A Non-Oral Expressive Communication Program Designed For A Nonverbal Retardate

Abstract

This study attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of a non-oral expressive communication program for a nonverbal retarded subject. The subject had been engaged in speech therapy programs for over 11 years, but she was only able to use one word, mama, to communicate expressively. Her language disability may have been further compounded by an auditory language deficit. As soon as the relatively simple training procedures were begun, the subject was able to respond correctly by identifying printed words and phrases. This program was an adaptation of the language boards that are frequently provided for subjects with cerebral palsy. It is generally agreed that such forms of expressive communication should only be resorted to after many attempts to train vocal verbalization have failed.

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