User:Jesssicagarnett/sandbox

The article I am choosing to edit is Augmentative and Alternative Communication. More specifically, I will be focusing on the use of AAC and individuals with ASD. Other areas I will considering focusing on are the specific types of aided and unaided AAC's and symbols and how to choose them.

Sources:

http://researchautism.net/autism-interventions/types/alternative-and-augmentative-communication

https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/augmentative_alternative_communication_webinar.pdf

https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library/assistive-technology

http://www.aacandautism.com/why-aac

Original text

"Symbols used on high and low-tech AAC systems include graphic, auditory, gestural and textural symbols to represent objects, actions and concepts. For users with literacy skills, both low and high-tech devices may use alphabet-based symbols including individual letters, whole words, or parts thereof. With low-tech devices, the communication partner must interpret the symbols chosen whereas a high-tech device can speak the created message aloud. Several large graphic symbol sets have been developed; these include Blissymbols, which possess linguistic characteristics such as grammatical indicators, and the more iconic Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) which do not. Tactile symbols are textured objects, real objects or parts of real objects that are used as a communication symbols particularly for individuals with visual impairments and/or significant intellectual impairments. Auditory symbols such as choices of spoken words or Morse code can also be integrated with assistive technology for the visually impaired.The choice of symbols and aspects of their presentation, such as size and background, depend on an individual's preferences as well as their linguistic, visual, and cognitive skills."

Edited text

Symbols are visuals used to represent objects, actions, and concepts through the use of items such as the physical object itself, colored or black and white photographs, line drawings, and written words. For users with literacy skills, alphabet-based symbols including individual letters, whole words, or parts thereof may be used in combination with the other types of symbols. Both low- and high-tech devices can incorporate the use of symbols. With low-tech devices, a communication partner is involved and must interpret the symbols chosen. Picture Communication Exchange System (PECS) is a commonly used low-tech communication system that teach individuals how to request, comment, and answer questions through the use of line drawings known as picture communication symbols (PCS). LAMP Words for Life, a high-tech communication system, is an app that incorporates various symbols and motor planning. Symbols are placed in fixed position on the screen which allow users to develop motor patterns associated with certain requests or statements. The choice of symbols and aspects of their presentation, such as size and background, depend on an individual's preferences as well as their linguistic, visual, and cognitive skills. This can be determined using an assessment for symbolic understanding.

Re-paraphrased as original text was too similar to the book they used as a reference. Clearly defined what a symbol is (does not include gestures or audio). Added some examples of low- and high-tech devices that incorporate symbols. Changed structure.