My book available here: http://stores.lulu.com/autismbook1


This page contains info. on PECS, Word Schedules, and Sign Language... Dynavox at the end.
Example of my mini schedules that I carry around are below: (kinda blurry, sorry-low light + need new cam)



How to get them/get them started (2 ways)....

Here's one thing... take pictures w/ a digital camera, type in 1" or however many inch squares you want (Excel or do2learn --I think thats the site, I'll double check--) and paste the digital picture in the middle of the square and then size them down to the size of the square. You don't have to use squares if you have a general idea of how big you want them just by looking at the screen. It usually doesn't actually take too long. Just put pics on a notecard so they are more hard and not so floppy. Then laminate or have a place do it when you have what you need for a little while anyway (places don't charge too much for that at all like staples,etc...) and you can even charge to have them valcroed for not much more! Then just get however big plastic folder things and just make sure you have lines of velcro for the pictures to hook to. Mini schedules also help to eliminate more work than needed in some cases. Also, this site, http://specialkidszone.com/ they have tons of picture cards,

Home & Health Set
$19.95
Food Set
$19.95
Recreation/Leisure & Community Set
$19.95

And they also have the picture cards that talk, etc.!!


So are they good even if the person is verbal?

Absolutely...I even have mini schedules all over the house, just to remember to take my medicines, eat and use the bathroom from showering to brushing my teeth, to using my meds, flossing, etc. especially when autistic people get stuck on things. I just am completely lost and can be really stressed when I don't have a schedule...

So if verbal, pics or words?

I've tried to switch to word schedules but they don't work for my brain for some reason. And, for me its digital pictures or it almost gets me confused in a way so it depends on the person.


Sign Language!!

http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslp...

It is a visual dictionary of signlanguage, from child signlanguage (best one to start with) to full dictionary, etc.

Signing is good for the hands for SID as well and fine motor skills :) Great input, etc. and helps promote speech and engagement!

I would say, in a happy voice, say the word while 'SIGNING IT'...then immediately show and give them the object you are teaching them. Some autistic kids or people need signing or symbols for certain things before the pic. cards start.




DYNAVOX: Set in device that will talk for you - Some are pictures, some is keyboard

Video of it being utilized by Autistic child below:



And...



Progress a little while later of the same girl... Yeahy!!!! :)