This week we are joined by Anna, who describes her experiences with AAC implementation as a recent graduate. Anna is a first-year speech-language pathologist in Northeast Ohio, completing her CFY, (clinical fellowship year) in a pediatric clinical setting. She primarily works with autistic individuals and AAC users.

Anna kicks off our episode (1:20) by describing her unique education pathway, where she completed a certification in Early Intervention prior to attending Speech-Language Pathology graduate school. (3:21) She describes her experience learning about AAC at the graduate level, which set the foundations for AAC evaluation and implementation in practice. However, due to the expansive nature of AAC, not everything can be covered in a semester course! This leads to (7:08) challenges when evaluating in practice and (9:23) the imposter syndrome of simultaneously being the expert on your team while still having so much more you can learn. Anna shares her tips for (12:16) having difficult conversations with team members to move toward collaboration, and away from common practices that have been mistaken for best practices.

Lauren and Anna go on to discuss the (14:24) successes and (18:54) challenges that prepared Anna for tackling her CFY. Then, Anna shares practices that have helped her feel successful as a brand new SLP both in her (20:19) work and in (28:56) developing a work-life balance. They wrap up (33:16) with tips to feel confident taking on AAC, no matter your overall level of experience. Lauren leaves us with our (38:43) Take AACtion step- this episode may have helped you take it!