As an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy center, we specialize in teaching communication to non-verbal children. We understand that training communication is the most important skill that has the greatest impact on our kids.
Amidst the need for communication development emerged the Speech Generating Devices. They are seen as a game changer for non-verbal communication. In fact, one could call it one of the defining technology innovations that changed the game for the Autism Community. Without these Speech Generating Devices, many children would have been non-verbal for most of their lives or be able to communicate via Picture Exchange communication systems that were hard to maintain due to the loss of materials. However, as children moved to Speech Generating Devices, issues began to crop up.
The Flip Side of Speech Generative Devices
The introduction of Speech Generative Devices can be called miraculous, but there is a flip side to explore about it.
Cost: The initial issue one could have faced with these devices is their prohibitively expensive cost. This makes parents dependent on Medicaid or private insurance.
Waiting Period: To attain these devices, our visiting Speech Language Pathologists ran evaluations. We also made requests to insurance and waited for trials to begin with our clients.
The Outcome: We found that each device would be used by our kid at the center for a few weeks and would be returned for up to 4 different types of devices. This could take 1-2 weeks for each device to start a trial. As a result, the child was in a holding period without words for the months of trailing.
Breakage: Another common issue was when Speech Generating Devices once procured were out of commission due to breakage. The device would need to be returned to the Production company resulting in a loss of words until the return of the device.
Imagine losing all your words and ability to communicate in one swift moment. When the loss of these devices occurred, this was the exact emotion children faced. This led to an escalation of maladaptive behaviors due to their inability to communicate. Our Clinical programs began to suffer as well and this would impact all clinical programs across the board. Despite the urge to help, for us, such moments feel like our hands are tied, hindering us from taking action.
The Solution: CoughDrop
Fortunately, we discovered CoughDrop: A phenomenal online Speech Generative Device that the child can interact with off any tablet. CoughDrop shares the same functionality as the Speech Generative Devices we use. We can program items that the child can request and can share these with you so that you can use this platform at home, outside the center.
Evaluation of CoughDrop
We began using this for clients through the Speech Generative Devices evaluation and trial process. We created backups that mimicked the Speech Generative Devices in the event of the loss of the device.
In order to determine if CoughDrop is an effective tool for our kids at BehaviorSpan ABA therapy, we consulted a child’s Speech-language Pathologist to determine array sizes and complexity of routes. Following our encounter and personal experience, it’s safe to recommend using CoughDrop as an interim primary or backup for Speech Generating Devices. Best of all, because CoughDrop is so much more affordable than other devices, it is easy to shop for. It is easily accessible for individuals with speech delays and their providers.
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