Virgil Said:

How do you teach a young adult with learning difficulties to use a communication book?

We Answered:

Wow! How impressive! As mentioned in some of the other posts, I would look into Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). In short, it usually consists of laminated pages in a 3 ring binder type book with velcro pictures that can be taken in and out. Pages are usually arranged by categories, as you have mentioned and can (should!) be arranged based on each student's needs. You will probably just start with one page!

I would definitely START SMALL! What is the child's cognitive level? Is he able to understand what the pictures mean? Can he read any words? Does he understand cause and effect? What is his behavior like? For example, does he know that when he shouts someone will come over or does he seem to be unaware of others helping him? These pretty much all need to be in place for PECS to work.

If he seems to understand that the picture matches a real life object that's great! If he does not make the connection between the picture and the object, you may have to start there. Matching objects and picture (picture of snack and a Cheerio, picture of a toy and his actual favorite toy, etc.) You hold up a real cracker, he touches the cracker picture given a choice of 2. The key is starting with highly motivational objects for that student so he is MOTIVATED to use the pictures and WANTS to use them. Even if it means getting 50 Cheerios in a row as long as he is motivated to give the pictures. If that doesn't seem to be working, you may try "hand over hand" which you may be familiar with. You will need two adults. One puts the picture in his hand and moves his hand toward you to hand you the picture. You take the picture and give the object. This can continue until the student gives the pictures on his own.

If he is already able to complete these tasks independently, I would again start with a FEW motivational objects or actions only. A favorite small snack, sip of a drink, game, book, massage, sensory object. Whatever that student likes. It is helpful if the reward is small and quick so you can practice as many requests as possible. It's hard to request 5 slices of pizza....but easy to do 5 small crackers....or whatever he likes. Once he is able to request the specific objects you can gradually increase the number of pictures from there....again continuing with those that are most meaningful and motivating to the student. If he LOVES books, teach books before apples. If he likes to take a walk for a break, teach walk before you teach homework, etc. I wouldn't necessarily go by categories unless he is pretty advanced and understands what all of those things mean. The key is that the pictures are meaningful and desirable to him so he is driven to use them. Once he sees that he gets what he wants from the pictures he will hopefully use them. In the long run, he might not get desired physical objects, but his frustrations can be greatly reduced by communicating what he needs more effectively.

I hope this helps and good luck! Your student is very lucky to have someone who is so motivated to help him learn!

Sonia Said:

can adults receive speech therapy?

We Answered:

Look for a college or university that offers it as a major. They'll have a clinic, at a modest cost or free.

Adults receive speech therapy all the time. Stroke patients, head injury from fall, or me, who never got any as a child.