This case study describes a virtual Speech and Language Pathology session focused on language and social pragmatics. Clinicians describe working with a kindergarten student with autism and challenges with language. The use of Zoom, online animated story books, and digital manipulatives are described.

Marcus is a 6-year-old, kindergarten student who has autism and challenges with language. He has been learning how to retell stories with an emphasis on the macrostructure of narratives. He uses manipulatives and graphic organizers from Story Grammar Marker to guide his retell with a particular emphasis on the initiating event, character feelings or emotions, and the character’s plan. Marcus is also learning how to initiate and maintain conversations with familiar communication partners using sentence starters to clarify and connect information. The following case example describes a recent session with Marcus conducted virtually.

Learning goals

Sequence the parts of a story using visuals
Retell a short story using story grammar markers, providing all components within the critical thinking triangle (Story Grammar Marker) and temporal words and phrases
Practice expression of feelings and needs using the FAB (Feel-About-Because) model following a short story
Participate in a reciprocal conversation using personal photos, providing three questions or connections of differing types