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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

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What is AAC?

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. So, what exactly does this mean? In short, it is any type of communication that replaces or aides natural/verbal speech. Most often people think of AAC as a big fancy communication device with voice output, but it is so much more than that! We all use forms of augmentative and alternative communication everyday including gestures, body language, or facial expressions. On top of that, it can also include (but is not limited to) sign language, pictures, writing (even with simple pen and paper), pointing to letters or pictures on a picture board, or communication devices.

How do we use AAC at Carolina Therapy Connection?

Here at Carolina Therapy Connection, our kiddos and their SLPs (speech-language pathologists) use a wide variety of AAC daily. This includes sign language, picture symbols and picture symbol books, and communication devices. After we evaluate your child’s speech-language skills, including comprehension of language, we can help find a system that will fit your child’s communication needs. We are very excited for some of our kiddos (and their families!) who have gone through the therapy and funding process to get their own communication devices! Here’s a look at some of our happy kiddos below!

AAC Device

Common Misunderstandings

As a speech-language pathologist, most often the first question I hear from parents is “Will using augmentative and alternative communication impact my child’s ability to produce verbal speech?” This is a very common misconception with AAC. Actually, research shows that AAC can have positive effects on speech-language development when the therapist in using it in a multimodal approach (using both alternative communication systems and working on verbal speech at the same time).

Another misconception is that a child may be too young for AAC. Again, research debunks this misconception. Instead, the research shows that early implementation of AAC can aid in the development of natural speech and language skills.

As a parent or guardian, if you are interested in seeing this research on one or both of these topics, one of our SLPs will be happy to get that information to you!

At Carolina Therapy Connection, learn more about AAC and how it can help your child from our awesome speech therapists! Please call us at (252) 341-9944 to set up an evaluation. 

—Written by: Laurel Wilsen, MS, CCC-SLP, CAS

AAC Device

Carolina Therapy Connection Becomes First Certified Autism Center™ in Eastern NC

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Carolina Therapy Connection in Greenville is now the first Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in Eastern NC!

Carolina Therapy Connection is now the first Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in Eastern North Carolina. The CAC designation is granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification requires staff to complete autism-specific training and professional certification. Carolina Therapy Connection is one of only two therapy clinics in NC with the Certified Autism Center designation. The Carolina Therapy Connection listing for becoming a Certified Autism Center can be found here.

Carolina Therapy Connection is a pediatric private practice serving children birth through adolescence all over Eastern North Carolina since 2010.  Their team consists of occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and educational specialists. This collaborative approach among an extensive team of specialists can help children develop the foundational sensory skills necessary to improve learning and development.

“We are so excited for Carolina Therapy Connection to become an IBCCES Certified Autism Center! Our entire team of therapists, educational specialists and office support staff are all passionate about providing exceptional services to children and families throughout Eastern North Carolina,” said Cindy Taylor, MS, OTR/L, owner and occupational therapist. “We continuously strive to learn and develop a better understanding of the challenges that our children and families face to implement more effective strategies and deliver greater outcomes.  We are so thankful that the advanced autism training and certification allows for us to carry out our mission of ‘informing families, enriching lives, changing futures’ with greater perspective and resources for our families and community.”

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that usually appears during the first three years of life.  Individuals with ASD exhibit challenges of varying severity in the areas of social interaction, communication, and repetitive/restricted behaviors.  Many individuals with ASD have different ways of learning, focusing, and reacting to everyday events.  Recent studies estimate one of every 58 children born in North Carolina will be affected by ASD.

Families and individuals with ASD often face severe challenges in navigating the complex world of this disability and in accessing adequate services.  Caregivers express their concerns about finding providers that understand the needs of this unique population and are prepared to advocate for their child using a comprehensive team approach.

What is the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and what do they do?

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and individuals with autism in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of what these disorders are, industry best practices, and the latest research in these areas.

IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are the only training and certification programs endorsed by the largest grassroots autism organization in the world, The Autism Society of America, and recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

What was required by IBCCES for Carolina Therapy Connection to become the first Certified Autism Center™ in Eastern North Carolina?

