Communication Devices for Kids with Autism
Donation protected
Please help us help children with autism to communicate!!!
This fundraiser is an effort to help families of nonverbal (and minimally verbal) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder purchase speech generation devices. These devices, also commonly known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices use symbol based word representation to allow children to communicate who otherwise may not be able to. I am currently a Speech and Language Pathologist working in a private practice clinic, and I have specialized in working with this very special population of individuals and their families. Some insurances will cover the cost of a device, but they make it very difficult, and then the process takes so long that the child is loosing valuable language acquisition time (years sometimes). Because of COVID-19, obtaining these devices has become harder than ever!
Before recommending the device, we evaluate the child to make sure that the device will be utilized appropriately, and with guidance to ensure it is utilized to full potential. I will personally be overseeing programming the devices, the language therapy that follows, and training families to provide their children with adequate support at home.
The devices and the program we have seen the most success with cost upwards of $650. I have set the bar o this fundraiser as high as it is in the hopes that we will have funds for the future.
Please consider helping us! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!!
This fundraiser is an effort to help families of nonverbal (and minimally verbal) children with Autism Spectrum Disorder purchase speech generation devices. These devices, also commonly known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices use symbol based word representation to allow children to communicate who otherwise may not be able to. I am currently a Speech and Language Pathologist working in a private practice clinic, and I have specialized in working with this very special population of individuals and their families. Some insurances will cover the cost of a device, but they make it very difficult, and then the process takes so long that the child is loosing valuable language acquisition time (years sometimes). Because of COVID-19, obtaining these devices has become harder than ever!
Before recommending the device, we evaluate the child to make sure that the device will be utilized appropriately, and with guidance to ensure it is utilized to full potential. I will personally be overseeing programming the devices, the language therapy that follows, and training families to provide their children with adequate support at home.
The devices and the program we have seen the most success with cost upwards of $650. I have set the bar o this fundraiser as high as it is in the hopes that we will have funds for the future.
Please consider helping us! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!!
Organizer
Andrea Williams
Organizer
Gainesville, FL