Present Levels of Performance

Ethan is a 14-year-old non-verbal autistic child with significant delays in expressive and receptive language, fine motor coordination, and attention span. He demonstrates poor imitation skills, and struggles with articulation. He responds to name with repetition and has poor eye-hand coordination. He is sensitive to loud sounds and exhibits toe walking and tactile defensiveness. Ethan enjoys music and can hum tunes, which can be used as a reinforcement tool.

Annual Goals

1. Develop functional communication using AAC tools to express needs, emotions, and choices.
2. Improve receptive language skills to follow multi-step instructions.
3. Enhance fine motor skills for AAC device interaction and self-help tasks.
4. Increase social participation through AAC-supported peer interactions.
5. Improve attention span and reduce distractibility during structured tasks.

Short-Term Objectives

– Use core words on AAC device to communicate basic needs (e.g., ‘want’, ‘go’, ‘help’).

– Respond to yes/no and WH questions using AAC responses.

– Navigate AAC device to select appropriate icons for emotions and actions.

– Participate in structured group activities using Quick Talk or visual boards.

– Follow 2-step instructions with AAC visual prompts.

– Practice fine motor tasks such as tracing, buttoning, and using tongs.

Recommended Interventions

– Speech Therapy: Focus on AAC training, modeling, and prompting techniques. Use tools like core word boards, Quick Talker Freestyle, and visual schedules.

– Special Education: Integrate AAC tools in classroom routines and academic tasks. Use structured teaching and reinforcement strategies.

– Occupational Therapy: Support fine motor development and sensory integration for AAC device use and daily living skills.

– Home Program: Parent-led AAC practice using visual boards, calming music, and daily routines. Empower parents to reinforce communication and self-help skills.