Day: September 13, 2026

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC is any tool that supports or replaces spoken words, from simple gestures and picture cards to tablet apps with voice output.  A common fear is that AAC will stop a child from talking, but research shows the opposite. AAC gives kids a reliable way to communicate which often reduces frustration and can actually support spoken language development, not replace it. Even if your child isn’t using AAC, understanding it matters. Communication needs can change, your child likely has classmates who use AAC, and the more parents understand it, the less stigma AAC users face. If you’re noticing your child gets frustrated trying to communicate or struggles to be understood, talk to a

Many parents may be surprised to learn that there are ways of predicting which children may have difficulty with school performance. An Australian research study in 2017 followed 1,910 children from infancy through age 7 to evaluate a child’s likelihood of academic difficulty based on identified risk factors and language skills at the integral timelines of 2 and 4 years of age. Researchers found that a child’s language skills at 4 years of age were significantly predictive of language capacity by age 7. Children’s language skills as early as age 2 were also predictive of later outcomes, but by age 4, their ability to provide a more accurate prediction of later academic skills was stronger. Risk factors of academic difficulty

Many parents may be surprised to learn that free books are just a mail delivery away! Children feel so special when they receive mail and report enjoyment and excitement when they see a new book has been gifted to them.  Research shows that receiving and exploring a new book is a strong opportunity for children to talk to their parents, learn new words, practice listening, develop understanding of a basic story plot, and develop a lifelong love of reading. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a book-giving program cultivated by the well-respected musician Dolly Parton which makes high-quality books available to families throughout the country. Most interestingly, Dolly Parton created this program in honor of her father, who never had

For parents of children with autism and other developmental differences, finding the right support for your children can feel like a full-time undertaking. We as therapists know that the families we serve invest tremendous amounts of time, energy, and resources into helping their children communicate, connect, learn, participate, and feel successful at home, at school, and in their community. As therapists, we often hear one question from parents who intrinsically wonder: “Is my child making progress?” The answer isn’t always as linear or straightforward as we might hope or expect. Progress in pediatric therapy—particularly for children with autism and complex communication or learning needs—is rarely a specific destination. Sometimes, the most meaningful changes are the ones that can be easy