Total Communication Philosophy and Alternative Communication Systems
Philosophy of Total Communication
The Total Communication philosophy emerged in the 1970s, encouraging flexible communication approaches that prioritize the individual’s needs. It emphasizes a child’s abilities rather than deficiencies and advocates for the use of various systems, strategies, and technical aids to enhance communication skills. This approach combines different communication methods, including sign language, gestures, and residual hearing.
Exclusion Criteria for Total Communication
Total Communication may not be suitable for individuals who exhibit disruptive or aggressive behaviors, lack communicative intent, or score below Stage VI of Piaget’s Sensorimotor Period on cognitive scales. Additionally, those with existing communication systems they cannot use independently or whose sensory or motor abnormalities hinder reliable actions may not benefit from this approach.
Makaton Vocabulary
Makaton is a language program designed to teach basic sign language vocabulary to individuals with language deficits. Its primary purpose is to provide a means of expressive communication and stimulate verbal language development.
Beneficiaries of Makaton
- Children and adults with intellectual disabilities and limited expressive language
- Individuals with physical and mental disabilities
- Children with hearing impairments
- Children with speech disorders
Characteristics of the Revised Makaton Vocabulary
The revised Makaton vocabulary contains approximately 350 words/signs organized into eight levels of increasing complexity, with an additional level for specific vocabulary. The vocabulary is designed to be easily combined to form simple sentences and is suitable for individuals with mental disabilities.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Makaton
Makaton provides a standardized vocabulary and is well-graded to accommodate changing language development. However, it is a closed system, requiring gradual teaching of vocabulary levels without alteration.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS is a communication system based on image exchange, designed for individuals with autism, PDD, developmental delays, or language disorders. Its goals are to encourage initiative in communication and promote sentence construction.
Description of PECS
PECS involves training individuals to make requests by giving pictures to adults. The system provides an immediate and functional communication method.
Phases of PECS
- Phase I: Learning to exchange single pictures for desired items.
- Phase II: Generalizing picture exchange to everyday situations and expanding vocabulary.
- Phase III: Discriminating between pictures and selecting appropriate ones.
- Phase IV: Combining pictures to form sentences and express feelings.
- Phase V: Transitioning to more complex communication systems.
Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Autism
Individuals with autism often face challenges with social interaction, communication, and understanding their environment. Strategies to support them include adapting the environment to their developmental level, providing clear and concrete cues, and offering feedback and feedforward systems.
Areas of Focus for Intervention
- Sociability: Developing social routines, problem-solving strategies, and relationship skills.
- Language and Communication: Enhancing comprehension, encouraging spontaneous communication, and expanding vocabulary.
- Personal and Social Independence: Promoting self-help skills, social behavior standards, and collaboration with peers.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
CP is a permanent disorder of muscle tone, posture, and movement coordination caused by brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth. It can result from various factors, including prenatal infections, birth complications, and postnatal injuries.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
- Spastic CP: Characterized by muscle stiffness and exaggerated reflexes.
- Athetoid CP: Involves involuntary movements and fluctuating muscle tone.
- Ataxic CP: Presents with balance and coordination difficulties.
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for individuals with CP to maximize their functional abilities and independence.