The following several functional communication techniques have been used effectively to increase communication in autistic individuals as well as other language impaired individuals. A web link has been pasted as well for more information.
PROMPT: Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets- teaching oral motor placement to produce proper sounds. This speech production technique was created in the late 1970’s developing individual treatment programs that teach motor skills, cognitive skills and social interaction- more holistic. PROMPT uses a tactile-sensitive approach to improve language skills. The PROMPT institute is a nonprofit organization, based in Sante Fe, NM. http://www.promptinstitute.com/
NSOME: Nonspeech Oral Motor Skills- technique that uses that uses sensory stimulation and muscle actions as interventions to produce verbal sounds. This technique uses exercises such as tongue push ups, blowing kisses, tongue curling and pucker smiling to improve or strengthen tongue, lateralization, jaw stabilization and sucking abilities (Gooch 2009).
Gooch, J. L. 2009 Non-Speech Oral Motor Exercises Are They Effective? ASHA Conference. http://www.showmemsha.org/handouts/Session%20C3.pdf
PECS: Picture Exchange Communication System- developed in 1985 this alternative communication technique is directed at improving initiation of communication skills. PECS is relatively inexpensive to use and implement- involves the use or exchange picture cards to express wants/needs. The subject is able to initiate communication by identifying the card (needs/wants) and providing it to parent/caregiver. Cards can have pictures (lower functioning) or words (higher functioning) and can be used alone, or to complete a statement. Abstract reasoning is often impaired in ASD children whereas the use of cards offers more concrete cueing for initiating communication.
www.pecs.com
autism.healingthresholds.com/therapy/picture-exchange-communication-s
http://www.grocerypecs.com/
U.S.E. I.T.: Using Symbols Everyday In Teaching is computer program that uses symbols or pictures to increase communication skills. Similar to other programs which use pictures to discuss daily interactions, engage in conversations and improve general communication skills. Mayer-Johnson Picture Communication Symbols.
www.mayer-johnson.com/ProdDesc.aspx?SKU=M1MJ146
Natural Aided Language: another alternative communication strategy using pictures or words on a specific language board or technology device for increasing communication skills. Individuals touch a picture or word and say it aloud for receptive learning. This board is used by everyone in the ASD individuals life- family, peers, caregivers to offer the most natural experience. Symbols for this board are from Mayer-Johnson Picture Communication Symbols (above).
http://www.positive-action.net/autism/communication.htm
Chris,
ReplyDeleteI was reading the various types of methods you listed to faciliate speech. I have found that PECS has been very successful with many of the children in preschool that we work with. We also use prompts that are not exactly those of the prompt method, but using tacile cues such as using your thumb and index finger to pull lips together as a cue for 'm' works well with many chiildren, not just those with ASD. If you use the cue as a visual on ourselves it is easier to fade. I have not been too successful using non speech oral motor movements(NSOME).The position statement from our organization (ASHA) for speech pathologists cite research that the non speech meovement do not transfer to speech movements. There may be other resons why the oral motor movements can be beneficial however.
By the way, love the playlist!!!
Marilyn