CLASS Inc. staff has extensive training and experience in augmentative and alternative communication systems. Paula is past president and founding member of the Northwest Augmentative Communication Society. CLASS, Inc. received the honor of being one of two sites in the United States in 2004 to examine the effectiveness of voice-output communication systems in the treatment of children with autism.
At CLASS, Inc., a variety of augmentative communication systems are incorporated into treatment as appropriate. Systems range from simple picture boards to one of our many sophisticated computerized voice output systems that are available for loan to clients. We have found that these speech generating devices are a wonderful bridge between silence and speech. Children are able to learn the power of language and are provided a "voice" to use until they develop the speech skills that match their language abilities. This allows the child to more fully participate in home, school and community activities. In fact, children seem to take to these communication systems more quickly than adults, and typical peers find them compelling.
To learn more about the power of alternative communication systems for your child, call for a free consultation session.
"I wanted to let you know that Tyler and I played with the Vantage last night and it was probably one of the best sessions I have had with him at home. The machine was charging by the pantry which offered numerous attempts to request food, so much so, that eventually he asked for food instead of running into the pantry to grab something.
We also played Connect Four and Tic Tac Toe on the Vantage. He picked up quickly on how to move the pieces and we took turns.
Tyler's Mom has set up a separate computer station for the boys and I was working with Tyler on how to request the computer. Just as we saw for food, he followed through with his mission of finding the computer picture and continuously went to the Vantage when he wanted to play the computer game again.
Behaviorally, it was an awesome night. The Vantage allowed him to communicate and not become frustrated with me or his brother. It was very exciting to see the possibilities for this in Tyler's life."
