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PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System

Low Tech

Works best with nonverbal students and students who need visual prompting in order to navigate their environment.

PECS teaches and supports expressive language and social skills to nonverbal individuals by giving them the opportunity to select pictures/icons to help them communicate with others.

PECS is effective when an individual needs an obvious support system to function positively in their environment. It can be used anywhere where communication is necessary.

There are six phases when implementing PECS. It's recommended to begin with single pictures for individuals to communicate their needs and wants. Students can then be taught how to discriminate and choose between pictures. After this step, students select their favorite things and these can be placed in their personal communication binder. Students can then begin formulating sentences with "I want..." and place or point to a picture of their choice. At this point, receptive language skills can be reinforced with others asking, "What do you want?" Finally, students can learn how to formulate more complex sentences including feelings, senses, etc.

Evaluation of PECS can be measured by an individual's ability to communicate effectively and by data collection for frequency of use and correct choices made.

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Learn About PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System

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Picture Exchange Communication System, referred to as PECS, is a system of visuals designed and proven to teach children who cannot speak how to communicate.

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Fidget toys can help a child regulate their emotions and be able to better attend and engage in directives and activities.

Low Tech

Fidget Toy (theautismshop.com.au)

Works best with individuals who need to regulate their emotions in order to be able to attend and engage with prompting or directives or for their general physical and mental well-being.

Fidget toys support persons with ASD by offering them a variety of safe items to help them regulate or stim (self soothe) with them.

The steps for implementation are easy! Just have the individual select or be given the reinforcer.

Evaluation of fidget toys is also simple. If they help regulate the person's behavior, then they are effective. If not, then they need to be changed. Some persons don't respond to fidgets so another form of soothing devices might be needed.

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Description
Looking for a small, pocket-friendly toy to help relieve stress and anxiety? The Begleri Fidget Toy (Worry Beads) are perfect for you! These small beads are designed to be flipped and twirled between your fingers, offering a satisfying tactile experience that can help you relax and focus. Made from high-quality materials, the Begleri Fidget Toy is made to last and can withstand regular use. Whether you're at work, school, or home, these beads are a great way to keep your hands busy and your mind calm. So why wait? Try the Begleri Fidget Toy today and start enjoying the benefits of this simple yet effective stress-relief tool!

NDIS Orders
If you are unable to pay upfront, and you are a self-managed or plan-managed NDIS participant then please fill your shopping cart with the items you wish to order, and email a screenshot of your cart to: support@theautismshop.com.au.

In the subject line put 'NDIS Order'

Please include your NDIS number, contact phone number, email address and home address, for invoicing purposes. We will then email an invoice to you. If you choose to proceed, please make payment and email us proof of payment - we will then action your order and send you confirmation and tracking details for your items.

School Orders
Any school in Australia can order from The Autism Shop with a Purchase Order.

Please send your purchase order form clearly displaying the PO number or reference number to support@theautismshop.com.au.

We will process your order within two business days and email you an invoice, payable within 7 days.

FAQs 1. Is Shipping Really Free? Yes. Every product sold by The Autism Shop includes free shipping wherever you are in Australia. 2. Do you ship overseas? No. We ship to addresses with Australian postcodes only. 3. How long does delivery take? Products take 3-33 business days to arrive. All of our products get tracked, and customers can see when their product is expected by logging into their customer account on our webpage.
Yes, we are a Perth-based family business and really appreciate your support.
5. Why are you called The Autism Shop? The name is catchy! We know the products may be universally helpful to all families, schools and therapy providers, but as neurodivergent individuals we wanted to select products that have a focus on support needs and interests common amongst our neuro-kin. 6. Do you do refunds and returns? Please see our policy for more details. Items purchased on sale can not be returned unless faulty. See individual product descriptions for any Warranty that may be included with your product. 7. What is your email address? ﻿We can be contacted on support@theautismshop.com.au ﻿We are an inclusive employer and some of our staff are unable to provide customer support through verbal conversation due to their disabilities. Emails are checked regularly. For those shopping on behalf of someone with a visual impairment, this article may help you access free operating-system specific screen reading software.

