Our Story

We are Cherie & Alicia, two Speech-Language Pathologists passionate passionate about opening the doors of communication for non-speaking and minimally speaking autistic communicators.

After years in schools and clinics, we grew frustrated with strategies that often overlooked an autistic communicator’s internal desire to connect. That led us to develop our trademarked approach, IRC™ - one minute at a time, which helps parents create joyful, back-and-forth interactions that build communication from the inside out.

After working with more than 60 families and training school and clinic staff, we continue to be inspired by the progress that happens when communication begins with connection.

• Creator of IRC™ - one minute at a time

• Contributor to Unlocking Joyful Communication

• Early Intervention Specialist

• AAC Implementor

• 30 years experience working with the 0-5 population

Speech Language Pathologist

Cherie Somers, M.S./CCC

Alicia McManaman, M.A./CCC

Speech Language Pathologist

• Author of Unlocking Joyful Communication

• Creator of IRC™ - one minute at a time

• Adjunct Professor, University of Redlands, California

• Contributor - Autism Parenting Magazine