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Exploring the Motor and Cognitive Load of Teaching and Using AT/AAC in Activity Within the Classroom for Students with Complex Bodies





Is your student's AAC progress stalled? This session goes beyond the typical assessment and device selection, diving into the critical neurophysiological factors that impact a child's ability to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) independently.

Explore the hidden challenges of cognitive load, motor memory, and sensory processing in non-speaking children. We will examine how a child's developing sensory and motor systems directly influence their success with AAC, and how past developmental interruptions may be impacting their current performance.

Leave with a new framework for instruction that "matches" the child's unique developmental profile, empowering both the child and their support team. Gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive and motor mechanisms we all share, and learn to identify specific postural and sensory cues that inform your teaching.

You will learn to:

  • Identify and manage the causes of "cognitive overload" in AAC users.

  • Define and apply the concepts of "cognitive load" and "motor memory" to enhance AAC independence.

  • Recognize specific postural characteristics that reveal underlying vestibular and tactile processing needs in children.

Transform your approach to AAC and unlock the full communicative potential of your students.

 

Session materials and costs are partially funded by state or federal grants.



Important Session Information:



This is an introductory course, and participants can earn 0.5 ASHA CEUs. 

Learning objectives: 

1. Identify at least 2 causes of “Cognitive Overload” and 2 recommended methods to manage them.

2. Define "cognitive load" and "motor memory" and describe how they work together in developing AAC independence. 

3. Identify two specific postural characteristics that identify vestibular processing and two other postural characteristics that identify tactile processing (in seating).


Financial Disclosures:

Karen Kangas is a contracted presenter and receives a speaking fee. She has no non-financial disclosures. 

Registration for this session has ended
Session ID:
1938270
Credits Available:
(0.5) ASHA CEU
(5) Clock Hours
(5) CPE
(5) OT Contact Hours
(5) TPTA
Contact Person:
Sara King
Registration Fee:
$35.00
Instructor(s):
Karen Kangas, OTR/L
Audience:
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Special Education Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists
Date Time Location
1/22/2026 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM Region 4 ESC McKinney Conference Center - MCC 100AD
7200 Northwest 100 Drive, Houston, 77092
Date:
1/22/2026
Time:
8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:
Region 4 ESC McKinney Conference Center - MCC 100AD
7200 Northwest 100 Drive, Houston, 77092


MAIN OFFICE
Region 4 Education Service Center
7145 West Tidwell Road Houston, Texas 77092-2096
713.462.7708 | PHONE
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MAIN OFFICE
Region 4 Education Service Center
7145 West Tidwell Road Houston, Texas 77092-2096                                                        
713.462.7708 | PHONE


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