New to the library is a book created with people with autism in mind, but it can also be useful for people with Down syndrome learning new skills. Seeing is Believing: Video self-modelling for people with autism and other developmental disabilities by Tom Buggey (Woodbine House, 2009) describes how to film and edit videos using the latest techniques in order to teach and reinforce skills and behaviours. He gives step by step help for people who have little experience and makes it possible to create the videos you want. He discusses why these videos help and the research done on this method. He discusses what type of skills can be targeted (language skills, academic skillls, behaviour) and how to shoot the film to achieve this. He gives case studies that show examples of what can be done. These include: getting ready for school, responding to questions, eating lunch, tantrums, interview techniques, interacting with friends, shopping, and expressive language. The expressive language example involved 2 boys with Down syndrome. One learned to extend his language from one word utterances to 4-word sentences. The other learned to respond to questions and to initiate speech. Editing together things the boys had said allowed them to see themselves using sentences and answering questions. Videos self-modeling(VSM) is great for visual learners. It also seems that video self-modelling would appeal to those with Down syndrome that have the "I want to be a star" gene (that is on the 21st chromosome isn't it?). Seeing themselves doing things well can be a confidence booster for those who don't want to fail. These videos serve the same purpose as social stories and can show a whole sequence rather than just one frame. However, it does require more equipment and a desire to edit to get the result you want.
If all this sounds interesting, email us to borrow the book from the library.
