Socialization vs. Content with SGD users? Which to tackle first?

Today I noticed with 2 of my kids, during a 60 minute session, I got more independent interaction during our social time (15min), than I did during our content structured activity time (45min). As a professional, I want to teach a topic; “label this, match this, find this” and report good data but, as a friend, I want my kids to be able to interact, have an opinion and voice it! When a child is finally given a voice with his/her SGD, we need to listen to it, BUT first we need to teach them how to use it! Sometimes, it is easier to focus on what content they do or don’t know vs. if they can greet someone, request or reject something and have an opinion about something.Let’s teach our children how to interact socially and voice their thoughts and opinions, then we can tackle the content.

Jocelyn Bremekamp, CCC/SLP, Dynamic Therapy Associates, Inc.

Chad Visits the Social Security Office: Using AAC in the Community

A few weeks ago Kelly Roberts took her 18 year old son with autism, Chad, to the social security office.  Chad has a history of difficulty in unfamiliar community places.  He has difficulty waiting and can  have disruptive and aggressive behaviors if upset by the setting.  Kelly and Chad had a very successful visit thanks to his new found ability to "complain" using his Dynavox V, instead of acting out behaviorally.  Kelly took a minute to share her experience with us in the following video:

Kelly talks about Chad's visit to the Social Security Office