Dyspraxia is a very specific speech difficulty that requires very specific assistance. Children with DVD should be involved in intensive speech therapy and frequent practice at varies levels depending on the severity. Pressuring a child to speak or speak more clearly does not benefit the child, in fact it hinders DVD. Instead, children should be encouraged, praised for effort and provided with options. There are many options available to children such as using gestures, pictures or signs. These examples are considered to be low technology alternative communication. Other options include high technology alternative communication devices such as electronic devices that permit the storage and retrieval of messages, many allow the use of speech output. Some AAC users will only need to use their system for a period of time while their verbal communication skills are being addressed through intervention, others will use AAC systems throughout their lives.
The many benefits of AAC
- Allows for continued language, vocabulary, literacy and educational development
- Reduces the communication pressure felt by the child who has experienced a great deal of failure and anxiety in communication attempts
- Increases communication motivation for the child
- Provides another form of sensory input that can be used as a paired association method for triggering “speech motor memories”
- Increases participation in the social settings
- Multiple options such as speech, gestures, high and low tech AAC, and sign language to fit each individual child
Non-Believers
Although there are many benefits to AAC for children with DVD, many parents and professionals fear that if AAC is introduced into the intervention, then the child will not talk or stop talking all together. In addition, there is a feeling of 'giving up' on speech production by the Speech-Language Pathologist and other professionals. There is also a lack of knowledge about AAC options. The goal for every child with DVD is to talk. There is much research that shows how the use of AAC in a child's intervention plan has increased the speech output and usage.
Click on the link below to read more information on AAC benefits by Dyann F. Rupp. He explains that AAC is an appropriate consideration in very early intervention despite many non-believers.