SPEECH, SIGN LANGUAGE, OR PICTURES: WHAT IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILD AND WHEN DO YOU MAKE A CHANGE?

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SPEECH, SIGN LANGUAGE, OR PICTURES WHAT IS THE
BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR CHILD AND WHEN DO YOU MAKE A
CHANGE?

• Mark Stafford, MA, LPA, BCBA
• Executive Director, The Mariposa School

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Introduction

• Speech is always the goal.
• How do we make the decision on a communication
  modality? (speech, sign, pictures)
• What factors should be considered when making
  that decision?

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Communication Options

• Speech is always the goal.
• Augmentative Communication Choices
• Sign Language (ASL, Signed English)
• Picture Systems
• Voice Output
• I-Pad/Tablet systems
• Writing/typing-not appropriate for early learners

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When we dont use Speech

• Must have some vocal production

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When we would not use Speech

• Must have some vocal production
• Must gain instructional (stimulus) control
  quickly echoic behavior

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When we would not use Speech

• Must have some vocal production
• Must gain instructional (stimulus) control
  quickly echoic behavior
• Hard to physically prompt speech

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When we would not use Speech

• Must have some vocal production
• Must gain instructional (stimulus) control
  quickly
• Hard to physically prompt
• Lack of success results in
• Frustration with communication/instructor
• Avoidance of instruction/maladaptive behavior
• Further withdrawal

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Two kinds of Communication

• Topography Based There is a different response
  (topography) for each word.
• Stimulus Selection A single response (pointing,
  pick up) is used to select a stimulus from an
  array.
• (Michael, J. 1985)

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Two kinds of Communication

• Topography Based
• Speech
• Sign Language
• Writing (but developmentally out of sequence)
• Stimulus Selction
• Pictures/PECS
• Voice Output (by selecting pictures)
• I-Pads/Tablets (still pictures)

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What is Verbal Behavior

• Definition Behavior that is reinforced through
  the mediation of another person and that person
  (listener) must have had specific training in
  reinforcing such speakers.

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What is Verbal Behavior

• Definition Behavior that is reinforced through
  the mediation of another person and that person
  (listener) must have had specific training in
  reinforcing such speakers.
• Verbal is not vocal in this definition.

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What is Verbal Behavior

• Definition Behavior that is reinforced through
  the mediation of another person and that person
  (listener) must have had specific training in
  reinforcing such speakers.
• Verbal is not vocal in this definition.
• First goal is to get verbal behavior
  (communication) going.

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Factors to Consider in Choosing Sign or Pictures

1. Learners verbal community the learner is limited
   and is not independent in community
2. Both sign language and picture systems are shown
   to increase speech, but signs appear to have a
   slight advantage.
3. Portability sign can be done anywhere without a
   device.
4. Must be able to scan an array of stimuli for
   pictures.

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Factors to Consider in Choosing Sign or Pictures

• 5. Neither Sign or Pictures is giving up on
  speech, but is a way to get there.
• 6. Pictures lack all verbal operants, especially
  the tact.
• 7. Can add new signs easily.
• 8. When child becomes older either
  A.
  Speech has been learned, or
• B. Go to pictures if unsuccessful with signs,
  or
• C. Writing can be used with signs as a
  communication method

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Sign Language

• Advantages
• Portable
• Topograghy Based
• Easy to learn basics
• All verbal operants possible
• Special relation between response and response
  product
• Can physically prompt
• Cost

• Disadvantages
• Limited Community
• Fluent communication is difficult to learn
• Must be face-to-face
• Requires physical prompting in early learners.

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When we would not use Sign

• Poor motor control
• Lack of imitation skills
• Need quick instructional control
• Lack of success results in
• Frustration with communication/instructor
• Avoidance of instruction/maladaptive behavior
• Further withdrawal

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Picture Systems

• Advantages
• Easily understood
• Easy to use
• Can be inexpensive
• Response is easy
• Easy to prompt

• Disadvantages
• Limited Portability
• Limited vocabulary
• Some verbal operants impossible
• Lack special relation between response and
  response product
• Requires additional scanning response

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Special Case for Ipad/tablets

• Automatic Reinforcement
• Easy to add and change pictures
• Can have immediate visual change which may make
  up for lack of special relation between response
  and response product.
• Appear to be successful but no known scientific
  research
• Cost limits portability more

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Making A Change

• Discontinuing a vocal/speech emphasis
• Lack of echoic development
• Speech is unintelligible
• Maladaptive behavior increases
• But not giving up on speech!

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Making A Change

• Discontinuing a sign language emphasis
• Lack of imitation
• Topography of signs is too poor
• Maladaptive behavior increases
• Speech has improved
• But not giving up on speech!

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Important Points

• Picture schedules are not picture communication
  systems
• PECS is a branded communication system (Picture
  Exchange Communication System by Pyramid
  Educations Consultants Lori Frost and Andy Bondy)
• Speech is a transitory stimulus. It leaves no
  permanent product.
• Both sign and pictures should be paired with
• speech by the teacher

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Conclusion

• If you have a choice use sign language.
• Topography based
• All verbal operants
• Immediate feedback (reinforcement) in special
  relations of separate movements.
• Direct prompting possible.
• Pictures can always be done later.
• Both pictures and sign can result in improved
  speech.