[Michelle Weis]

Hi Everyone

I am interested in any type of Human Growth and Developement materials, curriculam, websites, etc.

Does anyone have any ideas????

Thanks

[Michelle Weis]

Hi there!

I am out of the loop as it has been 5 years since I have moved to NY. I have recently heard about the Monarch House and was wondering if anyone has any information about it? If so can you email me?

geminisky@roadrunner.com

[Michelle Weis]

Hi Everybody,

I am posting for a family out near Maple Ridge. There 8 year old child has been havin seizures and they were wondering if anyone has these same issues and could recommend a good Dr or have any information that might help them? If so either post or please email me with any helpful information.

Thanks

[Michelle Weis]

This post of for Franca Pastro:

I deleted your contact info by mistake and wanted to get a hold of you regarding ABA in New Jersey. Email me back Franca or call me and i can give your friend more some updated information.

Michelle
716-773-2588
geminisky@adelphia.net

[Michelle Weis]

I talked briefly before about communication systems – mainly the Springboard that my son uses. I wanted to mention that there are many more of these types of systems that are simple to more complex.

Any child with a communication disorder like my son, needs some sort of communication tool. When that communication tool (whatever it may be) is in place, behaviours will naturally decrease as the child learns their own voice. It is fact that 40-50% of children with autism may never develop FUNCTIONAL speech.

These systems are chosen for each child by a team of people at Summit. These are augmentative devices that have suited the individual child's needs and what level they are at. Some are cheap and others are very expensive. The government here in NY helps to pay for communication systems as well as the school districts have chipped in. Also, agencies, private insurance, Kiwanis, etc have been involved in providing a voice for these kids.

As long as it is a medical need it has been purchased for children here.

Here are some information on Popular Augmentative Communication Systems used at Summit.

Sign Language

Pecs (Picture Exchange Communication System)Where kids start out at learning function of language and then can move into more complex devices.

One-Step

Big Mack (machine that you can program your voice in for playing games, snack time, etc)

ITALK2 (one step up from the One step)

Talktrac Wrist Communicator (Allows kids to have some language while being mobile.Only has a few buttons of things to say..you program it in. One choice I have seen has been "can you get my device. If the child is on the go or physically disabled and can't carry the device, this allows them to ask for it when need be.)

Go Talk 4+, 9+, 20+ (these are grids that you slide PECS pics in. the grids dont come out)

7 Level on-the-go-communicator (same as Go Talk but grids come out to interchange when needed)

Super Talker Progressive Communicator

Dynamo

Minimo

Dynamyte 3100 MT4

Springboard Plus (the machine my son uses. I brought to the Surrey FEAT meeting)

Vantage plus

Some literature as follows…
— Improving Natural Speech By Abigail Scott
Feb 16, 1998 – ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathologists & Audioligists
— Impact of Augumentative and Alternative Communication on Natural Speech production: Clinician's Perspectives
The ISAAC Bulletin Number 44-August 1996
Jill Tullman, M.S. CCC-SLP the Children's Hospital, Denver, Colorodo

Again, I have not seen all of these machines nor do I claim to be an expert in anyway with any of these devices. It takes many people involved and alot of information to decide on an AAC. I.e. Backround info on the child
Speech and Language skills
Cognitive skills
Communication needs assessment
Sensory function, etc

I wanted to inform parents that have kids with communication disorders that there are options to improve their quality of life – it is just researching and talking to SLPs. Have your SLP research and see what options are best for your child.

I apologize for the lengthy post. If anyone is interested I do have many AAC Readings that I can pass along as well. Again sorry it is so long but this is important for many of these kids. Below are some websites that might be helpful.

http://www.aacintervention.com
http://www.ataccess.org (Alliance for Technology Access)
http://www.asha.org (American Speech Language-Hearing)
http://www.apraxia-kids.org
http://www.ATIA.org (Assistive technology Industry •••)
http://www.mrtc.org/~duffy/yaack (AAC)
http://aac.unl.edu/ (Barkley AAC Centre)
http://www.closingthegap.com
http://www.aacproducts.org
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu
http://www.ideapractices.org
http://www.isaac-online.org (International Society AAC)
http://www.edc.org/fsc.ncip
http://www.resna.org
http://trace.wisc.edu/ (Trace research and development)

[Michelle Weis]

I just wanted to leave another note about my previous question….using "no" vs. not using "no". I was asked to put up some information on my conclusion.

