Query - Teaching the Non-verbal

[GrannySimplicity]

I am reading about how much of the daily work is reciting what has been read. I wonder, how do you know if a young, non-verbal child is understanding what was read to them? My DS4 has a severe form of autism and is non-verbal. I am considering making up sequencing cards to go along with stories that we read, or maybe flannel board pictures. This may give him a method of showing what he has learned. What other ideas have you tried? Currently, he is still just barely learning sign language and has no other means to communicate other than pointing to pictures.

Blessings,

[Tansy]

a friend of mine uses this app with her child.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/proloquo ... 68164?mt=8

They couldn't afford the ipad/app initially but with the help of family and friends who pitched in, they were able to buy it.
Now he can "speak" so to speak. Is he interested in electronic devices?

[ShariCA]

I saw your other post too, and I couldn't help but respond. The book Communicating Partners by James MacDonald is a wonderful resource that helped us tremendously with our 6 year old. Your son may never become verbal, but in my opinion, this book helped us more than any other in bringing language out for ours. It might be worth checking out. I found a copy at our library.

As far as finding out what the child is learning. . . You could try having him act out stories with toys or just acting it out by himself. I know you said your son has poor fine motor skills, but drawing pictures is also a great way. Kind of like having him illustrate the story. Those are all I can think of off the top of my head. I like your idea of story sequencing cards too.

[Tansy]

that triggers a thought, if you use a large white board for him to draw the story on he will be using his gross motor skills. it may make it easier for him to do it large than on paper.

[GrannySimplicity]

Thank you for the ideas. We are waiting to get him an I-pad type of device. Have to save up for it. He had an I-pod but wore it out over a 2-yr time period. LOL As for apps, we are looking at one that is very good. Just need the tablet first.

I will check for the book. He was in OT and speech therapies but we are in the process of changing therapists. The ones he went to shared an office and there is a conflict with them. Mainly, they treated him as though he were far higher functioning and did not work with him in a manner appropriate to his level of ability. Because he didn't improve over a year's time, they were saying he was failing and were giving up on him. I have been doing his therapies at home since that time and he is progressing. I have found new therapists that will actually work with him properly.

I like the white board idea. We have one already. Will give that a go.