Autism/Dynavox III

[ijwtfsu]

Wow!! THAT is waaaaaaay cool!!! look at how she is communicating!! where can you buy this at? I LOVE it!!!

[phattyacidz]

We've had a Dynavox for my 4 yr old son since June. Still trying to get him to use it for communication instead of stimming off it like its a game. BTW great that your daughter likes broccoli !  Nice work.

[famof6]

She used PECS for a long time before her Dynavox and was using so many pictures, it was getting too hard..they'd get lost, etc... this is working so much better, she can navigate through and find the page she wants and the pic she wants in just a couple of quick clicks..she is not using it for anything at this point other than to request things she wants, we haven't gotten further than that..she communicating with peers with it isn't an issue at this time, she is still pretty much ignoring them.

[grimjc]

The dynavox is more limiting than PECs because it is difficult for active children to take it to all the places they play. If they get it there, it inhibits participation with other children because it becomes the central focus of activities instead of communicating with them.I wish it was more portable.

PECS is better for children who need to initiate communication rather than wait for an adult prompt. Many children begin to speak spontaneously after about a year of using PECS.

[famof6]

By the way, she also started communicating much more frequently, at home with her Dynavox, the PECS always frustrated her, like she knew she had to use them to be able to tell us what she wanted, but she didn't like them..she loves her machine..and she used PECS for probably 3 years, and is still non-verbal..it is most definitely the right choice for her...she is much happier communicating with this than her PECS. It is also soo much easier when you want to try new pics, just takes seconds!

[famof6]

I am very careful to try to give her everything that she requests, if possible and as soon as possible. We tried and tried to get her to sign, she just won't or can't. She took to this machine the very first time it was put in front of her and used it very willingly right away. The things that she asks for, we have had to do almost nothing to teach her how to request these things, this machine has given her a voice, for sure! She uses it daily, independently! Yeah!

[SpinergyDude]

My little brother was like this... For long while and then he started talking...

Very excellent look into the life of such wonderful kids. :)

[caandahl]

Good job using your device abby!

Brian uses a "talker" as well

[drooooopy]

I'm glad your daughter got her own dynavox. It makes me happy to see her using it so well, and I have subscribed and added some of your movies to my playlists. I don't have any movies up yet of me using it yet, but I use a different dynavox device, the Dynavox Dynawrite (typing keyboard type)which I got in August and it also means a lot to me too.

[navywife1977]

Is she naked? LOL, my son would strip off all his clothes if I didn't safety pin them on! So I COMPLETELY understand ya. :o) We use pecs, and my son has the hang of it pretty good now. This looks easier though, where did you get it??

[famof6]

Yep, she is, I try hard to keep her dressed, but can't always keep up!:) Her speech therapist helped us get her this Dynavox V. Abbey started out with PECS and the Dynavox has PECS pics so she picked up on it right away, but seemed much more willing to use this than her PECS. A combo of state funding and insurance paid for it, but with months of work! Thanks!

[navywife1977]

We had our "family plan meeting" on friday, and they told me to stick with PECS because the dynavox is more for kids who have NO speech. Colin's is slowly comming back. A lot of Echolalia though.. Does Abbey potty train yet? I am hoping that a move to california in Jaunary will provide better opportunities for us.

[BRCsfan427]

I've counted the times that Abbey asked for the vacuum. It is 6 times.

[ralpheadsuz]

ooh! Thanks for the update. Any suggestions for a family slightly behind where you are in this process? You said this machine is a loner.(sigh) Some things like "I want more", when they haven't had anything is similar to us with PECS and of course, not having the items on hand is common to any home.

[famof6]

The Dynavox can be set up with the same PECS pictures but isn't as limiting as PECS. Don't give up if you get turn down letters from funding, send them more info and keep trying. If you know he needs one don't give up until you get it! Yes, the company will loan you one if an SLP and doctor have prescribed one and you are just waiting for funding. Let me know if you have any more questions! Good luck!

[ralpheadsuz]

He is 6 and does not speak a word. You and I both know, that isn't always "impaired" enough. Also, our Doc left the practice last Winter and has not been replaced, so that complicates matters a bit. thanks much!

[tex23fe]

She is doing so GREAT! Good for her!!!!!

She is a cutie!!!!

Michelle

[kepebley]

that thing is so great! so glad to see abbey using that speaking device. mine gets frustrated too when she can't get what she wants.