October is AAC Awareness Month: Celebrating Every Child’s Voice
Every October, we recognize AAC Awareness Month – a time to shine a spotlight on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and to raise awareness about the many ways children can be supported in expressing themselves. At Skills on the Hill, we join in this celebration, advocating for inclusive communication and reminding families that there’s more than one way to be heard.
Use Your 2025 Benefits Before They Expire
As the year winds down, it’s a great time to take advantage of your health insurance benefits. If you’ve already met your deductible, your physical therapy visits at Skills on the Hill Pediatric Therapy may cost little, or even nothing, out of pocket. Many patients are surprised to learn how much they can save on care before benefits reset in January. Whether you’ve been meaning to start therapy or want to continue progress on your recovery, now is the perfect opportunity. Don’t let your coverage go unused – schedule your appointments today and finish the year strong!
What is AAC and why does it matter?
AAC is a broad term that includes any tool or method that supports or replaces speech when spoken language is limited, unclear, or unavailable.
AAC may be:
- High-tech / Speech-generating devices (SGDs) or tablet-based apps that produce speech output
- Unaided / No-tech, such as gestures, facial expressions, or sign language
- Low-tech / Aided, like picture boards, communication books, or symbol cards
The goal of AAC isn’t to replace spoken language (if possible), but to provide a bridge so a child can communicate wants, needs, ideas, and feelings without relying solely on verbal speech. One powerful myth to dispel: using AAC does not prevent or “take away” speech ability. In fact, research suggests that AAC can support development of spoken language by reducing frustration and increasing opportunities for modeling, interaction, and language learning.
Who might benefit from AAC?
Children who:
- Have diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, apraxia of speech, or other communication disorders
- Are nonverbal or minimally verbal
- Use very limited vocabulary
- Have difficulty combining words into phrases
- Experience frustration because they can’t express themselves
- AAC can also support children with evolving speech abilities, serving as a bridge while they develop verbal skills.
Join Us for Open Gym! – October 28 & 30
WWe’re excited to invite your family to our upcoming Open Gym sessions – a fun, flexible way for kids to explore movement and practice their therapy skills in a playful, supportive environment!
Saturday, October 28
Monday, October 30
During Open Gym, children can enjoy time in our sensory-friendly gym space, filled with equipment and activities designed to promote strength, coordination, and confidence. It’s a great chance for your child to move, climb, swing, and play, all while reinforcing the skills they’ve been working on in therapy. Our team will be available for supervision and guidance to help ensure every child has a safe and positive experience. Whether your child is currently in therapy or just wants to join in the fun, all are welcome!
Spaces fill quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot soon! Click here for more info or to register:
The journey to AAC – what to expect
Assessment
A qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) will evaluate a child’s strengths and challenges in motor control, vision, cognition, language, and communication environments.
Trial & customization
Your child may try multiple AAC methods (boards, apps, devices) to see which feels most comfortable and functional. The system is tailored with vocabulary, layout, and access method (touch, switch, eye gaze, etc.) to best match your child.
Training & support
It’s crucial that everyone who interacts with the child (parents, siblings, teachers, therapists) is on board. We model how to use AAC in daily routines, embed it in play, reading, meals, and encourage communication partners to use the system themselves.
Monitoring & growth
Over time, the system may evolve by adding vocabulary, changing layouts, or refining access methods. Progress is monitored, and adjustments are made to keep up with your child’s communication goals.
Tips for parents: making AAC part of daily life
- Model, model, model. Use the device yourself as you talk, even if your child isn’t yet using it. Children learn language through seeing communication in context.
- Embed AAC in routines. Mealtime, play, storytime, any setting can be an opportunity for your child to choose, comment, or request.
- Be patient and positive. Some days will feel slow; consistent exposure and encouragement matter more than perfection.
- Focus on language, not just requests. Encourage comments, questions, and interactions.
- Join a support community. Connecting with other AAC families, blogs, or organizations can be a great source of tips and encouragement.
How Skills on the Hill supports AAC
At Skills on the Hill, we believe every child deserves access to communication. We offer pediatric speech-language therapy that includes assessments, device trials, caregiver training, and collaborative planning with families, schools, and other therapy teams. Our goal is to guide your child toward the most functional and empowering communication system while integrating it into everyday life.
Together, with understanding, persistence, and creativity, we can help every child find a voice that’s theirs.
Sneaking in Skill Building at Home:
OT & PT Strategies That Feel Like Play
When we think of therapy, parents often imagine structured tasks and “work.” But many of the best gains happen when we embed opportunities during everyday routines in ways that feel like play, not therapy. Below are some creative strategies to help children build strength, coordination, balance, motor planning, and fine motor skills throughout the day, without turning the home into a “clinic.”
- Turn chores into obstacle courses: Ask your child to deliver light items (e.g. a soft toy, light book) from room to room. Encourage carrying one in each hand, or navigating around pillows or chairs you set up. This builds core strength, balance, and bilateral coordination.
- Use bath time for resistance play: Floating down foam letters or toys in water, then reaching and scooping them up, challenges shoulder strength, wrist extension, and coordination. Squeezing bath toys works hand strength. Pouring water from one cup to another offers graded resistance.
- Incorporate music and movement: Play a favorite song and pause it randomly. At each pause, ask the child to freeze in a “statue pose” (on one leg, arms up, etc.). These transitions build balance, postural control, and motor planning. Add simple commands like “spin once,” “reach high,” or “touch your toes.”
