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How AAC can help people on Spectrum communicate?

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We briefly discussed Autism Spectrum Disorder in our last post , and also touched upon the challenges people on the spectrum might face. These challenges vary from social, sensory, communication, behavior, and cognitive. Various techniques are used to deal with each challenge.  Let's talk about communication. It includes four main components- Understanding, Talking, Reading, and Writing. Depending on the spectrum level, some people are able to understand and communicate to a decent level but others lack the ability to even communicate the basic needs. Besides the above issues, following directions and having conversations are also some of the challenges NeuroAtypicals face. Neuro Atypicals communicate via hand gestures, sign language, body movements, etc. These are very limited ways and not understandable by members outside the close vicinity. But studies and improvements in behavioral sciences, psychology, and technology have produced various methods that can help individuals on t

Spectrum and its power

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Spectrum, in its general term, is defined as a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary, without steps, as a continuum. Rainbow - a spectrum of colors, Electromagnetic spectrum- a range of frequencies, visible spectrum- a range of light, and so on. This analogy has now been applied to areas outside the optics. Starting from opinions such as the spectrum of political opinions, the spectrum of feelings, emotions, etc., etc. to medical diagnosis. Autism in the same way is a  brain developmental disorder but it varies in range and severity from person to person. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person. According to research, 1 in 59 children in America is estimated to have Autism and it is 3 to 4 times more common in a boy than a girl. Characteristics of Autism fall into two categories: 1. Social Interaction and Communication Problem 2. Restricted and repeated patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities.  There are hund

"A Plate Full of Expressions"

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A random googling of the meaning of word  "Expression"  shows this result  - "T he action of making known one's thoughts or feelings".  The action, yes, it's indeed an action. Like endless possibilities of approaching a task, expressing ourselves is also a form of action that has infinite possibilities. Have you ever seen a baby giggling and smiling to tell he is happy and crying in pain when he wants something? Have you ever seen a dog wagging his tail and rolling on ground to indicate its happiness on seeing the owner and at the same time wondering around with stiff tail when it senses a threat? Have you ever heard singing pattern of birds- from cheerful happy state to state of threat, birds communicate via sounds and pitch of their voices?  And then there are so many happy forms of expression - from writing letters showing the intensity and passion for your lover to being on stage and performing what you have in your heart all throughout. Look around your