In this episode of More Than Words, we take a closer look at what actually happens during an AAC evaluation and why it is much more than choosing a device. Speech-language pathologist Carleton Levert walks us through the full process, from initial referrals and case review to device trials, observations, and recommendations.

We also explore what makes AAC successful in real life, including team collaboration, personalization, and ongoing support. Along the way, Carleton addresses common myths that can delay access to AAC and shares practical ways families and professionals can better support communication across environments.

• What an AAC evaluation looks like from start to finish
• Why AAC evaluation includes language, motor access, vision, hearing, and environment
• The role of device trials in finding the right communication system
• How collaboration with OTs, teachers, and caregivers supports success
• Red flags that an AAC system is not truly being used or supported
• Why personalization and buy-in are essential for meaningful communication
• How AAC support should evolve as a child grows and changes
• Common myths about AAC, including funding, readiness, and perceived ability

Carleton P. Levert, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed speech-language pathologist based in Washington, D.C. He is the founder of We Ask Speech, where he provides speech-language therapy and AAC services across school, clinic, and community-based settings. Carleton works with individuals across the lifespan and is especially passionate about functional communication and real-world application of AAC. His approach emphasizes collaboration, personalization, and empowering individuals to communicate across environments. Outside of his clinical work, he values community-based care and creative ways to support communication in everyday life.

• Carleton’s Website: https://weaskspeech.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_ask_speech/
• DC Assistive Technology Program: https://odr.dc.gov/page/assistive-technology-resources

If this episode helped you see your child’s communication, learning, or behavior in a new light, please subscribe, rate, and review on your podcast platform. Your support helps other parents, educators, and clinicians find tools and conversations that make daily life a little easier.

To learn more about services, resources, and upcoming programs, visit us online and connect with us on social media:

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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

Psychoeducational evaluations can sound intimidating for families, but they are designed to do something very important: help us understand how a child learns. In this episode of More Than Words: Treating the Whole Child, host Tristen speaks with licensed school psychologist Megan Davis about what psychoeducational evaluations really are and how they help uncover the strengths and challenges that shape a child’s learning experience.

Megan explains how these evaluations look at the whole child by examining cognitive skills, academic performance, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. She also walks through what parents and children can expect during the evaluation process, how private evaluations differ from school-based testing, and when it might be the right time to consider an evaluation.

If you have ever wondered whether your child might benefit from an evaluation or felt unsure about what the process involves, this conversation helps remove the mystery. Megan reframes evaluations as a tool for understanding and advocacy, giving families a clearer path forward to help their child thrive.

🔎 What a psychoeducational evaluation is and the questions it helps answer about a child’s learning

🧠 The different components of an evaluation, including cognitive, academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional assessments

👪 What parents and children can expect during the evaluation process from intake to feedback

📊 Signs that it may be time to consider an evaluation for your child

🏫 How private psychoeducational evaluations differ from school-based evaluations

📚 How evaluation results can help families advocate for support at school, in therapy, and at home

💡 Why diagnoses are not about labeling children but about creating clarity and access to the right supports

Megan Davis, Licensed School Psychologist, is the co-owner of Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax (CAP Fairfax). She has over 20 years of experience in school psychology, including 15 years working in public schools before transitioning into private practice. Megan specializes in comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations that help families better understand how their children learn and what supports will help them succeed.

In addition to her clinical work, Megan supervises graduate students at George Mason University, helping train the next generation of school psychologists. Her work focuses on providing clear, practical insights that help families navigate complex educational and developmental systems while supporting each child’s unique strengths.

Counseling and Assessment Practice of Fairfax Website: https://capfairfax.com

Social Media Instagram: @capfairfax Facebook: @capfairfax

More Than Words is brought to you by The Reading & Language Learning Center, where we believe in treating the whole child.

Website: https://www.readingllcenter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingllcenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingllcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so more families can find these conversations and resources.

What if supporting speech and language started with the body? In this episode, Tristen is joined by speech-language pathologist and yoga teacher Jennifer Schmid to explore how movement, breath, and regulation can directly support communication.

Together, they unpack why a calm, organized body creates better conditions for speech and language learning, how yoga-informed strategies can fit naturally into speech therapy, and what parents can try at home. This conversation is practical, grounded, and accessible for families and clinicians who want to better support the whole child.

• Why regulation is foundational for speech and language development
• How movement and breath support attention, motor planning, and communication
• What “yoga-informed” really means in a speech therapy context
• How speech-language pathologists can integrate yoga-based strategies without losing focus on goals
• Examples of yoga-informed activities used during speech therapy sessions
• Simple breath and movement routines parents can use at home
• Why supporting the body can help words come more easily

Jennifer Schmid is a speech-language pathologist and yoga instructor who specializes in integrating mind–body practices into speech and language therapy. She brings together evidence-based speech therapy with yoga-informed strategies to support regulation, communication, and learning in children. Jennifer is passionate about helping clinicians and families understand how the body and nervous system influence speech, language, and connection. Through her work, she supports a whole-child approach that is practical, accessible, and grounded in both clinical expertise and compassion.

Learn more about Jennifer and her work at jenschmid.com.

• Jennifer Schmid: https://www.jenschmid.com
• RLLC’s Website: http://www.readingllcenter.com

Follow RLLC on social media for more learning-focused content:

• Instagram: @readingllcenter
• Facebook: @readingllcenter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWlbl8Ea8DJFADaNU9ZK1Vw
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-reading-and-language-learning-center

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