Regional Autism and Behavior Technical Assistance Network

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Regional Autism and Behavior Technical Assistance Network

VCU-RRTC Regional Autism and Behavior Technical Assistance Network

10/29/2026

"Communication is not just about words; it's about connection."- Rachel Madel, SLP

🦇Spooky season is here, but communication doesn't have to be scary!

🎃 Sensory bins like this Halloween black bean and bone setup are a fantastic, low-pressure way to encourage play, spark curious conversations, and connect with your learner.

Whether they're using spoken words, gestures, or AAC, interactive sensory play opens up endless opportunities to model descriptive language (like crunchy, bony, or hidden!) and share meaningful moments together. 🦴👻

How are you incorporating sensory fun into your Halloween routine this week? 👇

10/28/2026

📣Connecting Voices, Strengthening Partnerships: AAC in Action

VCU Autism Center for Education (VCU ACE), in partnership with VCU RABTAN, VCU TTAC, and Greensville County Schools, came together for an engaging training focused on strengthening student voices with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)!

This collaborative professional learning opportunity highlighted the importance of supporting communication, increasing accessibility, and empowering students to express themselves in meaningful ways.

Together, we're building knowledge, strengthening practices, and creating more inclusive learning environments where every voice matters! 💙🗣️

📷Pictured from left to right;
Sharron Taylor-Haggett, VCU TTAC; Ziaire Bynum, Greensville County Schools; Regina Staples, Greensville County Schools; Bracey Barnes, Greensville County Schools; Taryn Traylor, VCU RABTAN; and Melanie Derry, VCU ACE

10/28/2026

Get spooky with sensory play! 🎃

Check out our new Halloween Sensory Bins. They are more than just a box of fun! They are specifically designed to:

🧡 Support regulation
🧡 Build fine motor skills
🧡 Encourage language & communication
🧡 Increase engagement & attention
🧡 Promote creativity & play skills

Perfect for a little seasonal learning.

🎃What spooky items do your kids love in their sensory bins? Let us know in the comments!

10/28/2026

Be the Presence: Building Collaboration, Strengthening Inclusion!

Great things happen when administrators, educators, and instructional assistants come together with a shared purpose! 🌟

In partnership with Pocahontas Elementary School leadership (Powhatan County Public Schools), the “Be the Presence” Building-Level Professional Development opportunity brought together special education teachers and instructional assistants across all elementary grade levels to strengthen collaboration, clarify roles and expectations, and enhance communication to create more meaningful inclusive opportunities for students with autism.

Through intentional conversations, shared learning, and a commitment to teamwork, we are building a stronger, more connected approach to supporting student success. When we are aligned in our purpose, intentional in our presence, and united in our efforts, we create environments where every student can belong, participate, and thrive!

10/27/2026

Make Halloween Fun & Accessible for Everyone! 🎃🍬

Halloween can be full of sensory overload and fast-paced interactions, but a visual Halloween Communication Board helps individuals with complex communication needs participate independently and confidently!

Ways to use a Halloween communication board:
1️⃣ Trick-or-Treating: Point to "trick or treat", "candy", or "thank you" at the door.

2️⃣ Activity Choice: Select spooky activities like seeing pumpkins 🎃 or ghosts 👻.

3️⃣ Expressing Needs: Easily communicate when it's time to "go" or when they "want" a break.

📌 Save this post to use during Halloween activities, and share it with a parent or teacher!

10/26/2026

When interfering behaviors occur, ask yourself: What are they trying to tell me? 🗣️✨

Behavior is communication. When students lack the tools or confidence to express frustration, overload, or a need for help, interfering behaviors often step in as their voice.

By proactively teaching functional communication in the classroom, we can drastically reduce disruptions and build a stronger, more supportive learning environment. Here’s how to start:

When we focus on teaching the right communication skills rather than just stopping a behavior, we build connection, trust, and independence. 💡💬

10/23/2026

Make Trick-or-Treating Accessible for Everyone! 🎃🍬

Halloween can be overwhelming, but a simple communication lanyard can give AAC users and non-speaking trick-or-treaters a quick, accessible way to participate independently!

How to set it up:
1️⃣ Print out key Halloween phrases (like "Trick or treat!", "Thank you!", and "Happy Halloween!").

2️⃣ Laminate or place the visual cards in a clear badge holder.

3️⃣ Attach it to a lanyard so it stays within reach all night long!

📌 Save this post to make yours before Halloween, and share it with a parent or educator who might need this idea!

10/21/2026

Supporting students with complex communication needs and AAC users doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small changes in how we model and interact can make a huge difference in increasing communication skills, motivation, and engagement!

Check out these 5 AAC tips to help build confidence and independence.

📌 Save this post for later and share it with a colleague or parent who could use these tips!

10/19/2026

Want to boost AAC engagement? Start with what brings their joy! 🚀

"Special interests are great for developing intrinsic motivation. We want kids to be driven to engage in a task simply because it’s enjoyable and fun, not because it’s extrinsically motivating." — Katie Peppers, Hanover 🌟

When teaching and modeling AAC, tapping into a child’s unique passions can transform communication from a "task" into a joy! By centering interactions around what truly excites them, we help foster real, meaningful, and self-driven communication. 💬✨

💡 How do you incorporate your learner’s special interests into AAC modeling? Share your favorite ideas below! 👇

10/16/2026

🎃 Prepare for Halloween Fun: Essential Vocabulary to Teach! 👻

Halloween is right around the corner! Whether you're supporting AAC users, early language learners, or students who need visual supports, teaching core and fringe vocabulary ahead of time can make trick-or-treating and seasonal activities predictable and fun. 🎒✨

Here are key words to practice this week:

🔹 Action Words (Core Vocabulary):

Go – Moving house to house or walking down the sidewalk 🚶‍♂️

Eat – Enjoying sweet Halloween treats 🍬

More – Asking for another piece of candy or continuing an activity 🎃

🔹 Specific Words (Fringe Vocabulary):

Candy – A favorite seasonal motivator! 🍭

Trick or Treat – The ultimate Halloween phrase 👻

Costume / Mask – Practicing wearing and identifying fun outfits 🧙‍♀️

Scary / Fun – Describing how decorations and costumes feel 😱

💡 Quick Tip: Model these words on AAC devices or communication boards during play, storytime, or pretend trick-or-treating sessions in the classroom or at home!

👇 What vocabulary words or communication supports are you using with your learners this Halloween? Let us know in the comments below! 💬

Address

1314 West Main Street Box 842011
Richmond, VA
23284

Website

http://vcuautismcenter.org/rabtan

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