This week, we share Chris’s interview with Dr. Sam Brydon! Dr. Sam Brydon is a speech-language pathologist and researcher based in New Zealand who works with Torque Link, a nonprofit that conducts AAC assessments and provides support and training across the country. She balances this role with efforts to disseminate her doctoral research, which focuses on coaching and professional development for implementing AAC effectively!

Before the interview, Chris and Rachel dive into a great listener question. The listener has an 8-year-old child with cerebral palsy and cortical visual impairment who uses eye gaze to access his AAC device. They are considering adding more words to the device, but are unsure if this is a good idea. Chris and Rachel share why the family should follow their gut to push for more words on the device, highlighting the importance of presuming potential in every child.

Key Ideas This Week:

🔑 The Importance of Coaching in AAC Implementation: Dr. Brydon emphasizes that coaching, rather than simply delivering workshops or direct therapy, is crucial in supporting parents, teachers, and other communication partners to effectively implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies. Collaborative coaching that includes practice, feedback, and reflection is essential for lasting change.

🔑 Challenges and Solutions in AAC Adoption: She highlights barriers such as the misuse of AAC tools (e.g., as behavior management tools) and the difficulty communication partners face in mastering AAC strategies. Her research shows that success hinges on providing consistent, hands-on coaching to help partners integrate AAC into daily routines and interactions.

🔑 The Role of Motivation and Motor Planning: Dr. Brydon discusses the importance of ensuring AAC systems are motivating for children and that they utilize consistent motor planning. She notes that tools like core boards and approaches like LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning)   can enhance accessibility and engagement for users.

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