Every Child Deserves Words, Donate to Help Autistic Children Find Their Voice
This Giving Tuesday we are asking you to help supply the gift of words to the children who are currently working with our therapists in The Pierce
Autism Center.
We seldom realize the value of our own speech, yet for a child who struggles to find their voice, each new word is something rare, hard-earned, and deeply meaningful. About 25% to 30% of children with autism will fail to develop functional language or are minimally verbal according to research published by Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
“Language is the thing that connects all of us,” shared Jennifer McConnell, Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst at The Pierce Autism Center part of Touro University Nevada. “We see these children show frustration and the loneliness because of their communication challenges and we know all they want is to be understood but are missing that puzzle piece to make it happen.”
This Giving Tuesday, The Pierce Autism Center is asking for the community to help make communication possible for these autistic children and their families with the assistance of an amazing piece of technology, an augmented alternative communication device (AAC device). A tablet that has specialized software installed that displays a symbol and word for children to tap and it says it aloud. In a study conducted evaluating the success of AAC devices in speech development they found that 94% participants had an increased speech production.
“We see kids who have no words or even just a handful of words then get their AAC device and now at their fingertips they have a plethora of new words, and it really opens up their world,” added McConnell.
These devices can be provided by insurance, but deductibles may prevent that from being an option for many families. Schools may have them available during school hours but that limits their ability for speech outside the classroom. Some families may not have the financial capacity to purchase a tablet and the yearly software updates that are required.
Sandra is the parent of a minimally verbal child who is working with an AAC device, who is waiting for the day to hear her child say, “I love you.” She shared that she practices saying, “I love…” and some days he’ll complete the phrase with his brother, but she waits to hear the full phrase from her boy.
Another parent from the center, Shawn, has a son who is minimally verbal who shared, “I am looking forward to the day when he just suddenly starts talking. It'll probably happen at some point, but like I just want to have a conversation with him, just a simple conversation about his day and life. That is something I look forward to so much, and I'll probably cry like a baby.”
Your Giving Tuesday gift will help place AAC devices into the hands of families at our center, opening the door to communication and the joy of truly connecting with their children. Every child deserves words.