How people make choices
There are different ways a person may respond when given a choice.
Response Example
Speech Say a word or part of a word
Gesture Point or reach for an object / symbol
Eye Gaze Look longer at the object / symbol
Facial Expression Smile, frown or raise an eyebrow toward the chosen object / symbol
Body Movement Move a hand or arm when you hear the name of the chosen object / symbol
Breathing Rate May increase or decrease
Speech Generating Device (SGD) Press a button and the device speaks the choice
Helpful Hints
- Acknowledge and respond to every communicative attempt
- Respond in a consistent manner
- If the person makes a “wrong choice” (for example, selecting a non-desired item), give him/her the chosen ‘wrong’ item.
- This will teach the person that his/her response has meaning.
- Inform all members of the support network how the individual makes a choice and how they should respond to his/her communication attempt
