AAC users and other emergent communicators are often pretty good at requesting. It's usually the first thing they are taught to express by words or pictures.
Too often their early language focus is on nouns; the things they like and want the most. Many programs use these to motivate students. Parents often want to "just know what he wants!"
But there are many more reasons to communicate. For many of the students with Autism Spectrum Disorder that I work with, the most important reasons to communicate include, "Go away," "I need break," "Let's do something different," Something is wrong," and "I don't want to."
What are some other reasons to communicate? Here's a list:
request attention
request an object
request an action
request assistance
request for recurrence
request affection
request cessation
greet & farewell
affirm or deny
reject or refuse
negation
request information
comment about an object or person
comment about an action
comment about the time or place
express emotions
Focusing on communicative intent is the hallmark of Gayle Porter's PODD communication system - Pragmatic Organized Dynamic Display. The name says it all. The instructional focus is on Aided Language Stimulation and modeling how to find the words for the different types of messages one uses.
I have had some amazing success stories with the PODD books with kids I've evaluated and consulted on.
But your students don't have to use a PODD for you to target increasing communicative functions.
One of the first functions (after that basic requesting, which they usually have down pat) that I like to focus on is commenting. There are always many opportunities throughout the day for teaching this.
During circle or calendar time: It's hot (or cold). It's yucky (outside). I'm fine (or tired or sad).
During snack and lunch (always easy times for commenting): Yummy. Yuck! It's good (or bad). I like it (don't like it).
During task time: I don't want to. It's fun. It's hard. No like.
Recess or play time: I like it. Fun. Happy.
Story time: Funny. Scary. Like it. Good (or bad).
If I'm starting with just one target comment, it's usually, "I like it." It's easy to make lists on the board or personalized "I Like__" books or collections. Cut out magazine pictures of what they like and glue them to a page. Bring in a variety of toys or snack foods (try fruit to be healthy) and have students say which they like.
More functions next time. Until then, keep on talking - however you do it.
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