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Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Children with speech and language disorders may have difficulty talking. For children who have a hard time speaking, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems can help them a lot. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a hard time when it comes to communication. Things like talking, understanding words, and speaking to others are hard for them. Some children can have limited communication or can even be completely nonverbal. Even though they may not be able to communicate with us through speaking, they still have a lot that they want to say. Children with ASD who have a hard time communicating can benefit a lot from an AAC device. An AAC device is a type of assistive technology. It can help people who are unable to speak or express themselves. AAC devices give children with ASD the ability to communicate their wants and needs. These devices help children get better at asking questions and expressing themselves. The devices can help children improve their talking skills at home, at school, and with friends and family. AAC devices may also be help a child with the frustrations that come from their limited ability to communicate (McDaniel, 2012). These devices can be very helpful in treating children with ASD. When it comes to treatment, the main goals are often to increase social skills. Social skills involve communication with others. Treatment also focuses on increasing quality of life and independence. AAC devices would help with all these things.

There are many types of assistive communication devices to use. They can include low-tech or high-tech devices. Low-tech systems can include things like pointing to letters, words, or pictures on a board. They can also include writing a message on a piece of paper. The picture exchange communication system (PECS) is another low-tech system. It uses cards with pictures or symbols that show different actions, tasks, or objects. High-tech systems include electronic devices. Some examples are speech-generating devices, or devices with pre-recorded messages.  You can also touch letters or pictures on an electronic screen. There are even apps available that you can download on smartphones and tablets. Some of these speech-generating devices can even speak in different languages (asha.org, 2019).

To start using AAC, parents of children with ASD should work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This SLP should be someone who also specializes in AAC. They will be able to assess the child’s needs and help find the best AAC system for the child. Parents and caregivers should have all the correct knowledge to be able to help during the children’s learning process. Learning how to use an AAC device may seem complicated, but with a lot of practice children will easily be able to adopt the new system.

 

References

Asha.org. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). [online] Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2019].

McDaniel J. No-Tech and Low-Tech AAC for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Guide for Parents. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/assets/files/resources/aacasd.pdf. Published April 2012. Accessed February 17, 2019.

The Case for AAC

Children with autism and their families face many problems. Autism is a disability that makes it hard for people to recognize social cues and other behavioral cues. It impacts 3.5 million people in the United States. 1 Having autism makes it extra hard for children to communicate with their friends and family. You may know someone with autism. They are the same as you, they just have trouble sometimes with groups of people and communicating. They may do things that do not make sense to you but that is okay. They still like making friends and having fun though, it can just be harder for them.

There is technology out there that can help them and their families. Technology already helps many other people, so putting it to good use with these kids and their families is a no-brainer.2 This technology is a special kind of glasses that help the children better recognize social cues and manage their own behavior. These glasses help them communicate better with their friends and families. It lets them easily tell people what they are thinking and what they need. They are a special kind of glasses so they often will not let other people try them or use them. They are given to them by their doctor and must go through a special training on how to use them.

The picture is a picture of a younger kid with the special glasses. We can see he looks just like an average kid, he just wears a special kind of glasses. Unfortunately, these glasses cost a lot of money and they can be hard to get for some people. We are trying to work with families and children with autism to connect them to people who can help them get the glasses they need. We also want to help the kids and families learn how to use them. We hold demonstrations, learning workshops, and practice with the kids to help them learn how to use the glasses correctly. We want to make it easier for families to get these glasses.

Autism can be hard for everyone and it is not only kids who have the disability. We are focusing on children and their families and connecting them to the right people who can help. It can be hard for the parents too because it can be hard to understand what their child needs. Another part of the program will focus on helping the family work together better as a team. Their kid might need a little extra help here and there, so it is important to work together. With everyone’s help and participation, we can help these kids reach new heights!

References:

  1. Liu R, Salisbury JP, Vahabzadeh A, Sahin NT. Feasibility of an Autism-Focused Augmented Reality Smartglasses System for Social Communication and Behavioral Coaching. Front Pediatr. 2017;5. doi:10.3389/fped.2017.00145

2.         Hirose M, Beverly EA, Weinger K. Quality of Life and Technology: Impact on Children and Families with Diabetes. Curr Diab Rep. 2012;12(6):711-720. doi:10.1007/s11892-012-0313-4