I think I'm suffering from iPod voice4u fatigue......
Anyway, still early days, we are working on using it (all of us - not just Dimitri). Dimitri has mastered how to ask for the television - constantly - I'm trying to find a way to temporarily turn off certain pictures..........going on the basis of how we introduced laminated pictures, we have been promptly answering Dimitri's successful requests with the iPod app, but right now picture availability seems to be an all or nothing mode.
One problem we have is fine motor skills. After years of helping Dimitri to gain the stability and strength to be able to press buttons so that, for example, he could press the buttons on a pop-up toy, Dimitri now, quite reasonably, thinks all buttons need to be pressed with force and persistence. Touch screens are a whole new thing.
He is learning to tap the screen lightly, he is learning that he needs to remove his finger from the icon for it to work, he is learning that to scroll through the pictures he must slide his finger from one side of the screen to the other then lift his hand off the screen and replace it back at the beginning again (and scrolling horizontally is easier than vertically for Dimitri).
These are all small but tricky movements that require repetition - practice practice practice. These repetitions and practice-runs are - painful to watch and require patience. Patience patience patience (which I am ever learning and re-learning)
Talking of fine motor skills, it took hard work for Dimitri to be able to hold a sponge and squeeze water out of it. He went from:
squeezing water out of a sponge to
squeezing water out of a bottle
holding empty bottle under water (tricky) and squeezing the air out
taking lids of Tupperware (sometimes I regret helping the Fridge-Raiding-Monster with that one)
unscrewing lids off jars
unzipping zip-lock bags
Possibly, if touch screen monitors had been available when Dimitri was 2years old, it may not have been asserted that Dimitri's failure to use and lack of interest in, pop-up toys, was because he didn't understand "cause and effect", and that in fact, he had a lot of motor and sensory issues that were hindering his progress and needed work on (I'm not bitter, honest).
We still have to keep practicing motor skills, there is always room for improvement.
11 comments:
Touch screen monitors have been available since well before Dimitri was born.
They weren't made for the mass market.
I remember my first touch screen experience, at a museum, in 1991 or 1992.
And sensory and motor issues were well known in 2000. Certainly by 2002.
Yes, practice is painful!
Bitterness would feel worse, I think.
heh. The title applies to you not him. :)
Not only is there room for improvement, but potential.
Barbara
I realize when I read posts like this that I've "given up" or "given in" on so much of the work that I used to do with Sophie. I realize that I'm burnt out. But there's hope and inspiration, here. Thank you for that!
Funny thing is, had Charlie, too, first learned to use a touch screen, he would have an easier time with the computer now, I suspect. He struggles to use the mouse and trackpad (on a laptop). Practice, patience (as ever), and so much potential!
Adelaide - I'm trying hard to keep practicing and remain patient!
Barbara - re bitterness, my conclusion, with hindsight it's easier to relax(or course!), as long as we keep provide learning opportunities we get to wherever we are going to one way or the other.
The title does apply to me yes:-)
Elizabeth - I would be lying if I didn't say that I often feel burnt out and feel like giving up. Everything seems to go in fits and starts. I find tremendous inspiration from other parents, you included. Seeing your family out enjoying the beach and Sophie's birthday all together is food for the soul.
Kristina - I was thinking about old and new style AAC devices last night - advantages and disadvantages. The potential with all the new "gadgets" means it's worthwhile trying them out, as all tech, including dedicated aac is going to go this way.(I have dedicated aac on my mind as Dimitri is interested in pressing all the buttons on the ipod, not just the communication programs....).
Potential is for sure, my patience needs some work!
I am so excited seeing ya'll try out the new IPOD AAC device! We've been looking at it for a while and want to give it a try. We currently have a go-talk 4 (really is so limited but better than nothing), have the Tango (way too complicated) and have tried out the Dynavox (can't stand how the on/off button is right on the front and the dumb machine takes 10 minutes to load back up!!). Covey's done well with the go-talk although he has his favorite buttons as well (also to watch tv, cookies, bananas, etc)! But I guess he should have the ability to annoy me by asking the same questions over and over even when the answer will still be "no" just like any other kid. :) I've been guilty of hiding certain PECS cards myself. haha Anywho, love to hear your continued efforts with it! Good luck!!
And as far as getting burnt out goes, I really think it's a daily struggle for me. It's good to see everyone making the effort as well.
J D C and N - good to hear what you have tried too - it really helps! I took a look at the Tango, it does look a bit complicated. Some of the problems with the iPod are like the Dynovox on/off button on the front. Dimitri can hit buttons on the iPod which are for other things (internet, youtube etc) which is a problem.
We wanted to get a Go Talk, but now so much is changing to touch screen we are not sure...
I've thought the same about how all kids go through those phases of repeating the same questions or asking for certain things all the time:-)
Yesterday found this facebook page if you haven't' seen it
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angelman-Syndrome-SpeechDevice-Notebook/323722205637?ref=mf
Okay, here's another (iPhone app):
http://irishautismaction.blogspot.com/2010/03/grace-is-here.html
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