- Snack-time fine motor “treats”: Use tweezers, chopsticks, or tongs to pick up small snack items like cereal bits, raisins, or small crackers. Place them into containers or muffin tins. This subtly builds pinch strength, wrist control, and hand-eye coordination while enjoying a treat.
- Play “mirror me” movement edition: Stand facing your child and move slowly (march, tiptoe, side steps). Ask them to mirror your movements exactly. Then let them lead and you follow. This promotes motor planning, body awareness, and visual-motor matching.
Halloween Tips for Kids with Sensory and Communication Challenges
Halloween can be fun, but for many children with sensory or language/communication differences, it can also feel overwhelming. Costumes, crowds, noises, and social expectations can create extra stress. Here are some ways to help your child enjoy the holiday in a way that feels safe and positive for them:
- Costumes That Feel Comfortable
- Skip masks, face paint, or scratchy fabrics if your child finds them uncomfortable.
- Choose soft, familiar clothing in festive colors or a favorite character T-shirt. Sometimes a themed pajama set is the perfect “costume.”
- Practice Ahead of Time
- Do a “trial run” of the costume at home so your child can get used to it.
- Role-play trick-or-treating: knock on a bedroom door, practice holding out a bag, and rehearse saying or signaling “trick or treat” and “thank you.”
- Prepare for Sensory Overload
- Bring noise-canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to sounds.
- Go trick-or-treating earlier in the evening, before it gets too dark or crowded.
- Take breaks as needed, and let your child know it’s okay to head home whenever they’re ready.
- Support Communication
- If verbal greetings are hard, practice a simple script or let your child hand out a card or token that says “Happy Halloween!”
- Encourage neighbors and friends to be patient and supportive—sometimes a smile or wave is more comfortable than words.
- Find Alternative Ways to Celebrate
- Community trunk-or-treats, sensory-friendly events, or small gatherings with friends and family can be easier than going door to door.
- Enjoy Halloween activities at home, like decorating pumpkins, watching a favorite movie, or doing a Halloween craft.
Most of All: Follow Your Child’s Lead
Halloween doesn’t have to look the same for every family. By preparing ahead and making adjustments, you can create a fun and positive experience that matches your child’s needs.
Upcoming Free Events from the International Spy Museum
We’re excited to share two opportunities from the International Spy Museum designed specifically for the neurodivergent community. These programs provide a welcoming and sensory-friendly environment, making it easier for participants to explore and enjoy everything the museum has to offer. Both events are free with registration required.
Access to SPY: A Morning for the Neurodivergent Community: December 7, 2025 | 8:00–10:00 AM
A special morning designed for neurodivergent individuals and families to enjoy the museum with smaller crowds and a more relaxed environment.
Celebrating Physical Therapy Month at Skills on the Hill!
In honor of Physical Therapy Month, we’re celebrating the incredible work our Physical Therapists (PTs) do every day to help children move, grow, and thrive!
Jess Lavine
Physical Therapist
Alainna S.
Physical Therapist
Shannon D.
Physical Therapist
Pediatric Physical Therapy focuses on improving a child’s strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and movement skills—all essential for participating in everyday play, school, and community activities.
At Skills on the Hill, our PTs go above and beyond traditional therapy. In addition to individualized treatment sessions, we offer monthly brace clinics and equipment evaluations to ensure each child has the proper support for safe and effective movement. Our PTs work hand-in-hand with our Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to take a holistic approach to each child’s development—addressing not just physical skills, but also communication, sensory processing, and daily function.
To celebrate PT Month, we’re offering FREE Physical Therapy Screenings for both existing and new clients through November 15!
What to Expect: During this brief, 15-minute screening, one of our experienced PTs will meet with you and your child to observe areas such as:
- Walking and movement patterns
- Gross motor coordination
- Endurance and strength
- Posture and alignment
Following the screening, the therapist will share insights about your child’s motor development and offer either:
- Activity recommendations to try at home, or
- A suggestion for a formal evaluation if further assessment is needed.
Please note that a screening is not a full evaluation and cannot be billed to insurance or used to establish medical necessity for services. Appointments are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity! Sign up today here or call or email us to schedule your free PT screening
Recipe of the Month: Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys
We’ve all seen chocolate-covered strawberries, but what about chocolate-covered strawberry turkeys? Elevate your Thanksgiving table with this festive spin on a classic treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 pretzel sticks
- 24 miniature marshmallows
- 1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil, divided
- 12 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 12 wooden skewers
- 1/4 cup white baking chips
Instructions:
- Break each pretzel stick into two pieces. Slide a marshmallow onto each broken end, creating the legs; repeat with remaining pretzels and marshmallows.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine milk chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave on medium power until melted, stirring occasionally.
- Dip half of each marshmallow (the long side) in chocolate; attach to strawberry’s middle. Place a second chocolate dipped pretzel stick on the other side of the strawberry. Place onto wax paper-lined trays. Let chocolate set until hardened; repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Place a wooden skewer into each strawberry. Dip entirely in chocolate, turning to coat. Let excess drip off; return to waxed paper to harden.
- In a small bowl, combine white chocolate chips and remaining 1 teaspoon coconut oil; melt in microwave until smooth. Dip ends of legs into white chocolate. Let set.
- Carefully remove wooden skewers. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a single layer in an airtight container.
Recent Newsletters
You have more options than ever for empowering your child. Subscribe today for free healthy tips and exclusive offers twice a month!