GeekSLP TV #12: Expressive, the new updated AAC App for children with Autism.
On GeekSLP #12 I will review the basic function on the Expressive app for children with Autism and other expressive language disorders.
I hope you enjoyed the demo. It is very important to remember that, just like any AAC device out there, it is not about getting the device with the most features; but about finding the device that will best meet the needs of the students. Expressive was not designed to be the app with the most features out there. Proloquo2Go and other aac apps (cost $199 plus) do that very well. Expressive was designed as an entry level, easy to use app for children that are not yet ready for more complex devices/apps.
Hey Barbara!
I had some feedback for you for a future version of Expressive:
A helpful option would be to allow the user to hide buttons that are not being used. For some students, as assistive technology is being introduced, it helps to only add buttons for those items that are being taught. For example, all folders except ‘Basics’ might be hidden initially, and then new folders can be added as proficiency increases. Within each folder specific buttons might also be hidden until vocabulary is taught to give the child a reduced number of targets (e.g., hide all but 5 body parts until those are mastered before introducing more).
Some of the students I see can be overwhelmed by the great number of options and need a smaller, more controlled selection in the beginning.
Thanks!
Guess what Mary. This feature already exists!
I just did not show it on the video.
Take care.
I love an app that includes Autoclytics. It is not fashionable when teaching basic communication to an early learner. But more advanced kids who need a visual prompt to keep talking can really benefit from learning to say please and thankyou. And this smoothes the way for them through their wider community.
As we always say – if only this had been around when i was teaching Liam to speak fluently. I might not have velcro cuticle burns!
xx
I have 2 questions:
1. If I develop a functional language arrangement for one student’s communication program, it is likely to be a useful starting place for another child, too. Can I download my programming to a second child’s device, as long as they have also purchased the software?
2. Is there a limit to how many pages I can develop and chain together?
Thank you,
Rosemary Ayres