Aligning Early Intervention Parent Priorities with AAC Solutions: Addressing Concerns and Empowering Families

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

infant / toddler

Target Audience:

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

occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 2

Description:

In this session, I will demonstrate how to align augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies with family-identified priorities in early intervention. I will share concrete examples from Summit and Wasatch Counties, Utah, showing how both low- and high-tech AAC solutions were successfully introduced and integrated into family routines. Using tools like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and Family Directed Assessment, I will explain how to gather meaningful family input to guide AAC recommendations. I will also discuss methods for gaining family acceptance, choosing devices tailored to family needs, and embedding AAC naturally into everyday activities. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to build trust, promote family-centered decision-making, and enhance communication outcomes for children and families.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Describe how family-directed assessment tools (ASQ-3 and Family Directed Interview) can guide AAC planning in early intervention.

• Identify strategies for introducing AAC in a way that respects and addresses family priorities and routines.

• Explain how AAC can be embedded naturally into daily activities to support both communication and social-emotional development.