Transcript THE MARIPOSA SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND …

SPEECH, SIGN LANGUAGE, OR PICTURES:
WHAT IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILD
AND WHEN DO YOU MAKE A CHANGE?
Mark Stafford, MA, LPA, BCBA
Executive Director, The Mariposa School
Introduction
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Speech is always the goal.
How do we make the decision on a
communication modality? (speech, sign,
pictures)
What factors should be considered when
making that decision?
Communication Options
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Speech is always the goal.
Augmentative Communication Choices
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Sign Language (ASL, Signed English)
Picture Systems
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Voice Output
I-Pad/Tablet systems
Writing/typing-not appropriate for early
learners
When we don’t use Speech
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Must have some vocal production
When we would not use Speech
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Must have some vocal production
Must gain instructional (stimulus) control
quickly— echoic behavior
When we would not use Speech
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Must have some vocal production
Must gain instructional (stimulus) control
quickly— echoic behavior
Hard to physically prompt speech
When we would not use Speech
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Must have some vocal production
Must gain instructional (stimulus) control
quickly
Hard to physically prompt
Lack of success results in:
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Frustration with communication/instructor
Avoidance of instruction/maladaptive behavior
Further withdrawal
Two kinds of Communication
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Topography Based: There is a different
response (topography) for each word.
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Stimulus Selection: A single response
(pointing, pick up) is used to select a stimulus
from an array.
(Michael, J. 1985)
Two kinds of Communication
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Topography Based:
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Speech
Sign Language
Writing (but developmentally out of sequence)
Stimulus Selction:
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Pictures/PECS
Voice Output (by selecting pictures)
I-Pads/Tablets (still pictures)
What is Verbal Behavior
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Definition: Behavior that is reinforced
through the mediation of another person and
that person (listener) must have had specific
training in reinforcing such speakers.
What is Verbal Behavior
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Definition: Behavior that is reinforced
through the mediation of another person and
that person (listener) must have had specific
training in reinforcing such speakers.
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Verbal is not vocal in this definition.
What is Verbal Behavior
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Definition: Behavior that is reinforced
through the mediation of another person and
that person (listener) must have had specific
training in reinforcing such speakers.
Verbal is not vocal in this definition.
First goal is to get verbal behavior
(communication) going.
Factors to Consider in Choosing
Sign or Pictures
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Learner’s verbal community the learner is limited
and is not independent in community
Both sign language and picture systems are shown
to increase speech, but signs appear to have a
slight advantage.
Portability: sign can be done anywhere without a
device.
Must be able to “scan” an array of stimuli for
pictures.
Factors to Consider in Choosing
Sign or Pictures
5. Neither Sign or Pictures is giving up on speech, but
is a way to get there.
6. Pictures lack all verbal operants, especially the tact.
7. Can add new signs easily.
8. When child becomes older either:
A. Speech has been learned, or
B. Go to pictures if unsuccessful with signs, or
C. Writing can be used with signs as a
communication method
Sign Language
Advantages
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Portable
Topograghy Based
Easy to learn basics
All verbal operants possible
Special relation between
response and response
product
Can physically prompt
Cost
Disadvantages
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Limited Community
Fluent communication is
difficult to learn
Must be face-to-face
Requires physical prompting
in early learners.
When we would not use Sign
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Poor motor control
Lack of imitation skills
Need quick instructional control
Lack of success results in:
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Frustration with communication/instructor
Avoidance of instruction/maladaptive behavior
Further withdrawal
Picture Systems
Advantages
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Easily understood
Easy to use
Can be inexpensive
Response is easy
Easy to prompt
Disadvantages
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Limited Portability
Limited vocabulary
Some verbal operants
impossible
Lack special relation
between response and
response product
Requires additional
scanning response
Special Case for Ipad/tablets
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Automatic Reinforcement
Easy to add and change pictures
Can have immediate visual change which
may make up for lack of special relation
between response and response product.
Appear to be successful but no known
scientific research
Cost – limits portability more
Making A Change
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Discontinuing a vocal/speech emphasis
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Lack of echoic development
Speech is unintelligible
Maladaptive behavior increases
But not giving up on speech!
Making A Change
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Discontinuing a sign language emphasis
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Lack of imitation
Topography of signs is too poor
Maladaptive behavior increases
Speech has improved
But not giving up on speech!
Important Points
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Picture schedules are not picture communication
systems
PECS is a branded communication system (Picture
Exchange Communication System by Pyramid
Educations Consultants Lori Frost and Andy Bondy)
Speech is a transitory stimulus. It leaves no
permanent product.
Both sign and pictures should be paired with
speech by the teacher
Conclusion
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If you have a choice use sign language.
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Topography based
All verbal operants
Immediate feedback (reinforcement) in special
relations of separate movements.
Direct prompting possible.
Pictures can always be done later.
Both pictures and sign can result in improved
speech.