Shani Bender
MA, CCC-SLP
Shani Bender is a Speech-Language Pathologist and AAC Coach with over 25 years of pediatric experience across clinical and educational settings. For the past decade, Shani has specialized in the birth-to-five population, partnering with families to support early communication development. Shani holds a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and is a contributor to professional development through presentations at the local and state level.
SESSION DESCRIPTION co-presenting with Cheri Dodge Chin
Bridging the Gap: Leveraging AAC to Support Children with Echolalia
This presentation explores the intersection of echolalia and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We will define echolalia (immediate and delayed) and "gestalt language processing" examining both its neurodiversity-affirming aspects and current research considerations. Participants will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for customizing robust AAC systems to honor a child's unique communication style while fostering the development of flexible, generative language. The session also includes guidance on respectfully navigating conversations with parents regarding evidence-based practices.
Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define immediate and delayed echolalia.
- Identify at least three evidence-based strategies to support language development in children who use echolalia.
- Demonstrate how to customize robust AAC systems with scripts or phrases without compromising access to core vocabulary.
- Communicate the importance of free exploration and large vocabulary sizes for children with auditory processing differences.
- Formulate a therapeutic rationale for programming specific phrases into an individual's AAC device to support regulation, safety, or social engagement.
Summary
This session provides a comprehensive look at supporting children who communicate through echolalia using AAC. It balances the intuitive appeal of the popular "gestalt language processing" framework with a critical look at the current research base, emphasizing the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Key topics include honoring all forms of communication, the role of AAC in supporting receptive speech sound discrimination, and technical tips for device customization like text enlargement and auditory modeling. The presentation concludes with strategies for collaborating with families to set meaningful communication goals that respect the child's natural language development and personal interests.
Target audience and experience level: Intermediate - Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs),
AAC Coaches
AAC Coaches
*Sessions are open to all registrants regardless of experience level or roles.
Primary Life Cycle: All ages