I often get asked how Stalen is so good with his AAC device. We have worked so so hard. Here are some of the factors that had contributed to his success:
It’s very important to me so I’m always researching and working towards goals. I also am firm on these basic premises and have no problem shouting from the rooftops to everyone that his AAC goes wherever he goes, that it is his voice and under no circumstances should it be taken away or used as a punishment.
We follow a core word strategy. Stalen is introduced to and practices a new word about every 9 days. We started with words like stop, go, yes, no, more.
Vocabulary. We review and practice using vocabulary words for special occasions and seasons.
Modeling. I model every day. It is probably the strategy that has been the hardest to implement but so beneficial. Modeling means I use the iPad to talk to Stalen. It allows him to see what it looks like to communicate using the AAC device in real conversations. For me it was awkward at first but I set daily and weekly goals for myself and the more I used it the more comfortable I became with it.
Stalen loves technology. He is a scrolling maniac and we watch him go in awe. He texts, uses google maps, tries to purchase apps., can find anything on YouTube. He develops and works on his own skills that enable him to be quick on his device. This has served us so well.
SLP. We have consulted with an SLP on an ongoing basis to keep furthering Stalen’s proficiency with his AAC and we use his device in collaboration with other speech acquisition and development strategies. I also follow many apraxia strategies at home.
Usage. The more ways that you can incorporate the AAC into your daily life the better. Stalen uses his to request things but we also use it to make comments, play games, tell jokes, for arts & crafts and to read books. One of his favorite activities is painting and he loves to choose his paint colors on his AAC.
My son Stalen was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when he was 21 months old. He is now 5 years old. He had a lot of first words early on but had a major language regression at approx. 13 months old. It was devastating to the watch as he went completely silent for months and lost all his words. He has been considered non-verbal since then.
I have seen and felt Stalen’s frustration from his inability to communicate and express himself. For months, days and weeks he struggled because this need was not met. These big feelings resulted in meltdowns, self-injuring and other non-safe behaviors, and aggression. Many of our darkest days and hardest hours could be linked to Stalen’s need to communicate. Overall, I had a beautiful and amazing little boy who just needed to express and engage with others and his world, but lacked the skills and tools required to do so.
One of the best things that I have done for Stalen is invest in a communication system for him. When I say invest, I’m referring to my time and energy. I had to commit to learning how to use it, to work with Stalen on it, and to find ways to incorporate it into his everyday life. I had to work hard and he had to work harder to fully integrate this system into his life.
We originally started working with PECS (picture exchange communication system). Stalen did well and could request basic and preferred items. I loved motivating him and working with him on it. But, I was never fully able to invest myself because of my reservations. I couldn’t envision him using it throughout childhood. It was definitely beneficial in teaching him the notion of “ask and you shall receive”. It gave him basic experience with the concept of communication.
Let me be honest…there are so many things that I have to bring with us when we leave the house-chews, diapers, wipes, epipen, medications, extra change of clothes, snacks….well, you get the picture. For me, The PECS binder was another item that I needed to carry or stuff into an already full bag. I often lost or misplaced pictures or they were so preferred they wore out. Stalen loved the texture of his pecs picture cards so he would crinkle and bend them, despite them being laminated-it did damage.
I couldn’t envision waiting in a line up at the bank or grocery store and Stalen pulling out his binder and pictures and communicating with me. I just wanted something that would fit better with our busy on the go lifestyle. I wanted more….
I did my research and was able to get an iPad equipped with Proloquo2go. Thankfully, our intervention team was just as excited and so supportive about the switch. Stalen was also developing a keen interest in technology. So, it seemed like the perfect time for us to take the plunge from one system to another.
Stalen has exceeded my wildest expectations with Proloquo2go. It is providing Stalen with rich opportunities for communication that I never thought possible. We are working to incorporate it into all aspects of our life. Stalen has “sings” songs, tells jokes, plays board games and helps me read his favourite books-all with Proloquo2go. It is easy to maintain and build upon his vocabulary with the software and to just grab and go, we can take it almost anyplace.
We use a paper format crescendo board when his iPad is charging with the same words and symbols that he would see on his buttons on the actual iPad.
I have completely invested my time and energies into this system. I participate in many online groups to learn about features and opportunities. I find myself staying up late to add his toys and games and create new opportunities to engage with him. I also model whenever possible by using the software when I communicate with him.
By increasing Stalen’s ability to communicate, I have noticed less frustration/ behaviours from him, more participation and inclusion, more communication and engagement with his family, increased participation in daily activities and just an overall happier boy. I love how his personality shines through in his new abilities to communicate.
Our boy has always been amazing but this communication tool has made him unstoppable. It is slowly enabling him to smash the barriers and limits that co-exist with not being able to verbally communicate.
I highly recommend that parents consider a communication system for their child that will meet their needs, work towards their goals and that fits best with their lifestyle. It’s not about choosing Proloquo2go, but instead, choosing what will work best for your child and your family.
I still have so much hope for the day when Stalen and I will verbally communicate. I believe that his communication system will help us get there. It is definitely showing him the benefits of communication, teaching him to communicate thoughts, feelings, wants, increasing his vocabulary and comprehension. He has been reading for months, is sending texts, using google and acquiring so many technology related skills-which is quite amazing and advanced for a 5 year old.
I have always talked to Stalen and asked him questions. We are now at a place where he not only understands my questions, but he can also respond. This is all I have ever wanted for him, for us!
Stalen's Way 