Originally in Disability Scoop
Physicians are being told to play a bigger role in ensuring that children with disabilities have access to needed augmentative and alternative communication technologies. These can range from low-tech options like communication boards to high-tech options that rely on a tablet or computer, including those that can be controlled by eye blinks or brain waves.
Communication impairments can be present in children with cerebral palsy, autism, congenital anomalies, deafness, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, severe speech disorders like dyspraxia and childhood apraxia of speech, as well as genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome or Rett syndrome, according to the guidance.
Early intervention for speech and language issues supports the childs growth and development. These can include augmentative systems like pictures or sign language. More complex devices have been used with children as young as 9 months.
Research shows that using alternative communication systems (AAC), does not decrease the use of natural speech and may promote an increase in verbal expression and lesson frustration levels that can lead to behavior problems.
Any child who is nonverbal or has unreliable intelligible speech is a potential candidates for AAC. Pediatricians are being urged to screen children who may benefit from it. And they have to learn where the resources and professionals for assistive technology are in their community.
That’s where your local CIL can help! We can direct you to experts in this technology who can give you hands on experience with it. Then we need everyone to advocate for Medicaid and other insurers to cover it!