On the front of the page on the right, you’ll see an assortment of what looks like flat buttons, each with an image. On the back of the page, you’ll see a keyboard image and then a blank space at the bottom (turned sideways, putting the keyboard at the top). This Communication Board is meant to be torn out at the center seam of the magazine, copied and laminated. Providing them to your officers can assist with communication, as explained below. This introductory page and both PDFs are available online for download.
Today 1 in 36 people have been diagnosed with Autism and specifically 1 in 43 in the state of Maryland. People with Autism, other disabilities, and the elderly with memory issues often have difficulty communicating, especially in high stress situations. Sensory overload caused by lights, noise, touch and other sensory input can cause communication and comprehension to decrease as well as unwanted behaviors to increase. Fear, lack of understanding and broken routines can add additional stress. One way to help in these situations is to use a communication board that includes visuals to help with comprehension. A communication board also allows people that are unable to verbally communicate to still get their message across.
How to use the Communication Board
- Pairing visuals with language is helpful for many people. When speaking, use short phrases with minimal words and touch the pictures that match. Example: “Where is your home?” Touch the “where” and “home” pictures.
- People with Autism can have limited expressive language and are not able to verbalize their message. Use this board to allow them to touch their responses to your questions or to get their message across. Example: You ask, “What is wrong?” and they use the board to communicate things such as “lost,” “hot,” “hurt,” “need help” by touching the symbols.
- The green squares will most often be used for the officer to touch when trying to convey a message to the citizen. The white squares will most often be used for the nonverbal citizen to touch to communicate their message to the officer.
- The bottom right square says, “First____, Then____.” This is a strategy often used with people with Autism. The FIRST is what you want them to do first, followed by the THEN which is often what they want to do. Example: “FIRST get in the car, THEN we go home.” “FIRST let me see your injury, THEN we can get a Band-Aid.”
- The back of the board has a keyboard that can be used for nonverbal citizens to touch letters to spell their name, address, needs, etc.
- The blank rectangle is for officers or citizens, if capable, to use the dry-erase marker and write any needed communication.
Thank you for being willing to include an additional resource in your toolbox. Thank you for all that you do to help the citizens in your community. Thank you for doing your best to provide the same level of service for all, even those that communicate differently.
The OFFICER Media Group would like to thank Ms. Heather Zerbe, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA for producing this Communications Board. Ms. Zerbe regularly works with children who have autism and has applied her knowledge and experience to creating this board for the law enforcement community.
