7-yr-old with Down Syndrome who uses his AAC device to watch videos, not motivated to use it, parents not motivated to help him (leave it at school), being demoted at school for non-cooperation
(rest of the question next time)
What I Would Try:
- Make sure the child has a dedicated AAC device. That may mean getting a new device just for AAC.
- Start by choosing one thing that Mom and you agree to use it for at home that will be highly motivating for the child (like asking to watch his videos).
- Next, have Mom explain a time of the day or a situation that is especially hard for her to navigate due to communication problems (like bad behaviors, troublesome transitions, etc.) and find a way to make that time easier using the communication device (make it easier for child to get his needs met and easier for Mom as well).
- In the meantime, see if you can consult with his school on how AAC could be used more successfully to support him in the classroom. Again, you’re going to have to find something that the child will DEFINITELY be motivated to communicate and things that will make the classroom run more smoothly as well. Look at inappropriately behaviors and find ways to replace them with use of the AAC device:
How to Stop Avoidance Behaviors:
http://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/how-to-stop-escapeavoidance-behaviors/
How to Use Replacement Behaviors:
