Giving Leora a Voice: An SLP's Guide
to AAC Intervention, Clinical
Decision-Making, and TouchChat
Implementation in Autism Spectrum
Disorder
---
| **Client Name** | Leora |
| **Age** | 17 years old |
| **Primary Diagnosis** | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
| **Reason for Referral** | Recently began using a new augmentative and
alternative communication (AAC) device |
| **Simulation Type** | Intervention (SLP) |
| **Recommended Time** | 45 minutes |
| **Setting** | Speech-language pathology intervention session |
Leora is a 17-year-old with autism spectrum disorder who recently began using a
new augmentative and alternative communication device. The speech-language
pathology practitioner is assigned to complete Leora's intervention session,
focusing on functional communication and AAC device integration.
,---
# SECTION 2: INTERPROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
This case study is part of an interprofessional education (IPE) approach offering a
collaborative, person-centered care model with simulations developed for
multiple professions. Two versions of the Leora simulation exist:
1. **Leora - Intervention (SLP)** - Speech-language pathology focus
2. **Leora - Intervention (OT)** - Occupational therapy focus
The interprofessional nature of this case emphasizes the importance of
collaboration between speech-language pathology and occupational therapy
practitioners in supporting AAC users with autism spectrum disorder.
---
# SECTION 3: CLINICAL BACKGROUND & RATIONALE FOR AAC
## Autism Spectrum Disorder and Communication Challenges
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by persistent challenges in social
communication and interaction across multiple contexts. For individuals like Leora
who are minimally verbal or nonverbal, AAC devices serve as essential tools for
functional communication.
, ## TouchChat as an AAC Solution
TouchChat is a full-featured communication solution designed for individuals with
autism, Down syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a
person's ability to use natural speech. Key features include:
- Symbol-based communication pages
- Customizable vocabulary files
- Speech output functionality
- Multiple vocabulary set options (e.g., WordPower)
## The AAC Intervention Framework
The overarching goal of AAC intervention is to enhance the individual's ability to
communicate effectively and participate in daily life. For Leora, this involves:
1. **Device acquisition and familiarization** - Learning to navigate the TouchChat
interface
2. **Functional communication training** - Using the device for genuine
communicative purposes
3. **Generalization** - Applying AAC skills across environments and
communication partners
4. **Self-advocacy** - Expressing needs, wants, and opinions independently
---
to AAC Intervention, Clinical
Decision-Making, and TouchChat
Implementation in Autism Spectrum
Disorder
---
| **Client Name** | Leora |
| **Age** | 17 years old |
| **Primary Diagnosis** | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
| **Reason for Referral** | Recently began using a new augmentative and
alternative communication (AAC) device |
| **Simulation Type** | Intervention (SLP) |
| **Recommended Time** | 45 minutes |
| **Setting** | Speech-language pathology intervention session |
Leora is a 17-year-old with autism spectrum disorder who recently began using a
new augmentative and alternative communication device. The speech-language
pathology practitioner is assigned to complete Leora's intervention session,
focusing on functional communication and AAC device integration.
,---
# SECTION 2: INTERPROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
This case study is part of an interprofessional education (IPE) approach offering a
collaborative, person-centered care model with simulations developed for
multiple professions. Two versions of the Leora simulation exist:
1. **Leora - Intervention (SLP)** - Speech-language pathology focus
2. **Leora - Intervention (OT)** - Occupational therapy focus
The interprofessional nature of this case emphasizes the importance of
collaboration between speech-language pathology and occupational therapy
practitioners in supporting AAC users with autism spectrum disorder.
---
# SECTION 3: CLINICAL BACKGROUND & RATIONALE FOR AAC
## Autism Spectrum Disorder and Communication Challenges
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by persistent challenges in social
communication and interaction across multiple contexts. For individuals like Leora
who are minimally verbal or nonverbal, AAC devices serve as essential tools for
functional communication.
, ## TouchChat as an AAC Solution
TouchChat is a full-featured communication solution designed for individuals with
autism, Down syndrome, ALS, apraxia, stroke, or other conditions that affect a
person's ability to use natural speech. Key features include:
- Symbol-based communication pages
- Customizable vocabulary files
- Speech output functionality
- Multiple vocabulary set options (e.g., WordPower)
## The AAC Intervention Framework
The overarching goal of AAC intervention is to enhance the individual's ability to
communicate effectively and participate in daily life. For Leora, this involves:
1. **Device acquisition and familiarization** - Learning to navigate the TouchChat
interface
2. **Functional communication training** - Using the device for genuine
communicative purposes
3. **Generalization** - Applying AAC skills across environments and
communication partners
4. **Self-advocacy** - Expressing needs, wants, and opinions independently
---
