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