Communication Evaluations

Understand your child’s communication. Build a plan that fits.

A comprehensive evaluation looks beyond a single score or skill. It combines standardized assessment, clinical observation, and dynamic assessment to understand your child’s communication strengths, challenges, and how they communicate across different contexts.

Your evaluation includes:

30 minute parent intake: We’ll discuss your child’s developmental and medical history, communication concerns, strengths, current communication methods, and your family’s priorities.

60 minute evaluation: Assessment is individualized to your child’s needs and may include standardized assessment, clinical observation, and dynamic assessment.

Detailed written report: Your report will summarize findings, identify strengths and areas of need, and provide individualized recommendations and a plan of care.

30-minute results meeting: We’ll meet via telehealth to review the findings, answer questions, and discuss recommendations for next steps.

Pricing:

AAC Evaluations & Device Funding Support

AAC support from evaluation through implementation.

AAC is a primary area of focus at Liv Beyond Words.

AAC is not a last resort. It can be one part of a child’s multi-modal communication system and may provide meaning opportunities for autonomy, connection, and participation.

The AAC Evaluation and Support Package is designed to support your family from determining the right communication system through learning how to use it meaningfully.

What’s included?

AAC Evaluation

An individualized assessment of your child’s communication needs and AAC access. This may include:

• Current communication methods
• Intentional communication
• Engagement and interaction
• Motor access
• Finger isolation
• Visual skills
• Device trials
• Feature matching
• Communication needs across environments

Device Selection

We’ll identify an AAC system that aligns with your child’s communication needs, access abilities, and individual preferences.

Funding Documentation

The evaluation includes the documentation needed to support the funding process. The price of the device is not included in this package. Although insurance is not accepted at Liv Beyond Words, insurance may be used for the funding of the device.

Device Setup

Once the device arrives, we’ll complete an initial 30-minute setup and caregiver orientation.

Five AAC Training Sessions

You’ll receive five individualized training sessions focused on helping you confidently incorporate AAC into everyday communication.

Each training appointment includes 30 minutes of direct coaching + up to 15 minutes of clinician follow-up.

AAC support doesn’t end when the device arrives.

Families may add a comprehensive communication evaluation, additional AAC training sessions, ongoing speech and language support, or caregiver consultations when clinically appropriate.

If your child has already completed a recent communication evaluation (within the last 3 months), relevant findings can be incorporated into the AAC evaluation. If not, a comprehensive communication evaluation will be needed. Additional AAC-specific assessment will still be completed as needed.

Speech & Language Therapy

Support that extends beyond the therapy session.

Ongoing speech and language support at Liv Beyond Words is collaborative, functional and individualized.

• Review: what happened since our last session? what’s working? What feels challengings?
• Focus: what communication skill are we working on today?
• Model: Modeling the strategy and demonstrating how it can be incorporated naturally.
• Practice: Caregivers have the opportunity to try the strategy and receive in-session support.
• Feedback: We’ll talk through what worked, what could be adjusted, and how to make the strategy feel natural
• Home Practice: You’ll leave with individualized strategies and resources to practice between sessions.

Caregiver participation matters.

A caregiver must be present and consenting throughout sessions. Depending on your child’s needs, you may participate throughout the entire session or receive coaching while we work directly with your child.

The goal is for your to feel confident supporting your child’s communication in everyday life.

Session structure

45 minutes of direct support + up to 15 minute of clinician follow-up (60 minute total)

Pricing

Caregiver Support & Consultations

Sometimes you don’t need another hour of therapy. You need someone to help you figure out what to try next.

Consultations are designed for families who have a specific communication concern, want help troubleshooting, or need support implementing strategies at home.

Depending on your family’s needs, a consultation may include:

• Parent coaching and education
• Reviewing what’s working and what isn’t
• Observing your child’s communication
• Clinician modeling
• Trying Strategies together
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Resources and recomendations
• Determining whether additional evaluations or services may be appropriate

Your child does not necessarily need to be present for a consultation. Sometimes the most helpful conversation is between the caregiver and clinician, other times working directly with your child helps us understand what may be most effective.

30-minute consultation or 60 minute consultation