Alternative communication is considered a form of language that excludes speech. Using her methods, it is easier to communicate with children. In particular, the use of alternative means of communication becomes the only way to communicate with those who cannot speak.
General information
Communication is not just a conversation, but the transfer of information. This is a way to share your thoughts with others and get a response. Most people immediately imagine communication through words. But when a person has no speech, alternative and additional communications are used. This usually applies to children with special needs.
Choice of methods
Since there are many types of alternative communication, in each case they are selected individually. At the same time, the presence of cognitive and motor skills of a person is taken into account. It has been proven that the use of alternative methods of communication is very effective for those who cannot speak. After all, if a person does not speak, he can behave aggressively, having no other opportunity to tell about his emotions. Using alternative methodsCommunication helps him connect with others. As soon as it turns out which method is best, the child's environment builds communication with him according to this method.
Term
Supportive communication is the therapeutic and educational assistance that is provided to those who do not have spoken language. Learning an alternative means of communication optimizes a person's ability to communicate. It is necessary for everyone whose speech is formed insufficiently. Alternative communication is a system of methods that help to cope with a long period when a person has no speech. They also help those who have speech disorders. Using alternative non-verbal communication, they begin to understand others more effectively and supplement their oral speech. This brings positive results.
The following types of alternative communication and speech are distinguished: PECS system, sign language, interactive whiteboards, prompt cards, "conversation" books, speech synthesizer devices.
Sign language
There are many varieties of sign language. Total communication is the combination of speech with gestures. Anyone who uses this method of alternative communication actually masters a language that combines 2 modalities. The meaning of individual words stands out clearly, and the person understands well what is at stake.
Interactive whiteboards
These devices display visual cues collected on selected topics. They come in different sizes and formats, depending on the circumstances in which they areenjoy. The method of alternative communication with pictures can be both portable and stationary. In the latter case, the boards are in the same place. Differences in tasks for alternative communication and speech in pictures allow finding an individual approach to a particular child. They are organized in such a way as to motivate a person to improve their skills.
Clue Cards
Usually this type of alternative communication is used to teach people who speak, albeit not at a sufficient level. They are used to recall individual words. Most often, each card contains a message depicted with a hint. Therefore, this type of alternative communication for children is used when the child is already accustomed to the prompts of others. It is most effective when the person wants to tell something important.
PEX cards
This method of alternative communication was developed by Laurie Frost and Andy Bondi at the end of the last century. It is based on principles from applied behavioral analysis. The method has become extremely popular.
However, this technique has acquired a number of myths during its existence. So, many believe that since flashcards are used in the learning process, then this is PECS. But in fact, the technique is not just working with pictures. Acting according to the system, adults first of all teach the child to express his needs and desires. PECS contains 6 stages of learning, as well as a number of prescriptions for the inclusion of objects in the process.
Most often this method is used to train people whosuffering from severe communication disorders. Visual timetables are a way to improve speech comprehension.
It is also misleading that this system is used only to work with people who do not speak at all. Its application is also expected for those who have mastered speech skills.
The biggest focus of PECS is teaching your child to initiate conversation on their own. Someone is able to speak, but has difficulty understanding when interaction with a person is needed. So, the child can start communicating with the refrigerator. And PECS teaches him a social approach.
Another category of patients speaks, but speaks only when they hear a question or a hint that it's time to say something. And this system teaches the spontaneity of such people.
The myth is that the system is only meant to work with young children. There is data on students who were 85 years old at the time of training. Features of the application of the method are somewhat different for older and younger people. But the main principles remain the same.
The fact that PECS teaches only requests is also a delusion. This is just one of the basic skills that students learn. In the last stages, they begin to comment on what is happening.
Someone thinks that if children ask for something under PECS, then it should be done. As a result, they become spoiled. But in this system, the fulfillment of requests is assumed only at the first and second stages of training. This time is enough forbuilding confidence in students. They begin to trust both the system itself and partners. In cases where refusals are addressed to the student in the early stages, he refuses to communicate. After all, experience tells him that it does not work properly.
But already after mastering the second stage of the program, he has perseverance in communication. And here he is already faced with the fact that his requests are denied.
Another common myth is that the use of PECS interferes with human speech development. In reality, however, the opposite is true. PECS leads to the fact that the student begins to use spoken language. And a number of studies have been carried out to prove this. Even without speaking, thanks to PECS, a person will still find ways to communicate with people around him.
Book of Conversations
The book on alternative communication includes both pictures and conversation recordings. It is used to improve the skills to conduct a dialogue. The theme is everyday. This type of alternative communication is used for children right in the course of communication with adults. It is necessary to select a book, taking into account age, topics of conversation that correspond to the daily activities of the child. It is necessary that the content of the books be realistic, the photos should capture the surrounding places, people - this helps young children navigate. This alternative type of communication and speech develops and helps a person to stick to the topic of conversation.
Speech synthesizers
Devices of this type recreate the voices of those who, alas, are notpossesses. Only specialists can select the appropriate equipment. Having chosen the device, determine the required dictionary, select the text size. They are also engaged in the selection of exercises that motivate the child to use the equipment.
