What is AAC? Why it is important for children with Autism?

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Autism is a complex neurological disorder, it affects person’s ability to communicate, difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. It's called as autism spectrum disorder as it reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. 
Difficulties with language and communication are a key feature in the discussion on autism.  Most of the children in spectrum remain non-verbal and some are verbal.  Verbal children can repeat words or talk about their favorite cartoons, but they also struggle to use their vocabulary for communicating with others.
This makes it very important to provide an alternative method of communication for children with autism. 

AAC is augmentative alternative communication. It includes all forms of communication other than oral speech that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas.  AAC systems are categorised into aided and unaided systems.  Unaided AAC includes facilitated communication and sign language.  Aided AAC system includes communication boards, picture exchange communication systems PECS, mobile devices and voice output communication such as speech generating devices. 

Different forms of AAC that are extensively used for children with autism sign language, PECS and assistive technology devices. 

PECS is designed to teach functional communication skills with an initial focus on spontaneous communication. It has been and continues to be implemented in a variety of settings and context (home, school, community) so users have the skills to communicate their wants and needs. PECS does not require complex or expensive material since it uses picture symbols as modality. Research has shown that many children using PECS also begins developing speech. 

Avaz is an AAC app for autism. Avaz is designed with a focus to make speech therapy more effective, develop the child’s language and improve his indent to communicate. Avaz uses picture, symbols and high-quality voice synthesis to help users create messages and develop language skills. Avaz seamlessly integrates a powerful keyboard to help users transitioning to text. Avaz can be used for non verbal and verbal kids to improve their communication skills,  build more compression skills and to teach academics. 

In this post you can read how I developed communication skills using PECS and Avaz for my son.

http://smrithyrajesh.blogspot.in/2017/05/how-i-developed-communication-skills-in.html

 Smrithy

Comments

  1. sowbagya30 January 2018 at 22:19

    Your methodical usage of AAC is commendable.Thanks for elaboration of different AAC techniques.Personally Avaz is user friendly.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Smrithy Rajesh31 January 2018 at 05:42

    Thank you so much for the kind words!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Smrithy Rajesh31 January 2018 at 05:43

    Thank you so much for the kind words!!

    ReplyDelete

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