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Looking for a small, pocket-friendly toy to help relieve stress and anxiety? The Begleri Fidget Toy (Worry Beads) are perfect for you! These small beads are designed to be flipped and twirled between your fingers, offering a satisfying tactile experience that can help you relax and focus.

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Sound Blocking Headphones

Low Tech

Choosing the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Autism (neurodiversitymatters.com)

Works best with persons with highly sensitive auditory systems or highly sensitive to auditory stimulation.

Sound Blocking headphones are easy to implement. They are given to the person when needed.

Implementation is easy! Offer students headphones when they seem overstimulated or before entering an environment that might produce auditory overstimulation.

Evaluation of this AAC is whether or not the individual remains calm or calms down upon wearing them.

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Choosing the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Autism

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For many autistic individuals, the world is an orchestra of sensory experiences that can sometimes become overwhelming. Navigating day-to-day life with heightened sensitivities, poses a unique set of

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Weighted Vests & Blankets

Low Tech

Weighted vests work best when an individual needs firm touch pressure to help them regulate and calm down. They can also wear it during a classroom activity to help stay regulated and focused. Research suggests that the weighted pressure the vests provide can help individuals' muscles to relax, reduce anxiety, and help the person to focus better.

A weighted vest is easy to implement. It is worn over an individual's regular clothing and provides extra weight due to either extra heavy fabric or filling the vest inside with weighted objects like small steel bars or small sandbags. It usually adds between five or ten percent of the person’s body weight.

Evaluating the weight vest is simple as it will either be accepted by the person in need of pressure or it will be rejected. If the person appears to calm down while wearing it, it can be assumed that the pressure from the vest is working.

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What is a weighted vest?

A weighted vest is a garment worn over clothing with extra weight added within the vest. This is done either by using heavy fabric or filling the vest's pockets with weighted objects such as steel bars or sandbags. It is designed to add between five to ten percent of a person's body weight.

How does a weighted vest help children with autism?

In some cases, therapists recommend weighted vests to children with autism to provide deep touch pressure to help them relax and focus during a classroom activity. Supporters of this practice believe the added pressure to the child's muscles helps reduce anxiety and allows him/her to be more attentive.

There is no solid evidence that it helps reduce stereotypy or stimming in a child with autism, but therapists have noted a decrease in this behavior when a weighted vest is worn. This is supported by a study that showed that children with autism who wore weighted vests had an 18 to25 percent increase in on-task completion of fine motor activities (VandenBerg, 2001).

In this study, members of the school faculty observed improved behavior in kids wearing the weighted vests. One teacher noted that the student wearing the vest seemed to be "slowing down more and stopping to think" instead of running around aimlessly in the playground.

In conflicting research, four out of seven similar studies of children with autism wearing these vests concluded that weighted vests did not have any positive nor negative effects on the subjects (Stephenson & Carter, 2009).

Outside the field of research, teachers and therapists using weighted vests on children with autism is already a common and accepted practice.

Perhaps the most important source of information is the child himself. In the VandenBerg study, children who wore the vests wanted to wear them even after their tasks were done. One child reported that the vest "made him feel good."

Another child who wore the vest during his occupational therapy session looked for it in his succeeding session. When asked why he wanted to wear it again, he said, "I like wearing the vest. It's comfortable."

What are weighted vests used for?

In fitness and exercise, a weighted vest is used to increase the intensity of a specific physical activity. To achieve this, a person can walk, work out, bike, carry out chores while wearing the weighted vest.

For adults and kids with autism, a weighted vest is said to be a sensory instrument to help increase focus, concentration, and self-regulation.

Weighted vests provide proprioceptive input using deep pressure which sends signals to the brain which, as a result, helps a person feel calm and increase focus.

Benefits of a Weighted Vest for Autistic children

Although it might not apply to all kids with autism, a weighted vest is said to provide the following benefits:

Create calmness

Increase focus and concentration

Decrease stimming

Reduce anxiety

Provide better body awareness

Encourage self-regulation

Due to the absence of scientific evidence that weighted vests work, it's important to observe a child with autism while wearing one-especially if the child has limited communication skills. If a child is uncomfortable or no improvement is seen, then it's best not to use it.

