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Melina: Finding Her Voice with AAC
Melina is able to communicate thanks to her AAC device, and she has plenty to say!
We talk a lot about communication at Heartspring. And there’s a simple reason for that. It’s really, really, really important. It’s important for children’s education. It’s important for their friendships. It’s important for their family life. It’s important for their overall well-being. Sometimes, a diagnosis of autism can put barriers in the way of good, clear communication. But with the help of Heartspring, children and their families can start removing those barriers.
“When I was given her diagnosis, I felt like I was shoved on an island and was just left there,” Stephanie, Melina’s mom said, “I didn’t know how to help my daughter.”
Melina has been removing barriers for most of her life. Since coming to Heartspring, the four-year-old has grown in many ways. She’s already graduated from physical therapy and has been able to cut back on the number of occupational and speech-language therapy visits. One tool, in particular, seemed to help Melina the most.
“Really the whole turnaround, the amazing turnaround is when she got her AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device,” Stephanie said. “Now she’s able to communicate effectively with her device as well as verbal communication.”
Sitting in therapy, Melina was able to use full sentences to describe the toys she was using or to let her therapist and her mother know what she wanted. Melina’s newfound skills have also impacted her relationship outside of the therapy room. Melina is the youngest of four children. She’s able to tell her family what she wants and needs, which helps with her frustration level and strengthens the already strong bonds between herself and her siblings.
She’s also seen gains at school. When she went to preschool, it was the first time she’d been around kids her own age. She had very limited social skills and was very isolated. Now, she plays with her classmates and is able to effectively learn.
One thing’s for sure. Now that she has her voice, the future is bright.
“Future goals include complete independence with her device so that she will grow and continue to show the world that she is capable of anything she wants to do or to be in her life,” Heartspring speech-language pathologist Belinda said. “Nothing will limit Melina!”
