Overview

Language plays a critical role in the development, construction, and regulation of thought and emotion. For people who use augmentative and alternative communication (PWUAAC), the potential impact of AAC design and intervention on internalized language, and therefore social emotional development, is far-reaching and under-discussed. This session will discuss the relationship between language development and social emotional development, as well as offer practical tools and strategies to support the social emotional wellness of PWUAAC. The importance of access to language and supports for self-affirmation, self-talk, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy will be introduced. Session participants will leave with knowledge of concrete tools and strategies that are supportive of social-emotional wellness as a critical part of holistic AAC prescription and intervention.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the relationship between language and social emotional well-being.
2. Identify two barriers to social emotional growth that people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) may face.
3. List at least three practical strategies and tools for supporting the social emotional growth of a person who uses AAC.

Strand(s)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Target Audience

AT Specialists; Caregivers; Communication Specialist; Consumers/Individuals with Disabilities; Educators; Family Members; Occupational Therapists; Rehabilitation Counselor; Speech-Language Pathologists; Special Education Educators

Experience Level

Introductory; Intermediate

Primary Life Cycle Addressed

All

Session Delivery Format

In-person presentation with recording

Course Schedule

This course was given at the ATIA 2024 Conference on Friday, January 26 from 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM (EST)

Continuing Education Credits

For Satisfactory Completion and Continuing Education information, please visit: ATIA Online Education CEUs

This course is offered for the following CE Provider Credits:
ACVREP; AOTA; ASHA; CRC; IACET
For: 0.10 CEU Units or 1.0 CEU Hours

Speaker/s:

Rebecca McCarthy, MS, CCC-SLP

Augmentative Communication Program - Boston Children's Hospital at Waltham, Speech and Language Pathologist

Biography

Rebecca McCarthy is a speech and language pathologist within the Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children's Hospital. Rebecca also teaches augmentative communication at local universities. Rebecca's special interests include AAC and social communication skills, AAC and neonatal populations, and AAC supporting individuals with cerebral palsy and complex physical access needs.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Employed and salary position from BCH

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No

Katherine O'Neil

Augmentative Communication Program - Boston Children's Hospital at Waltham, Speech-Language Pathologist

Biography

Katie O'Neil is a speech-language pathologist within Boston Children's Hospital's Augmentative Communication area. Katie works with a wide range individuals with complex communication and access needs. Katie's particular specialty is working with individuals with dual sensory impairments.

Relevant Financial Relationship: Yes
Salary from Boston Children's Hospital

Relevant Non-Financial Relationship: No