It is also worth mentioning that wearing a weighted vest may not work unless it is supported by other methods provided by an occupational therapist.

Uses of a weighted vest

There is no harm in trying a weighted vest on a child with autism. However, there are some tips to ensure the safety and comfort of the child while wearing this kind of vest.

How heavy should it be?

The weighted vest should be between 5 to 10 percent of the body weight. If the child weighs 50 pounds, then the vest should weigh not more than 5 pounds. This is based on the weight allowances used for backpacks as there are no studies done yet to impose a standard body weight limit.

How often should it be worn?

There are no clear rules on how long a weighted vest can be worn. It is best to consult with the child's therapist to plan a "wearing schedule" that the child will get accustomed to without much difficulty.

Some therapists don't recommend wearing it for more than an hour at a time, while others allow for it to be worn during an entire school day.

Another factor to consider is if the child doesn't mind wearing it for a long time, or if he/she can only wear it for a few minutes at a time.

If the vest is used to calm an upset child, then it may be removed when the child has calmed down.

Do the material and design matter?

The cloth/material of a weighted vest is important because it will affect a child's sensitivity level. If a child with autism has certain textures that he/she doesn't like, then it would not help to make the child wear a weighted vest with the said unwelcome texture.

The design is also important, as this will encourage a child to wear the vest. Picking something with a picture of his/her favorite cartoon character, for instance, helps to get the child into the habit of putting on the vest.

Other makers of weighted vests make the product look like regular vests, like a jacket, to avoid social stigma.

Weighted Vest for adults with autism

The use and benefits of weighted vests for children are the same for adults. However, certain adjustments can be made, so it fits the person's age and preference.

For instance, therapists recommend up to 12 percent of the person's body weight instead of 5 to 10 percent.

Adults with autism may wear weighted vests to counter anxiety, stress, or impulsive behavior.

Temple Grandin, in her book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, described her own experience with autism and how deep pressure helped her overcome severe anxiety and stress (Grandin & Scariano, 1986).

Types of Weighted Vest

There are two types of weighted vests that are currently marketed to people with autism: Compression vests and Deep Pressure Vests.

While both vests are built differently, they still provide deep pressure that is needed to help the wearer feel calm, focus, or reduce stereotypical behavior.

Parents and caregivers can purchase weighted vests from different online sellers like Fun and Function, and National Autism Resources or they can create their own DIY vests.

Weighted compression vest

A weighted compression vest is the "best of both worlds" because it has the added weight within the vest, but at the same time provides the tightness needed for sensory input.

Deep Pressure Vest

A deep pressure vest provides equal snugness throughout the torso and claims to provide better stability to children with autism. Most deep pressure vests don't have the bulky weights that are common in weighted vests.

Squease inflatable compression vest

It may be that your child wants to regulate the amount of pressure that the vest applies. A squease inflatable vest allows your child to use an air pump to inflate or deflate the vest to get the correct amount of pressure.

Why your therapist will recommend a weighted vest for your child with autism

It would be up to a child's therapist to determine whether a weighted vest would be helpful in achieving occupational tasks.

Despite lack of science-based evidence of its effectiveness at this time, school-based therapists continue to use weighted vests to help students with autism and other learning disabilities cope with their daily classroom tasks (Maslow & Olson, 1999). Vests are worn with the help of teachers (overseen by therapists) to record its effects and ensure safety and comfort for the child.

Weighted vests can also be an option if a parent does not want medication to suppress stimming and other unusual behaviors that may be part of the child's autism.

Sensory Integration Therapy for Autism

Wearing weighted vests and other weighted objects (like weighted blankets) is part of a practice called sensory integration therapy. This approach aims to help children who have difficulty processing multiple sensory inputs at the same time.

A child who is unable to process various sensory inputs properly may resort to stereotypical behaviors like repeated gestures (stimming) or become clumsy, unresponsive, or overly upset.

Some ways that sensory integration is implemented are:

Sensory and motor activities (swinging, massage, hopscotch)

Accommodations and adaptions (wearing noise-canceling headphones, weighted vests, etc.)

