The incidence of ASD is increasing at an alarming rate. Autism affects the ability to communicate and, in fact, between 33 and 55 percent of individuals with ASD never develop communication skills that are sufficient to meet their most simple daily needs. The National Research Council stated in its 2001 landmark publication, Educating Children…

When Candi Carter, a producer at "The Oprah Winfrey Show", learned that her son, Emerson, was born with chromosome 8p, which causes heart defects, mental retardation, severe speech delay, and other issues, she was immediately thrust into the world of special needs parenting. Like many in her position, she learned quickly that her child's…

Art matters. Theater, film, paintings, writing--all forms of creative expression are an important part of people's lives. It is often through art that people reach understanding about themselves and about one another. Drama can help children find their voice. It does this because it offers an alternative form of communication. Using anything from…

There is no definitive recipe for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) success, but its universal ingredients can be found at home. The main ones are: (1) Understanding that all children need to express themselves, however outgoing or shy they may be; (2) Willingness to embrace the technology that may help your child regardless of your…

The author describes how she has used computer technology as an aid to intervention with young children who have language difficulties. The approach features appropriate language goals, play contexts, and the use use of synthesized speech output. (CL)

Communication can be difficult for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy because of speech and physical impairments. For this group of children, choice-making is often limited to choices of personal preferences; however, preferences do not reveal intellectual abilities. Therefore, choice-making should be presented to these children in…

A question and answer format presents information for parents on electronic communication aids for children with severe speech impairments. (DB)

Parents are provided with directions for making inexpensive mini-communication boards for children with expressive communication problems, and suggestions are provided for training the child in board use. Small pictures or objects selected to reflect the child's vocabulary needs are mounted on a simple board, allowing the child to express his…

The resource directory on augmentative/alternative communication resources lists 12 assistive technology resources, 13 assistive technology data sources, 45 resources offering assistance on communication aids, and 91 sources of electronic and nonelectronic communication aids. (DB)

The mother of a young head injured nonverbal child describes ways used to increase the child's communicative ability including gestures, sign language, and communication boards. (DB)

The parents of a wheelchair-bound nine-year-old child with cerebral palsy and little speech or communication ability describe the role of electronic technology in improving the child's life in the areas of mobility, communication, and education. (DB)

The article for parents and teachers of nonverbal children describes information sources identified by the Center for Special Education Technology including general print information as well as information on school and community services, technology use with specific disabilities, software and hardware, assistive devices, and funding sources. (DB)