Empowering Voices: Embedding Self-Advocacy Within Core Vocabulary for Neurodivergent AAC Users

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

intermediate

Age Span:

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

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant

educator
family member / caregiver

occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Edina

Description:

This session will guide participants in supporting young individuals who use AAC to express boundaries, emotions, and self-advocacy using core vocabulary. Attendees will explore the importance of person-centered, neurodiversity-affirming AAC practices, particularly for individuals at increased risk of abuse or exclusion. The presenter will introduce a curated list of core words tied to advocacy and demonstrate how to model them in real-life contexts such as requesting help, reporting pain, or stating preferences. Participants will review implementation strategies across settings, view case examples, and receive visual tools and planning templates to support ongoing AAC instruction. This session is designed for professionals working with early childhood and elementary-aged AAC users and will equip teams with concrete strategies to foster communication that prioritizes autonomy, safety, and voice.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Identify at least five core vocabulary words that support self-advocacy and safety for AAC users.

• Describe at least two neurodiversity-affirming strategies for modeling and teaching self-advocacy through AAC systems.

• Explain the importance of embedding self-advocacy into AAC instruction to reduce risk and promote autonomy for neurodivergent individuals.

Disclosures:

Financial: James Engracia is a salaried employee of EncompassNW. No additional compensation or honorarium was received for this presentation. Non-Financial: James Engracia is a member of ASHA and ASHA SIG 12 (AAC).