hope for children with autism - Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
hope for children with autism - Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
hope for children with autism - Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
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<strong>Marianjoy</strong> Matters<br />
Dr. Mary Keen<br />
Medical Director, <strong>Marianjoy</strong> Pediatric Program<br />
Dr. Mary Keen is the Medical Director of the<br />
<strong>Marianjoy</strong> Pediatric Program. She is board-<br />
certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation,<br />
pediatrics, and neuro-developmental pediatrics.<br />
Areas of interest include:<br />
• Pediatric <strong>Rehabilitation</strong><br />
• Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy<br />
• Neuromuscular Disorders<br />
• Traumatic Brain Injury<br />
• Spasticity Management<br />
She was named a “Top Doctor” in Chicago<br />
Magazine, in addition to being named to the list<br />
of “Best Doctors in America ® ” and listed in the<br />
“2012 Chicago Super Doctors.”<br />
With input from Dr. Keen, <strong>Marianjoy</strong> has created<br />
a website <strong>for</strong> parents of <strong>children</strong> <strong>with</strong> chronic<br />
diseases. In<strong>for</strong>mationConnections.org is a<br />
website linking to trusted in<strong>for</strong>mation on Autism,<br />
ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Brain<br />
Injury and other conditions.<br />
8<br />
REHAB<br />
ESSENTIALS<br />
Enhancing Communication <strong>with</strong> the<br />
Augmentative and Alternative<br />
Communication Devices (AACs)<br />
Stop playing cars and go to bed.<br />
Many parents of <strong>children</strong> <strong>with</strong> Autism Spectrum Disorders have been<br />
using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, such<br />
as an iPad/iPod, to enhance communication. Speech-language pathologists<br />
recommend the use of these devices to adults and <strong>children</strong> <strong>with</strong> cognitivecommunication<br />
disorders and pathological voice disorders to aid language<br />
development and restoration through programmed practice therapy tasks.<br />
It can also be used to organize recall of appointments, compensatory<br />
strategies, and schedules, and to access email and other environmental<br />
systems via voice activation.<br />
Children and adults <strong>with</strong> the following may benefit from an AAC:<br />
• Cognitive-communication disorders impacting their ability to speak<br />
• Pathological voice disorders<br />
• Cognitive-communication disorders impacting general cognition<br />
• Spinal cord injuries who require access to environmental controls<br />
What does an AAC do?<br />
AACs access thousands of applications to allow <strong>for</strong>:<br />
• Internet access to email and various webpages<br />
• Personal storage of books, movies, photos, music, etc.<br />
• Keyboarding and note taking<br />
Advantages of using an AAC:<br />
• Easily accessible,<br />
portable and af<strong>for</strong>dable<br />
• Offers way to communicate<br />
and participate in daily<br />
activities<br />
• Socially accepted
Change language