Using PODD with Harper and Angela

Описание: There is so very much I could say about this video. So much wonderful things are going on! I’ll start by giving a bit of background and context. I take all my girls out to lunch and shopping every Saturday. After we eat, I always dedicate some time to be intentional about modeling AAC and attempt to talk with the kids using PODD in a natural context. Since so much is going on we always have so much to talk about!

Harper has obviously come so far! I want you to see how she mimics everything and her intensity. It can be difficult to have an actually back and forth conversation with her because she tends to just mimic me. She KNOWS what she wants to say and has an amazing memory for where things are in the book. Harper tends to perseverate on symbols. If I didn’t stop this conversation she would continue to point for hours on end. This is one of the challenges with moving her to high tech. She loses the social aspect of communicating with purpose and moves back inward to making patterns and pushing buttons with the high tech. Harper knows she is not allowed to touch her book unless she raises her hand to talk. While this seems restrictive, its key to success. If she were to be able to touch her book whenever she wanted to it would become a toy — and it’s not. She needs time to explore so finding a balance here is tricky but I think we have a good thing going.

Angela begins to fuss a bit towards the end. I choose to take advantage of this to show her some possible things she may want to say. She’s already communicating — she’s yelling. My goal is to help her put some words to that yell so others can know what’s going on in her head. I’m not speaking for her — I’m just suggesting what she may want to say. I model the “somethings wrong” pragmatic branch to get her thinking!

Love how Harper uses Angela’s book! Also love her intense yes/no head nods! This makes me laugh so hard. Harper doesn’t yet understand that when we ask questions we may not be talking to her. 😂 Any time a question is asked (even the question inflection of tone) and she is in ear shot she will always nod yes! It’s a beautiful work in progress! Also she is mimicking the symbols on the page, for example I have been modeling “oh no!” a lot for her. That symbol is a hand over the mouth. Also the “good” symbol is a thumbs up and Harper gives a thumbs up. All so interesting!

Guys— this works! These girls had nothing just a few years ago. Now they are both amazing communicators! They have a voice! I’m so honored that they welcome me along in their journey.