In this video, the speech and language pathologist, Kerri-Lynn is working with Leya using a Dynavox(TM) to teach her how to push the different picture buttons on the screen to indicate her choices. Kerri-Lynn and Leya have been working with this device for several weeks now, and Leya is learning the concept. However, as is the same with other functional tasks, we are finding it difficult to motivate Leya to communicate her needs to us. She has demonstrated consistent ability to make choices when presented, and she has also used different vocalizations to indicate her needs. However, when she is getting ready to attend school, she will need to have more functional means of communicating, and Kerri-Lynn has begun to teach her that process now. Leya likes the Dynavox and enjoys being able to "say" what she wants.
Kerri-Lynn has programmed different choices related to the dog on the Dynavox. Some of the choices include "treats", "sit", "down", "pet", "paw", and "go get it". These are all behaviors that Chief performs well, except the "treat" selection. That is to tell us that she would like to give Chief a treat--one of her favorite things to do with Chief.
Chief is also using a communication device called a "Big Mack". This is a simple switch device that is activated when the large colored button is tapped. Typically, this is used with children who have motoric difficulties and need a relatively large target to hit. The Big Mack also allows for a message to be recorded to indicate choice or communicate to someone a specific need. The message recorded into the device for this scenario is "more treats please".
Our goal for this activity is for Chief to foot tap the Big Mack to indicate his need--that he would like more treats from Leya. Leya is to then indicate to me or one of the other therapists that she would like to give Chief a treat by choosing her button on her Dynavox. I am modeling this by offering Chief a treat each time he taps his Big Mack. As you can see, his training on this behavior has really progressed. The minute he sees the device, he is eager to offer the behavior. Additionally, earlier this week, Chief created a totally new behavior with the Big Mack by sitting next to a bench, where the Big Mack was sitting, and tapping it with his paw. This is now how we expect him to activate the switch.
What I find most fun about this video clip is Chief's enthusiasm to use the button and the appropriateness of his foot taps to activate the switch. When Leya doesn't respond quickly, he taps again, as if to get her attention and say..."hey, I really, really, really want a treat!!"
Watch, I think you will enjoy it as much as I do!! Make sure you have your audio turned up so you can hear the devices "speaking". That's what makes this a priceless video.
Again, I'm so proud of my boy!!
Tammy
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