Augmentative & Alternative Communication Services Now Offered at Breakthrough Behavior

New services will be provided by the Speech-Language Therapy Department, in addition to evaluation, parent & caregiver training, and treatment for all speech, language and feeding disorders

Breakthrough Behavior will now offer extensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services in Central Florida. The Speech-Language Therapy Department also offers evaluation, parent and caregiver training, and treatment for a variety of speech, language, feeding and swallowing disorders.

“The constant pursuit of excellence and innovation are core values for our organization,” said Breakthrough Behavior CEO Maegen Pierce. “The addition of extensive AAC services and expertise embody those principles, as the industry has shown exponential growth and success over the past few years. I am excited about providing new treatment options for our current speech therapy clients, but am also looking forward to the impact this will provide to our families receiving applied behavior analysis services.”

AAC refers to communication systems, strategies and tools that replace or supplement natural speech. These resources help people meet basic needs and participate in the world around them. AAC includes assistive technology, or the use of any equipment, tool or strategy to improve functional daily living in individuals with disabilities or limitations. AAC can include no/low-tech, or high-tech speech-generating devices (SGDs).

Assistive Technology Specialist and Speech Language Pathologist Federica Carulli, M.A. CCC-SLP, leads the AAC department and strategy. “AAC is a game-changer not only in the field of speech therapy,” she said, “but in applied behavior analysis as well. All Breakthrough Behavior clients will have new tools and resources to build both language and literacy skills, strengthen social interactions and access state-of-the-art assistive technology.”

Federica has more than 12 years of experience in various clinical settings. She received her master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Central Florida and has expertise in pediatric, adult and geriatric patient populations. Federica specializes in AAC, including diagnostics, SGDs and training. She holds a Behavior Assistant Certification, PCM Certification, and ASHA Special Interest Group for AAC Membership.

For more information on AAC, visit https://www.breakthroughbehavior.com/aac or contact Breakthrough Behavior now at intake@breakthroughbehavior.com to schedule your assessment.