There are many similar means, among which there are visual signs intended for those who do not understand. To use such devices, a person must have an understanding of cause and effect relationships.
CP
Children with cerebral palsy require special attention, they always have difficulty with speech. Alternative communication for movement disorders has proven to be an excellent way to help them. However, each such child has a number of special characteristics, and the means are always selected individually.
Calendar system
Among the practical methods of alternative communication of the educator at school, the calendar system is noted. It allows you to combine signs and reactions. This is where learning to communicate begins.
The calendar has tactile symbols that students themselves find by touching, shifting and holding them. Introduction to this type of alternative and complementary communication does not require good fine motor skills. For this reason, it is quite suitable for those suffering from cerebral palsy.
The picture calendar is created by printing method. It is used to teach those who have vision, but at the same time hearing problems, as well as to work with mentally retarded people. So, a child aged 3-4 years, who has poor control of limbs, can be trainedthrough pictures. Lessons of this type will be useful and enjoyable to him. They go like this. The student is shown an image of a number of objects, given their description, and then they point to different ones, asking, for example: “Is this an apple?” When he realizes that this is so, he confirms it with signs. Acknowledgment can be expressed by a gesture, a tilt of the head.
Autism
Having considered which means belong to the means of alternative communication, one can understand that among them there are those that are most suitable for autists. Usually work with this category of children is aimed at making their behavior more typical.
It is important to teach socialization to an autistic person, and each method of therapy must be associated with interaction with society. When practicing alternative communication lessons for children with autism, it is important to keep a few things in mind. So, it is necessary to do promotion for them. You need to give them a choice of how they express their feelings so that they do not shy away from communication.
For example, a child can run away from people and watch the tap water flow. But the task of an adult is not to prevent him from doing this, but to teach him to ask for what he wants. This leads to the fact that he will no longer avoid the conversation, but will agree quite without conflict to go together to look at this phenomenon. There are a number of similar subtleties in alternative communication in working with autistic people.
It's not uncommon for autistic people to fall to the floor. When a person does not want to do something, he simply falls to the ground. And the task of an adult is to prevent this. Buttherapy should aim to give the autistic the opportunity to say what he does not want. This task is solved by communicators, where there is a “no” button.
For a child to be he althier, it is important to give him the right to refuse anything. This does not mean that an adult will always make concessions. Sometimes doing things you don’t feel like doing is important for development – for example, taking a shower. But you can achieve the same result, while leaving the child the right to refuse.
So, if, for example, a child does not want to go outside, it makes sense to explain to him why an adult will not leave him alone at home. If everything is done correctly, then this method will be effective.
Nonverbal autistics
Often, as adults, people suffering from this disease, first of all, being in a stressful situation, lose their speech. Sometimes it happens to them for no reason. However, they can be assisted by special communicators. Therefore, it makes sense for those who interact with autistic people to use alternative communication methods. The idea that speech is the most important way to communicate has no basis in reality.
There are many tools that allow a child to develop clarity and volume of voice. The thing is, autistic people often speak softly.
Doubts
A number of researchers have expressed the opinion that alternative communication interferes with the development of oral speech. However, those who have used this method in practice claim that this is nothing more than a myth. This point of viewscientific studies have also confirmed.
Teaching rules
When teaching people who do not have speaking skills, you need to follow a number of important rules. Only by acting correctly, you can achieve a good result. So, training is carried out only in those moments when children have an interest in it. You also need to break the lessons into separate stages. With the appearance of the first signs of loss of interest in the process, training is stopped.
So it makes sense to take an action, then wait for a reaction. Praise, show the next detail. Give the person time to react. Noticing diligence, encourage. It's not worth skimping on. It is important to be patient in the knowledge that the child will never learn to speak.
If everything was done correctly, the autistic person will continue to be able to communicate at home, in an educational institution, and act in a wide variety of situations. He will begin socialization, knowledge of the world around him.
How methods are used
Teaching a child alternative communication, he is taught several subjects. Among them is always reading. It includes "reading" body movements, pictures, sounds, pictograms, and so on. By teaching a number of these disciplines to mentally retarded children, educators shape their understanding of the world.
Alternative communication can be used on an ongoing basis, or it can be used only in certain periods when it serves as an aid to mastering speech. It contributes to the faster development of speech skills in children.
Indications
Alternative communication is used inthe following cases: when there are hearing impairments, motor, intellectual, which can affect a person's ability to absorb verbal signals. This also includes problems of the emotional sphere, organic problems, a number of different diseases, acquired injuries, limited speech abilities for one reason or another.
Selection of method
Choosing a method of alternative communication, always take into account the characteristics of each person. So, for a number of children, understanding the meaning of communication takes a long time. People with Down syndrome process information for a long time. However, they perceive visual data, imitation of actions well. For this reason, gestures are used with respect to them, they are taught to read, they use cards, supporting them at the moments when speech is just beginning to form.
Guidelines
One of the main principles is the movement from the real to the abstract. First, a person is shown a photo of a real object, and then they show a pictogram of the same object.
The next principle is symbol redundancy. That is, gestures, photos, and text are used simultaneously. The use of all these systems contributes to the development of abstract thinking, stimulates the understanding of sounds.