Sensory diet programs (daily routines set by the therapist)

Environment modifications (dim lights, white noise machines, etc.)

Education (educating parents, caregivers, family members)

Stereotypical behaviors

Stereotypical behaviors are repetitive body movements or moving of objects. This behavior is often seen in people with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Stereotypy is more common in autism and can be felt in all senses. Some examples would be hand flapping, body rocking, repeating vocal sounds, smelling objects, etc.

Wearing weighted vests have been proven to lessen stereotypical behavior in children with autism, although it is not a guarantee that it will work for all children with autism.

Stimming

A kind of stereotypical behavior in children with autism is stimming, also known as self-stimulation. It is one way for a child with autism to deal with under-stimulation or over-stimulation.

In a classroom setting, stimming might be a hindrance for the child to complete a desktop activity. For this reason, a school therapist can apply sensory integration techniques such as having the child wear a weighted vest in the aim of lessening the stims and increasing focus.

Calming tool

Children with autism are prone to emotional episodes, tantrums, and meltdowns, and this can be a distraction if it happens inside a classroom.

Therapists and caregivers claim that weighted vests can help calm a distressed child. This is based on the theory that the deep pressure provided by the vest creates a physical reaction that "reduces excitability and decreases arousal" ( Blanche & Schaaf, 2001).

When not to use weighted vests

While weighted vests appear to be common practice with therapists in a school setting, other organizations are wary about its use.

The Oxford Health NHS Foundation, for one, has stated that it "does not endorse nor advocate the use of weighted or compressive products."

Additionally, they want to make parents and caregivers aware of the dangers it might pose to children with other health issues.

Weighted products like weighted blankets and vests are not to be used if a child has:

respiratory problems

cardiac/heart problems

serious hypotonia

skin allergies

circulatory problems

physical impediment when a child can not remove the weighted product on his/her own

The future of weighted vests

With the exception of a few institutions, most experts and therapists are optimistic that weighted vests can truly benefit children who struggle with autistic traits.

There is substantial evidence that weighted vests can affect behavior with its deep pressure, as seen in real-life scenarios and testimonies. It is a step closer to finding a simple solution to a complicated problem.

As more research and studies are done, it is expected that sensory integration techniques will prove to be a valid method for meeting the challenges faced by children with autism in their daily lives.
References
The Use of a Weighted Vest To Increase On-Task Behavior in Children With Attention Difficulties. (November 2001). Retrieved from https://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=1869050

Effects of a Weighted Vest on Attention to Task and Self-Stimulatory Behaviors in Preschoolers With Pervasive Developmental Disorders. (2001). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12959227

Proprioception: A cornerstone of sensory integrative intervention. (September 2012). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3754787/

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Weighted Vest for Autism - Benefits and Uses

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You've heard of a weighted blanket helping people with sensory processing disorder, but have you heard of a weighted vest also providing much-needed compression and comfort? A weighted vest has been proven to help children with autism regulate emotions and keep their focus. This and other benefits of weighted vests are discussed in this guide.

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Proloquo2Go

High Tech

Proloquo2Go is one of the most popular AAC devices on the market. It supports non-speaking persons with the ability to communicate effectively in their environment.

Proloquo2Go has 27,000 symbols and is best used with persons who have literacy deficiencies and different levels of literacy. As a person's skills improve, they can learn how to move from using single words to more complex sentences.

Proper implementation of the Proloquo2Go is essentially training parents and caregivers on its capabilities and slowly introducing it to the individual. Basics of language should be taught first and the person using it needs to be able to access simple language.

Evaluating the Proloquo2Go should be individualized and based on each individuals' specific language goals and capabilities.

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Our AAC app family has two new members supporting children and parents on their AAC journey.

Built from the ground up with an easy-to-use layout, step-by-step guidance and support, you can easily make communication with AAC a part of your everyday life.

Try AssistiveWare Proloquo and Proloquo Coach free of charge for one month.

You'll love how this symbol-based app helps users learn how to express themselves. Proloquo2Go puts the user's development first, with innovative features based on clinical knowledge and user research.

