Unexpected Journeys: Augmentative Communication Clinic

Monday, August 11, 2008

Augmentative Communication Clinic

Today we went to the Augmentative Communication program at Children's Hospital. It was very interesting and not at all what I thought it would be. I thought we were going to see Brady tested in Speech and other ways of communication but it was all about equipment that we may use for him. I will get a full detailed report shortly that will be beneficial for the school.

Brady got the idea pretty quickly: there was a video and music on the computer screen and suddenly the music would stop. He realized if he hit the button (envision a "Easy Button" from Staples) it would go back on. It was pretty neat to see him use the computer. She gave me a ton of websites to look at (kneebouncers.com, ilovewavs.com, snagit.com, jing.com, priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk) and ideas on how to put together some programs of my own with Powerpoint, Boardmaker, and SwitchIt Maker 2. The button and other equipment came from Ablenet, Inc (ablenetinc.com). She is planning on having a workshop to help parents like myself work with the computers and kids.

Brady's Education Therapist came with my mom and me, which proves once again how in love I am with his therapists... they are so caring and are so devoted to Brady. She was interested to come and see what the deal was with this clinic, but we had a blast driving in and having lunch. I will miss these guys so much when Brady graduates Early Intervention and moves onto preschool in two months.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: Love that pic! What a cool dude (and dudette!!) I will check out those sites - what an interesting day, eh? Good luck for the rest of the week. We'll be thinking of you all!; 7:43 PM
Noel said...: I too am in love with that picture!! I really do love the new one at the top too!!
Sounds like it was an interesting day, even if it wasn't quite what you thought.

Noel; 9:31 AM
Unknown said...: WOW! Love all the pictures. I was reading some of the post and I think that is awesome that one of his therapist came with you and how lucky you guys are to be able to get to spend time with so many other families. Sounds like a good vacation and summer!
Anna; 10:14 AM

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What is Williams syndrome?

Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition (estimated to occur in 1/7,500 births) which causes medical and developmental problems.

Williams syndrome is caused by a spontaneously occurring deletion of 20 genes on chromosome #7, including the gene that makes the protein elastin, which provides strength and elasticity to vessel walls. The heart and blood vessel abnormalities are caused by this lack of elastin. Most young children with Williams syndrome are described as having similar facial features. These features include a small upturned nose, wide mouth, full lips, small chin, and puffiness around the eyes. Blue and green-eyed children with Williams syndrome can have a prominent "starburst" or white lacy pattern on their iris.

The majority of individuals with Williams syndrome have some type of heart or blood vessel problem. Typically, there is narrowing in the aorta (producing supravalvular aortic stenosis SVAS), or narrowing in the pulmonary arteries. There is a broad range in the degree of narrowing, ranging from trivial to severe (requiring surgical correction of the defect).

Individuals with Williams syndrome have a very endearing personality. They have a unique strength in their expressive language skills, and are extremely polite. They are typically unafraid of strangers and show a greater interest in contact with adults than with their peers.

(adapted from the Williams Syndrome Association website)

Unexpected Journeys

Monday, August 11, 2008

Augmentative Communication Clinic

3 comments:

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