Using An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Device For Our Autistic 7 Year Old

October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month. Braylee uses one of these devices/apps to help communicate with her parents and others that she comes into contact with. Here are some companies that have a discount on their apps or devices as of today 10/14.
#autism #weefam #AACawareness

Like this video? Click here to subscribe for more!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our PO Box The Wee Family PO BOX 362 Sartell, MN 56377-1917

[jodyburke]

Braylee is communicating so much better. My Turn was so plain. Your getting so big girl. You as parents Rock

[Marandimom]

Little Miss Independent! You go, girl!

[sophtonson]

I don’t typically comment on videos but hearing what you said about having a voice gave me a big sigh of relief. People should have access to having a voice. I use AAC most days as I am partially non verbal / non-verbal at times, with autism and heaps of other things; and like the the good description you explained what happens, it is very difficult to transfer thoughts into words (sometimes it feels like I will never be able to speak again). It is really hard for people to understand that sometimes I can’t speak even though they know I can but at the time I actually can’t 😩. I recently wanted to find out why this is happening to me and found an article which gave me such relief of someone with a similar experience. Watching your YouTube channel as well as Fathering Autism has really helped me understand myself so much more and showing family your videos helps them understand too. I am so excited for your family especially Braylee to get Norton, your very soon to come service dog! In your week summary video I leapt out of my bed seeing the picture of him!!!! I am currently raising money for my own service dog and am really excited for it but right now it is a long way off. Keep doing what you are doing, you are helping so many people all around the world have a better understanding and are very engaging channel to watch. Sending much love from Australia ❤️

[cherylmartinez]

I'm a Special Ed teacher and we use talker's all the time. My daughter was taught at a early age to respect. I've worked for my school 21 years now and love every minute all my kids are very special to me. Lol my school kids. I only have one that belongs to me.

[tiatowery]

Yes teach your children what these devices are.Teach your kids starting at an early age.that was great advice.

[mroberson]

I just did a communication matrix with an AAC expert for my 3 year old, nonverbal son. She said he's the perfect candidate for an AAC device. He has been using lots of signs and pictures, but this will help him expand his vocabulary and make it so that anyone can understand him, even if they don't know signs. We're going to borrow a device from his speech therapy center and see how it goes! I'm so excited. Thank you for sharing Braylee using one. It's so amazing to see how useful they are.

And about the insurance fight, I'm gearing up for it. To me it's heartbreaking that they will probably deny it. It's like denying a wheel chair for a child who can't walk (yes, I know they do that too). It's just heartbreaking.

[jeanmorgan]

Yes my grandson uses gotalk now when he needs help talking or doesn’t feel good or feel like talking

[AvitalShtap]

Her asking for a PB&J and orange made me so happy !!! Hahaha yay. Im so glad she seems to direct her own life more with the ability to communicate. :))

[andreanairvin]

My nephew had a little girl named Abby in his 2nd grade last year who had Autism and used an AAC and thought it was so cool that she had a "robot" voice oh 8 year old. He loved hanging out with her at recess. He told me he took turns one day he would run around and be crazy with one set of friends and the next day he would sit with Abby since she did not like to run around. He has a big heart and I think he just understood because he had a significant speech delay (he had no words until 4) and social skill delay, he still has communicated issues but is working hard at that.

[janellbeach]

No worries B...I feel like that every morning. You got this Girl!

[andermiskinis]

I have autism and am mostly verbal. But I find typing and using AAC devices help me get my point across better in some situations. So I use one when I’m in an environment that brings on a lot of stress. I didn’t know October was AAC awareness. I didn’t even know that there was an awareness month for AAC. That is so cool! Thanks for this video!!! I appreciate it!!!

[jessicasynott]

I love the idea of teaching children about these device's. When we got my Niece one with touch chat on it we had people from the organization that provided come into her classroom and do a whole lesson on it and brought in extras for the students to practice having conversations only using the devices so they all understood what it was about and how to interact with her. I hope that school boards across the world could do this not just in London Ontario Canada.

[bradburylife]

both my kiddos know what aac devices are due to the fact that my oldest uses one. His 2 yr old brother does tend to like to take it away from him or want to engage with him on it often. Its still a learning curve for both of them but they help so much. my son went from using pecs to flourishing his development of speech through his device. Now he trying to actually verbally say new words all within a year. we are so proud and thankful for how much his aac device has given him a voice.

[_Msweber]

Thank you for this video it is very helpful in helping me make my decision and very informative.

[trishalwlr]

Braylee is adorable, she looks like snowwhite! I love her nice colorful coat

[oliviacobb]

Yas! AAC devices are so special and needed. Many of my clients use them even though they are verbal and can communicate regularly - those overwhelming situations you mentioned are where those devices are so important.

[AbbyMaskell]

I've been thinking about getting a speech app for my ipad because whenever I have a meltdown or am stressed/panicky it's really hard for me to talk and often I just don't want to

[breemerritt]

Hi WeeFam👋🏼 I’m also from MN!!
Your family is amazing and spreading so much awareness. Thank you so much for all you guys do each and everyday. Keep it up! That little girl of yours is changing the world.

[niknelms]

Love this video!! Thank you for sharing! AAC is so amazing. My 3 year old started using it in ST a month ago and she's really getting the hang of it well. We're actually picking her up a new iPad this weekend and getting the software for her to use at home. Can't wait!

[lisathielman]

Reach for the stars astronaut Braylee 🤩