Feeling unsure about AAC? You're not alone. In this episode, Hallie sits down with Cassidy, a speech therapist and owner of Around the Spectrum Therapy in Pennsylvania, to talk through what makes AAC feel so overwhelming and how to move past the "getting it right" mentality. Cassidy shares her journey from knowing next to nothing about AAC to building a robust vocabulary approach with clients from as young as 17 months, plus practical ways to coach parents and teachers who feel stuck.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• Why AAC feels overwhelming for so many SLPs, from tech overload to inconsistent caseload exposure
• The mindset shift from "perfect system" to just diving in and learning alongside the child
• Robust vocabulary vs. simple grids, and reframing AAC as language input, not just output
• How to structure sessions around a child's actual interests, including working with action words and motor-driven kids
• Coaching parents and professionals to focus on small, sustainable wins instead of all-or-nothing use

Here’s what we learned:

• AAC should be treated as another tool in the therapy toolbox, not a separate, high-pressure system
• Starting with robust vocabulary access early, even with very young or emerging communicators, can pay off long-term
• Small, specific wins (one word, one moment) build more momentum than pushing for constant device use
• Finding genuine joy and connection with the child matters more than following a rigid AAC plan
• Meeting parents and teachers where they are is just as important as meeting the student where they are

Learn more about Cassidy Kutchma:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speechwithcassidy/

Website: https://www.speechwithcassidy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroundthespectrumtherapy

Website: https://www.aroundthespectrumtherapy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aroundthespectrumtherapy

Learn more about Hallie Sherman and SLP Elevate:

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