This post would be helpful to those who have already introduced Visual cards and have achieved basic communication with them.
Now, when the child has learnt the crude way of bringing the card for an item he desires to get, we would take the next step and introduce the ‘click’ system via Let Me Talk app, or any other AAC app. This is available on Android and iOS Play and AppStores for free.
How to use Let me talk? You will get several videos on the internet, an example is below -
START
Creating folders with a lot of images on the app – real and from google, to make the conversation more and more visual and extended.
eg. 1
The child comes to you with the Picture – TOYS.
You indicate him to the toy cupboard where he picks up the card – Car or Vehicles
You open the folder of colours in Let Me Talk app – ask the child (verbal or non verbal) which color car u want? OR Open the folder of various vehicle toys ur child has – and he chooses the specific one from Let me Talk.
eg. 2
If the child is having his meals, OR using some toy from quite some time
Ask him if he wants more or finished, then u can have pics of such words in one folder.
STOP
You need to be careful, that your child doesn’t get the device in his control initially otherwise he would snatch it and play in his own ways.
What We Aim For
Developing communication, starting with non verbal & strengthening the verbal.
Controlling behaviours which start as a result of anxiety or communication gap.
Even If the speech has emerged, prompt your child to speak out the word that you say looking at a particular card, which he has been hearing from you right from the start of using it.
eg. If he asks for chips attempting to speak along with the exchange of card, reinforce and encourage him to speak.
Steps Further
Create a good resource of picture cards (using cards or Let me Talk App, or a folder with velcro strips, whatever works the best for you) where your categories would be like –
Family members, friends, house helps, relatives, neighbours
Going for any function, play area, movies, etc.
Food Items – breakfast, and meal items, fruits, snacks, desserts, etc
Toys, Games & Puzzles
Places to go – school, therapies, shop, doctor, playground, mall, temple, airport etc
Routine Activities – sleep, wakeup, susu, potty, brush teeth, take bath, eat, drink, get ready, freshen up, etc
Cards like – Yes, no, good, bad, Like, don’t like, I want, I need, Medicines
Therapies – pics with therapists, doctors, teachers
& Many more u can go on adding and expanding depending upon your child’s needs.
In my next blog I will be writing about how to use Visual Cards in structuring your child’s day!