It's also one of the few AAC apps designed to support all users, from beginning to advanced. Completely customizable and designed for a range of fine-motor and visual skills, the app's versatility makes it useful for non-speaking people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and a range of other diagnoses or speech impediments like apraxia and dysarthria.

Grow and develop

Communicate with ease

Core words stay in the same place throughout the vocabulary to aid motor planning.

Customizable folder organization. You can also create your own folders easily, based on thematic templates.

Designed for a range of fine-motor and visual skills with options like 23 pre-programmed grid sizes and accessibility settings which support scanning and Apple's VoiceOver.

Use it your way

"
The app continues to grow with us, and each update brings only greater utility and reward. Rupert is seventeen now, and I can't see us ever using any other communication format.

Proloquo2Go lets you be you. Choose from 100 voices, ranging from friendly adult voices to genuine children's voices and bilingual voices. The voices are created using real recorded speech, making them feel surprisingly natural. For some languages, you even have multiple options.

Exploring insurance options for Proloquo2Go? We've got you covered.

Our partner, AbleNet, specializes in guiding people through the insurance process for AAC apps and devices. AbleNet works with ALL speech-language pathologists, regardless of their experience with speech devices.

Visit AbleNet's site or contact our support team and get Proloquo2Go the hassle-free way.

Proloquo2Go

AAC Essentials Bundle

Proloquo2Go

Help & Support

Join the community

Ask our Support team

Make every environment set up for quick access to AAC. These printable communication boards are handy to use across different environments. This is very helpful when the device is not available. Using core word boards means you can make AAC always available.
Quick communication boards (new!)
More words to communicate with. Read how to use the Quick communication boards.
Core word boards

Gateway to Language & Learning is an efficient core word vocabulary offering user vocabularies for children, teens, and adults.

Proloquo2Go has the CrescendoTM core word vocabulary built-in. The Gateway to Language and Learning© vocabulary is available as an in-app purchase.

Learn more about Crescendo and Gateway

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Proloquo2Go - AAC app with symbols - AssistiveWare

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You'll love how this symbol-based app helps users learn how to express themselves. Proloquo2Go puts the user's development first, with innovative features based on clinical knowledge and user research.

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The Lingraphia Plus AAC.

High Tech

Works best with nonverbal individuals or individuals who need support with communication skills.

This lightweight tablet 12.4" has a high-definition display, touch screen, loud speakers, camera capability, and 128GB for storage. The screen can be seen from various angles.

www.lingraphica.com

This device supports students with ASD by improving their communication skills and improving their overall quality of life. They can practice their comprehension while watching videos and practice their speech skills. There are quizzes, videos, and activities.

Implementation: The individual is able to access the screen through a touch screen capability. It is has a simple on/off button. Basic navigation is through the device's software and allows persons to choose their preferred activity. There are 4 ways to communicate via The Hub which powers the device. Individuals can connect with the real world using the internet, create cards to express their emotions and needs, and draw their wants and needs.

Evaluation of this device would be easy to do as media opinions are available to save work created on the pad. The individual's level of comfort can be easily evaluted through observation.

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Communicate in five different ways. Improve your speech and comprehension through a series of activities, videos, and quizzes. Connect with others online or bring the device wherever you go.

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Lingraphica helps individuals with speech and language impairments improve their communication and quality of life through educational resources, communication training, communities, and technology.

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Live Scribe Echo Smart Pen

High Tech

The Live Scribe Echo Smartpen creates audio based on written notes. This device can use a helper who takes notes using special paper called, Livescribe Dot. This special paper syncs the written notes to an actual audio recording. The person using this device clicks or taps on the notes, even diagrams, and can hear what was written. It supports studying because the notes can be relistened to over and over as needed.

This device best serves persons who are unable to take notes due to various disabilities. The student has access to both written and audible information.

The implementation is the student becoming familiar with and comfortable with using the device.

Evaluating this device can be measured by observing how the student navigates with it, his or her ease of use, and if there is a measurable difference in improved participating in classes, etc.