All Certified Autism Centers™ meet the following requirements:

  • Dedicated to serving individuals with autism
  • At least 80% of staff is trained and certified in the field of Autism
  • Maintain compliance with National Healthcare/Education Accreditation standards
  • Committed to ongoing training in autism
  • Complies with HIPAA and ADA requirements

In order to earn the Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) credential, the Carolina Therapy Connection staff was required to complete these rigorous professional standards set forth by the IBCCES. Furthermore, these standards include a minimum of at least two years experience working with individual’s with autism, 14 continuing education hours that directly relate to autism, and a passing grade on the IBCCES autism competency exam. Check out the Carolina Therapy Connection team page, to see the Certified Autism Specialist credentialing for each staff member.

Receiving this type of certification demonstrates to our clients and colleagues a commitment to promoting a higher standard of care to the autism community.  The CTC staff has gained extensive knowledge and understanding in the area of autism and is able to use and apply that knowledge to help create and improve support plans and therapy for those with autism spectrum disorder

 

 

 

IBCCES Certified Autism Center

Eliminate Stress from Virtual Learning!

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We Want to Help Your Family Eliminate Stress from Virtual Learning

School has started and the stress associated with remote learning is already overwhelming for many families. In addition to assuming the role of teaching, parents are trying to work their own job and continue to provide for family needs. All of this can create a chaotic home, at a time when we are already struggling with how this pandemic has changed our world. Carolina Therapy Connection is here to help children and their families eliminate stress from virtual learning!

Parents and students want to resume a sense of normalcy. The unknowns cause anxiety and fear for all of us. We need to create more routine, structure and consistency in facing these challenging times. Children need and want boundaries to feel safe and secure. The behaviors and feelings experienced when boundaries become cloudy, inconsistent or even ignored, can significantly reduce the learning and well-being of our students.

Carolina Therapy Connection is Now Providing a Virtual Learning Program

Beginning in September, CTC will be offering a Virtual Learning Support program. Some students may rotate between virtual learning and face-to-face learning every other week, while others may be receiving their education completely online. Students will attend the clinic on a weekly basis depending on their individual needs. Each week will allow for 8 hours of time with our academic coaches. Pricing for services will depend on the frequency of weeks requested. Call our clinic to discuss your child’s school schedule and any other specific needs they may have, so we can find the perfect time for you. 

During this time, students will focus on assignments and skills from their school. Having a schedule that your child can rely on for face-to-face instruction can ensure that they receive a higher-quality education and improve their understanding of concepts they have trouble with. 

CTC academic coaches will:

  • Keep students organized and motivated
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Provide clarity and understanding of assignments
  • Reinforce academic skills
  • Provide structure and consistency
  • Help with motivation to complete all work
  • Provide a learning environment that reduces distractions

The Health and Safety of Your Child and Family is Important to Us

  • When you arrive at the clinic, you can call us and we will come out to greet you at your car.
  • Prior to entering the clinic, your child will have their temperature taken and their hands washed.
  • All desks, computers, tablets, and other equipment will be sanitized between each visit.
  • Throughout your visit, all staff in the building will be wearing masks.
  • Before leaving we will have your child wash their hands one more time!

Now is the time to start the school year off right for your child and family at Carolina Therapy Connection! Start early and call us at 252-341-9944 to set up weekly virtual learning support.

virtual learning support

Tutoring Vs. Virtual Learning Support

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The Differences Between Tutoring and Virtual Learning Support

With Covid-19, we are in uncertain waters and these waters are not always smooth sailing. In addition to the responsibilities of day-to-day parenting, roles have shifted.  Parents are expected to teach and manage their child’s learning during days/weeks out of school.  Virtual learning can create new situations in the home. Some of the situations may have a positive impact, while others may create barriers for your child. For these reasons, parents often seek academic support for their child to be successful with the virtual learning model. This is why it is important to understand the difference between Tutoring and Virtual Learning Support. 

With personalized tutoring, students are administered an educational assessment to identify their basic academic levels of functioning needed to create an education plan.  Tutors address skills to help students achieve more at various levels of performance. Tutors provide direct instruction with the child and focus on their specific needs. They also utilize specific techniques, strategies, materials and resources to accomplish their academic goals.  Tutors often provide homework support for students functioning on grade level but needing additional instruction to reinforce understanding.  Tutoring is personalized to meet the needs of each student.

Virtual Learning Support is similar to homework support, but actually provides a more generic approach to instruction. 

