Communication deficits and speech patterns have been identified in a student with ASD
Sample Solution
Digital Reference Guide for Supporting Students with ASD in Addressing Communication Deficits and Challenges
Communication Strategies and Systems
High-Tech
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs): SGDs are electronic devices that allow users to communicate by selecting symbols, words, or phrases. SGDs can be used to communicate complete sentences or just a few words at a time.
Full Answer Section
How SGDs support students with ASD: SGDs can give students with ASD a voice and help them to communicate more effectively. SGDs can also be used to teach students about language and communication.
Example scenario: A student with ASD who cannot speak can use an SGD to communicate with their teacher and classmates. The student can use the SGD to request help, ask questions, and share thoughts and feelings.
- Picture exchange communication system (PECS): PECS is a low-tech communication system that uses pictures to represent objects, actions, and ideas. PECS users exchange pictures with others to communicate.
How PECS supports students with ASD: PECS can help students with ASD to learn about language and communication. PECS can also be used to teach students with ASD to communicate more effectively.
Example scenario: A student with ASD who has difficulty using expressive language can use PECS to communicate with their teacher and classmates. The student can exchange pictures of objects and activities to request what they want or need.
Low-Tech
- Visual schedules: Visual schedules are visual representations of a person's daily or weekly routine. Visual schedules can help people with ASD to understand what to expect and to stay on track.
How visual schedules support students with ASD: Visual schedules can help students with ASD to reduce anxiety and to improve communication. Visual schedules can also be used to teach students with ASD about time management and sequencing.
Example scenario: A student with ASD who has difficulty understanding and following verbal instructions can use a visual schedule to know what to expect during the day. The student can look at the visual schedule to see what activities are coming up and to know when it is time to transition to a new activity.
- Social stories: Social stories are short stories that describe social situations and the appropriate responses to those situations. Social stories can help people with ASD to understand and respond to social cues.
How social stories support students with ASD: Social stories can help students with ASD to improve their social skills and to reduce anxiety in social situations. Social stories can also be used to teach students with ASD about specific social skills, such as how to greet someone or how to ask for help.
Example scenario: A student with ASD who has difficulty initiating conversations with their peers can use a social story to learn how to start a conversation. The social story can describe the steps involved in starting a conversation, such as making eye contact, smiling, and saying hello.
AAC Devices
High-Tech
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs): SGDs are electronic devices that allow users to communicate by selecting symbols, words, or phrases. SGDs can be used to communicate complete sentences or just a few words at a time.
Example: The Tobii Dynavox I-13 is a high-tech SGD that is designed for people with severe speech impairments. The I-13 has a large touchscreen display and a variety of features, such as word prediction and text-to-speech.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps: AAC apps are mobile apps that allow users to communicate using symbols, words, or phrases. AAC apps are often less expensive than SGDs and are easier to carry around.
Example: The Proloquo2Go app is a popular AAC app that is available for iOS and Android devices. Proloquo2Go has a large library of symbols and a variety of features, such as voice output and word prediction.
Low-Tech
- Picture exchange communication system (PECS): PECS is a low-tech communication system that uses pictures to represent objects, actions, and ideas. PECS users exchange pictures with others to communicate.
Example: A PECS book is a binder with pages of pictures. The user can point to pictures in the book to communicate with others.
- Visual schedules: Visual schedules can be created using a variety of materials, such as paper, pictures, and objects.
Example: A paper visual schedule can be created by drawing pictures of the person's daily or weekly routine on a piece of paper. The person can then look at the visual schedule to know what to expect and when to transition to a new activity.
Conclusion
There are a variety of communication strategies and assistive/augmentative technologies that can be used to support students with ASD in addressing communication deficits and challenges. The best approach for a particular student will vary depending on their individual needs and abilities.