This six-part series for all skill levels will provide a framework to support the acquisition of communication skills via AAC for autistic learners at the earliest stages of communication development.  Attendees will be encouraged to think about elements of “connection” (engagement, regulation, relatedness),  and how each contributes to a solid, social-emotional foundation for communication and language learning.  From this perspective, attendees will explore assessment tools and strategies to help them uncover skills, needs, and other valuable insights required to develop and track strengths-based goals.  Attendees will then be encouraged to expand their current AAC mental models by considering lesser-utilized AAC modalities within a multimodal communication support system.  Attendees will also be encouraged to consider how they might adjust interactions and learning opportunities to maximize outcomes given what they understand of each learner’s unique profile.  This series will conclude by exploring instructional techniques and addressing common misconceptions about AAC intervention.  Instructional strategies covered will begin at the earliest stages of social- emotional and communication development, where attendees will be offered practical strategies to enhance emerging skills, such as regulation, communicative intent, non-symbolic communication, and “first word” learning.  This series will offer an engaging mix of lecture, case-based thought exercises, and hands-on activity invitations alongside a  robust , digital toolbox packed full of resources from each theme explored in the series.