[ Post a Response | AAC, Special Education, and Inclusion ]
Posted by SLPMarcia
on 3/14/2008, 8:25 am, in reply to "Re: Preschoolers and AAC"
72.130.113.156
Hi Jill,
Regarding the motor issues of picture exchange. Consider increasing the size of the picture symbol or mounting the symbol on a product that will increase the thickness thus making it easier to pick up. Several products to consider are "ethafoam" (about 1/2 thick) or adhesive form you can purchase at store like Michael's or mount them on a piece of cardboard box.
If you are actually training them to use the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) make sure you are trained and are implementing the training protocol as written for maximum success.
This is especially critical with preschoolers that have autism. If you are working with preschoolers with cognitive delays, yes, they may be happy to get most anything from you. The first step of teaching picture exchange is behavior shaping only (pick up, give, release) so I wouldn't worry if they like everything. You are only shaping behavior of the exchange and not worrying about them understanding the communicative intent. With autism, the importance of knowing their highly desired items is because they usually have a narrow range of things that are preferred. Regarding use of the Big Mack with lower functioning preschoolers - the Big Mack is just like any other switch except it can speak a single message and there are prerequisite behaviors they need to learn to effectively utilize a switch or Big Mack. I'll access those prereqs. from work if you are interested and email those to you. Try not to get too frustrated. Teaching these kids is definitely in "baby steps" and takes a long time.
My email is: mcurran@dusd.net Good luck, marcia
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