Episode 357: Lesley Sylvan - Multi-tiered Systems of Support for Speech-Language Pathologists

In this episode, Chris talks with Dr. Lesley Sylvan, author of the second edition of *Multi-Tiered Systems of Support: Implementation Tools for Speech-Language Pathologists in Education*. Lesley shares how the book evolved following the pandemic and why the new edition expands its focus on AAC, implementation science, universal screening, collaboration, and practical tools for school-based speech-language pathologists. Lesley and Chris explore what MTSS really means and several common misconceptions about it. They discuss why MTSS is not a pre-referral process, why students should not be labeled by tiers, and how SLPs can extend their impact beyond individual services through universal screening, consultation, collaboration, and schoolwide supports. They also examine the growing connection between AAC and MTSS, including how visual and multimodal communication supports can become part of a broader culture of access rather than something reserved only for individual students.