Recognise this: The “non-verbal” are already communicating!
That’s why I feel passionate about creating a simple means of communication that incorporates independent choice which can be universally understood. Because it is much harder to discriminate against someone who has the ability to tell tales.
It is why I feel so passionate about getting the parents, teachers, tutors, supervisors, therapists and carers of these people to enable them to access this means.
You see, these kids (and young adults) are all actively communicating and shaping our behaviour in order to meet their needs right now. How do they do it?
See if you can guess what these kids are really saying:
These photographs were sent to me by good friends of small children. In each case it was possible to catch and hold or physically re-direct the child to a better way of getting their needs.
Because at the moment when Charlie pulls her Gran’s hair to get her to stop talking, it is kind of cute. But if Charlie was 23 and that was the only way she knew to get someone to help her find a quiet space, people might be a lot less understanding.
Adults with intellectual impairment or communication disabilities will often end up medicated and in residential care because they had no appropriate way of getting people to listen to what they need and want. The hair pulling, the dragging, the running away or the self-harm really got people’s attention quickly. And without anyone dedicated to teaching them to communicate by alternative means – disruptive, aggressive and distressing behaviours are their only way to be heard.
Make a commitment to learning what your child is really saying and give them the power to say it another way.
xx
Thanks (great vlog too) Jen.
Yay! finally got a comment! xx
thanks for this, will be purchasing a iTouch for my little man soon and was wondering how uploading photo's would work on it.
Ohh a vlog! Very well explained and look forward to seeing more now you've popped your vlog cherry (look what you started Jen!) Seriously though, its great to "see" how to put the pic on the iTouch. Whats the next lesson you have planned? 🙂 xx
Thanks for this: I hope to need this for real shortly: note to self, MUST make time to get into town and pick up Grace APP. Then UK iPad here we come and I'll be in business!
am saving this for when i can get iphone my upgrade isnt due until July, i'm with vodafone can the grace app be used with vodafone or just o2?
Hi Popsie, the grace app works on any iTunes account, anywhere in the world, so definitely on an iPhone from vodaphone. It also works on the iPod touch as you could see in the video.
O2 are offering the grace app free if you buy an iPhone with O2 and you are an Irish autism action member. Contact head office on 044 9331609 fir a voucher and redeem it at any O2 retail store when you upgrade or switch to O2, until May 31st.
Does not include franchise or outlets like carphone warehouse. xx
Not what I’m looking for!!! This website does not help
I’m sorry you feel that way. Perhaps it would be better to contact me directly via lisa@graceapp.com and I can talk you through the process. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a constructive comment. Have a lovely day.