by Camille Stewart, SLP (speech-language pathologist); NWACS Board Member
reading time: 3 minutes
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NWACS. No endorsement by NWACS is implied regarding any device, manufacturer, resource, or strategy mentioned.
In the Spotlight: Pixie, AAC User
For AAC Awareness month, NWACS Board member and AAC user advisor, Pixie, shares about their experience as an AAC user. Pixie is autistic, nonverbal, and a full time symbol-based AAC user. Per Pixie’s communication preference, Pixie received and responded to the interview questions via email.
Q: What’s your favorite way to spend time with friends or family?
A: Pixie like going outside with family and friends , especially hiking kayaking picnicking walk in parks , visit zoo and Aquarium too . Everything so much easier to enjoy when Pixie be Part of social conversation . and . when people listen by waiting patiently for Pixie to say things too . Helps Pixie feel more connected and human .
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: People often surprised Pixie do alpine skiing ! and . Pixie be talented Artist have many paintings showing in local art galleries ! Pixie work hard to get better at skiing and painting and is proud of skill in both .
Also , not understand why but . many people been very surprised Pixie “still” use symbol based AAC , as if symbol based AAC is something that children are expected to out-grow . and . people seem think that Pixie should type instead . Not everybody is able to learn type words letter by letter . That get really frustrating !
Q: Can you tell me about the AAC system(s) you use now?
Answer: Pixie have most been using Grid Pad by smart box . Pixie also have Touch chat on iphone for backup . ( Pixie also have access proloquo2go but Pixie very very refuse even try . just not at all work for Pixie . Is good for people what like it but that not Pixie . )
Pixies speech therapist helped make laminated cards and communication boards for at beaches and other places not safe for AAC devices .
With family though , Pixie usually use “ Pixie-sign “ , mix of American sign language and home signs . because . much faster than anything else .
Q: What do you like best about your AAC?
A: Having functional AAC devices been both amazing and frustrating , but mostly amazing ! Pixie can communicate so many more ideas and thoughts ! Pixie can communicate better also because have learned so many new words Since getting access to symbol based AAC . Pixies functional vocabulary is much broader than before getting AAC , and even Pixies ability to think logically about wide range of topics also improved so much .
Q: What is something you wish your AAC could do?
A: What is frustrating is how very few people understand limitations of symbol based AAC devices , especially now when Pixies communication more complex than just 1-3 word sentences . Pixie not can use words what are not already programmed into Pixies AAC device . Pixie is generally not able to add words to AAC device Independently . especially when in conversations .
Also many many many people insist on criticize Pixies grammar “ mistakes “ instead of putting in even a tiny bit effort to understanding what Pixie trying to communicate . Is not at all easy make good grammar sentences with symbol based AAC device , if it even possible at all . It also take lots lots more time and effort , if even possible , to make better grammar . So Pixie show big difference in grammar depend on if Pixie is try communicate in person in real time . or . is doing something like blog post or email
See future blog posts for parts 2 and 3 of Pixie’s interview!
