"This workshop is appropriate for parents and professionals who are supporting a child with ASD of any age who is currently using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system, such as a tablet, communication device, or printed communication board/book.  Participants will explore intervention strategies to assist in supporting the total communication development of the AAC user, using the communication system as a tool.  Strategies will include those that aim to move the child beyond requesting items and into more social communication functions.  Strategies provided will also emphasize what parents and partners can do to teach each child how to use more words on his or her system with more independence and consistency over time.  Participants should bring the communication system with them to the training if possible.  Printed communication boards will be provided to those who are unable to bring the child’s system for the purposes of hands on practice during the workshop.  This workshop will end with a 30-minute question and answer session."

Presenter: Tanna Neufeld, MS, CCC-SLP, UW Autism Center