Classroom teachers will create the assignments, and the academic coaches will focus on:

  • Keeping students organized and motivated
  • Building confidence and independence
  • Providing clarity and understanding of assigned material
  • Reinforcing academic skills
  • Providing structure and consistency
  • Helping with motivation to complete all work

A strong Virtual Learning Support program eliminates much of the stress parents and children experience. Parents can expect their child’s academic coach to:

  • Assume responsibility for assignments to be thoroughly and accurately completed
  • Provide full reports after every session describing what has been accomplished and any concerns noted
  • Communicate with the child’s classroom teacher as needed for clarification and collaboration
tutoring vs virtual learning Support

Best Way to Teach My Child How to Tie Shoes

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The Best Way To Teach My Child How to Tie Their Shoes

Teaching your child to tie their shoes can be a long and frustrating task for parents.  Luckily our occupational therapists break it down into easy steps for caregivers to teach their children.  With a little practice and repetition, your child will be tying their shoes in no time!

Check out these tips and tricks from our occupational therapists on simple and easy ways to teach your children

 

What is the best way to teach my child how to tie their shoes? Easy…

*Learning step by step on a shoe placed in front of them (tabletop level)

It is easier for children to learn how to tie their shoes on a tabletop level before learning how to tie it on their own foot.

*Having different colored laces (ex. 1 white lace 1 orange lace)

This way, when explaining step by step, it is visually easier on your child to understand the difference in the laces and see each step visually.

**Practice, Practice, Practice!

It takes time! Do not think it will happen overnight. Continue to practice and they will begin to get the hang of it! Don’t give up!

*Use Backwards Chaining Techniques

Chaining is a technique used in ABA (applied behavior analysis) to teach difficult tasks by breaking them down into smaller parts. Backwards chaining occurs when an Adult does each step of the task and allows the kid to do the very LAST step on their own. Essentially: breaking down the steps of a task and teaching them in reverse order. This gives the child an experience of success and completion with every attempt.

Below are the verbal cues we use for each step based on the way some CTC therapists teach the kiddos how to tie shoes! You can substitute your own steps for alternate methods:

  1. Criss Cross
  2. Orange Under White
  3. Pull Tight
  4. Make a loop
  5. Swoop
  6. Push through
  7. Pull tight

The parent would start by tying the shoe but allowing the child to ‘pull tight’ at the end. Over and over, the parent demonstrates the steps of shoe-tying, slowly, describing the procedure. With time, the parent fades back a step at a time, allowing the child to complete the ending steps instead of having to start with an untied shoe and remember what to do. This will allow the child begin to understand each step of the ‘Tying their own shoes’ process, while visually seeing it multiple times and physically being able to complete the task.

Here is a resource to help!

Shoe tying template

Developing Speech Language Skills at Home

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Developing Speech and Language Skills at Home

 

Home with your child more?… Now is a perfect time to work on developing speech and language skills!  Incorporating certain activities into your child’s daily routine is simple, easy and very effective!  Some parents feel as if developing speech and language skills must be a formal process of providing worksheets or setting aside a specific time each day to directly address certain skills. However, there are easy ways that are more successful in developing language and understanding when you engage your child during already established routines (such as mealtime, bedtime, bath time, play, etc.).  No matter the age of your child, these activities can be adapted for all skill levels.  Just remember to have FUN!

1.  Describe what you see

 

  • Verbalize and talk more often and with greater depth, describing what’s going on around you, and wondering out loud.
  • Instead of asking your child a bunch of questions try making comments and describe what you see.

 

  • Say: “We’re dumping sand into this big, green bucket.”
  • Instead of saying: “Are you pouring sand?”

 

  • Say: “Wow! That’s a big, blue circle!”
  • Instead of saying: “What color is that circle?”

 

2.  Describe the activity

  • “Your car is so fast! My car is slow. My car can beep the horn and go under the bridge. Let’s have a race with our cars.”

 

  • Your child will learn many words and concepts/ideas when you describe your shared experiences.

 

  • For younger kids, pointing is an important part of communicating. You can model pointing anywhere. It’s helpful to pair the pointing with a verbal label.
  • “Look! A big dog!”
  • “Police car! It’s so loud! Wee-ooh-wee-ooh!”

 

2.  Give choices

 

  • Giving choices empowers children but also allows you to maintain control of the tasks.

 

  • “You can wear your boots or your sneakers. Which pair of shoes would you like to wear?”

