Speech Generating Device for Autistic Children

Autism can be challenging for children and their parents. Children with autism may display repetitive and restricted behavior patterns, but even more challenging is their inability to communicate easily and fluidly. Social interactions can be greatly stressed for autistic children, and communication, even between child and parent, can at times be impossible. Stress and frustration make communication even more challenging. Fortunately, there are devices being made that are helping communication for autistic children. They are called Speech Generating Devices (SGD), and many are thrilled with the results.

A SGD is a device that helps those with autism to communicate by speaking for them through icons that speak words when pushed. Some SDGs have an impressive vocabulary of thousands of words and sentences, while others only have a few words that help children communicate basic ideas and thoughts. Depending upon which SDG a child uses, they may have the ability to answer questions such as what they would like to eat or what they need, and they can use them to express their feelings and emotions, something that can be quite difficult for some, but not all, autistic children.

Speech Generating Devices can be priced up to $8,000 or more, depending on the make and model, though most insurance carriers are more than happy to foot part, or in some cases, all of the bill.

In the autism community it has been voiced that some parents are fearful that the SDGs will make their autistic children less likely to communicate verbally or interact with others socially. On the opposite side, many parents that have used the device believe that the SDG helps children communicate and convey complex thoughts and feelings while interacting more than they could without the device.

Most agree that SDGs improve quality of life for children with autism.


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