Executive function skills help individuals regulate actions and emotions, and language is essential for developing these abilities. While the ability to learn these skills is innate, they must be actively acquired through exposure, engagement, and practice. AAC users often have fewer opportunities for this learning, and their language development may lag behind peers. Explicit instruction and an executive function-focused approach to vocabulary selection can support their growth. Educators should understand executive function skills, recognize their impact, and use evidence-based AAC strategies to target relevant vocabulary. By aligning vocabulary choices with executive function needs, AAC users can develop language for planning, time management, impulse control, and emotional regulation. This intentional approach empowers AAC users to build critical executive function skills, fostering greater independence in daily life.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the connection between language development and executive function skills.

• Employ purposeful executive function skill teaching when using an AAC system

• Prepare vocabulary to target different executive function skills

Disclosures:

Owner, Buckingham Educational Services & Training, LLC Assistive Technology Lead Facilitator with Kansas Infinitec