communication

Cat scratching posts are not just for scratching, they make great communication devices too! A carpeted cat scratching post can be used as a symbol holder during play in the sandbox. After you’re done, use a vacuum to clean the sand off. This device isn’t just for the sandbox. It’s also great during playtime on the floor.

Cat scratching posts are not just for scratching, they make great communication devices too! A carpeted cat scratching post can be used as a symbol holder during play in the sandbox. After you’re done, use a vacuum to clean the sand off. This device isn’t just for the sandbox. It’s also great during playtime on the floor.

In order to allow for communication opportunities, begin by recording different actions that young kids like to do (jump like a frog, turn around and around, sing a song, do a somersault, etc.). Have a child with a disability act as the group leader. The children form a semicircle around the group leader. Starting on one side, the group leader tells the first child what to do, the child does it, and then names the next child. If the next child asks you what to do, you say, “Ask the leader!” This is a fun situation where the non verbal child runs the game.

Here’s a way to use the dial scanner to help children make choices during play. Hook up a very light-touch switch to the dial scanner. Prop the child’s arm to enable easy access. Use toys such as a Mr. Potato Head with pieces. Attach piece with Velcro onto the dial Plexiglas. You can add pieces as choice making advances. To encourage better scanning you can alternate positioning of the pieces onto the Plexiglas.

A mobile communication device can be made by attacking Velcro to any bracelet, belt or shirt tag. The photo or picture symbol can be simply placed on the Velcro and the child can walk with her hands free. This works well for children who are in the beginning stage of picture symbol use and are always on the move!

Pringles Torengos (the potato chips) come in a triangular shaped can. After eating the tortilla chips and cleaning the can, take the label off. Cut a piece of self-stick felt (available at Michaels or AC Moore) to cover the outside of the can. You now have a communication device or choice board. Attach 2” communication symbols (made with Boardmaker software) with the Velcro (male side) on the back of the pictures and they will stick to the can. Because the can has 3 sides, you can have three sets of messages ready to view or choose from.

Family picnics were filled with tantrums until a choice board was added to help the child communicate. The choice board was attached to a wrist bracelet to make it portable. Pictures of foods and activities at the picnic were taught to the child at home. During the picnic, the child was able to indicate his food choices and communicate about the activities.

It can be challenging to find fun ways for siblings to interact when one child can not talk. The message “Blow bubbles” was recorded on a BIG Mack switch and the switch was positioned on the child’s lawn chair. Whenever the child touched the switch, he was able to tell his brother to blow more bubbles which provided great opportunities for both children to pop them!

A customized very light-touch switch was hooked up to the fireman ladder toy to make a beginning communication choice-making device. The picture cards were placed along the side of the ladder: the fireman would go up and down the ladder and the child could stop the fireman at the picture card of her choice. Digital photos of her favorite items (videotapes, books, and family members) were taken and used for choice cards.

Need a light weight easy way to hold cards for a young child? Use a piece of foam and cut a diagonal shelf for the cards to sit in. It’s easy to make and easy to use!