Speech and Language

Our goal is to support our students to become the most independent communicators they can be to enhance engagement with others and quality of life. We believe that communication is a human right, and every individual deserves to be heard. Our therapists know that all behavior is communication, and that communication deserves to be acknowledged regardless of the mode utilized. 

We use evidence-based approaches for communication and social interaction for students with Autism and intellectual impairments such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies, functional communication training, staff coaching and training, social narratives, video modeling, and social skills training.

The Speech and Language Department at The Guild utilize a “total communication” approach, accepting and honoring all forms of communication, such as gestures, sign language, vocalizations, speech, and AAC. This includes high-tech options (e.g., speech-generating devices, communication apps) and lite-tech options (e.g., printed communication boards, speech-output buttons, environmental visuals). 

We pride ourselves on acknowledging and leveraging the current strengths of our students of all communication and developmental levels in order to develop independence and autonomy.  

Our entire team of Speech-Language Pathologists receives comprehensive, competency-based training in AAC, ensuring that every clinician is fully prepared to support students through all phases of AAC implementation—from initial evaluation and device trials to feature matching and goal development. Rather than relying on a single specialist, this team-wide approach was intentionally designed to provide greater flexibility and consistency, allowing students to receive expert AAC support seamlessly across different settings and providers. 

This model promotes better implementation and helps students generalize their AAC skills more effectively in their everyday school environments. Additionally, our Speech-Language Pathologists are experienced in obtaining speech-generating devices for students through routes of insurance, school districts, or personal funds.