Be sure to include constant support and motivation in training. This work requires hard and long work. New methods of interaction with the child should be trained both by his relatives and staff. And all of them should motivate and interest him. Not all elements of the alternativecommunication comes easy.
Another important component is the functional use in communication. It is most difficult to start using additional communication outside of class. Meanwhile, its application outside the classroom is the main goal of teaching alternative communication methods.
More about gestures
Gestures are human movements that carry a certain semantic load. There are a number of reasons why they are used to communicate with those whose communication is impaired. So, they visualize words, create a kind of bridge to oral speech, help the child memorize new words, allow the use of speech constructions that he does not own. Through movements, a person can transmit messages to the interlocutor when speech has not been fully formed or is not legible. Gesture is a tool that visualizes images of actions and words. It is important to use gestures along with spoken words.
There are various groups of gestures. These include: symbolic social, additional social, imitating simple objective actions. There are also descriptive ones.
To study and memorize gestures, be sure to use large photographs that depict objects, actions. Their display must be accompanied by gestures. Photos are also used in story games. For example, teaching a person the daily routine.
The main advantages of this system is that a person's hands can be used at any time, which cannot be said about devices that may not be nearby. Gestures are easier to learn thanthe words. Children can be helped in the learning process with their own hands.
But such a system also has a number of disadvantages. For example, a number of gestures will be understood only by a narrow circle of people. This method of communication cannot be taught to those who have too severe disorders of the locomotor apparatus. The child must have a good memory to learn how to use them.
More about pictograms
Pictograms can also help meet communication needs. They teach children to read. The main purpose of their use is to organize communication with students who do not speak. Also among the goals are the activation of non-verbal intelligence. Pictograms have proven themselves as a way to correct the psyche of mentally retarded people.
Pictogram activities help children develop their cognitive abilities. Thanks to the reliance on the visual component, they develop impressive speech. This, in turn, serves as a prerequisite for the emergence of expressive speech.
Most of all they work with symbolic images of objects that the child will later encounter in the course of life in society. For example, he is taught to recognize permission, prohibition, warning signs, and so on.
Thus a whole code dictionary was formed. They are used in daily activities, as well as during lessons. Each icon in the dictionary is placed on a separate colored background. Their colors are always different. This is done so that the student has associations with different grammatical sections. itvery important in order to connect functional links to the syntax.
The symbols are clearly depicted, they are well recognizable - this is necessary for a person to subsequently identify them with real objects or their realistic illustrations. Code dictionaries help the mentally retarded to a moderate extent. Sometimes they are used in the education of people with severe mental retardation. Students subsequently interact both at home and in a variety of everyday situations.
Usually teaching non-verbal means of communication is carried out in stages. First, a person is introduced to the concept of a pictogram. Further, the concept of the phenomenon is formed on the basis of the studied symbols. Strengthen the skill of independent actions with pictograms. And at the end they teach self-orientation in the studied symbols, which is “reading pictograms”.
More about global reading
Reading, according to the official position of psychology, is a form of communication, composed of the technique of pronunciation and understanding of the text. It is important to bear in mind that the mere perception of the text does not count as reading. A person must necessarily perceive the meaning of what he reads. For this reason, reading is a thought process. What does it mean? The process of studying global reading develops impressive speech, human thinking up to mastering pronunciation. Global reading stimulates the development of people with Down syndrome. The thing is that their strength is a developed figurative perception.
Global reading is manifested in the recognition of the whole word without highlighting the letters separately. They teach him like this. They take cards on which they write out a series of words. Usually they are white, and the letters are black. Training is carried out sequentially, gradually. Words always denote objects well known to a person.
In order to properly conduct a global reading lesson, it is imperative that you first prepare for learning. It includes many games and special tasks that develop visual perception, attention, understanding of speech, the ability to correlate objects and their illustrations.
You should start preparing for training only from the moment when a person has already mastered these abilities. It is important to use didactic games aimed at tracking tracks, decorative drawing. It is necessary to motivate the child to learn new skills by offering him dolls and toys during the lessons.
Classes are conducted as follows. First, the child reads special engrams with the name of a person, the nickname of a pet. In the classroom, the use of home-made books, pictures and captions to them is often found.
At first they are made without taking into account a certain theme. They contain the words that the child encounters most often in everyday activities. Family photos are often used as material. They are supplemented with printed inscriptions. They are repeated on separate cards, and a person learns to select the same words. Further, the signatures are covered, and the person reproduces the necessary inscriptions in memory and combines them with the images. As he learns, the pictures are supplemented with a few words, speech constructions.
They also select words for the main lexic althemes, supplying them also with a number of signatures. Classes for the little ones begin with the topic "Toys". Take 2 plates with inscriptions. Do not start with words that are spelled similarly.
It is important that each phrase is simple, and all illustrations are bright and attract the attention of the child. All objects must be familiar to the student. Words are written only in a legible font.
Conclusion
Thus, alternative communication plays a crucial role in human life. To learn its methods, you need to know a number of subtleties. And then almost anyone will gain the ability to communicate.
