Image 1 - The 5 Components of the LAMP Approach
users and provide a framework for communication partners who can model and teach language following a developmen- tal approach (e.g., beginning with single words and providing the means to learn both the form and content of the home lan- guage or language of instruction). Readiness to Learn refers to the idea that individuals must be in a “ready to receive” state. Their state of arousal needs to be compatible with attending and learning, something which can be quite challenging for individuals with developmental disabil- ities. Readiness to learn does not refer to particular linguistic or cognitive prerequisites that must be achieved prior to introduc- ing AAC, but rather that an individual’s unique sensory needs must be met prior to engaging with a communication partner to learn language. We also need to take into account individual learning styles, ability to attend to activities, emotional states and level of motivation. We know that we will be more success- ful teaching when the activity is interesting and engaging for the AAC user.
gagement, consistent and unique motor plans, auditory signals and natural consequences. In their clinical work with young chil- dren with autism who were not developing spoken language, John and Cindy found that an approach that gave access to core words on a speech-generating device, teaching those words in the context of sensory-rich, child-directed activities and having just one consistent and unique motor plan for each word, com- bined with a natural reaction from communication partners pro- vided a means for the development of spontaneous and inde- pendent communication. These findings have been replicated, and the Center for AAC & Autism now provides frequent one and two-day trainings to teach parents and interventionists to apply the LAMP principles to supporting language development. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PRINCIPLES OF LAMP Each of the five principles listed above are foundational to the LAMP approach (see image 1: Components of the LAMP Ap- proach). These principles support the language learning of AAC
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