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What is a Communication Board?

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Summary

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A communication board is a visual tool that uses symbols, pictures, or photos to help people with limited spoken language communicate. It helps them express needs, ask questions, and share preferences. 

Frequently Asked Question

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Who can benefit from using a Communication Board?

Anyone with limited verbal communication abilities, such as individuals with autism, speech disorders, or cognitive challenges, can benefit from using a Communication Board to express themselves and engage with others.

Can a Communication Board be personalized?

Yes, Communication Boards can be tailored to each individual’s preferences and needs. Pictures and symbols can be chosen based on the user’s interests, activities, and daily routines.

Are Communication Boards only for nonverbal individuals?

Communication Boards are beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those who have limited speech abilities, difficulty with expressive language, or challenges in forming sentences.

Is using a Communication Board a long-term solution?

Communication Boards can serve as both a long-term and short-term solution, depending on the individual’s communication goals and abilities. Some users may eventually transition to using other forms of communication, while others may continue to benefit from the board in various situations.

Scientific Definition

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A communication board is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device that enables individuals with speech or language impairments to express themselves using visual representations. These boards typically feature a grid layout with symbols, pictures, words, or phrases that the user can point to or select to convey their message. Communication boards are customizable to meet each individual’s specific needs and abilities, promoting independence and social interaction.

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Video Explanation

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Real World Example of Communication Board

Sarah, a 6-year-old with autism, faced challenges in verbally communicating her needs and wants. To support her, her speech therapist introduced a communication board, a tool designed to help her express herself more effectively. Here’s how it was customized and utilized to benefit Sarah:

  • Customization: Sarah’s communication board was specifically designed to include her favorite foods, activities, and people. This personalization made it more engaging and directly relevant to her everyday interactions.
  • Consistency: To reinforce her learning and familiarity with the board, Sarah’s parents and teachers used it consistently across various environments—home, school, and during outings.
  • Independence: Over time, as Sarah became more accustomed to the board, she started using it proactively. She began pointing to symbols on her own to express her desires for snacks, toys, or time to play with friends.
  • Social interaction: The communication board also played a crucial role in helping Sarah engage more actively with others. It enabled her to participate in classroom activities and family discussions, which improved her sense of inclusion and significantly boosted her self-confidence.

Sarah’s story illustrates the profound impact that tailored communication tools can have on children with autism. By providing a means to express themselves, these tools help enhance their social interactions, foster independence, and build confidence in their ability to communicate.

How Does a Communication Board Work?

Communication boards are versatile tools that can be adapted to various settings and situations. Here are some examples of how they are used:

Function Description
Expressing needs Users can point to symbols representing basic needs like hunger, thirst, or bathroom breaks.
Making choices Boards can display options for food, activities, or clothing, allowing users to indicate preferences.
Participating in conversations Users can engage in simple discussions by selecting relevant words or phrases.
Learning Communication boards can be incorporated into educational activities to support comprehension and expression.

With consistent use and support, communication boards can significantly enhance the ability of non-speaking individuals to express themselves and engage with the world around them.

 

This post was originally published on Aug. 10, 2023. It was updated on April 23, 2024.