Transcript I ask for the sun, and get the moon.

I ask for the moon, and get the sun.
– Using visual strategies
to help children with
autism communicate
more effectively.
How can I get you to LISTEN to me ?
Recognizing attempts at
communication vs.
“bad” behavior
Becoming an Astute
Observer
“Listening” with the
heart
 “What is “this” trying to
tell me?”
* Try to detach,
• WATCH, and listen.
* Remember why you are
here.
Why can’t you hear me?
I’m SHOUTING inside!
 Communication frustrations
Many children with autism have difficulty with receptive language.
Many children with autism have auditory processing deficits or
delays..
Many children with autism do not, or cannot, use speech as their
primary means of expressive communication, but do not understand
that their “inner voice” is incomprehensible to you.
SHOW me, and I’ll understand
Most children with autism are visual learners.
Many of these children “think in pictures”.
When presented with visual cues, the world becomes a much
safer place to them.
When these children understand your expectations, and can
see what is coming next, they are able to connect and
respond in amazing ways.
Where do I begin?
 Assess level of
interpretation.
 Create an individual
system that works.
 Graduate to portable,
functional systems.
 Start with personal
interests
 Begin at the child’s
receptive level.
 Develop a predictable
and CONSISTENT
routine!
 Throw in ocassional
surprises.
What systems can I use?
Real objects / 3-D Models
Picture Exchange Communication System
(PECS)
Photo Journal
What about my language cues?
 Begin with brief, concrete phrases
 Be careful to “match” your language to the visual
cues.
 Be consistent to mastery, then give some variety
in your cues.
 Encourage echolalia…it’s the beginning of
meaningful verbal communication!
Will visual systems hinder
verbal communication?
 Studies report MORE talk with more visual cues.
 Starting where the child is will help her connect
to your world.
 Once a child can understand, labelling and cueing
will actually encourage more speech.
Assistive Technology
Mayer-Johnson Picture Library
IntelliPics
Photographs:
*Digital
*Poloroid
Internet Animation
Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
*35mm
What types of schedules should
I use?
Classroom
Individual
Object
Vs.
Photograph
Vs.
Line drawings
Taking the moon around town
 Using your visual
systems at home.
 Using your visual
systems in the
community.
 How to help the
consumer.
 How to help the
community.
I HEAR and I forget……………
I SEE and I remember……………..
I DO and I understand.
-Chinese Proverb