Resources - Ethan Paul

CORE WORDS

The LAMP approach (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) is a communication strategy for non-verbal individuals, especially those with autism, that focuses on developing independent communication through consistent motor patterns on a voice output device. It utilizes core words, joint engagement, sensory-rich activities, and natural consequences to build language skills by creating automatic motor plans that enhance spontaneous expression and sentence formation.

Core Principles of LAMP

Motor Planning:

Individuals learn to access words on a communication device by touching buttons with consistent, unique motor plans.
Core Vocabulary:

The system provides access to a range of core words, focusing on consistent motor access rather than just activities or categories.
Joint Engagement:

Therapists and partners engage with the individual in a collaborative process, often through shared activities.
Sensory-Rich Activities:

Language learning is embedded in multisensory, engaging activities that make the learning process more effective.
Auditory Signals & Natural Consequences:

The device provides spoken words (auditory feedback), and the individual experiences natural, positive outcomes from their communication, which reinforces the learning.

How it Works

1. Accessing Core Words:

Individuals use a speech-generating device to select words by touching specific buttons.
2. Consistent Motor Patterns:

The system uses a consistent and unique motor plan (a specific sequence of touches) for each word, making the access automatic.
3. Building Language:

By combining these words and engaging in shared activities, individuals learn to form sentences and express their wants, needs, and ideas spontaneously.
4. Multisensory Experience:

The integration of motor action, auditory signals (the device speaking), and meaningful interactions creates a multisensory learning experience that helps build language.

Who is it For?

LAMP is designed to help individuals with complex communication needs, particularly those with autism and apraxia, who struggle with verbal communication. It aims to empower them to communicate independently in various settings.

Blogs and Websites:

AAC Language Lab
AssistiveWare Core Word Classroom
Communication Workshop
Core First Books and Lessons (Tobii Dynavox)
Core Word Curriculum (Complex Communication Needs (CCN) team at Renfrew Educational Services)
Core Word Videos (Mary Katherine Dally)
DLM and Universal Core Vocabulary
Implementation Activities (PRC)
Kim Rankin (of Hold My Words on Facebook and Instagram) shares ideas of how she incorporates core words while homeschooling her AAC-using son, including her A Book and a Game a Day Challenge posts
Learning to Speak AACtion Plan (Speak For Yourself AAC; scroll down to Learning to Speak AACtion Plan Resources)
Little Miss Kim’s Class has a few posts on how she worked core into her classroom
Monarch Reader – search for books by core word
PrAACtical AAC has many resources, including A Year of Core Words, School Year of Core Vocabulary, and more
Project Core
Saltillo
- ChatCorner/WordPower Supports
- Let’s Teach Core
School Year of Core – Bilingüe (San Francisco State University | AAC Studies) is a Spanish adaptation of the English School Year of Core (PrAACtical AAC)

Commercial Books and Programs:

Boom Learning – many activities available for core words
Core Words Power Station (Attainment Company)
Tell Me Program – AAC in the Preschool Classroom (Attainment Company)
Tell Me, Too (Attainment Company)
Teachers Pay Teachers – many activities available for core words, such as:
- 100 Great Kids Picture Books to Target Core Vocabulary for AAC Users (OMazing Kids AAC Consulting on TPT)
- AAC Core Word Implementation Ideas months 1 – 12 (free from Speechie Side Up)
- AAC Implementation Toolkit – Training, Handouts, Data Sheets, and More! (Speechy Musings) has a unit on Core Vocabulary
- File Folder Heaven has many core vocabulary books and activities
- Jenna Rayburn Kirk has AAC Cooking with Core (2 sets), AAC Core Word of the Week (10 different sets), and more
- My Speech Tools has several free Core Word of the Week Handouts
- Super Power Speech has Core Word and Letter of the Week (AAC and early speech), among other items
- The Language Ladies SLP has Core Word Activity sets, Core Language Activity list, Core Language Through Literacy Book list, and more
The Pixon Project Kit (PRC)