{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"30 | Getting Your Child Started With AAC | Lydia McKay & Staci Dover","description":"Parents and caregivers often feel excited when their child finally receives an AAC device. But what happens when the device arrives and your child shows little interest in using it? In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene is joined by speech-language pathologists Lydia McKay and Staci Dover to discuss the final part of a three-episode series on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This conversation focuses on the practical side of implementation \u2014 how families can help children begin using their AAC device in meaningful ways at home. Lydia and Staci share practical strategies that help families move beyond simply having the device to actually building communication with it. They explain why routines matter, why modeling is so powerful, and why play and joy are essential for helping children develop confidence with AAC. Parents will learn how to introduce AAC in ways that feel natural rather than forced, how to reduce pressure for their child, and how to support language development through everyday interactions. If your child has an AAC device but isn\u2019t using it yet, this episode will help you understand what steps to take next. Topics Covered \u2022 Why some children don\u2019t immediately use their AAC device \u2022 The importance of routines when teaching AAC \u2022 How modeling helps children learn communication \u2022 Why play and preferred activities help build language \u2022 Understanding the \u201chide and show\u201d feature for teaching vocabulary \u2022 Why AAC never prevents speech development \u2022 How parents can support AAC in everyday life \u2022 Why patience and consistency are key for communication growth Memorable Takeaway \u201cCommunication happens all day long. It doesn\u2019t happen once a week for 30 minutes with the speech therapist.\u201d About the Guests Lydia McKay and Staci Dover are Phoenix-area speech-language pathologists who specialize in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). They work through Northern Arizona University\u2019s AAC Evaluation and Training Program, helping families and individuals access communication systems that support language development and independence. About the Host Brian Keene, OTD, OTR\/L is the founder of Pure Hearts Therapy and host of the Autism Family Resource Podcast. His work focuses on helping neurodivergent children and families build skills, confidence, and connection through practical strategies and compassionate care. ","author_name":"Autism Family Resource","author_url":"https:\/\/www.pureheartstherapy.com\/podcast","html":"