Core and the Matrix
I was thinking about what Core words would work within the framework of the Communication Matrix grid and this is what I came up with. Any thoughts? The core words - so vague - and untangible and perh...
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Collection On being a better Communication Partner through Symbol input. In other words, it’s about receptive language!
Date Created: 3/14/2016
Posts: 5
I would like to talk about what the Communication Matrix is not. The Communication Matrix is a tool that helps us understand someone’s ability to communicate or express themselves. How can we make language and communication more understandable to those who are functioning somewhere on the Matrix? I am selecting some topics that have inspired me to gain insight to this.
I am a passionate Speech and Language Pathologist working with children in the clinical setting who have Complex Communication Needs. I earned both my undergrad (Psychology, Speech and Hearing Sciences) and graduate degrees (Speech/Language Pathology) from the University of Michigan in 1981 and 1982. I enjoy working to unify everyone to help a person who is communicating at the pre-symbolic level develop into an increasingly self-directed (and a symbolic) communicator. It is very exciting to recognize early forms of communication and then, with consistent support, progress toward using symbols whether is through choice-making, partner assisted scanning, self-directed eye gaze, or through high tech device. With emergent communicators, I often work to potentiate multiple paths and means of communicating because it may not be clear at first which way to go. Being a part of these moments of discovery with a communication learner is very exciting! Basically,here’s my motto: “Adjust communication by degree & kind to accommodate vision, hearing, and sensations… watch language grow!”
From the wonderful Jane Farall:
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On placing "high value" on the easy to understand symbols we use during interactions.
Indicators of Intentional Communication and Meaningful Use of Symbols
Sometimes it's difficult to determine whether potentially communicative behavior is intentional or not. Here are some indicators of communicative intent related to either pre-symbolic or symbolic beha...
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Sharing the work of Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Story Box For Children with Visual impairments: Owl Babies Book
My boys and I will be going to a social event at the end of the month where there will be a children's story read to all the children there. Since I know about the book in advance, I was able to modi...
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This is a lovely example of receptive use of symbols to engage with a story!
Aided Language Input
Just sharing my thoughts today: I thought I would post this link. Aided Modeling Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Who Require AAC It's an older article (2009) but exce...
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Excited to read this review of research that addresses AAC Modeling and receptive use toward learners of AAC.
Just Published: AAC Modeling Intervention Research Review- Samuel Sennott, Janice Light, David McNaughton,
This article has just been published in the journal for Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, April, 2016. Here is a link: here.
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Teachers:
Many teachers require their college students in communication disorders or child development classes to complete a Communication Matrix online. Please have your students use the Test Drive site for this purpose. You may ask them to print out the Profile and Communication Skills List as proof of their work.
Statement A
My child doesn't seem to have real control over his body yet.
The only way I know that he wants something is because he fusses or whines when he's unhappy or uncomfortable, and he smiles, makes noises or calms down when he's happy and comfortable. Does this statement describe your child?
Statement B
My child has control over her own behaviors, but she doesn't use them to try to communicate to me.
She doesn't come to me to let me know what she wants, but it's easy for me to figure out, because she tries to do things for herself. She knows what she wants, and her behavior shows me what she wants. If she runs out of something to eat, she will just try to get more, rather than trying to get me to give her more.
Does this statement describe your child?
Statement C
My child clearly tries to communicate his needs to me through gestures, sounds or language.
He knows how to get me to do something for him. He uses some of the kinds of behaviors below to communicate:
- Gestures such as pointing, shaking his head, tugging at my arm or looking back and forth between me and what he wants
- Sounds such as squealing to show you he wants something or fussing when he doesn't want something
- Language or symbolic forms of communication such as speech, written words, Braille, picture symbols, 3-dimensional symbols or sign language
Does this statement describe your child?
How to score your child
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
Mastered
– Does this independently most of the time when the opportunity arises
– Does this in a number of di erent contexts, and with di erent people
Emerging
– Does this inconsistently
–
Only does this when prompted or encouraged to do so. Only does this in one or two contexts or with one person.
Tips on Communication Devices
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
