Nichole Brezel

Progress in communication doesn’t always look the same. It can be small steps, new strategies, or increased independence. It’s the last day of school, and we get to reflect on just how far students have come. 💙 #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth

SLPs don’t work in isolation. In RISD, we collaborate with teachers, families, and support staff every day. That’s how communication carries over beyond the therapy room and into real life. #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth

Happy National Speech Language Pathologist Day to all of our SLPs out there! #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth #NationalSLPDay

Early communication support can make a lasting difference. When students are supported early, they build stronger skills for learning, relationships, and independence. #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth

In RISD, SLPs support ≈3,150 students across 50 campuses. That support happens in classrooms, small groups, and real school environments, not just in therapy rooms. It’s not separate from learning, it’s part of it. #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth

1 in 14 children has a voice, speech, or language disorder. Most common in younger children, and many students have multiple communication disorders. SLPs support communication so students can access learning. #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth

It’s MAY! This month, we celebrate the people behind communication. Our RISD SLPs support students every day. They help them access learning, express themselves, and connect with others. Happy National Speech-Language-Hearing Month 💙 #RISDDreamBig #SpeechLanguageHearingMonth

Acceptance isn’t one strategy. It’s how we: - interpret behavior - support communication - allow time - recognize effort even when we don’t see it. This is what we do every day, not just in April. #RISDDreamBig #AutismAcceptanceMonth

Support doesn’t always look the way we expect. It might look like: • meeting a student where they are • adjusting how we respond • offering a different way to communicate When we adjust, we make communication more accessible. #RISDDreamBig #AutismAcceptanceMonth

What we assume matters. When we assume a student can’t, we limit opportunities. When we assume they can, we create space for learning and communication. #RISDDreamBig #AutismAcceptanceMonth

Masking doesn’t mean a student is “fine.” It often means they’re working harder than we realize just to get through the day. Acceptance means noticing that effort and responding with support. #RISDDreamBig #AutismAwarenessMonth

Today the hard work of our elementary progress monitoring focus group was shared with the staff. Thanks @NCrowSLP @NBrezelSLP @wilksaSLP @JTormey_SLP @LisaAtwoodSLP @BLarsonSLP @CEvensonSLP Sara Wilkerson, Sarah Salinas, & Delaney Watson for time on this tool! #RISDDreamBig

Not all responses are immediate. Some students need time to: • process language • organize their thoughts • formulate a response When we rush, we change the outcome. Acceptance includes allowing time. #RISDDreamBig #AutismAwarenessMonth

Social communication skills build on each other. Higher-level skills rely on foundational ones. When students struggle with: • conversation • perspective taking • language organization it’s often a signal to look deeper. Skill progression matters. #RISDDreamBig

Myth: “They don’t want to interact.” Reality: Social communication differences ≠ lack of interest. Many autistic students want connection, they just experience and express it differently. Acceptance means adjusting our interpretation, not their intent. #RISDDreamBig

What looks like “behavior” is often regulation. What we see is only the surface. When we shift from, “they’re choosing this” to “they’re struggling right now” how we respond in classrooms and what support we offer changes. That’s where acceptance starts. #RISDDreamBig

So what does acceptance actually look like in schools? ✅ Adjusting expectations ✅ Teaching differently ✅ Supporting regulation ✅ Valuing neurodiversity Acceptance isn’t a poster. It’s what we’re meant to do. #RISDDreamBig

April is often called Autism Awareness Month. But awareness isn’t enough. Awareness = knowing autism exists Acceptance = changing what we do because it exists Let’s move beyond awareness. #RISDDreamBig