An individual with autism often times struggles with communication. Individuals with autism are more visual learners which is why it is helpful to teach a child with autism a visual way to communicate if they cannot speak or struggle with speaking. There are many different Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices available. They are low tech solutions and high tech solutions. Low tech systems are simple adaptations that can be made such as a communication board. Low tech systems do not require any batteries or electronic devices. High tech systems are broken into two separate categories. These categories are unaided systems and aided systems. Unaided systems do not require any external device for the production of speech. Unaided devices include the use of picture communication boards and a voice output. Aided systems require an external communication devices for production and also include pictures for communication and a voice output (Boutot & Myles, 2011).
Before selecting a communication system for your child an assessment should be completed. The speech/language pathologist should be able to help you complete an assessment with information and help from the child's teachers and parents.
The information below gives some examples of high tech and low tech systems.
Low Tech
This is an example of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Students are taught to request and comment showing the picture card. Students will learn to request by using their PECS before learning to comment. The video below provides more information about PECS and provides an example of a student using the PECS system.
Communication Cards are similar to the PECS. A student could carry these on a key ring and be able to flip and show to how the student is feeling.
High Tech
DynaVox is an example of a high tech communication device. The child can use the touch screen to navigate the device. This device can also be used by eye gazing (EyeMax accessory needed) and scanning to effectively communicate. The DynaVox also has multiple models so you would be able to pick which version would work best for the student. Click the image above to go to the DynaVox website. The video below is a short example of the DynVox.
An i-Pad is also another example of a high tech communication device. There are three different models of the I-Pad. On the i-Pad there are numerous apps that can be purchased to help a child communicate. I'll give a brief overview of some of the apps available. Click the i-Pad image above to go Apple's website.
Proloquo offers two different apps: Proloquo2Go and Proloquo4Text. Both of these apps are available on the i-Pad, i-Phone, and i-Pod touch devices. This app provides a voice for people that cannot speak. Proloquo2Go is for children or emerging communicators whereas Proloquo4Text is for more literate individuals. Literate for Proloquo4Text requires literacy at least at a third grade level. The video below is an example of setting up the app.
LAMP Words for Life is a communication app that sets individuals up for early learning. It allows the individual's words and communication skills to grow. It is a pre-programmed app, therefore no customization is available.
TouchChat HD AAC with WordPower is another communication app that plays prerecorded messages, phrases, and words. An individual can also tilt the i-Pad so the message will be displayed incase they are in a quiet environment in which the voice should not be played. There are also a few different voices the individual can use.
Grace app is a simple communication app. It is very similar to the PECS system, but in an app format. The user can take pictures and add them into the app. The video below is an overview of the app.
MyTalk app is another communication app in which the individual communicates through words, phrases, and images. This app allows for customization to fit the individuals needs. You are able to create your own boards as well. The video below shows a child using the MyTalk app.
iCommunicate is a communication app that words mainly through pictures and storyboards. In the pictures section, students can scroll through and choose a picture to communicate the needs to wants with. The prerecorded words will play for that picture. The pictures can also be edited to change the picture, change the text, or change the prerecording. Storyboards allow you to create a storyboard and execute them. Storyboards could also be a visual schedule for the individual.
Tap to Talk is a four step communication app. The app can be set up by using your own pictures or choosing pictures from the app's library. Then the language, vocabulary, and voice is selected. The images can be categorized into boards. And the library you created can be added onto multiple devices at no extra charge. The video below is a brief overview of this app.
Tobii is another type of communication device. There are four steps in choosing the right communication system. The steps are listed above and are taken right from Tobii's website. Click the image to be directed to Tobii's website.
NOVA Chat is a communication device that can be configured in a variety of different ways. It has different voices the individual can select. It is light way and can be operated by touching using a finger or by the included stylus.
This is a video description about the Nova Chat
This is a short video of a child using the Nova Chat device
One may wonder why not just teach my child American Sign Language (ASL) instead of using the PECS system or another system. This website compares and contrasts the picture exchange communication system (PECS) and American Sign Language. Remember every child is different and not one system will work for all children. The child's strengths and needs need to be taken into consideration. An assessment needs to be completed before a communications system is implemented.
Other great resources on AAC information/devices
Assistive Technology Resources (She even gives a list of apps available including apps that are related to math, reading, etc.)
Every school district is different, but if you are wondering about the assessment process, this teacher breaks down what the assessment process looks like for her school district.
This teacher found a Tom Taps app for free on her i-Pad. She says it is very straightforward and basic to use. She explains more about it on her blog.
This teacher created an adapted PECS strip. She breaks down the steps of the strip and shows a short video example of the student using the adapted PECS board.
This teacher has a child in her classroom that uses the NOVA Chat device. She provides information on the device from her experiences with it in her classroom.
This website discusses technology and autism and what is available and what works. It provides links to numerous resources. Unfortunately, a couple links no longer work, but most of the links do work and it is great information.
Before selecting a communication system for your child an assessment should be completed. The speech/language pathologist should be able to help you complete an assessment with information and help from the child's teachers and parents.
The information below gives some examples of high tech and low tech systems.
Low Tech
This is an example of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Students are taught to request and comment showing the picture card. Students will learn to request by using their PECS before learning to comment. The video below provides more information about PECS and provides an example of a student using the PECS system.
High Tech
NOVA Chat is a communication device that can be configured in a variety of different ways. It has different voices the individual can select. It is light way and can be operated by touching using a finger or by the included stylus.
This is a video description about the Nova Chat
This is a short video of a child using the Nova Chat device
One may wonder why not just teach my child American Sign Language (ASL) instead of using the PECS system or another system. This website compares and contrasts the picture exchange communication system (PECS) and American Sign Language. Remember every child is different and not one system will work for all children. The child's strengths and needs need to be taken into consideration. An assessment needs to be completed before a communications system is implemented.
Other great resources on AAC information/devices