Autism: Nonverbal forms of communication

Presentation by:

Stefanie, Tony, Lisa

Table of Contents:

What is Autism? The Research Focus Children with Autism:Verbal Communication Our Research and it’s Importance Effective Methods

– American Sign Language– Picture Exchange Communication System– Message Boards– Voice Output Communication DevicesVoice Output Communication Devices

Research Results

What is Autism?

A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by marked deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repetitive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. It is usually associated with intellectual impairment.

Taken From: The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

The Research Focus:

Communication of Autistic Students

Children with Autism: Often Have Children with Autism: Often Have Trouble Communicating VerballyTrouble Communicating Verbally

Autistic children are unable to communicate their wants, needs and desires effectively so that people can understand them

It is important for a child with autism to be able to communicate with others in a way that will effectively convey what they want to say especially in a school setting.

The Research:The Research:

We looked at different forms of nonverbal communication that children with autism can use.

We wanted to discover effective ways to communicate with children with autism without using a voice.

It’s Important:

It is important for a child with autism to be able to communicate with others in a way that will effectively convey what they want to say.

This is important not only in a school setting but at home too!

Effective Methods:

American Sign Language Picture Exchange Communication System

(PECS) Message boards Voice Output Communication Devices

(VOCAs)

American Sign Language

Sign language was first developed as a means of communication for hearing-impaired individuals.

Sign language has also been used to teach people with developmental disabilities who have little or no communication skills and has been proven to be successful.

Teaching autistic children how to use sign language is not as

common a practice today as in previous years, possibly due to an increase in the use of computerized communication systems.

However, research suggests that teaching sign language along with speech will likely accelerate a person’s ability to speak

Picture Exchange Communication System Exchange Communication System(PECS)(PECS)

Many children with autism tend to learn visually. Many children with autism communicate using picture

cards. PECS:

– Decrease negative behaviors that were caused by frustrations;

– Increase availability for learning and interaction; – Increase relatedness and emotional closeness; – Builds spoken language skills

PECS Phases Phase 1: Teacher and Student Card Motivation Tool

Phase 2: Student Independence

Phase 3: Multiple Pictures

Phase 4: Sentence Strips Statements

Phase 5: Sentence Strip Questions

Phase 6: Student Interaction and Response

Message Boards

Message Boards are set up in the classroom to tell an autism child what they are going to be doing for the day.

The child would go the board after each activity so that he or she knows what is happening next

They help the child to transition from one activity to the next

Voice Voice Output Communication Devices Communication Devices

A Voice Output Communication Aid or VOCA is an electrical communication device which assists people who have a communication impairment to express their needs, exchange information, ask questions and participate in conversations.

A voice output device is an electronic device that "speaks" for a child

The child can expressively communicate one or more messages.

The messages are recorded specifically for that child, so that they are relevant to the child's needs and environment.

Our Results

There was no one method that seemed to work more effectively than another.

The method used depends on the child. What might work for one child may not

for another. It is individualized!