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Often, an assistive technology solution is hidden in plain sight, in "one of the many devices or technology for everyday purposes," says Dave Lam, Technology Lending Center Coordinator. In such cases, the Assistive Technology Center at Advancing Opportunities "repurposes the technology for specific uses, for example, students with a learning disability who are better with auditory learning." The Livescribe 3 Smartpen and its predecessors are productivity tools that make taking notes easier. The Echo Smartpen is the earlier version; the LiveSribe 3 is the updated product, which uses Bluetooth technology.

How It Works

The Echo Smartpen everything a student hears and writes. In the latter case, the student or, in Travis's case, an aide takes notes on special paper called Livescribe Dot to sync to the audio recording. At home, the student takes the Echo Smartpen and clicks on or taps a specific written note or diagram to replay the audio file of what the lecturer said while the particular note was taken; the device then plays back that section.

Special apps allow the user to upload the notes to any iOS, Windows, or Android computer or smartphone. The student then can call up any of these "pencasts" to access a lecture or particular portion thereof. Students can send and share notes on a standard PDF or audio file.

A Student Experiences Success

Travis D., a college student with cerebral palsy was determined to enroll in college. The challenge Travis faced was that he is able to type with just one finger. Listening to a lecture would require Travis to enlist the aid of a friend and use Face Time to transmit the class, though with no way to create notes for review. Writing an essay would be an all-night ordeal. When Travis learned of the Assistive Technology Center, he made the call. Kristen Russell, Assistive Technology specialist, worked with him and recommended the Echo Smartpen. For assistance, Travis has a scribe who takes notes that can be referred to at home.

The Echo Smartpen can also be used with a host of other reference, information, and entertainment apps for education, games, music, sports, and travel. This assistive technology device has opened many worlds for Travis.

Try It for Free!

Do you live in New Jersey? At our Technology Lending Center, you can try the newer Livescribe 3 Smartpen before you buy it, for free. Our team is ready to assist!

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Using a Livescribe Smartpen, students with disabilities succeed.

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Often, an assistive technology solution is hidden in plain sight, in "one of the many devices or technology for everyday purposes," says Dave Lam, Technology Lending Center Coordinator. In such [...]

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Sign Language

Low Tech

Sign language is a communication system that employs hand gestures and emphasized facial expressions, to symbolize phrases and words. The majority of deaf and limited hearing ability people use it as a means of communication.

American Sign Language or ASL is best used to help persons with limited or no verbal skills to communicate effectively in their environment.

You can begin implementing the alphabet using sign language. They can learn how to spell basic words and begin to communicate effectively. ASL signs can be used in classroom routines, morning greetings and circle times. ASL can be incorporated in their school curricula as electives or part of their language classes.

The effectiveness of implementing an ASL program for persons with ASD can be measured by the frequency it is used by the individual and if it is effectively helping the person to communicate.

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Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and it is spoken language that plays an integral role in our daily lives. For individuals with autism, communication can sometimes be a challenge. However, research has shown that sign language can be a valuable tool in bridging this gap. This post will explore the benefits of sign language for individuals with autism and debunk some misconceptions about its use.

What is Sign Language?

Sign language is a comprehensive system of hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language used to convey meaning without spoken words. Each gesture or sign in sign language represents a specific concept or word, allowing for a complete framework of communication. Created to support those in the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, sign language has evolved into various regional forms worldwide, each with its unique vocabulary and grammar. Its visual nature makes it not only a vital tool for auditory communication impairments but also an effective bridge in the communication gaps encountered by individuals with autism.

The Role of Sign Language in Autism

Sign language has long been recognized as a powerful instrument for learning communication skills, especially for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. It's taught to some children with autism as a primary mode of communication. This method offers a visual, tactile, and kinetic way of expressing thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be hard to articulate verbally.

Benefits of Sign Language for Autistic Individuals

One of the key benefits of sign language is that it may help children with autism develop speech. Even if verbal communication doesn't eventually develop, sign language remains a valid and useful tool for connecting with others.

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), which includes sign language, has been found to successfully help those with developmental and acquired disabilities in their communication efforts. It offers a means of expression that goes beyond verbal language, enabling many autistic children to communicate their needs, wants, and thoughts more effectively.

