Our daughter is saying 3-4 word requests for certain things, but in other areas she will struggle to use verbal words. I am struggling with how often I should use her AAC with Proloquo. Do I only use it for those things she doesn’t have verbal words for already or do I use it all the time?
Answer:
Great question! The short answer is use the AAC device ALL THE TIME!
AAC devices often assist in helping their user build their vocabulary. Because your daughter has the capability of speech, I suggest having her use the AAC device for everything, but still encouraging her to say the words vocally, as well. Even if you can just get an approximation. For example, if she requests "cookie" on her device, but has trouble saying the full word, just require her initially to say "c" or "cook."
And because she is saying 3-4 word requests make sure you are having her use full sentences on the device, as well. For example, "I want ______." And don't forget AAC devices are not just for requesting! She can practice having a full conversation on there. Anything from "How are you?" to putting colors, animals, etc. on there to ask her about her favorite color, animal, food, etc. I definitely suggest talking to our CFOC SLP, Jessica, for more information or if your daughter is receiving speech services you can talk to them, as well! Good luck!
Great question! The short answer is use the AAC device ALL THE TIME!
AAC devices often assist in helping their user build their vocabulary. Because your daughter has the capability of speech, I suggest having her use the AAC device for everything, but still encouraging her to say the words vocally, as well. Even if you can just get an approximation. For example, if she requests “cookie” on her device, but has trouble saying the full word, just require her initially to say “c” or “cook.”
And because she is saying 3-4 word requests make sure you are having her use full sentences on the device, as well. For example, “I want ______.” And don’t forget AAC devices are not just for requesting! She can practice having a full conversation on there. Anything from “How are you?” to putting colors, animals, etc. on there to ask her about her favorite color, animal, food, etc. I definitely suggest talking to our CFOC SLP, Jessica, for more information or if your daughter is receiving speech services you can talk to them, as well! Good luck!
Thank you so much for this response; we have been working on using it way more than we had been doing it seems to be helping her say more things.