How to teach a non-verbal child to develop language: The Usage of PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) This process involves capturing pictures of objects, locations, people, food items and toys that the child is interested in. The pictures are put into a file and made accessible to the child. The therapist prompts the child to exchange a picture that depicts that specific item/activity. The child would then hand the picture to the therapist, point to it and then the therapists provides the object and the vocal label of the object, in order to expose the child to correct pronunciation and label for the desired object/activity. PECS paired with Vocal Attempts Once the child is able to independently exchange a PECS icon and make a vocal attempt, the therapist moves on to only requiring vocal attempts from the child without the aid of PECS. The vocal approximations are refined through continued exposure to the correct pronunciation, as well as the child always being reinforced for asking, via the process of Shaping. Shaping refers to the process where successive approximations for a target word/vocalisation are systematically extinguished, until such time where the child is pronouncing the word correctly. Shaping Shaping also entails the Echoics lesson. This involves teaching the child to say simple sounds, for example, p, h, m, b. When these are mastered, the child is then exposed to Echoic Blends i.e. Sounds linked to words: pi(PIn), ma(MAt) etc. Increasing the length of Vocal Utterances After spontaneous, articulate one word requests are mastered, the therapist can move on to two word requests and then three. For example: Chips-> Give Chips->Give me Chips Full Sentence Requests and Responses Once the child is spontaneously making 2-3 word requests independently, he or she will be required to use carrier phrases in order to facilitate him/her to using full sentences in order to make requests. These carrier include: Can I have, May I have, I want, I need, May I etc. Prompting is systematically faded out until the child can use language varied, full sentence requests and responses, varyingly and independently. by Akil Seema and Nicole Moodley
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 11:35:49 +0000