Teaching Sign Language to Non-Vocal Autistic Children

Teaching sign language to a non-verbal child with autism can start with simple, practical signs like "more", "eat", "drink", and "play". Consistent use of these signs in relevant situations can help the child understand and use them over time. Visual aids, or communication tools such as flashcards and workbooks, can offer additional support in teaching kids sign language.

Sign Language and ABA Therapy

Integrating sign language with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy presents a promising avenue for enhancing communication skills in autistic individuals. ABA therapy, a widely recognized approach for teaching functional behaviors, can be enriched by incorporating sign language as a mode of communication. This combination allows therapists to use sign language as a reinforcer in skill acquisition and behavior modification strategies. For instance, by using sign language, therapists can more effectively communicate and connect with non-verbal or minimally verbal children during therapy sessions, facilitating a more engaging and interactive learning environment. This synergy not only supports the development of communication skills but also empowers autistic individuals by giving them a tool to express themselves more freely and communicate effectively themselves thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Debunking Myths About Sign Language and Autism

Despite the proven benefits of sign language, there are still misconceptions surrounding its use in autism communication. One such myth is that it's too early to communicate with nonverbal or minimally verbal children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The truth is, it's never too early to attempt to communicate. While sign language can help, it's only one such example of many ways to connect with autistic children.

In conclusion, sign language offers a powerful, alternative form of communication for individuals with autism. It can provide a means to express thoughts and feelings, increase understanding, and enhance connection with others. As we continue to understand more about autism and communication, the use of sign language will undoubtedly remain a vital tool in this journey.

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The Power of Sign Language in Autism Communication - Golden Care

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How can sign language be used to help those with autism communicate? Read this guide on sign language in autism communication

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Touch Chat HD Speech-generating device, also known as a voice output communication aid.

High Tech

Works best with individuals who need a way to communicate with others but may be nonverbal or have severe speech impediments. If an individual has limited or no use of their hands, a head tracking sensor device and facial recognition is available.

These are electronic augmentative and alternative communication systems. They can supplement and replace speech. They work well for persons with severe speech impediments. They can help these people to verbally communicate.

The steps to implement a voice output communication aid like Touch Chat HD needs to start with parent workshops and consultation. The child can be trained with simple commands and prompts first and move towards a more complex repertoire of communication. The goal is to instruct the child to independence using the device.

Evaluating the Touch Chat HD can be done via data collection and observation by the caregivers of the individual. Frequency of use and number of correct responses in certain social situations can be monitored.

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Communicating with the world around you is challenging when you have difficulty speaking with your natural voice. Using the familiarity of iOS technology, the TouchChat app offers you a dynamic communication solution with easy-to-customize features and a wide range of vocabularies, languages, and voices.

Did you know you could get this app on a funded device? Learn how
New! Try TouchChat FREE for 30 days with TouchChat Discover

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Communicating with the world around you is challenging when you have difficulty speaking with your natural voice. Using the familiarity of iOS technology, the TouchChat app offers you a dynamic communication solution with easy-to-customize features and a wide range of vocabularies, languages, and voices. Did you know you could get this app on a funded device?

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Visual Schedules

Low Tech

Visual schedules are an aid that can be used in every classroom, not just special education self-contained classrooms. They consist of either small individual table-top schedules or a larger whole class one displayed on a wall or whiteboard. The are made from tag board and laminated. They will have the times and activities or classes that the person will engage in throughout the day. Tabs can be adhered to the schedule with loop and hook dots for ease of flexibility in scheduling.

Easy implementation of visual schedules consists of creating them based on individual or group needs, explaining what each icon needs, showing how to read the schedule up to down, if applicable, and then adhering it in a place that is accessible.

Visual schedules are very effective for helping students with ASD handle transitions. Knowing what is coming up next ahead of time gives them enough time to prepare for change. They also help in organizing and executive function.

Effectiveness: If a child is using the schedules and anticipating what is coming next based on the schedule, then it is an effective means of helping students be calmer and more organized in the classroom. The effectiveness may need to be assessed by the teacher on an individual basis.

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Simple Visual Schedules - The Autism Helper

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See how self-contained teacher Michelle creates visual schedules tailored to student needs in her classroom.