The "Every Voice Matters" Panel
Time
2:45-4:00 PM
Presenter/Facilitator
Dr. Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR
The "Every Voice Matters" Panel
This dynamic, interdisciplinary panel brings together speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, parents, and educators to explore the full spectrum of communication methodologies available to ensure that every autistic child can find their "voice."
Panelists will discuss:
Current Alternative Communication Approaches: An overview of methodologies including spelling-based methods, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), REST, Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC), and the role of Developmental, Relationship-Based Interventions (DRBIs)
The Critical Role of OT in Praxis Support: How occupational therapists address the motor planning challenges—apraxia and dyspraxia—that often underlie communication difficulties, and why this support is essential for successful implementation of any communication method
Where the Research Stands: An honest look at the current evidence base for various approaches, emerging research, and what families and professionals should consider when evaluating options
Whole Child Development: Why addressing motor praxis is not separate from communication intervention, but foundational to it—and how siloed approaches can leave children without access to their full potential
The Communication Partner's Role: How parents, educators, therapists, and peers can become more effective communication partners by understanding the motor and sensory demands placed on the autistic individual
Inclusion and Access: Practical strategies for ensuring that communication support extends beyond the therapy room into classrooms, homes, and community settings.
Attendees will leave with a broader understanding of the landscape of communication support, a deeper appreciation for the interconnection between motor systems and expressive communication, and actionable guidance for assembling collaborative teams that honor each child's unique path to voice.
Objectives:
Participants will define and expand upon the definitions of apraxia and dyspraxia.
Participants will explain the concept of "Whole Child Development" and its importance to their clinical and educational practice.
Participants will explain the connection between communication and motor planning.
Facilitator: Carrie Alvarado, PhD, OTR
Bio: Dr. Carrie Alvarado is an occupational therapist with a PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Development, with an emphasis on mental health and neurodiversity. As Chief Operating Officer and Clinical Director for Autism Community Network, she brings a developmental, relationship-based, and neurodiversity-affirming lens to her work with autistic children, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Dr. Alvarado’s clinical leadership and scholarship center on sensory processing, motor praxis, sensoriaffective integration, emotional praxis, reflective dyadic facilitation and interactive synchrony, with particular attention to how these capacities shape social communication, engagement, participation, and emotional regulation in autism. Her extensive DIRFloortime training and mentorship with Rosemary White, along with her training in Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy and iBASIS/Inklings, inform her facilitation of thoughtful dialogue across research, clinical practice, and lived experience.
Panelists and Bios: