Communication Switch Use

[Glenda Anderson]

Today I watched an SLP woring with a child who has RETT Syndrome. She had 2 pictures: a preferred item (food) and a nonpreferred item (pencil). She was providing it first by using eye gaze then by using 2 BigMACK switches. She does this for 20 minutes 4 days a week.

Two ways of looking at switches:
1. Immersion
2. Hierarchy.
Would love to start a conversation about this. Your thoughts? Research known? Is it either/or or could it be both?

[Katherine's Mom]

What was the goal in showing a picture of a food or a pencil? I'm not sure what that is demonstrating?

Often a child becomes bored answering the same question over and over once they demonstrate the correct answer, such as when asked to identify shapes or colors.
A meaningful activity in a natural context will be more motivating for the girl with Rett Syndrome and increase her interest in participating.

Just as we communicate in many ways beyond words such as gestures, facial expression, intonation, body posture, the response of a child should be acknowledged whether given using a switch, eye gaze, vocalization, gesture, behavior etc.
Often communication is confused with testing. Cause and effect may be shown, but the intent of the child may be lost.