At The Forum School, the treatment room is not the only place in which speech therapy happens. It happens everywhere, and devices are used to bridge the gap and link to language. Language and communication are complex challenges for students on the autism spectrum, so we asked Fran Reinitz, MA, CCC, SPL, the Speech Department Coordinator at The Forum School, about her approach to teaching.

Q: What is the role of technology and augmentative communication?

A: Technology can play a very important role in the therapy process. It may serve as a voice for a child who is unable to speak. It may help to expand the language of a child who is only using a limited bank of single words. It may help a child learn to formulate their thoughts into logical and well-organized sentences. Like all of language learning, however, it is a process that takes time. It involves us anticipating and planning for the various communication situations the child will find themselves in, and then providing opportunities for practice to take place.