Rethinking Evidence-Based Practice for Supporting Nonspeaking Individuals

• By: Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP College of Health Sciences, University of Rhode Island Jessica Teixeira, MS, CCC-SLP Play Haven Pediatric Therapy
• July 9th, 2026
• assistive communication, autism research, clinical expertise, communication supports, evidence-based practice, nonspeaking individuals, speech-language pathology, Summer 2026 Issue
• 72    0

In considering the issue of evidence-based practice (EBP), we take on a deceptively simple question—what counts as "evidence" of effectiveness of approaches in supporting the communication of nonspeaking autistic individuals? Beneath that question lies a deeper and more contentious issue—how...

The Visual Aspect of Increasing Communication Across Disciplines

• By: Amanda Doran, MEd, BCBA, LABA Elizabeth Bland, MA, BCBA Autism Care Partners Kara Morrison-Smith, MS, CCC-SLP, ASDCS Little Finch
• July 9th, 2026
• ABA, augmentative and alternative communication, autism services, communication development, interdisciplinary collaboration, speech-language pathology, Summer 2026 Issue, Visual Immersion System, visual scene display, visual supports
• 60    0

Speech pathologists and behavior analysts each bring distinct expertise, yet their greatest impact is realized through integrated service delivery. Separately, these two provider groups apply principles unique to their respective science and discipline, but it is together, with support from...

Augmentative Communication: Finding the Real Person “Trapped Inside”

• By: Maegan Meneses, MA, CCC-SLP YAI Center for Specialty Therapy
• January 1st, 2014
• AAC, assistive technology, augmentative communication, caregiver training, communication skills, independence, social skills development, speech-language pathology
• 2111    0

Jerry, a young man with autism, approached two women in the waiting area. He pressed a button on his augmentative communication device and said, “Good morning. It’s nice to meet you.” Thanks to a Nova Chat 7 communication device, Jerry, 22 (note: he turns 23 on 1/22/14), has a voice for...