How Patrik uses a tablet to share his thoughts and feelings
We can break down communication barriers for children with autism
- Hrvatski
- English
“I’m four and a half years old,” declared Patrik cheerfully and proudly. Patrik has an autism spectrum disorder but that is not what defines him.
Patrik's mum, Ivana, describes him as an affectionate and spirited boy at the centre of their family. “He is a child who gets lots of attention from our whole family and from other people who know him. To those who do not, we try to explain that he is a wonderful child who just needs a little bit more attention and understanding than other children.” She admits, however, that sometimes it is difficult for her to understand his needs and feelings because Patrik finds it hard to express himself through words.
“Sometimes it is difficult for me to understand Patrik's needs and feelings because he finds it hard to express himself through words.”
Besides attending regular preschool, Patrik also spends time at a kindergarten in the specialist Centre for Children with Autism in Zagreb. “I like going to kindergarten. I like to play with my friends,” he tells us. For children with developmental difficulties, going to kindergarten and working with trained educators is an important part of early intervention and a way to give children a chance to fulfil their potential. Ivana is very happy Patrik and other children like him now have access to devices and equipment for assisted communication in the Centre's kindergarten.
“I like going to kindergarten. I like to play with my friends.”
“This is essential for children on the autism spectrum,” Ivana says. “Communicators make everyday situations, such as asking for a drink or some food, going to the toilet or expressing one's feelings, much easier. This improves the entire family's quality of life. I believe that devices like these should be distributed to every child on the autism spectrum as a necessary means of communication.”
UNICEF has ensured training and essential equipment for assisted communication for 32 institutions across Croatia as part of a US$283,000 programme. More than 6,000 children have received this assistance. As well as working with trained communicators at the kindergarten level, the children also learn to use specially programmed tablet computers to support their learning.
“Assisted communication improves the entire family's quality of life. I believe that devices like these should be distributed to every child on the autism spectrum.”
Communication plays one of the most important roles in the life of every human being. Each child has their own thoughts and feelings and it is up to society to make sure that every child has the opportunity for their voice to be heard.
