"I want" communication strips are a valuable tool for individuals who have difficulty expressing their needs and desires verbally. These strips typically consist of a sentence starter ("I want") followed by a series of pictures, symbols, or words representing different items or activities.
How to Use "I Want" Communication Strips:
Create the Strips: You can create your own communication strips using images from the internet or magazines, drawing simple pictures, or using pre-made symbols. Laminate the strips for durability.
Choose Relevant Items: Select pictures or words that represent things the individual frequently wants or needs, such as specific foods, toys, activities, or places.
Present the Strip: Show the individual the "I want" strip and point to each item, saying the word or phrase aloud. Encourage them to point to or touch the item they want.
Provide the Desired Item: When the individual selects an item, acknowledge their choice and provide the desired item or activity.
Expand and Adapt: As the individual becomes more proficient, you can add more pictures or words to the strip, or create additional strips for different categories of wants and needs.
Example of an "I Want" Communication Strip:
I want...
[Picture of a glass of water] Water
[Picture of a cookie] Cookie
[Picture of a book] Book
[Picture of a swing set] Swing
[Picture of a bathroom] Bathroom
Benefits of "I Want" Communication Strips:
Empowerment: These strips give individuals a way to communicate their needs and desires independently, increasing their sense of control and autonomy.
Reduced Frustration: By enabling individuals to express themselves, communication strips can reduce frustration and challenging behaviors that may stem from an inability to communicate verbally.
Improved Communication: Communication strips provide a clear and structured way for individuals to express their wants and needs, leading to better understanding and interaction with others.
Language Development: Using "I want" strips can support language development by exposing individuals to new vocabulary and sentence structures.
Social Interaction: Communication strips can facilitate social interaction and participation in activities by allowing individuals to make choices and express preferences.
Tips for Using "I Want" Communication Strips:
Personalize: Tailor the strips to the individual's interests and needs, using pictures or symbols they are familiar with.
Make it Accessible: Keep the strips easily accessible and visible, either on a lanyard, in a binder, or on a table.
Be Patient and Supportive: Encourage and praise any attempts at communication, even if they are not immediately successful.
Collaborate with a Speech-Language Pathologist: An SLP can provide guidance on creating and using communication strips effectively and can offer additional strategies for supporting communication development.
17 июн 2024
