Grace App for Autism on iPhone, iPad and iTouch

The Grace App Blog

Home / Uncategorized / Recognise this: The “non-verbal” are already communicating!
20
May10

Recognise this: The “non-verbal” are already communicating!

If there is one thing that really annoys me it is when people who do not speak in audible words are not being listened to. And by that I mean that the needs, interests and rights of the “non-verbal” are being overlooked.

That’s why I feel passionate about creating a simple means of communication that incorporates independent choice which can be universally understood. Because it is much harder to discriminate against someone who has the ability to tell tales.

It is why I feel so passionate about getting the parents, teachers, tutors, supervisors, therapists and carers of these people to enable them to access this means.

You see, these kids (and young adults) are all actively communicating and shaping our behaviour in order to meet their needs right now. How do they do it?

See if you can guess what these kids are really saying:

 

Can I go home now?
 If you think I’m going in that you’ve got another think coming!

 

Stop talking and pay attention to ME!

 

I am so not eating that.

 

Come here…

 

Too Loud!

 

I’m sure I can reach that very interesting thing up here. Maybe if I just stood on this pot…

 

Get off the phone Mummy and come and spend some more time with me.
(with you cleaning up this whole jar of expensive face cream)

 

You call that a door latch? Let me show you what I think of your locked door….

 

 

Leave me alone.

 

These photographs were sent to me by good friends of small children. In each case it was possible to catch and hold or physically re-direct the child to a better way of getting their needs.

But what happens when they are too big to hold? How do you teach a young adult an appropriate way to say “You are talking too much and I’d like to leave now” when they are 13 and 5′ 5″ ?

Because at the moment when Charlie pulls her Gran’s hair to get her to stop talking, it is kind of cute. But if Charlie was 23 and that was the only way she knew to get someone to help her find a quiet space, people might be a lot less understanding.

Adults with intellectual impairment or communication disabilities will often end up medicated and in  residential care because they had no appropriate way of getting people to listen to what they need and want. The hair pulling, the dragging, the running away or the self-harm  really got people’s attention quickly. And without anyone dedicated to teaching them to communicate by alternative means – disruptive, aggressive and distressing behaviours are their only way to be heard.

Make a commitment to learning what your child is really saying and give them the power to say it another way.

xx


9 responses to “Recognise this: The “non-verbal” are already communicating!”

  1. Jen says:

    Thanks (great vlog too) Jen.

  2. Hammie says:

    Yay! finally got a comment! xx

  3. Andra says:

    thanks for this, will be purchasing a iTouch for my little man soon and was wondering how uploading photo's would work on it.

  4. Petunia says:

    Ohh a vlog! Very well explained and look forward to seeing more now you've popped your vlog cherry (look what you started Jen!) Seriously though, its great to "see" how to put the pic on the iTouch. Whats the next lesson you have planned? 🙂 xx

  5. Looking for Blue Sky says:

    Thanks for this: I hope to need this for real shortly: note to self, MUST make time to get into town and pick up Grace APP. Then UK iPad here we come and I'll be in business!

  6. popsie says:

    am saving this for when i can get iphone my upgrade isnt due until July, i'm with vodafone can the grace app be used with vodafone or just o2?

  7. Grace App says:

    Hi Popsie, the grace app works on any iTunes account, anywhere in the world, so definitely on an iPhone from vodaphone. It also works on the iPod touch as you could see in the video.
    O2 are offering the grace app free if you buy an iPhone with O2 and you are an Irish autism action member. Contact head office on 044 9331609 fir a voucher and redeem it at any O2 retail store when you upgrade or switch to O2, until May 31st.
    Does not include franchise or outlets like carphone warehouse. xx

  8. Not 4 u 2 know says:

    Not what I’m looking for!!! This website does not help

    • Lisa says:

      I’m sorry you feel that way. Perhaps it would be better to contact me directly via lisa@graceapp.com and I can talk you through the process. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a constructive comment. Have a lovely day.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

World Summit Award Irish Web Awards moms with apps Social Enterpreneurs wmb