Augmentative device

[Guest guest]

Could any recommend one for someone who is 8 years old, non-verbal, great

receptive language, moderate-severe Autism, great visual memory?

What is the preferred brand?

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

When looking for an appropriate augmentative device or assistive technology,

it requires an in-depth assessment of the child's needs, skill strengths and

weaknesses (in communication, physical, intellectual, etc.), environments

the child is in, and more. One should always consider the broadest context

of the child's needs. Then after that has been assessed thoroughly, one can

begin to think of solutions or devices that will meet the majority of the

child's needs. If what is chosen is too hard for the child to use, too

complicated, doesn't encompass all the needs, won't work in some

environments, etc., then it is not a good choice. You can never think of

" device " first and then fit the child to it...you have to examine all the

needs of the child and then think of a way to meet the needs.

So, of course, like everything else, choosing a solution is not an easy

process. But, if you don't expend the time and effort to really find the

right thing, then what you choose usually doesn't get used and it was a

total waste of time and money. You want something that will work and the

child AND ADULTS will use, or it isn't worth it.

So, based on the information you provided, I think anyone who would

offhandedly suggest something would likely not do your child justice. My

advice would be to get a comprehensive AT evaluation by someone who is

trained. They will be able to find a good fit that will work for your child

and family as well as help you find the $$ to pay for it with.

nna

[Guest guest]

Hi nna,

Than you for taking the time and responding to my question. Since my child

is home-schooled, will the school still be able to help? Also, what is an

AT evaluation and who is qualified to do it?

Thanks,

RE: Augmentative device

> When looking for an appropriate augmentative device or assistive

> technology,

> it requires an in-depth assessment of the child's needs, skill strengths

> and

> weaknesses (in communication, physical, intellectual, etc.), environments

> the child is in, and more. One should always consider the broadest context

> of the child's needs. Then after that has been assessed thoroughly, one

> can

> begin to think of solutions or devices that will meet the majority of the

> child's needs. If what is chosen is too hard for the child to use, too

> complicated, doesn't encompass all the needs, won't work in some

> environments, etc., then it is not a good choice. You can never think of

> " device " first and then fit the child to it...you have to examine all the

> needs of the child and then think of a way to meet the needs.

>

> So, of course, like everything else, choosing a solution is not an easy

> process. But, if you don't expend the time and effort to really find the

> right thing, then what you choose usually doesn't get used and it was a

> total waste of time and money. You want something that will work and the

> child AND ADULTS will use, or it isn't worth it.

>

> So, based on the information you provided, I think anyone who would

> offhandedly suggest something would likely not do your child justice. My

> advice would be to get a comprehensive AT evaluation by someone who is

> trained. They will be able to find a good fit that will work for your

> child

> and family as well as help you find the $$ to pay for it with.

>

> nna

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Texas Autism Advocacy

> www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

>

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> www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

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