Frequently Asked Questions

How I Support Your Family with AAC and Speech Therapy

  • AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) includes tools like speech-generating devices, picture boards, and communication apps that support people with limited or unclear spoken speech. AAC helps children, teens, and young adults communicate more clearly, express themselves, and connect with the world around them, whether used full-time or just in certain situations.

    Who can benefit?

    AAC may be for those whose spoken language is limited, unclear, or doesn’t meet all their communication needs. This includes non-speaking and minimally speaking individuals, as well as those whose speech is unreliable or hard to understand.

    It’s never too early, or too late, to explore.

    A full evaluation or consultation with a qualified professional is always recommended to determine the best fit for your child.

  • Absolutely. Whether you’re curious about AAC, need help deciding if it’s right for your child, or are seeking funding for a device, I can guide you through the process.

    We’ll talk through your needs during a free 30-minute consultation.

  • An evaluation is usually the first step in getting started. It helps identify strengths, areas of need, and therapy goals tailored to your child. If your child has had a recent evaluation (within the last 6 months), I may be able to use that documentation. We can discuss this more during your initial consultation.

    Please note: If your family is interested in pursuing speech-generating device (AAC device) funding through insurance, a formal AAC evaluation will likely be required later. This is a more in-depth process specifically designed to meet funding requirements and may be offered as a separate service when the time is right.

  • I work with children, teens, and young adults - generally ranging from age 3 to 30. If your child is on the older end of that range, and just starting to explore AAC, that’s okay! It’s never too late to build communication skills that support independence and connection.

  • In-home: Whether it’s your living room, kitchen, or backyard, speech therapy can happen in whatever location in your home is meaningful to your child.

    Community-based: AAC can and should be used everywhere! Let’s find meaningful places in the community to practice AAC use - checking out a book at the library, ordering at a coffee shop, making a friend at the park, communicating with co-workers at a job site - the opportunities are endless.

    Online: Sometimes online is easiest for your family. I’ll coach you through AAC use in whatever location works best for you. Please note you must be located in WA state during online sessions.

  • Yes, a caregiver needs to be at home during all in-home sessions to support your child and ensure safety. When sessions take place out in the community, caregivers are also expected to be present.

    Caregiver participation is a core part of my practice because your involvement makes therapy more meaningful and effective. I encourage caregivers to join most sessions to learn practical strategies for modeling AAC and supporting communication throughout daily life. While it’s not required for every session, being actively involved helps empower you to support your child’s progress between sessions.

  • I provide in-home and community-based speech therapy in the Seattle area. As a mobile practice, I consider travel time and scheduling to optimize service availability. I also offer virtual speech therapy and AAC coaching across Washington State.

    Not sure if I travel to your area? Reach out and let’s talk options!

  • AAC coaching is a stand-alone virtual support for people who want expert guidance on how to support and use AAC at home.

    These coaching sessions focus on you, and do not include direct therapy with your child.

    Your child does not need to be working with me in order to access these!

    AAC coaching may be a great fit if:

    • You're a caregiver who is new to AAC and want to learn what it is, how it works, and how to get started

    • You’re looking for practical strategies to model AAC and use it during everyday routines like meals, playtime, or doing homework

    • You’re interested in training for siblings, grandparents or other family members

    • You’re wondering how to support AAC use outside your home - like a family vacation or dinner outing

    • You’re a therapy provider (e.g., OT, PT, BCBA) or have a job where you work with people using AAC (e.g., coach, manager) and want to understand how you can be more supportive with AAC

    Available virtually across WA state.

    Coaching sessions do not include direct therapy, therefore they are not eligible for superbills.

  • I’m a private pay provider, which means I don’t bill insurance. However, if requested, I can provide a Superbill for evaluations and therapy with your child that you can submit for potential reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider to ask about out-of-network coverage for speech therapy services. Say Their Way does not contact your insurance provider for you.

    • Please note: Stand-alone Caregiver Coaching sessions are for you, and do not include direct therapy with your child. Because of this, they are billed separately. I do not provide Superbills for insurance reimbursement for this service.

    Why choose private pay therapy?

    Private pay means no session limits, no insurance restrictions, and therapy that’s truly personalized to your child’s needs. I focus on what actually helps, not just what insurance will cover.

    You’ll always know what to expect: clear rates, no surprise bills, and a free 30 minute consultation to make sure we’re a good fit.

  • Yes! I’m currently welcoming new families. Visit my Contact Page to schedule a free 30 minute consultation.