Walt Disney World the AAC way

We are just back from a magical trip to Walt Disney world

I did a lot of prep before & created WDW pages each park had its own folder with attractions & shows having pop ups. 

The parks are massive sensory overload but I found that I could model a lot and having things visually helped regulate. 

I didn't insist on full sentences when choosing activities and he did use it to make choices including telling us he needs to leave one day. 

You can see from the posted pictures we has a packed few days. The daily schedule was updated as we went around the parks. 

Getting dressed the AAC way!

If you ever wonder if there is anything you can't do with a communication device the answer is no! My carer came and helped me have a wash and my device was on the side showing me the plan of what I needed to do while in the bath and my carer pressed the buttons then helped me. Once we was finished it was time to go to my bedroom and get dressed! Out came the device and I began asking my carer to confirm what it was coming up I don't like any suprises! And then I asked for every piece of clothing for her to help me put on in the order I like because of my autism although I have a physical disability as well which stops me being able to dress indepently I have a certain order I like to put things on when getting dressed as I'm sure many people do with or without speech I bet they would surprise you if they was asked what they want to wear!

Then of course as a girl does I wanted to wear make up so again off to the make up page and requested the make up I wanted to wear.... See there isn't anything you can't do with a device even something you think requires no communication you can make it happen like my carer does all great practice!

And to finish the morning off it was party time! A belated birthday party autism style..... Yes she got my favourite themed plates and accessories ha ha ha! 

I'm back......

Help everyone bouncy pony here!! It's been so long since I last blogged apologies for that but things have been very tough and communication was put to a halt and I am now getting back to it and feeling more confident again slowly!

Today I have had a brilliant day at a castle and park and my carer made sure we had a relaxing day with communication involved of course! What better than to get my favourite a Diet Coke from the cafe! And while I was there why not order for my carer too?! Why not indeed so that is exactly what I did..... 

And here u can see me and my carer enjoying our stuff I ASKED FOR! Woo hoo go me! Feeling proud of myself and back on form that if u want something u got to ask a tough but fair lesson my carer has taught me! 

That's all for now but don't u worry I'm back and I'm on it communication is coming in thick and fast!

Bouncy pony! 

Simple is the way to go when severe anxiety takes hold

As we went out today Ellie told me she wanted to go to Gregs cafe and have an iced bun and a hot chocolate. Quickly I made a folder, 'Gregs cafe' and literally just put the sentence order of food she wanted, this meant far less anxiety when communicating to the staff at the bakers. Ellie doesn't like to press the sentence bar yet, she prefers to show it to whomever, but that's fine, we can work on the voice side of things later. 

The summer holidays, surely a great time to practice our social communication

Been a bit quiet here recently...sorry!!

We have 2 small but significant stories to tell.....

Yesterday we met up with bouncy pony, who asked Ellie some simple yes/no questions using her device....although Ellie needed encouragement she managed to do this...

Today we went out for a drink in our favourite tea rooms, Ellie asked the waitress for a 'little cup' using her device. 

Doesn't sound much does it? 

Believe me, it's huge :)