When our son Ethan was three years old, he was diagnosed with Autism. Like many parents, we embarked on a journey to educate ourselves on the way to best help our son communicate and learn to live in a predominantly neurotypical world.
We heard of so many different therapies, such as PECS, ABA, Son Rise, TEACCH, PRT, and many more. I must admit, it was all very overwhelming to receive this diagnosis and then try and learn how to teach our special child.
Since Ethan had no language to speak of (no pun intended), trying to teach him anything else was a moot point. We had to start with the basics. Through his speech therapist we learned how using visual supports could help him learn to communicate his basic needs very quickly, thereby lessening some of the frustration which often resulted in monumental tantrums.
These visual supports, also called picture icon cards, can be used in many ways. In an attempt to demystify the use of these supports, and to lessen the intimidation factor that you may be feeling (as I was) about teaching your special child, I would like to share how you can use these cards in very plain terms.
The first step is to teach your child that using communication is a means to attain an object he desires. For instance, let’s say your child loves grapes. Using a picture icon card of grapes, you would place it in a location where your child would normally request this item. I loved using magnetic cards so they would simply stick to the refrigerator, where he could see them.
The next time you child wants grapes, hold grapes in one hand out of reach of your child, place the “grapes” card in his hand. Say “grapes” to the child. Wait a moment, then take the card from your child’s hand and say “Okay… you want to eat grapes.” Each time your child wants grapes, you would go through this procedure. Eventually he will come to realize that giving you the “grapes” card will result in receiving grapes. He will realize the connection between communicating and getting things he wants.
Next, your child should learn to say or try to say the actual word “grapes.” You can prompt your child by withholding the item after he gives you the picture icon card of grapes, then say “say grapes” while remaining to withhold the item until he makes an attempt. You should reward your child by giving him the grapes even if the word is not pronounced properly, as this will reinforce that verbal communication will get him what he wants. His pronunciation will improve over time.
“Please” was the first word that I prompted my own son to say after each item he requested. He began to learn the names of the items he wanted, and then we added “please.” This card can also be placed on the refrigerator. You can simply point to “please” and withhold the grapes until he adds the word “please”, but verbally prompt him by saying “say please” after he says “grapes.”
Keep building phrases in this manner with other cards that you place on the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can use a cookie sheet, magnetic board or magnetic easel board that can be propped up on any surface.
In addition to teaching your child to speak, these cards can be used for communicating events to children who cannot yet understand speech. With my own child, I found that communicating events in advance to him helped to avoid melt-downs. However, it was very difficult to do this through verbal communication alone.
Going to a new school, seeing a new doctor or even going on vacation can be quite traumatic for autistic children, who may not adjust well to events outside his or her usual schedule. Using pictures of places, such as a new doctor’s office, school or even a fun place, like Sea World, can help you to tell the story of what is to come. Use a picture icon card of your child’s new school, a bus, the playground and perhaps a special treat that your child will receive after his first day. You can help your child understand the sequence of upcoming events, and communicate a motivator (treat) that your child will receive after completing his first day.
Schedules are a great way to get your child used to a routine. Knowing what to expect on a daily basic can be a great comfort to any young child. I liked using a large magnetic dry-erase calendar to schedule my child’s week in advance, using magnetic picture icon cards.
Another great lesson we learned from our son’s teacher was “first-then.” For example: first bubble bath, then cookie. Use picture icon cards to illustrate the sequence of events to motivate your child to do something she may not want to do, followed by something she enjoys.
Ethan is now five years old, and he not only communicates his every desire but he also comments on things. Even though Ethan seemed unreachable at times, I never gave up on trying to connect with him. I now understand that I was connecting with him all along, and that I was one of the few people he trusted enough to let into his world.
Remember, you have the power to help your child like no one else, because of the special bond that you share.
Aieshea Banks, M.A., CCC-SLP, CEO says:
July 14th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Great Article! This information is well needed by parents to help them to understand that communication is not just talking. Talking with intent to communicate ideas and thoughts is an area of difficulty for many our our children with autism. It is so important for parents to not only see, but be commfortable with, the fact that there are other alternatives to communicating with a child with autism. The communication that occurs, whether through words, gestures, pictures, or device, is very rewarding for the parent and child.