LAMP Words for Life

Last Monday, Jon and I attended the LAMP training class presented by AAC and Autism. The training taught us the method behind using LAMP - Language Acquisition through Motor Planning: AAC Strategies for Promoting the Development of Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Although, Kevin does not have an Autism diagnosis it is very appropriate for him.) Basically, LAMP is a method used to teach language through an AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication) device.

My overall thoughts and feelings from this training were all good (Jon too). I didn't feel overwhelmed with information, I feel motivated! It feels like when we first discovered Glenn Doman in Philadelphia and the program that we started with Kevin before he was two years old. It made sense and felt like a good fit and gave me hope. It feels so good to feel like that again!

Some of you may know that I have an undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology but did not go on to graduate school. It's kind of neat to see things like that come around again. Just having that basic background (from many years ago) gave me a little extra confidence and comfort in the training class. Something that was mentioned in class was that AAC devices have changed significantly and even the theory behind who could be successful with an AAC device. So it's probably a good thing I never went on to grad school and work in the field so I wasn't given pre-conceived notions in my head regarding who couldn't use a device and then having a son that could ultimately benefit and be successful with one. Jon and I liked how the instructor challenged the other therapists and educators in the room (there was only one other parent in attendance at the training). Jon even commented to the class how we were told earlier this year after a SLP evaluation that Kevin would never talk and would not benefit from therapy.

By giving Kevin an electronic communication device that talks for him - we still have not given up on Kevin ever using his own voice to talk. There is a lot of research to support that non-verbal kids (of any age) CAN develop verbal speech while using a Talker/ AAC device.

Here are some other points that we learned in our class and our understanding of the LAMP method and how the Talker will work.

LAMP uses a speech-generating device that pairs consistent motor patterns with consistent auditory output as in natural speech development.

Pressing a button is an easier task to motor plan than articulating a word.

Utilizing consistent motor patterns to access words leads to automaticity decreasing the need to cognitively motor plan each time they speak.

They know that non-verbal kids that begin to use this method with a device (no matter what their chronological age) progress in using the device as their language and voice as in natural speech - which means, they begin using one word to communicate and after they acquire so many words can progress to two-word phrases and so on to sentences.

So every word on the device has a consistent and unique motor plan and will become ingrained.

We use "core vocabulary" initially because these words can be used in many ways while learning language just as natural language in a normal developing child. For example, the core words Kevin is using right now are: stop, go, help, want, more, etc.

When you see the device, you may think the picture icons are confusing. But the pictures are almost irrelevant. It has more to do with the motor plan of getting the device to say the words. As in typing on a keyboard or playing a piano - you don't need to look at the keys.

With this language method we are to always assume competence - which we have always done with Kevin and let him know how smart we think he is - despite our inconsistent ways of gaining that information from him.

So obviously we are still processing and learning how all this works but like I said it makes sense to me and I feel really good about it. Kevin and I will continue our AAC therapy sessions with the SLP and OT to help us be successful. They have been so enthusiastic and great at answering all our questions as we begin this journey.

Initially, we will be using a fair amount of modeling with the Talker to show Kevin how to use it to communicate with anyone. So next time you are with Kevin we will encourage you to use Kevin's Talker to talk to him.

This week was Kevin's birthday - I can't think of a better gift for Kevin than to give him a voice! I wonder how long it will take me not to get tears of hope in my eyes every time I hear or see those words!