Adele Devine is a teacher at Portesbery School & director of SEN Assist. If introduced too early, Adele believes that communication apps could stop some children from ever learning to speak! “It’s vital that you consult a speech therapist before introducing an iPad – or one of the growing number of more affordable Android alternatives – to a pre-verbal child. Many of the apps in question are fantastic; they do help some children find a voice and are particularly motivating to those with autism. But they are a tool to hold back”. You can read up more about why technology isn’t a cure-all for early communication difficulties in this Teach Early Years article.
If you are wondering if your learner may benefit from using a Speech Generating Device / Communication Apps then take a look at our training to help get your questions answered. See if our Transitioning from PECS to SGDs is relevant to you and your learner. If it is then you can book yourself on. This workshop is suitable for anyone implementing PECS with a child who is on at least phase 4.
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