aac for very young children lauren everley and emily markov
TRANSCRIPT
AAC FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN
Lauren Everley and Emily Markov
• Definitions• Special Characteristics• Varying Etiologies
Introduction
Introduction
Definition- Very young refers to children 0-5 years of
age
Special Characteristics of Population- Literacy
Little reading and/ or writing ability Speech
Pre-lingual Vocabulary
Often limited
Introduction
Varying Etiologies Autism TBI Genetic Conditions (ie Down Syndrome) Cerebral Palsy Sensory Deficits (ie Visual, Hearing)
• Communicative Abilities • Motor Abilities• Cognitive Abilities• Sensory Functioning • Behavioral Issues
Characteristics Affecting Device Usage
Characteristics Affecting Device Usage
Communicative Abilities How does the child currently communicate? Does the child engage in intentional
communication? How well does the child understand the
communication of others? (receptive communication)
Motor Abilities What are the child’s current speech and
oral motor abilities? What movements does the child have
sufficient control over that can be used for AAC activation and control?
How does the child move from place to place?
Characteristics Affecting Device Usage
Characteristics Affecting Device Usage
Cognitive abilities What cognitive abilities does the child
have? Does the child engage in intentional
communicative behavior? Does the child appear to understand the
concepts of causality, means-end and symbols? Does the child do better utilizing recognition
versus recall memory?
Sensory Functioning Does the child have and vision difficulties? Does the child have any hearing
difficulties? Is the child overly sensitive to stimuli?
Characteristics Affecting Device Usage
Characteristics Affecting Device Usage
Behavioral Issues Does the child engage in inappropriate or
challenging behaviors? Unwanted movements Attention span
SGD• Voice Output System• No tech, low tech, mid tech, high
tech
Speech Generating Devices
Voice output system-
Electronic systems used to replace speech for individuals with speech impairments
Allows individuals to actively participate in communication interaction
Produce electronic voice output through speech synthesis or natural speech
Often takes time to prepare responses
SGD
SGD
does not require a power source
requires a power source
requires extensive training to program and maintain the device.
No TechHigh Tech Low Tech
requires a source of power
very easy to program
Mid Tech
requires a power source
requires training to program and maintain
Communication Devices Available for Children
• Picture based systems• Three dimensional objects• Wearable communication systems• Gestures/ Sign
Types of Communication Devices
PICTURE BASED
Picture Based System
The use of pictures to facilitate communication
Child chooses a picture to make a request
System can range from no-tech to high-tech
Picture Based System- PECS
Picture Exchange Communication (PECS) The individual gives a
picture of desired item to communicative partner who then honors the request
6 phases ( discrimination, sentences, answering questions, etc.)
Affordable Effective for
multiple etiologies Allows for social
communication Can be used even
after “young child” years
Requires a lot of attention to learn
Communication limited to pictures available
PROS CONS
Picture Based System- PECS
Picture Based System- M3
Dynavox M3
first speech-generating device to feature touchscreen technology
Prerecorded messages
Ideal for young children because no literacy skills are needed
Messages sorted by situational context
Provides verbal feedback via digitized feedback
Visual AND auditory feedback
Multiple access methods
Mid-tech, so requires some training to use and program
Must be charged to work
Costly No room for error
correction
PROS CONS
Picture Based System- M3
A wide array of clients would benefit from the use of Picture Based Systems
Low tech systems- ideal for any level of cognitive function, easier to use with high motor ability.
High tech systems- can be more suited for children with low motor abilities because of the multitude of access methods
Both require a higher attention span
Picture Based System
THREE DIMENSIONAL
Three Dimensional Object
A tangible, often large, object children can use to communicate
Has dimensions unlike a flat screen or flat pictures
Often a switch
BIG Mack A single message
can be recorded (up to two minutes in length)
Once the client presses the button, the message will play back
Three Dimensional Object
Ideal for communication for individuals that need a larger target area
Low tech, so easy to program and use
Can hook up to other devices
Only has one recorded phrase at a time
Costly Not very durable
PROS CONS
Three Dimensional Object- BIG mack
A smaller clientele would benefit from using a BIGmack than Picture Based Devices
Provides a larger target for those with low motor ability or visual impairments
Allows those with low motor ability to play with toys or make requests
For those with low cognitive function, can be taught to use the BIGmack to make requests
Three Dimensional Object
WEARABLE
Wearable Communication System
Portability Has a mechanism to attach it to the child
to take with them anywhere they go Offers consistent voice output for users
Lingo A low-tech
communication tool that helps students remember important details, follow step-by-step instructions and focus their attention in the classroom and the home
Wearable Communication System
Allows kids to communicate quickly in the classroom and at home
On the go Durable Low tech – easy to
manage and maintain
PROS CONS
Wearable Communication System
Limited responses Pricey
Clients that would benefit Children in the classroom People on the go who need to communicate
quickly Ideal for those with behavioral issues
because it does not require a large attention span.
Wearable Communication System
GESTURE/SIGN
Gestures/ Sign
Gestures are communications like facial expressions, hand signals, eye gazing, and body postures. Examples: smiles, handshakes, waving, and
raising certain fingers to say something.
American Sign Language (ASL) A language that
uses a system of manual, facial, and other body movements as the means of communication
Gestures/ Sign
Easy to learn Promotes
language skills Many gestures
are easily understood
Inexpensive Quick and
effective*
PROS CONS
Gestures/ Sign
Not everyone understands ASL
Clients must be mobile
Limited vocabulary
Clients that would benefit Deaf and hard of hearing Anyone who does not have speech
capabilities Anyone can use gestures and signs to
enhance oral communication
Gestures/ Sign
Conclusions
“Don’t let your dreams be dreams”
Sources
http://www.asha.orghttp://aac.unl.edu/yaack/
https://www.msu.edu/course/asc/823e/casby/langdevcharts.html
http://www.pecsusa.com/http://www.dynavoxtech.comhttp://www.ablenetinc.comhttp://www.ninds.nih.gov
http://www.mayer-johnson.com/lingo