If your child has complex communication needs and cannot speak, you may be wondering what your next steps are. How can you get your child to tell you their wants and needs but more importantly how do you connect with your child? The first step is to seek out the help of a professional speech language pathologist who specializes in children with complex communication needs. Here are five things to expect when you see your therapist.
1. Language is the last thing we work on.
This is one that shocks all my patients when I first see them and their families. I will ask questions about equipment, behavior, current systems they use to communicate, motor skills, sensory difficulties, swallowing and feeding issues on top of discussing language.
While it is important for your child to be able to communicate their needs, this is not the first thing we focus on. Positioning and access make up 90% of the game, if you child is not positioned properly and the therapist has not conducted a thorough access methods assessment than it will not matter what device is prescribed, they will NEVER be able to use it. This means making sure your child is in the correct position to use their device and that they have access to it at all times.
2. Teamwork is vital.
You will need to have a physical or occupational therapist present during the evaluation at the very least as well during the set up when the device arrives so that they can provide support with positioning and access as well as any other needs your child may have. The physical therapist will work with you and your child to find the best equipment to assure that they are functional and comfortable in their positioning. The occupational therapist will be looking at fine motor and what is the easiest access point for your child. If eye-gaze is chosen then the occupational therapist would conduct a vision assessment to assist your speech language pathologist on programming the layout within your child's field of vision.
3. Focus on Strength to improve functional Communication
Our goal is to help your child thrive, not just survive. We will teach them how to use their new device to its fullest potential so that they can communicate their wants and needs effectively, but also learn to connect with you and your family.
4. Technology is ever-changing.
The world of assistive technology is always changing and evolving. We will keep you up-to-date on the latest advancements and innovations so that you can make informed decisions about what is best for your child.
5. You are the expert on your child.
We may be experts in speech and language therapy, but you are the expert on your child. Your input is invaluable in helping us create individualized treatment plans that meet your child's specific needs.
Choosing to get your child a new device is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a daunting one. By seeking out the help of a professional speech language pathologist, you can rest assured that you are making the best decision for your child's future. We will work together as a team to help your child thrive and reach their full potential.
By: Katherine Wallisch M.S., CCC-SLP, CAS, BCCS
Speech Language Pathologist
AAC & Autism Expert
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