At PediaSpeech Services, we are excited to announce that we are now offering AAC evaluations as part of our comprehensive speech and language services!
Communication is at the heart of learning, social relationships, independence, and self-advocacy. Our goal is to help every child access a communication system that allows them to effectively express their wants, needs, thoughts, ideas, and personality.
Unlike traditional AAC evaluations that may occur over a single appointment, our process is designed to thoroughly assess a child’s communication needs through direct intervention and hands-on device trials. This approach allows us to make recommendations based on real-world use and meaningful participation.
Our AAC Evaluation Process
Step 1: Comprehensive Speech and Language Evaluation
The AAC evaluation process begins with a comprehensive initial speech and language evaluation. This evaluation gives us a foundation for understanding how a child communicates and helps determine whether AAC should be explored as part of their communication system.
We evaluate:
- Receptive language skills (understanding language)
- Expressive language skills (using language to communicate)
- Pragmatic language skills (social communication)
- Current communication methods
- Speech intelligibility
- Overall communication strengths and challenges
Step 2: AAC Trials During Speech Therapy
If AAC trials are warranted, we begin weekly speech therapy sessions focused on exploring different communication options.
Rather than making recommendations based on a single session, we believe children benefit from having multiple opportunities to interact with AAC systems in meaningful, motivating activities. These therapy sessions allow us to observe how a child learns, engages, and communicates with different tools over time and identify the system that best supports the child’s communication needs.
During the trial process, we may explore:
- Low-tech communication options
- High-tech speech-generating devices
- Different AAC applications
- Various vocabulary organization systems
- Multiple grid sizes
- Different access methods
- Device accessories and mounting options
Why We Often Recommend Speech-Generating Devices
While every child is unique and recommendations are individualized, we frequently recommend high-tech speech-generating devices because they provide access to a robust vocabulary system and allow children to communicate across a variety of environments, including home, school, therapy, and community settings.
Benefits of speech-generating devices may include:
- Access to a large vocabulary for a wide range of communication purposes
- Voice output that allows communication partners to hear and understand messages
- Opportunities to build language beyond requesting
- Support for social interaction and relationship building
- Participation in classroom activities and academic learning
- Increased independence and self-advocacy
- The ability to communicate novel thoughts and ideas rather than relying on a limited set of preprogrammed messages
- A communication system that can expand as language skills develop
Step 3: Identifying the Best Fit
Throughout the trial process, we carefully monitor how a child responds to different AAC options. By trialing multiple systems, we can make informed recommendations based on the child’s actual performance rather than assumptions.
We consider factors such as:
- Ease of use
- Communication effectiveness
- Vocabulary access
- Motor skills
- Sensory needs
- Portability
- Family preferences
- Educational needs
Step 4: Funding and Device Acquisition
Once we identify the most appropriate device and AAC application, we begin the funding process. Our goal is to help families navigate this process as smoothly as possible while ensuring all required documentation is completed accurately.
At PediaSpeech Services, we work closely with several leading AAC companies, including AbleNet, Tobii Dynavox, and PRC-Saltillo, to help families obtain their child’s recommended speech-generating device. Our speech-language pathologists collaborate closely with families and AAC representatives throughout the process to maximize the likelihood of a successful funding outcome. While funding timelines vary depending on insurance requirements, we remain available to answer questions and provide support every step of the way.
During the funding process, we:
- Gather and submit required clinical documentation
- Provide detailed evaluation reports and trial data
- Coordinate with AAC manufacturer representatives
- Support insurance benefit verification
- Help families understand insurance coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs
- Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted
Step 5: Receiving and Using Your Child’s Personal SGD
Once funding has been approved and the device is delivered, your child will receive their own personalized speech-generating device (SGD). The device will be customized to support your child’s communication needs, interests, and daily routines.
Following device delivery, our goal is to help children and their families successfully integrate AAC into everyday life and develop confidence using their new communication system.
After receiving the device, our team continues to support implementation by:
- Teaching families how to use the device effectively
- Modeling AAC use during speech therapy sessions
- Programming and customizing vocabulary as needed
- Providing strategies to encourage communication throughout daily routines
- Supporting use of the device across home, school, and community settings
- Helping communication partners learn how to support AAC users
We’re Excited to Support More Communicators
At PediaSpeech Services, we believe every child deserves access to effective communication. By offering AAC evaluations, device trials, individualized recommendations, and ongoing support, we help children access communication tools that allow them to participate more fully at home, school, and in their communities.
If you think your child may benefit from AAC, contact PediaSpeech Services to learn more about our evaluation process and get started on the journey toward more effective communication.
Every child deserves a voice, and we’re honored to be part of that journey.
