Wednesday, June 03, 2009

So you know that Sawyer can Talk?


This is a description from his behavioral specialist:
At the present time, Sawyer is able to navigate the front page of the Dynavox-V and select the subject and verb. He is also able to go to the category icon, select the category and the item. He is very proficient at navigating these five steps. This enables him to make simple three word phrases which include a subject, verb, and object. We are working on introducing him to adding adjectives to his phrases and also to make comments using helping and action verbs. Sawyer is most proficient with “I want ____” and “I have _____” statements. We are presently working on expanding his statements to use a variety of verbs and adjectives and also with using correct syntax order.

We are very excited that Sawyer now has a way to communicate his needs and want to us without getting frustrated. He has been using the Dynavox talking system at school and at home. It is amazing to watch him navigate through the pages of information on this system. We are very proud of our little man. You go Sawyer.

5 comments:

mama d said...

beautiful! what an amazing achievement and opportunity. talk about empowerment.

Anonymous said...

This is so moving to see this! It brings tears to my eyes - I'm so glad to see Sawyer has found his "voice".

Shelby (mom) said...

You have no idea how much we have had to fight to get himto this place. Between fighting the school district and insurance, it has been hell. But watching your son talk...it makes everything worht it. And then to realize that you might be dealing with an exceptionally gifted child, when others thought he would never use language in any form and that he would be better off in "life skills" classes...well it is just awe inspiring. Sawyer is a true gift.

mama d said...

absolutely! In fact, "savant" ran through my head as I was watching him flip through the screens. We need to talk!

Jules said...

That is absolutely fascinating!! How I wish things like that would have existed back when our oldest with autism couldn't communicate. Wow. I am just so amazed. He is just the cutest little boy, too. My 8 year old was standing here as we watched the video and was most impressed with his Lego building skills, too. :)