Preparing Children with Complex Communication Needs

for Adult Social Relationships

DESCRIPTION:

This presentation will explore practical strategies that can be implemented immediately
to equip children and adults with Complex Communication Needs (CCN) to actively participate in meaningful
activities and relationships through practical and effective communication. This includes building on personal
strengths to enable individuals to acquire Social Communication skills that allow them to access valued natural
consequences as well as mutually valued interpersonal interactions. It has generally been found that, though
children with disabilities may have access to well-founded programs and services, they are often ill-equipped as
they enter adulthood to effectively participate as valued members of their communities. The presenters will
review foundational social and communication skills so that all team members at any stage of intervention can
determine and target skills necessary for building social competence. This presentation will conclude with
resources for participants to implement the information presented and to provide therapy supports and materials.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

Barbara Weber works in Early Intervention and is in private practice. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist
and a board-certified behavior analyst. She is the Coordinator for the ASHA SIG 12 (AAC) coordinating committee. She
has co-authored two books on early intervention. Her focus is on providing family-centered strategies to support
families in helping clients learn within important daily routines. Barbara has a special interest in Autism and AAC
and uses AAC strategies throughout intervention.

G. David Smith is a psychologist and behavior analyst addressing the needs of adults and children with a variety of
disabilities. David consults on individual client needs and provides consultation to agencies and other
professionals.

Richard Lytton retired in 2020 as an SLP and Clinical/Teaching AAC Specialist with more than 40 years in school,
hospital, and university settings. While AAC is his professional specialty, the study and use of language has been
his love. Parent education and collaboration with teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and
behavioral analysts has always been integrated into his practice. Dick continues to consult with families and their
team members.

MODERATED BY: Betsy Caporale

PLEASE NOTE: Only the first 150 attendees to log into
the webinar will be guaranteed spots.

SLPs who are USSAAC/ISAAC members may have their participation in this webinar reported for ASHA CEUs at no charge. Non-members must pay a $25 reporting fee.

This course is offered for 0.15 ASHA CEUs (Introductory level; Professional area)

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

1. Identify critical skills for intervention when building social connections.
2. Describe ways to enhance opportunities for naturally occurring authentic communication
   interactions.
3. Discuss communication skills that will prepare individuals with CCN to actively participate in
   meaningful activities and relationships as adults.
4. Recognize and minimize the use of dependency-producing professional/caregiver practices.

TIME ORDERED AGENDA:

• 5 minutes: Introduction of Speakers, USSAAC and topic
• 5 minutes: Introduction of topic.
• 5 minutes: Collaboration and Social Relationships
• 25 minutes: Socialization Leads the Way through Meaningful Activities and Relationships
• 25 minutes: Critical Language Skills for Social Connection
• 20 minutes: Social Communication Skills, Relationships and Friendships5
• 5 minutes: Q & A

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) CEUs in speech-language pathology and
audiology are awarded by the ASHA CE Registry upon receipt of the CEU Participant Form from the ASHA
Approved CE Provider, USSAAC. ASHA CEUs are provided to full registrations. This program is offered for
.1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory Level, Professional Area)

ASHA Disclosures:

• Speaker
  • Financial:
    • G. David Smith has no financial disclosures to report.
    • Barbara Weber has no financial disclosures to report.
    • Richard Lytton has no financial disclosures to report.
  • Non-financial:
    • G. David Smith has no nonfinancial disclosures to report.
      Barbara Weber is the Coordinator of ASHA Sig 12 coordinating committee.
      Richard Lytton has no nonfinancial disclosures to report.
• Moderator
  • Financial:
    • Betsy Caporale has no financial disclosures to report
  • Non-financial
    • Betsy Caporale is a USSAAC Board Member and Director of the Education Committee

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Contact Us: membership@ussaac.org

Join Us: USSAAC.org/membership

USSAAC EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

Betsy Caporale, Richard Hurtig, Sharon Redmon, Wendy Quach