COMMUNICATION
Teaching to use describing words: Orange pop-
sicle; The cookie is delicious
Teaching numeracy and quantities: I want two
cookies; More water, please
Social etiquette: Hi, nice to see you; Thank you
Emergent AAC users benefit from hearing communi-
cation partners verbalizing their thought processes
and difficulties as they navigate the device: Where is
that word? Let me look in the food folder. Getting ev-
eryone in the child’s environment on board regard-
ing modeling on the device and using it all day and
every day is fundamental to the child’s communica-
tive growth and progress.
There is no better way to empower our children than
to give them the means to express themselves freely
and be able to say what they want to say when they
want to say it. Having a voice is a basic human right
that enables every person to be heard, understood,
and fully included in the community.
The following resources provide a wealth of informa-
tion on the AAC basics and implementation:
PrAACtical AAC – supports a community of
professionals and families who are determined
to improve the communication and literacy
abilities of people with significant communi-
cation difficulties (praacticalaac.org)
Communication Strategies for Children with Au-
tism, Unlocking Language through Technology,
Joanne M. Cafiero, PhD (Joannecafiero.com)
Simplified Technology – resources from Linda
J. Burkhart (www.Lburkhart.com)
AssistiveWare.com
Ewa Omahen is a resident of Novi, Michigan, and
a mother of a 15-year-old son with autism, Patrick,
who attends Northville Public Schools. He uses a
communication app and sign language to commu-
nicate. Ewa works as a psychologist for the Walled
Lake Consolidated Schools. She is an avid advocate
for all “differently abled” children. Patrick and the
students she works with continue to be sources of
hope and inspiration.
nationalautismacademy.com
50% off!
Promo Code:
2018
Enroll in “The Essential Parenting
Guidance” On-Line Course
With this special New Years’ offer
Learn what the therapists know and
Make 2018 the Year You Get Your Family Back on Track