Sign Language,PECS and ASD

Sign Language ,PECS and Autism spectrum Disorder

WhatsApp discussion dated 2/8/18 To 10/8/ 18

Sign languages (also known as signed languages) are languages that use the visual-manual modality to convey meaning. Language is expressed via the manual signstream in combination with non-manual elements. Sign languages are full-fledged natural languages with their own grammar and lexicon.This means that sign languages are not universal and they are not mutually intelligible, although there are also striking similarities among sign languages (Wikipedia)

 PECS:Picture exchange communication system  is a specific program where the child exchanges a picture of what he wants for the real thing.  It is a very prescribed program and in order to do this, you must go through special training, purchase special materials, and have another trained adult to do the therapy with you.


https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/aac-apps-review/

 PECS phase 1 to 6
https://youtu.be/aouSfDAW-Q8

PECS communication system
https://youtu.be/X-7XK1USpBc

Using Visuals to teach autistic students
https://youtu.be/RO6dc7QSQb4

The discussion started off by Priti Vadakkath by sharing her experiences using sign language on the advice of a BCBA for a home based programme.She pointed that while using sign language one should understand the do's and dont's of the sign language use.The major advantage of sign language is that it's natural. emotive and not based on any technology at the same time completely dependant on the person who uses it.She also pointed out that the disadvantage of using sign language is that the general public doesnot understand sign language.
 Sign language Dictionary
http://www.aslsignlanguagedictionary.com/sign-language-dictionary.html

Why I start with sign language
https://youtu.be/1FAv9Tu6Mgk

Using ABA for first sounds
https://youtu.be/kgCM_VqcFOU

Lakshmi Jayakrishnan shared her experiences  on using a picture -word book cut out from magazines for developing communication.She preferred using sign language for basic needs.She shared her apprehensions in using sign language as a medium for communication owing to it's disadvantages , but recommended it as a cue.She shared her experience that sign language was indeed a motivation for the child to speak.

Suja Pisharody demonstrated how pictures help in improving  communication skills in Asd children

Akila Vaidyanathan of Amaze Trust,Coimbatore very well demonstrated her power point presentations and word documents on PECS, Online resources for PECS,Avaz Online Resources and RPM resources.(Not publishing for copyright issues)

She also shared the product catalogue designed by her and made by her interns on the spectrum from the "Ameya Training Programme"

For products and queries please mail  the following address.
Gmail- amaze1209@gmail.com

DIY Pecs
https://koriathome.com/make-a-homemade-pecs-binder/

Chitra Chandran gave an overview of how she used PECS until the child reached sentence level.She explained that she used picture schedule for helping daily routine which helped the child to become independent very soon.She pointed out that even minimally verbal kids can enhance their speech with PECS as the major advantage is helping the kids reduce stress while trying to retrieve words.Once the child is confident enough it's equally important to fade the use of PECS.She also noticed special educators using PECS only till Phase 3

Renu Singh shared her dissertation for parental awareness on various ACCs being used and it provides a wonderful overview on the same and how to use PECS efficiently.Her first batch of Teaching aids under the brand name "Wings to learn" ,handmade by PRAGATI, a vocational training centre for individuals with Autism ( subsidiary of Bubbles centre,Bangalore) is available to yhe public now.She acknowledged Mrs Sarbani Mallick of Bubbles Autism Center for her successful venture.

Contact the following mail for teaching aids.
renuraj2singh@gmail.com

Useful links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Na69fN9aAA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt8uzRl9eMY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKU7J6t08Bo

http://www.acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=874


http://www.acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=836

http://www.acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=875

http://www.acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=800

http://acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=667

http://acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=815

http://acadcom.com/acawebsite/prodView.asp?idproduct=876

https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2014/04/free-printable-daily-schedule.html?m=1

https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2018/01/free-visual-schedule-printables.html?m=1

https://goo.gl/images/qzhJe1

https://goo.gl/images/YNG4an

https://goo.gl/images/aafhX9

https://goo.gl/images/38btNZ

https://goo.gl/images/38btNZ

Thank you all

#Asd parents and Therapists Group,Kerala