 

  • “Would you like some strawberries or blueberries?”

 

  • “We can go outside and play on your bike or play with chalk?”

 

3.  Talk about, describe and compare objects

 

  • Watermelons are so much bigger than oranges! Watermelons are heavy and round. We have to peel this orange before we can eat it.

 

  • Give the child a banana unpeeled. Wait and look at your child expectantly. “Oh, you want me to peel it? You say, ‘peel banana.’ I’m peeling the banana!”

 

4.  Self-Talk

 

  • Talk your inner monologue out loud.

 

  • Let your child hear your process. This will help them to develop logic, reasoning, problem solving and more advanced language skills.

 

  • “I wonder how we will get all of these bags of groceries from the car into our house. They are too heavy to carry all at once. Let’s get a wagon.”

 

5.  Make connections from the books you read together to compare what is going on in your own life

 

  • Talk about similarities and differences when you can.

 

6.  Parallel-Talk

 

  • Become a play-by-play announcer

 

  • Talk about what your child is doing in the moment:
  • “You’re building a tall tall tower!”
  • “You’re mixing blue and red paint. Hey, that looks like purple! Red and blue mixed together make purple!”

 

  • When engaging in parallel-talk, you can interpret your child’s actions:
  • “You’re pointing to the bookshelf. I see the truck up there! Do you want the truck? Tell me, ‘truck.’ You say, ‘truck.’ ‘truck.’”

 

7.  Repetition, repetition, repetition is the way to learn and hold on to new words.

 

  • For example, if your child is working on his/her use of the word “is,” then incorporate that into their play and during daily routines:
  • “Let’s introduce our babies to one another. Here is Rosie. Rosie is a girl. Casper is a boy. Here is Rascal.  Rascal is a dog.“

 

  • Cue your child to finish your sentence. Repeat it several times… repetition is key!

 

8.  Imitation

 

  • All children learn by imitating! Imitation is an important part of teaching and learning. For many children, mutual imitation (i.e., going back and forth imitating each other’s sounds, facial expressions, movements) is the most significant form of sustained social-interaction that they can achieve. When you imitate your child, for example, following his/her lead with a toy they are playing with, you are demonstrating focused attention on your child. By reflecting his/her actions, you can experience a wow moment of connectedness and fun! The next time your child picks up a musical toy and bangs on it, join in and imitate his/her sounds and rhythms. Remember to pause and wait for your child to continue.

 

  • For many parents, letting go of your own control and allowing your child to lead can be a new and difficult concept. But don’t forget — practice makes perfect! You do not need to be the director of your child at every moment, especially during play. Take a step back and see what your child can show you. When you imitate your child, you are showing them that “I’m doing what you’re doing” and this sets the stage for him/her to then imitate you.

 

9.  Have FUN!

 

  • Don’t forget to be playful and imaginative with your kids.  Kids love it when adults act silly and make mistakes. So how about next time you head out of the house with your child, leave your shoes behind and walk a few steps out the door…
  • “Oh silly me, I walked out of the house without my shoes!”

 

  • See if they even notice! If they don’t, try this again another day and see if you can prompt them to pay attention to your mistake. By mixing up a routine, you’re allowing your child to notice and make a comment. Give your child a fork with ice cream, wait, while looking at your child to see if and how they respond to this scenario?
  • “OH my goodness, I gave you a fork instead of a spoon. Oops, silly me!  It is hard to eat ice cream with a fork isn’t it?”

 

Don’t forget… It is NEVER too early to find out if your child could benefit from speech and language services.  The earlier the better!  We encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.  We are here for you and your family!

speech and language skills

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Activity at Home

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Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Activity at Home

Try this fun activity at home with your child- it can be adjusted for any age!

Instructions for the activity:

  • Make alphabet flash cards for your child to pick from
  • Have your child find something inside or outside that begins with that letter
  • Encourage your child to say the letter and the object
  • Talk about what the object does or how it is used
  • Have them write it out for extra practice!

How will this activity help my child succeed?

  • The alphabet scavenger hunt will help your child experience meaningful, hands-on alphabet practice
  • It integrates real-world identification with letters and sounds
  • This activity can provide necessary social interaction skills and even be made into a friendly competition with other children

We want to see your scavenger hunts.. tag us in your pics on social media!

