In this episode, Sarah and Sarie discussed different masking rules in Sarie’s setting (schools) versus Sarah’s setting (clinic) and the confusion and conflict that has invited for the families they see. This conversation isn’t about the hosts’ personal beliefs on masking, but rather the confusing messages regarding mask wearing and that the rules should be consistent between schools and clinics.

The co-hosts also discuss four problems with AAC education (and how to fix them), and discuss gestalt language learning and AAC. Sarah and Sarie also share their favorite recent reads, with both nonfiction and fiction book recommendations.

Problem 1: AAC is All Talk and No Action

AAC education is full of theories and acronyms which mean very little if you can’t see them in action.

The fix: SLPs need more AAC education with clips of sessions and/or discussions of practical real-life examples of therapy in action, including session ideas.

Problem 2: AAC Education is Often School-Age Specific

Most courses exclude preschool communicators and older communicators using AAC, which leaves SLPs confused and without resources for the age span of students they see.

The fix: SLPs need AAC education that is implemented across the lifespan (including preschool students and older students).

Problem 3: Finding Devices for All Our Students

Not all areas have the same access to robust AAC, and many SLP caseloads are so big that we cannot pass out a high-tech AAC device for each student.

The fix: We cannot pass out devices like a dentist passes out toothbrushes - this takes time, and we need to reduce SLP guilt about this (and SLPs need to stop shaming one another about this). Additionally, we need more funding sources and simplified systems for purchasing devices for students to reduce the complexity of the assessment and funding process.

Problem 4: Lack of Mentorship

SLPs need access to mentors who can walk them through commonly-seen situations, as well as walk them through specific scenarios, and collaborate and problem solve together.

The fix: SLPs need opportunities through their workplace, ASHA, and state organizations for AAC mentors since this can generally be an area that SLPs don’t see as often and the process of assessment and funding for devices is complex.

Books Recommended

Sarie Recommends: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, The Second Baby Book: How to cope with pregnancy number two and create a happy home for your firstborn and new arrival and Ready, Set, Go!: A Gentle Parenting Guide to Calmer, Quicker Potty Training by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Sarah Recommends: Mr. Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange, Murder in an Irish Village series by Carlene O’Conner, The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss by Mary-Francis O'Connor, The Lost Apothecary: A Novel by Sarah Penner, Wildwood by Colin Meloy