When Liam first came to the Bridges to Success Program at the Judson Center, he was a 10-year-old with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis who relied on non-vocal forms of communication. His family had been facing significant challenges at home, and they were looking for guidance, support, and a path forward. The Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) team at Judson Center welcomed Liam with a clear goal in mind: help him build the communication skills he needed to better navigate his world.
Building a Foundation With PECS
Liam began his journey by learning to use a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Through PECS, he was able to communicate his wants and needs by exchanging picture icons with staff. This system gave him a structured, reliable way to express himself and opened the door to many essential skills.
PECS proved to be an effective starting point, but it also had limitations. Although Liam was making progress in using pictures to communicate, he continued to experience challenging moments—periods when not being able to fully express himself led to behaviors that were difficult for him and required staff to use supportive safety procedures. These measures were always implemented with Liam’s safety and well-being as the priority, and they reinforced the importance of expanding his communication abilities.
The team remained focused on the long-term goal: building functional communication skills that would reduce these distressing episodes and help Liam communicate more independently.
A Major Step Forward: Introducing AAC
A significant turning point came in the fall when Liam began working with a speech-language pathologist. Together with his family and ABA team, they introduced an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device—a tablet programmed with a robust system of picture icons. This device provided the same familiar structure of PECS but offered far more flexibility, vocabulary, and room for growth.
Because the AAC device speaks the words associated with chosen icons, it also supported the development of vocal communication. From the moment Liam began using it, the team could see how this tool would allow him to express himself more fully.
In November, ABA treatment concentrated heavily on helping Liam use his AAC device across many different types of communication. His goals included requesting preferred items, identifying body parts and locations, answering social and safety-related questions, asking for breaks or time alone, and labeling items and people in his environment.
Progress That Spoke for Itself
Liam made significant gains with his AAC device. He learned to independently identify letters and numbers. He could answer various safety and social questions. He learned to request breaks before becoming upset. He grew able to identify familiar people and label his body parts. He expanded his communication to include full sentences made from multiple icons, even correctly using “-ing” to describe actions.
These advancements had a clear impact. By the end of August 2025, Liam had not experienced any major behavioral episodes at the center that required restrictive safety measures. Being able to prompt Liam to use his device—to tell staff what he needed before frustration escalated—helped create a safer, calmer environment for him and for the people supporting him.
Supporting Success Across Settings
Liam’s parents continue to work closely with his BCBA through parent training, focusing on bringing the communication skills he has mastered at the center into the home environment. They have already reported seeing a meaningful reduction in challenging behaviors at home, reflecting Liam’s growing ability to communicate his needs more effectively.
Moving Forward
Liam’s story is one of steady, meaningful progress. With the right tools, consistent support, and a team committed to his success, he has gained new ways to express himself and navigate his day. His journey illustrates the profound impact that accessible communication can have—not only in reducing challenging moments, but in opening pathways for learning, connection, and confidence.
Learn more about how Judson Center can help!