AAC for Very young Children

AAC FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDRENLauren 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 SystemThe 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 ObjectA 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