AAC Options for Students with Autism
The discussion topic I am submitting for this week is the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools and strategies in the schools for students with Autism Spectrum Disor...
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Collection AAC Options for Students with ASD
Date Created: 5/29/2016
Posts: 1
I am seeing a critical lack of communication options for students with ASD. AAC choices are typically limited to the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) or a high-tech device.
I have been working as Speech-Language Pathologist for over 20 years, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Communicative Disorders from The University of Redlands, and my Master of Science degree from California State University, Hayward. In 2006, I became certified as an Assistive Technology Specialist, Communication Services by the University of South Florida, and was awarded a Competency Certificate in Communication Assistive Technology and Applications by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education. Over the past decade I have worked as a diagnostician, consultant and trainer supporting students with Complex Communication Needs throughout Northern California.
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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
