Kaylie and Teagan have been friends since elementary school. As recent graduates, they are able to stay in the transition program at their school until they turn 22 years old. At which time, they’ll start the next chapter of their lives together as adults.
Speech-Language Pathologist, Linda Bonnar, Director of Pine Tree Society Communication Pathways, has worked with them and their families since kindergarten.
Kaylie has autism and is non-verbal. When she and Linda started working together, they used pictures to communicate. As technology advanced, Kaylie progressed to more modern assistive technology and communication devices (AAC) and, today, uses a communication application on an iPad.
“Kaylie’s ability to communicate all stemmed from Linda,” Kaylie’s mother, Kathy, said. “From day one, Linda has been there giving her the tools, skills and confidence she needs. And Linda teaches my husband, Wayne, and I as well.”
“When the family is an active part of learning their child’s AAC device and communication goals it brings consistency that builds from school to home to the community,” added Wayne.
For Linda, “My responsibility is to make sure parents are as comfortable with the device as their child is. The goal is to build a relationship and develop trust that I’m motivating Kaylie to communicate to the best of her ability. They know I’m going to encourage her to rise to the occasion. We collaborate. We’re all part of the team. And this relationship is equally important for me and Kaylie. I want her to know that I am there to help and provide her with an avenue to be as independent as possible, to make sure her wants and needs are met, and to allow her to socially connect with others.”
When Kaylie leaves the transition program of her high school in a few months, maintaining and expanding her communication skills will remain important, as well as bringing in new resources such as case management and day programs to keep her connected and learning new skills.
“Linda is an excellent advocate for your child,” Kathy and Wayne concluded. “She never steers you wrong. It doesn’t stop with speech. She’s there for anything we need.”
Teagan’s mother, Lisa, couldn’t agree more.
“We are the most fortunate parents,” she said. “Linda puts us in our children’s shoes so we can see how frustrating it can be to find the words to express your thoughts and to have other people allow you the time to communicate. She brings the communication picture into an even wider scope, which is such a rare thing.”
Seeing her son empowered to communicate and have his thoughts understood and his needs met has been life-changing for their whole family.
“Teagan does things for Linda in school that others can’t get him to do,” Lisa continued. “She’s his biggest cheerleader and he knows she’s there rooting him on. That closeness is so important and has carried us through all these years.”
As Teagan also begins his transition to adulthood, the focus is shifting to what will help him have a successful experience beyond high school.
“She helps us think our thought process through. She listens to us and to Teagan.”
It’s a collaborative process with teamwork at the core.
Follow these links to learn more about Pine Tree Society’s Speech-Language and Assistive Technology services for children and adults or contact us at 207-386-5930.