Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC encompasses communication methods, including aided and unaided systems, which supplement or replace spoken communication. Examples of unaided systems include gestures, body language, facial expressions, and sign language. An aided system includes some type of tool or device, ranging from the simplicity of pen and paper to a device with a communication screen and a synthesized voice. Links to AAC, research, and resources.
What does Evidence-Based Practice look like with a neurodiversity model? Definition, links to recommended therapy models, resources and research.
Sometimes clients may require feeding therapy because they are not eating enough quantity or variety to support their healthy emotional, physical, or social development. Additionally, a client may exhibit eating patterns that are a significant source of conflict or worry for their caregivers. Therapist Neurodiversity Collective does not recommend the use of ABA practices or employment of any type of forced feeding, physical restraint, and physical manipulation of the client’s body. Withholding food and drink as a way to manipulate eating behavior is dehumanizing.
Pragmatic language is the use of communication, including body language, and comprehension, and the use of unspoken social rules and expectations in social contexts. The therapeutic judgment of pragmatic language “appropriateness” has historically been based upon comparing a person’s social behavior with that of what resembles “correct” social behavior among neurotypical people. What does non-ableist pragmatic language therapy look like? Links to research and resources.
Therapist Neurodiversity Collective understands that communication is a multi-way process and that the onus should not be placed solely on Autistic people to repair communication differences. Autistic (and more broadly neurodivergent) people communicate differently than neurotypical people. And yet therapists (and the world) often expect neurodivergent people to change their communication styles, make adjustments, and comply with often confusing spoken and unspoken rules of social interaction. Diversity in social intelligence is natural and viable.