Minspeak Academy class

“When supporting a child in becoming a communicator, (especially a child who is non-speaking and needs to use augmentative communication systems), teaching the use of the system presents numerous challenges.  Most often, the focus of this process is assessment, choosing access, choosing a device, and then using the device with the child and her family.  Many different “teaching” strategies may be employed but many physiological and neurophysiological characteristics of development are not included.  Children are developing and maturing, as are their sensory systems, their cognitive growth and their motor experiences.  Teaching and using an AAC system must utilize methods of teaching that “match” the child’s current levels of functioning, as well as planning for their growth.  Yet, where is the child functioning?  How can a child’s performance be measured when the child has been coping with medical challenges, and developmental interruptions, as well as limited independent postural control? 

This Master Class will focus on the underlying characteristics of cognitive and motor development, especially what has become critical analysis of the teaching needed to support independent AAC use. Cognitive load, motor memory, including cognitive mapping, senses maturation, and sensory processing experience will be examined as to their impact on the child’s ability to manage an AAC system. This analysis will also direct the teaching and support of the adults within the child’s environment as well as focus on the learning that the adult must acquire as well.  Using an AAC device is not simple, nor natural, but the desire to communicate, to be engaged in tasks with others, is natural and powerful.  This AAC competence could be enhanced with an increased understanding of the human cognitive and motor mechanisms we all share.”