Supporting Communication and Building Connection -- With Words and Beyond

Communication is connection...but there's so much more to communication than words. Please join us on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a FREE presentation on Supporting Communication and Building Connection.

To attend via Zoom, RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/Cy7L_uT5QwmSNfe-vOFICw. PLEASE NOTE: ZOOM WILL BEGIN AT 6:30 P.M.

Our presenter, Amy Black-Ryel, MA, CCC-SLP, is the founder and owner of Creating Communicators Rocky Mountain, where her vision of supporting pre-verbal and non-speaking children with the tools and strategies to spontaneously and independently communicate comes to life. The power of communication without words and the critical importance of fostering connection rather than solely emphasizing compliance during communication are topics that are close to her heart, and supporting families navigating the complexities of communication is a significant passion for her.

Amy's presentation will focus on several key areas to support families of autistic children:

Together, we will explore how Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can empower autistic individuals, including how to initiate an AAC evaluation and what the process typically involves.
Additionally, she'll share strategies for supporting complex communicators beyond basic requests, aiming to foster deeper connection and understanding.
Finally, she'll include a brief overview of what families can expect from feeding therapy if they've received a referral or are just beginning the process.

Amy holds a certificate in Assistive Technology from Cal State University-Northridge, two Awards for Continuing Education (ACE) from ASHA, and countless hours of professional development and continuing education in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology(AT), including alternative access. Additionally, Amy has training in pediatric feeding and swallowing and is trained in Beckman Oral Motor Protocol, and a Sensory Motor Approach.

With a strong background in early childhood development, Amy is dedicated to improving young children’s functional communication skills and overall accessibility. Amy’s passion lies in assisting families of complex communicators and creating independent communicators. Amy is Hanen-trained and has participated in DIR Floortime courses, which provide the basis for supporting parents of young children and the importance of play-based, connection-based communication therapy. Additionally, Amy is trained in Lindamood Bell Talkies (ages 0-5), Visualizing-Verbalizing Language Comprehension, and Thinking. They both provide research-based strategies for teaching descriptive language and literacy methods.

This presentation is hosted by The Living Spectrum. Founded in 2008, The Living Spectrum is a nonprofit organization providing free online and in-person support, education, resources, and family events for parents of autistic children in Colorado. Our purpose is to connect families to one another and create a supportive community for families living with ASD. Our mission is to provide unbiased support to families of a child with autism. Unbiased support is vital for a disability community often fractured by differing philosophies for treatment and intervention decisions. All of our services are always free.

FREE Speaker Meeting: Supporting Communication and Building Connection

By The Living Spectrum Inc

FREE Speaker Meeting: Supporting Communication and Building Connection

Sponsored by The Living Spectrum