Speech devices | Autism PDD

I would highly recommend that you get someone to assist you in "MAND" training, which is the key to starting Verbal Behavior. See post of July 23 in new FREE AUtism Website Forum or visit  www.RCMAutismNotebook for an introduction and powerpoint on Verbal Behavior. I would certainly be willing to give you some tips to start on your own, if you like. If so, I will need information about Rileys communicative behavior and his favorite objects, activities, etc.

RCMPHD

[QUOTE=Cammi's Mom]

Is it an Alphasmart or a Dana???  We have those devices accessible to the kids in my program and they are exactly what you described.

For communication (she was non-verbal until 2 years ago and has just now started speaking in her own way) - they started using a little keyboard which can print out whatever she types.  This past school year she typed out her spelling words and other activities they had trouble getting her to write down.  We're hoping that eventually she will start typing her ideas, needs, wants, etc.  even though she is becoming more verbal.  We've researched - because we were worried that if she became dependent on the keyboard for communication that she wouldn't improve in her speech -  and found that students who use keyboards, PECS, etc. improve in speech at an more accelerated rate than those who don't. 

If you would like I will try to find out the name of the keyboard.  It's tiny and can be held by the student or placed on the lap or desk.  It's not a lap-top but there is a little screen on the keyboard so she can see what she's typing. 

Take care :) 

Thanks for the advice speechie. My son has an SLP that seems stuck in her ways, any advice?

I would definately talk to your IEP team before trying to pinpoint a specific device.  Reading your post, I would have a lot of questions before making recommendations of a device to give a trial run with.  You would need to consider such things as motor access to the device, child's visual acuity, attention level etc.  I am wondering whether or not the child needs to actually develop language skills using the device or just needs a way to express what is already in her brain.  Also, you would need to consider how well the device can be expanded and changed as your child's language needs for different enviromnents and stages of life change.  Other things to consider are portability, speed and simplicity of use, not to mention how natural the speech is sounding.  I could go on and on but the main thing is have a team (you included) look at this issue together.  I really like the Tango since the language that it contains was developed by SLPs and includes a lot of things that are part of everyday conversation, plus you can personalize it with photos (camera built in) and record your own voice and language, change the voice, loudness and intonation plus many other very cool features.  The important thing is though figure out the actual language needs first though then pick the device.  Hope you find just the right thing!

Verbal Behavior is a behavioral approach to language instruction. Basically it teaches language via the "function" of words as opposed to the form. Our kids need a "reason" to want to communicate. That reason is called a "motivation operation". Starting with the premise of what your child "really wants" and is "really interested in"; speech is expanded by teaching your child to request these items. The word "Mand" comes from the word "demand" and is simply the term used for "requested" items. Labelling and echoing should always be secondary targets to mands. The child is reinforced by receivng the "manded" item and thereby learns and loves to emit the words. It is the most effective (research-based) approach to developing and increasing verbal behavior in children on the autism spectrum. I believe I left the extension off the link, sorry!

www.RCMAutismNotebook.com (resources-Verbal Behavior)

btw- I am not a speech therapist but an educator in ABA. I have worked with infants to adults on the spectrum and have had much success with "non-verbal" individuals in the area of increasing language through the use of verbal behavior training. Please fell free to send me a PM if you like.

RCMPHD 

I hesitate to recommend any specific augmentative or alternative communication system. Without doing an assessment myself, it really wouldn't be appropriate and mabey your SLP is actually on track.  In general though, I can give some thoughts.  There are still some SLPs and school districts out there who tend to set a language or developmental level criterion that the child must reach before they are "ready" for using some type of augmentative or alternative communication (PECS, a device, sign or whatever).  To be honest, this was how I was trained. More current thought is to use AAC to actually help develop the language, even if your child is starting at a really basic level.    As the language develops so does skill in AAC use. There are a lot of kids who have verbal language take off after learning some ways to communicate non-verbally. It sounds like you are doing the right thing asking questions and I really hope your daughter is able to improve.  Thanks NorwayMom- you are a compter info whiz!!

Cammi's school has been great.  The teachers who work with her were trained in the TEACCH program which uses pictures for her schedule - she has a great need in knowing what she will be doing, when things are ending, etc. - just like other autistic children. 

For communication (she was non-verbal until 2 years ago and has just now started speaking in her own way) - they started using a little keyboard which can print out whatever she types.  This past school year she typed out her spelling words and other activities they had trouble getting her to write down.  We're hoping that eventually she will start typing her ideas, needs, wants, etc.  even though she is becoming more verbal.  We've researched - because we were worried that if she became dependent on the keyboard for communication that she wouldn't improve in her speech -  and found that students who use keyboards, PECS, etc. improve in speech at an more accelerated rate than those who don't. 

If you would like I will try to find out the name of the keyboard.  It's tiny and can be held by the student or placed on the lap or desk.  It's not a lap-top but there is a little screen on the keyboard so she can see what she's typing. 

Take care :) 

That would be great! Thanks Teresa!Anybody's child non verbal? What is your form of communication? Are there any devices that work best? How much are they, and did school help out with cost?

Here's something helpful I found awhile back (ignore the yellow highlighting).

Today I happened upon a list of assistive technology "Lending Library Links" for all 50 states at sandbox-learning.com. 

Sandbox wrote:  "Many states have non-profit foundations which support the lending of resources.  These resources range from extensive libraries of sensory integration toys, augmentative communication devices, and games or puzzles designed for individuals with disabilities to simple software or low tech devices.  [...]  States without lending libraries still have people trained to help with information and referrals for adaptive technology needs."

Here's the link to the list:   

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/default.asp?page=29

Well our ds was completely nonverbal going into specialized preschool (the one state pays for)  They did the set up for PECS (picture exchange communication system)  After a short period of time he started becoming more and more verbal.  PECS is a godsend for most nonverbal kids.  We are so glad he finally has a way to communicate

A-  1993 NT

B-  2000 NT

C-  2002 ASD

ABCMOMMY

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