 

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

 

Scavenger hunt

Staff Spotlight Vlog #1: Cindy and Taylor

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Welcome to our new series: Carolina Therapy Connection Staff Spotlight Vlog. Time to have some fun and learn more about our team of therapists and education specialists. Go behind the scenes to get a glimpse of our culture and meet our work family!

 

Our first Staff Spotlight Vlog is with Cindy Taylor and Taylor Varnell.  Cindy is an Occupational Therapist and owner of Carolina Therapy Connection.  Taylor is the Office Director of both our Greenville and Goldsboro clinics.  Learn more about Cindy and Taylor in this up close and personal Vlog.  Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more fun videos and Vlog’s.

 

Learn more about the other members of our CTC family here.

Sensory Walk Activity to do at Home!

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Home with your kiddos and need some sensory suggestions?

 

This is a sensory walk that you can easily create at home with chalk and other materials (bins filled with rice, beans, dirt, sand, etc.).  This helps to promote balance, coordination, and following directions.  Try it at home and show us how you created your very own sensory walk!

sensory walk

Teletherapy Services From the Comfort of Your Home

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What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is delivering online therapy services with one of our speech, occupational, or physical therapists  through telecommunication technology, often from a distance. Technology can now connect therapists with clients no matter the distance or situation.Telespeech – teletherapy – telehealth – telepractice – telerehabilitation…as with many labels, it’s interchangeable in this regard.We live in a world with constantly evolving technology and new and fancy inventions that keep our brains buzzing trying to keep up. Our basic communication skills are evolving at a rate that is lightning fast (see: Twitter, Facebook, Email). Why shouldn’t therapy services be evolving with the technology, as well?

How does teletherapy work?

Through a secure platform, therapists link to clients via an internet connection, web portal, and two-way live video. Through the platform, the kiddo can interact with the therapist just as he/she would if it was an in-person session. There can be hands-on activities, activities involving the platform, and even interactive games between the two. Often, a caregiver is on the end with the kiddo providing cueing and any “hands-on” techniques that might be needed by the instruction of the therapist.

Have you used any type of video calling on your cell phone? Then you know how the foundation of live video works in teletherapy! Teletherapy sessions are identical to face-to-face sessions, except instead of in person, you’re on a two-way video call.

Does it have the same impact as traditional face-to-face therapy?

Luckily, there has been a lot of research on teletherapy as it continues to grow as a service delivery model. Research has found very few differences between teletherapy and traditional in-person therapy!

Also, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has recognized teletherapy as an effective method of service delivery since 2005. You can find their statement regarding the matter here.

With any type of treatment, there isn’t a blanket statement that can be made with a “100% guarantee that this will work!” Just like some children respond better to whole groups than small groups, or some children can wear long sleeves and others can’t – some children will benefit greatly from this method and others will benefit more from a traditional face-to-face, 1:1 setting.

What do I need for teletherapy?

If you have a computer, a microphone, and a camera (which most computers/laptops have automatically now), you’re set! You’ll also need a strong internet connection. As long as you have those items, you can engage in teletherapy sessions.

What are the key benefits of teletherapy?

  • Convenience! Your child can now engage in therapy without leaving your home and you don’t have to feel like you need to clean up for a clinician to visit your home.
  • Kids love technology. Yes, there are opposite opinions regarding technology with children as a whole, but sometimes it needs to be embraced. Today’s children just don’t know a time without screens – and that’s OK. Most children love online video interaction and are highly motivated by it. Also, children can feel more comfortable in this setting than with an unfamiliar person. While a lot of adults might not understand the constant connection, kids do.
  • Access to providers you typically wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Those in rural areas can access therapy in their kitchen instead of having to drive an hour to a rural clinic. If you need a specialized treatment approach (like feeding therapy) that few are qualified in, teletherapy can connect you with that special therapist. The options provided to clients has grown tremendously with the introduction of teletherapy.
  • Less cancelled sessions 
  • There are no transportation concerns.
  • Children’s attention may be greater with teletherapy. Children are drawn to technology. The interactive platform and interactive games on the computer with the therapists are motivating and keep a lot of students engaged for longer amounts of time.

Check out this video of our kiddo’s using Teletherapy at CTC!

If you are interested in setting up a teletherapy session for your child, please contact us! We would love to get started with you!

teletherapy