Total Communication

Total Communication is an approach that encourages the use of all available methods of communicating, such as vocalizations, speech, signs, gestures, facial expressions, low-tech AAC, speech-generating devices, and letterboards, to help an individual express themselves and understand others. Instead of relying on one communication mode like speech alone, it combines whatever methods the individual chooses and is able to use functionally. This flexible, individualized approach is especially helpful for children with autism, speech-language delays, or other neurodevelopmental conditions, as it supports their unique strengths, reduces frustration, and fosters meaningful connection and communication development.

Total Communication Articles

Speech, Language, and Communication Therapies for Autism

Speech, Language, and Communication Therapies for Autism

Speech, language, and communication support are essential components of care for many individuals with autism. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide assessment and ongoing diagnostic treatment to address a wide range of communication differences and needs, from helping nonspeaking children find a ... Read More
How to Prioritize Therapies for Autism, SPD, ADHD and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions

How to Prioritize Therapies for Autism, SPD, ADHD and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Learning How to Prioritize Therapies Can Seem Overwhelming When your child is showing signs of developmental delays or has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis such as autism, SPD, ADHD or a learning disability, it can feel overwhelming to know how to prioritize ... Read More
How Are Communication and Motor Skills Related?

How Are Communication and Motor Skills Related?

Communication and motor skills might seem like different developmental areas, but they are actually deeply intertwined. In fact, motor skills can have a profound impact on communication, especially for children with developmental challenges such as autism, dyspraxia, apraxia and childhood ... Read More
Spelling to Communicate (S2C)

Spelling to Communicate (S2C)

This blog post about Spelling to Communicate (S2C) is excerpted and amended by Patricia Lemer from the Vietnamese version of her award-winning book, Outsmarting Autism, Updated and Expanded: Build Healthy Foundations for Communication, Socialization, and Behavior at All Ages. Background ... Read More
Neurodevelopmental Therapy Checklist

Neurodevelopmental Therapy Checklist

Not Just for Autism Therapy is a critical piece of healing a child with autism, and we have created an autism therapy checklist to help you out. Please note therapies listed in this checklist may also be helpful for children ... Read More
How Do I Know If an Autism Treatment Helps?

How Do I Know If an Autism Treatment Helps?

In this blog post, Stephen M. Edelson, PhD explains how to wade through the myriad number of autism treatments and therapies to know what helps. Questions About Autism Treatment Interventions available today for individuals with autism include nutritional, biomedical, educational, ... Read More

Total Communication Webinars

Whole-Body Apraxia vs. Childhood Apraxia of Speech with Dana Johnson PhD OTR/L
S2C, RPM and Other Assistive Technologies for Non-Speakers with Julie Sando

Total Communication Stories

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Total Communication Books

Underestimated - An Autism Miracle

Replay The Documenting Hope Conference Videos 

You can purchase all of the 2024 Documenting Hope Conference videos by clicking the video below.