WELCOME

We Have a Special Interest in Supporting Authentic Communication for Autistic Individuals and AAC Users

Providing In-home services to clients in Snohomish County

Autism

At Lake Stevens Speech Language and AAC, we look at each child through a strength-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens and work with families to support the development of authentic communication that fits your family values and lifestyle. Click here to learn more about a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

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Gestalt Language Processing

Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) process language in intonationally defined "chunks" or scripts. These children's language development begins with echolalia (repeating phrases, lines from movies, songs, etc). We are trained in using the Natural Language Acquisition Framework to support your child's natural language development style through child-led play. Learn more about GLPs here.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

We partner with families to support children with complex communication needs and to help support the development of autonomous and authentic communication through the use of multi-modal means, including AAC systems.

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Our Services

Assessments and Individual Treatment

We provide family-centered evaluations and therapy sessions tailored to your child's strengths and needs. At Lake Stevens Speech Language and AAC, PLLC, we believe in using child-led, play-based therapy to support language development.

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AAC Assessments and Training

We provide individualized assessments for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and provide the necessary report and documentation needed to help you obtain an AAC system either via insurance or through private pay.

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Professional Consultations & Trainings

We provide consultations and trainings to school teams and Speech Language Pathologists on AAC and/or gestalt language processing. We also provide AAC assessments for school districts.

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Our Team

Meet The Team

Alison Damboise,
Speech Pathologist
Owner

Hi, I’m Alison, a neurodiversity-affirming Speech-Language Pathologist with a deep passion for supporting autistic children, AAC users, and their families. I believe that communication goes far beyond words and that the true goal of therapy is to help children feel empowered to express themselves authentically. I approach my work with a holistic lens—looking at not just the child’s communication needs, but also their strengths, sensory preferences and needs, interests, and how the family’s values and goals shape the journey.

I’ve been a Speech Therapist for 15 years and have specialized training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and in supporting gestalt language processors (GLPs). I believe that therapy should be individualized and play-based to help children communicate in a fun, engaging, and intrinsically motivating way.

At the heart of my approach is a deep respect for neurodiversity. Communication is a basic human right, and my role is to provide the tools, guidance, and support that children need to navigate their communication journey. I strongly believe in empowering children to become self-advocates. As part of my work, I support families in advocating for necessary accommodations in school and other settings, ensuring that their child’s unique needs are respected and met. I strive to make therapy fun, engaging, and affirming, while ensuring that children’s multimodal communication is always heard, respected, and celebrated.

Certifications/Licenses:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification
Washington Department of Health Speech Pathology license
Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) Trained
Inside Out Sensory for SLPs Certificate

Abbey Clarke
Speech Pathologist

Hi, I’m Abbey, a speech-language pathologist with a heart for supporting language learners of all backgrounds and abilities. My therapeutic approach is rooted in providing holistic, person-centered care, where a child’s strengths, sensory preferences, and interests are recognized and valued. I use a team-based approach to therapy, where caregivers are integral participants in their child’s language development. I believe in building a foundation of trust and connection, and dedicate time to understanding a child’s unique interests. I cherish the “ah-ha” moments where connection between the child and their communication partners clicks, and find that child-led play fosters the best engagement and naturalistic learning opportunities.

My specialities include Early Intervention, language therapy, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I have had several years of experience supporting language development of autistic individuals, using Gestalt Language Processing strategies, sensory regulation techniques, visual modeling, and AAC. I have supported many families in navigating the AAC device funding process, and have secured dedicated devices for both children and adults. My passion for AAC recently took me to Arequipa, Peru, where I supported therapists and families in AAC implementation.

My treatment philosophy remains grounded in establishing trust and connection with my clients. I strive to support children in their communication journey and establish a relationship in which their interests are respected, their engagement grows, and their communication thrives.

Certifications/Licenses: