-Triveni Goswami Vernal
Registered Special Educator (A64010)

The terms, Speech and Language are often inter-changeably used but are actually quite different. Speech refers to a motor skill, and incorporates Articulation (production of sound with the use of tongue, lips and mouth), Fluency (refers to the rhythm of speech) and Voice (refers to the use of vocal cords, and breath to produce sounds). In contrast, Language is a cognitive skill and is a medium of communication. It can be both verbal or non-verbal. Whereas, Communication refers to the exchange of information between two or multiple entities. Speech and Language are a part of Communication.

Especially, when a child on the Autism Spectrum, is a non-speaker or an unreliable speaker, there is still a LOT of emphasis given by parents on Speech, rather than on developing Communication. Speech is just one way of communicating. One can teach the individual to communicate through many different modes of Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC’s)-Sign Language, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Communication Boards, Letter Boards, AAC devices (Avaz app, Proloquo2Go, Jellow etc).

One must not lose precious time, by focusing all the energies on the production of speech, while doing no work on Communication. That, is in fact, a great disservice to the child. Research has shown that the use of AACs will NOT stop an individual from speaking. “Research shows that using AAC actually supports verbal speech and language development. While some people use AAC their whole life, others use it temporarily (even for a few months). AAC can reduce frustration and set the foundation for improved communication skills” (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/developmental-disabilities/Pages/augmentative-and-alternative-communication-for-children.aspx#:~:text=Fact%3A%20AAC%20does%20NOT%20prevent,foundation%20for%20improved%20communication%20skills.).  

There has been a spurt in the exposure and accessibility towards various kinds of AACs within the non-speaking Autistic population in India, recently. The need of the hour, for all parents and professionals, who are still debating the use and the efficacy of the AACs, is to train themselves in the use of AACs and work with the non-speaking individuals, to help them communicate their feelings, thoughts and opinions about their lived experiences.

In my next blog, I will be touching upon Expressive & Receptive language components and how those can be taught through speech or AACs.

RESOURCES ON TRAINING PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION OF AACs:
https://www.avazapp.com/acap/  (for SLPs)
https://avazapp.com/ace/ (for Special Educators)
https://avazapp.com/avaz-aarambh/ (for Parents)
https://jellow.org/jellow-basic.php
https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/new-to-proloquo2go-training

https://www.halo-soma.org/what-is-rpm
https://i-asc.org/s2c-spelling-to-communicate

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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Artwork-“Sunflowers”
Artist-Kabir Vernal