How we choose to communicate allows us to define who we are as individuals. It allows us to share and connect with the world around us. Same-room interaction, or, communication should be the first step in the communication journey for people living with a non-verbal learning disorder.
Children/adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience a higher rate of comorbid mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and disruptive behavior disorders than children with other communication disorders. Building a social network for nonverbal individuals beyond the limitations of a signal room, can increases the mental well being of the person living with the disorder. Learning to communicate and having the ability to communicate feelings instantly with whomever they choose, can reduce the risk of depression in people of all ages living with a nonverbal learning disorder. Providing a platform to better understand how their feeling and how best to express these feelings instantly, reduces the risk of self-harm within these communities.
Having people looking through a lens of possibility, one where the person living with the disability is provided with a platform to share their personality on an individual basis. Enhanced communication platforms are providing solutions for social inclusion in today's world, by allowing nonverbal people instant access to whomever they choose regardless of distance. This is extremely important for the welfare of the nonverbal person. The power to be able to reach out and connect with a person they trust instantly is profound.
With the help of enhanced AAC devices, nonverbal people can reach out and connect with the world around them. They are no longer confined to same room communication, this allows for more independence, and choice, while also providing them with the opportunity to grow both mentally as well as socially, adding massive value to their lives, as, well as the lives of their entire support network.
Communication is one of the essential elements in allowing people to define who they are as individuals. Through the next generation of AAC devices, children, and adults all over the world will be able to communicate with whomever they choose instantly.
This communication will not be restricted by distance or physical impairment. The next generation of devices will break down the barriers of isolation, that same room interaction creates and will open the door to individual choice, and social communication independence.
Underdeveloped communications skills can lead to frustration for an individual. Having an AAC device as a communication aid can help reduce this frustration by supporting both increasing vocabulary and language development. AAC devices can become a primary indicator of language development through proposed established the protocol for both tracking and analyzing ones starting point with the AAC device to where the student/client is now. With next-generation AAC devices tracking capabilities, it will be possible to have analytical reporting on the student/clients progress with a touch of a button.
Providing the technological platform for an individual with an ASD diagnosis is paramount to nurture their ability to grow and maintain social networks. The long-term goal is from the AAC device to grow and change with the users need and capabilities. But it all starts at home, with the parent.