Actually, what I have seen as common factor is that programs are maturing each day as data matures. Familes that have been involved with a program for numerous years use 'no' as information to complete their loop. Newer familes have moved away from using "no" and relplacing it with "try again" or "nice try".

I have learned from families that it is either how you have been taught or your beliefs on how the word "no" is perceived by the child. I did not see a right or wrong answer, as well by talking to the familes I did not see a child not progressing or progressing faster using either/or.

I work at a sattelite of the school my son goes to. At Summit they are strictly data based techniques and I am enjoying working with the children immensley.

I have found through my training there alot of valuable information. I.e. S.C.I.P.-R training is an absolute important part of working with any child. SCIP is a proven technique that decreases injury, abuse, keeps the child and staff safe. All school staff should be trained in this these techniques for the benefit of staff and students.

I also know that the training all of you in BC receive from your consultants is extremely valuable and top knotch. The training I had in BC from wonderful consultants like Ms. Shelley Davis, and Dr. Shannon Rodrigue, etc. gave me the ability to walk into a school and take the training with no worries. While being tested daily on major aspects of ABA over a 2week period and receive an A+ on all aspects of my training showed me that FEAT BC is doing its job in training knowledgable staff to work with these kids.

My hat off to all of FEAT of BC. You have moved mountains!

[Michelle Weis]

I just wanted to leave another note about my previous question….using "no" vs. not using "no". I was asked to put up some information on my conclusion.

Actually, what I have seen as common factor is that programs are maturing each day as data matures. Familes that have been involved with a program for numerous years use 'no' as information to complete their loop. Newer familes have moved away from using "no" and relplacing it with "try again" or "nice try".

I have learned from families that it is either how you have been taught or your beliefs on how the word "no" is perceived by the child. I did not see a right or wrong answer, as well by talking to the familes I did not see a child not progressing or progressing faster using either/or.

I work at a sattelite of the school my son goes to. At Summit they are strictly data based techniques and I am enjoying working with the children immensley.

I have found through my training there alot of valuable information. I.e. S.C.I.P.-R training is an absolute important part of working with any child. SCIP is a proven technique that decreases injury, abuse, keeps the child and staff safe. All school staff should be trained in this these techniques for the benefit of staff and students.

I also know that the training all of you in BC receive from your consultants is extremely valuable and top knotch. The training I had in BC from wonderful consultants like Ms. Shelley Davis, and Dr. Shannon Rodrigue, etc. gave me the ability to walk into a school and take the training with no worries. While being tested daily on major aspects of ABA over a 2week period and receive an A+ on all aspects of my training showed me that FEAT BC is doing its job in training knowledgable staff to work with these kids.

My hat off to all of FEAT of BC. You have moved mountains!

[Michelle Weis]

Hello again

I received a great deal of response to my question earlier this week through this board and privately. Re: using "no" vs not using "no".

I have received a good chunk of information to help me with a personal paper I have been writing. I delighted to hear responses from parents/therapists in programs cause that is where you get alot of valuable information from in addition to research.

Thanks for all your input and if anyone has anymore, please feel free to email me or the board.

Michelle
geminisky@adelphia.net

[Michelle Weis]

Hello again

I received a great deal of response to my question earlier this week through this board and privately. Re: using "no" vs not using "no".

I have received a good chunk of information to help me with a personal paper I have been writing. I delighted to hear responses from parents/therapists in programs cause that is where you get alot of valuable information from in addition to research.

Thanks for all your input and if anyone has anymore, please feel free to email me or the board.

Michelle
geminisky@adelphia.net

[Michelle Weis]

Hi there

This question is for therapists and consultants who have used both types of techniques…

I was wondering if anyone could give me an opinion or their experience with using the word "no" vs not using the word "no"?

Just curious as to how programs have adverted away and which technique seems to be more effective with which type of child?

If you do not use the word "no" to complete the loop, what is in its place?

If you feel more comfortable you can email me privately. geminisky@adelphia.net

Thanks Alot
Michelle

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