Dawn Dueker, M.S. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

M.S., CCC-SLP

Supporting students with learning disabilities and autism through communication development, social-pragmatic skills, and functional language for independence.

Years at OPTIONS

Since 2025

Experience

23+ years in speech-language pathology across medical and educational settings

Credentials

M.S., CCC-SLP

Team-based support model

Dawn Dueker, M.S. CCC-SLP's Bio:

Dawn Dueker brings over 23 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, supporting individuals with communication, cognitive, and neurological challenges across both medical and educational settings. As part of a structured post-secondary transition program for students with learning disabilities and autism, she helps young adults build the communication and executive functioning skills necessary for independence.

Dawn began her career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Brehm Preparatory School, later gaining extensive experience in medical settings where she worked with adolescents, adults, and veterans with neurological conditions. Her clinical expertise includes speech and language disorders, cognitive-communication, voice therapy, dysphagia management, and functional communication strategies that support daily living.

She has also worked extensively in academic environments with students from early childhood through high school, including neurodivergent and autistic individuals. Her experience includes supporting articulation, expressive and receptive language, social-pragmatic communication, and executive functioning. Dawn is highly experienced in collaborative, team-based care, working alongside educators, behavior analysts, nurses, and families.

Dawn specializes in designing individualized communication systems, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) using both low-tech supports and high-tech speech-generating devices. She uses evidence-based practices to create functional, goal-driven therapy that supports independence across academic, social, and real-world environments.

Since joining OPTIONS in 2025, Dawn has focused on helping students build practical communication skills that translate into everyday independence. Her work reflects the integrated OPTIONS model—where communication, academics, and independent living are aligned to support long-term success.

How Dawn Dueker, M.S. CCC-SLP Supports Students

Dawn works with students to strengthen communication skills that directly support independence, including expressive language, social communication, and executive functioning. She helps students develop practical strategies for navigating conversations, understanding expectations, and advocating for themselves in real-world environments.

She also designs individualized communication systems, including AAC supports, to ensure each student can communicate effectively based on their unique needs. Her approach emphasizes functional, real-life application—helping students build confidence and independence across academic, social, and daily living settings.