Today I’m talking to Laura Hayes.  Laura is a speech/language pathologist who specializes in AAC and does a lot of work surrounding AAC for gestalt language processors.  You are going to LOVE Laura and everything she shares when it comes to AAC.  Be sure to head over and list now!

Bio: Laura Hayes is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) experience in both school and medical settings. Laura has presented across state, national, and international conferences. She has been published and supported both inpatient pediatric and educational augmentative and alternative communication research. She currently hosts a podcast for her school district, titled: “Innovative AAC Solutions”. She authored an online course on gestalt language processing and AAC found at www.meaningfulspeech.com, and she has supported thousands of AAC device users in moving towards autonomous communication.

In this episode, Tara speaks with Laura Hayes, an AAC expert and facilitator in St. Louis, about practical strategies for using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with young autistic children. Laura shares her journey into speech pathology and her inspiration from her sister with complex communication needs. Together, they dive into key topics around AAC, from presuming competence to the importance of modeling language and honoring all forms of communication.

Topics Covered:

• Laura's Journey and AAC Innovations Learn about Laura’s early inspiration and her path into supporting AAC users, leading her to create the AAC Innovations platform to share insights and strategies.

• Common Missteps in AAC Laura explains why phrases like "say it on your talker" can hinder rather than help and offers compassionate alternatives to support autonomy in AAC users.

• The Power of Modeling and Autonomous Communication Why AAC users benefit from watching adults model language, and how this exposure supports authentic, autonomous communication development.

• Presuming Competence Discover the importance of believing in a child’s communication potential from the start, as Laura discusses setting high expectations and the positive impacts this mindset has on AAC users.

• Gestalt Language Processing in AAC Laura breaks down Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), explaining how some children learn language in chunks and the adaptations required to support them effectively in AAC.

Connect with Laura Hayes: Follow Laura on Instagram at AAC Innovations for more tips, strategies, and resources. You can also reach her via email at [email protected] for specific questions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lily’s Voice – AAC devices for children in need.

• Meaningful Speech – Beginner's Guide to AAC and Gestalt Language Processing w/Laura Hayes: https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/offers/4boeFFJ9/checkout

• IG: @aacinnovations

• The Role Of Perception In AAC: https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/25191/

• Stimming And AAC: https://www.youtube.com/live/RY06z0WzlFk?si=nHzEbNBMybE1VTE-

Key Takeaways:

• AAC support is ongoing and ever-evolving. Laura’s perspective reminds us that it's okay to learn as we go.

• Language development is unique to each child, and all communication attempts deserve validation.

• Microlearning AAC strategies can build confidence for educators and caregivers over time.

You may also be interested in these supports:

• Visual Support Starter Set 

• Visual Supports Facebook Group

• Autism Little Learners on Instagram

• Autism Little Learners on Facebook

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