AAC Speech Therapy FAQ - Seattle and Online

AAC stands for Augmentative & Alternative Communication. It includes tools like speech-generating devices, picture boards, and apps that help children, teens, and young adults communicate more clearly and express themselves.

AAC supports anyone whose spoken language is limited, unclear, or doesn't meet all their needs, including non-speaking or minimally speaking individuals. It can be used full-time or in specific situations, and it's never too early or too late to explore.

A consultation with a qualified professional can help determine the best fit.

AAC is not only for individuals who are non-speaking. It can be an effective support for people whose speech is inconsistent, unreliable, or intermittent - those who communicate using spoken speech in some contexts but not others, or whose spoken words come and go.

Some AAC users rely on their device as their primary communication method; others use it alongside their speech depending on the situation, the environment, or their energy level that day.

A consultation with a qualified professional can help determine the best fit. If you're wondering whether AAC might be right, a free 20-minute call is a great place to start.

I support individuals with Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Gestalt Language Processors, and those with other complex communication needs.

This list reflects who I commonly work with. It is not a recommendation, and it does not mean that AAC is needed for any particular diagnosis or individual. Whether AAC is the right fit is always determined individually through a consultation with a qualified professional.

If your child is minimally speaking, non-speaking, has unclear speech, or struggles to communicate everything they want to express, AAC may be a good fit. You don't need to know for sure before reaching out - a free 20-minute call is a great starting point.

Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) is a language acquisition framework that describes how some people learn language in chunks or scripts, rather than single words. Individuals who are Gestalt language processors may echo back phrases they've heard, repeat scripts from shows or songs, or communicate with rich intonation.

Those who are minimally speaking or non-speaking can also be Gestalt language processors, meaning many AAC users may be GLPs as well. Understanding a person's language acquisition style shapes how I approach AAC modeling, vocabulary selection, and therapy goals.

No. I help families get a device, learn how to use one they already have, or make the most of a school-provided device.

Absolutely. I've spent years working in school settings and am very familiar with school-provided devices and how to collaborate with school teams. I'm happy to work with whatever device your child already has, and I can help bridge what's happening in private therapy with what's happening at school.

Before ongoing therapy begins, I conduct an in-home intake assessment. This includes direct assessment with your child - using their own toys, materials, and everyday activities rather than a clinical kit - along with information-gathering from you.

You'll complete intake paperwork ahead of time. Following the assessment, I write an evaluation report and use it to build a personalized therapy plan for your child.

I ask that a parent or caregiver be home for in-person sessions. How involved you are during the session itself is flexible - some families are part of it start to finish, others prefer a debrief at the end. We'll find what works for your family.

AAC is a long-term communication tool, not a quick fix. Some individuals show small wins within a few weeks - exploring the device or using a single word - while bigger milestones like combining words or expressing needs independently typically take longer.

Progress depends on consistency, the people around the AAC user knowing how to model the device, and a strong therapy plan. That's why caregiver coaching is so important.

Yes. I see families across Seattle for in-home AAC therapy, including:

Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Capitol Hill, Madrona, West Seattle, Beacon Hill, and Shoreline.

Sessions take place in your home or in the community - a park, library, or other meaningful setting. If you don't see your neighborhood listed, reach out - I'm happy to talk about whether it's a fit.

Yes. I offer virtual AAC therapy and parent coaching for families anywhere in Washington state - whether you're in Spokane, the Olympic Peninsula, or right here in Seattle. Virtual sessions are a great fit when in-home isn't an option due to location, schedule, or preference.

AAC coaching is available virtually to any family or professional across Washington state, no matter where you're located.

Both have real value. In-home AAC therapy lets us work in your child's actual environment - your routines, your spaces, your everyday moments. For AAC specifically, that matters a lot, because the device needs to work in real life, not just a therapy room.

Therapy is for the child or young adult. Coaching is for the adults and siblings supporting them. Many families do both, because real progress happens when everyone around the AAC user knows how to use the device.

Absolutely. This might look like pairing weekly therapy with monthly coaching for parents, or rotating coaching as new questions come up. We'll figure out what works for your family during your free intro call.

Generally:

• If your child needs direct support building communication skills, start with therapy.
• If your child has a device but you want to build your own confidence using it, start with coaching - available virtually across all of Washington state.
• If you want a workshop for a school staff, clinic, or parent group, that's an AAC training (visit the Services page for details).

Still not sure? Book a free 20-minute call and we'll figure it out together.

Transparent pricing, no hidden fees. Here's exactly what every service costs.

*Insurance-funded AAC device evaluations can be complex and specific to individual need. You may be able to get an AAC device through school, DDA, or choose to purchase privately. Best discussed during a free 20-minute intro call.

I'm a private pay provider. This means I am not in-network with any insurance companies. I bill you directly at the time of service. I do not bill your insurance.

Before we start, I provide a Good Faith Estimate so there are no surprises. For therapy and evaluation services, I can also provide a Superbill you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Say Their Way does not file claims or contact insurance on your behalf.

Insurance reimbursement can be confusing. It's often helpful to call your insurance before starting therapy with an out-of-network provider.

Useful questions to ask your insurance:

• Am I eligible for out-of-network reimbursement for speech therapy?
• What happens if I work with a private pay speech therapist who provides me with a Superbill?
• How much will my plan cover, and are there any limits on visits?
• Do I need pre-authorization for therapy sessions or evaluations? Will they cover teletherapy or virtual sessions?
• Do they require a specific diagnosis code or documentation from the provider?