Check out my Latest Video...
In this video, I discuss exactly how to get started modeling language on your child’s AAC system so that they can start learning how to communicate.
In this video, I describe how children need time to explore their AAC systems in order to learn how to use them effectively.
In this video, I describe 5 simple ways to start introducing literacy to your AAC learner.
To learn more about AAC & Literacy I recommend the following resources:
Center for Literacy & Disabilities: Resources
Comprehensive Literacy for All Book
LOMAH Podcast Series on Literacy: #131 - Literacy Instruction for Students With Disabilities: Series Introduction — LOMAH
In this video, I describe how the concept of motor planning is essential to help children learn how to effectively and efficiently use AAC for communication.
Children with complex communication needs get stuck being told what to do all day long and adults don't even realize how many demands they are putting on a child to communicate. In this video I explain the importance of "inspiring" communication instead of relying so heavily on requiring it.
Will using a communication device with a child who is minimally verbal prevent them from talking? I review the latest research and discuss why communication devices foster (not prevent) a child from talking. To say up-to-date on supporting language development in children who are minimally verbal subscribe to this channel so you'll be the first to know when I add new videos.
I love sneaking learning into apps that kids already love to play with! One great example of what you can do with Playhome is you can help them learn irregular past tense by having the character perform an action and then talk about it with your child!
In this video, I describe 4 reasons why a child who has verbal speech might still benefit from AAC and how to help them start making progress towards communication.
Is your child stuck using single words or having a hard time creating sentences? This video outlines how to be more strategic with the vocabulary you are choosing and why a "Core Word" approach helps children start speaking in sentences beyond simple requests like "I want."
As soon as I realize Eli is responding to what I’m saying by laughing, I pivot what I’m doing to try to keep him laughing and engaged. It’s in these magical moments you need to throw your therapy plans and goals out the window and focus on fun!
I get a lot of phone calls from parents telling me that their child is able to ask for what they want but they aren't saying much more than that. In this video I describe how to get children beyond just requesting and using communication for a variety of purposes.
Ever wonder how to get your child to put down an iPad or iPhone down without a struggle? In this video I explain how to use Guided Access to stop your child from having a meltdown when you take technology away.
One of the absolute BEST ways to start helping your child communicate is to make language VISUAL by using pictures or symbols. Sometimes parents have lots of doubts about using technology such as an iPad because they feel like they are giving up on spoken speech. In this video, I talk about how using technology actually HELPS children's language skills grow and often inspires the development of spoken communication.
In this video I show how I use the app "Toca Kitchen" in my speech therapy to teach communication skills using core words. This game is highly motivating AND really great at targeting specific vocabulary to help children start talking. Head over to www.rachelmadel.com to discover more great resources that I don't share anywhere else.
In this video, I describe how children can get stuck in a cycle of over-prompting and what to do in order to help children become more independent communicators. Click HERE for the resource featured in this video
Using core words is the single best way to get children to start building sentences. In this video I give examples of commonly used core words and how you can easily use them to help your child start speaking in sentences.
In this video, I share a coaching moment where I teach Renee the strategy I like to call "Leveling Up" ---- taking what a child is saying and adding or changing one word to expand.
Love this coaching video with my rockstar mama Addie! Watch as we talk through getting the whole family on board with AAC with her son Elijah.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: we need to start with what kids are already communicating with us nonverbally to figure out highly motivating opportunities to teach language. Watch in this video how I explain this concept to one of my superstar clients, Addie and we work together to figure out different language opportunities for her son Elijah.
In this coaching session with Renee, I discuss the importance of building more independent use of language before adding to expand to phrases and sentences. Key point in this video: building off of a strength that Abby is already demonstrating.
In this video, I describe my exact process for selecting which vocabulary to program and target when you're working with a child who uses AAC to communicate.
Sometimes less is more when it comes to encouraging children to communicate with us. In this video you'll learn how to use pausing to give kids enough space to learn how to communicate more independently.
Communication boards are an easy, low-cost way to start helping children with limited language learn how to communicate. In this video I explain why I use a communication board every day in my speech therapy and the step-by-step process for you to get started.
Watch this video as I coach Renee through strategizing vocabulary targets. NOTE: First question I ask--- "what is being used spontaneously?" AND "...
In this video I show how I use the app "Peekaboo Barn" in my speech therapy to teach communication skills using core word vocabulary.
