Communication Devices for Kids

Communication devices offer an individual who has a disability that lowers her ability to communicate verbally ways to interact with others. The child using the device enters in what she wishes to communicate and the device says the words out loud so that others around the child can understand her.

Importance

• An individual who is unable to communicate verbally can have reduced independence. By providing a child with a communication device, he can communicate with a wider circle of people, freeing him from reliance on an aide or family member to bridge the communication gap.

Autism and Communication Devices

• An autistic child who has stunted verbal skills may find her development improving with the aid of a communication device. Autistic children are often visual learners, according to Autistic Spot, and the use of the devices allows her to associate speech with images. Autistic children also often have an interest in inanimate objects, according to Autistic Spot, with the device serving as an intriguing item to explore, so that the child enjoys using the device and she is more likely to use it.

Other Conditions

• Communication devices can help some children who have cerebral palsy, downs syndrome or neuromuscular conditions, according to Gillette Children's Healthcare Specialty. Communication devices also have potential to help children who have suffered a traumatic brain injury that has limited their ability to communicate verbally.

Using Communication Devices

• Communication devices can generate speech in a variety of methods to make sure that every user has her most comfortable experience. The user can enter her desired words by typing out the words with letters, by selecting images for the words or using preset phrases. Many devices can be set to display a combination of a typing pad, pictures of items and some key phrases.