Brian using his communication device - May 14, 2013

This video shows Brian using Assistive Technology to communicate. He has followed the below path to be where he is today:

PODD Book - Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display - Modeled for 6 months before Brian used independently to tell me that he had an earache. Used in Kindergarten and First Grade. Still used intermittently, when electronic devices are not appropriate, as around water, or during flight take-off and landing. I also love the activity pages, which give you all of the icons you will need for activities like puzzles, play-doh, cars, dolls, etc.

Proloquo2go - Programmed to follow the PODD book layout - and because the layout was the same as the PODD book, it took about 90 days for Brian to begin using independently. Introduced to be used concurrently with PODD book in First Grade. Took me 2 weeks to get the programming set up.

iPad with TouchChat and WordPower, and introducing Verbally+. Because of his experience with Proloquo2go, Brian began utilizing this after just a few days. Keep in mind that the use initially was very limited, and nothing like what you see in this video. He loves the larger screen, and as you can see from this video, he has pretty well mastered the program. Programing set-up is very similar to Proloquo2go.

Although not demonstrated in this video, the use of Assistive Communication has improved Brian's verbal and written communication as well. I suggest you also watch: "One Mother's Gibberish" video, which gives a good example of how auditory processing disorder translates into - or more accurately - doesn't translate into verbal language. The support of visual and printed language organization is absolutely required to increase awareness of language structure and comprehension of words and sounds.

We now also use subtitles on movies whenever possible. Brian knows how to set up movies to display subtitles and does it independently, which tells me that it helps him to read what is being said. I have no doubt that this is the case.

I cannot stress enough the importance of continuous modeling of whatever communication device you choose. If you cannot say something using the communication device, you cannot expect the child to be able to say it. Continuous modeling also shows you where you need to edit, add icons, or reorganize.

[christinetivan]

Great video. Do you know what communication app he is using?