InterAACt and Positive Behavior
Behavior is a form of communication. For some individuals with intellectual disability,
behavior may be the only means by which they have to communicate a need or frustration.
Research tells us that individuals will communicate using the most effective
and efficient means possible.
Visual supports have been found to be very helpful for individuals with intellectual
disability and can be used throughout the day to provide information that supports
verbal instructions or expression. This not only supports greater comprehension,
but helps to ensure that details are not skipped and gives the individual the tools
necessary to communicate about the given situation. Sometimes, the use of visual
supports will decrease challenging behaviors because the individual can better understand
situations and the expectations that have been set for them.
Some examples of positive behavior support available on DynaVox communication devices
include:
can present the abstract concept of time in a concrete, visual way and present
events/activities/tasks/etc., in the order in which they will take place. The purpose
of a schedule or calendar is to help individuals understand sequence and time. These
tools can also be used to talk about past or future events.
helps individuals with intellectual disability understand challenging social information.
By presenting this information in a way that is easily understood, it is hoped that
the individual will better comprehend both the situation and expectations. While
the goal is not to change behavior, improved understanding can certainly result
in positive behavior changes.
are a visual depiction of what is
expected in an environment or activity. Visual rules may also depict what will happen
if that expectation is not met. The purpose of a visual rule is to support positive
and appropriate behavior by providing clear and concrete representation of the expectations
