Abstract:

The main field of function of the children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders), where they have difficulties is communication (see Pisula, 2010). The researches have pointed that over a half of children with autism doesn’t speech (Peeters, Gillberg, 1999). Researches done by Catherine Lord et al (2004) proved that 20% of children with autism did not use a single words (using less than 5 words during the whole day), but with the reference to the rest of group (80%) the speech skills were on the early stage of development and the progress was slower than we can observe with child without ASD. Significant part of children and adult persons with autism do not use a speech according to its function. They uses echolalia speech or uses only single words. They also do not understand what is the role of words in the communication process (Bryson, 1996, Lord, Paul, 1997, Romski i in., 2009). Boguslawa Kaczmarek (2015) emphasized that disorders both in the field of language and non-verbal communication exists, and the main disorders concerns pragmatic’s and semantic’s aspects.

During the last years we can observe the dynamic development of information’s technologies, which are used in many fields of our life, also for development of live of the people with different disabilities. The ICT technology can be also used to enhance, expand and develop communication skills of the children with autism. The newest assistive technology in the field of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) are Speech Generating Devices (SGD). Speech-generating devices (SGDs) are electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, enabling them to verbally communicate (Aetna Inc., 2010). Currently SGD is a tablet with special software.

The aim of an article is to show the main functionality of SGD as a tool used for developing a communication’s skills. SGD called “MOWIK” developed in Poland will be a subject of analysis. There will be done an evaluation of such technology basing on opinions of parents of children with autism, who includes SGD into the therapeutic process.

Keywords:

ASD, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Speech Generating Devices (SGD).