Unlocking Communication with Renee Chaffee

David interviews Renee Chaffee, a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified S2C practitioner. Together, they delve into Renee's journey from an ABA tutor in Canada to establishing her practice in Las Vegas while championing unconventional communication methods for non-speaking individuals. The discussion covers the mechanics of Spelling to Communicate (S2C), early intervention strategies, the importance of presuming competence, and the limitations of traditional AAC methods. The episode also includes a 'Tip of the Week' on the power of listening and an 'Autism Fact or Fiction' segment debunking myths about non-speaking individuals' literacy. The episode concludes with a call for more inclusive and understanding approaches toward individuals on the autism spectrum.

Topics

00:35 Meet Renee Chaffee: A Journey in Speech Language Pathology

01:37 Renee's Early Career and ABA Tutoring

03:54 Transition to Las Vegas and School District Work

07:41 Challenges and Successes in Early Intervention

10:53 Discovering Spelling to Communicate (S2C)

17:20 Understanding Apraxia and Communication Challenges

23:47 The Role of Motor Skills in Communication

29:04 Understanding the Importance of Spelling

29:39 Creative Writing and Motor Control

30:44 The Role of Regulation in Learning

32:04 Building Trust and Communication

35:50 The Presumption of Competence

38:13 Challenges and Misconceptions in Education

41:07 The Evolution of Communication Methods

43:54 Supporting Communication and Autonomy

46:20 Tip of the Week: Listening and Intelligence

50:07 Autism Fact or Fiction: Spelling and Literacy

01:00:02 Conclusion and Future Discussions