how to do a task analysis for a communication board using picture symbols?

Question

this is for an autistic child to be able to "talk" to us

Answer 1

I had an autistic/Deaf child and we started with photos before she was ready to use the communication/voice output board.
We selected two choices we wanted her to distinguish between mashed potatoes, which she liked and peas which she habitually threw across the room. When she inadvertently chose the peas, that is what she got. She soon learned to pick the potatoes..then we expanded to 3,4 and 5 choices. We did that for our picture schedule, purposely putting in pictures which she didn't like. She was bright and quickly began selecting pictures which she wanted to do. We set up a sentence strip slotted chard where we set the photos, in order of the activities we would do that day, turning them over when the activity was complete. Sometimes she would dig out something different and set the photo up there-that was spontaneous communication! If we could we allowed her to do it, if feasable
The other reason we started with photos was we could take them right in front of her, of the item or the place. She seemed to respond better when she was part of the process.So many of the symbols used, like in the Mayer-Johnson symbols are very abstract. Maybe your student would get it but being Deaf with no sign language she wasn't able to clarify and got frustrated. Also you are better able to control the photos than when making up a board. I find it easier to shuffle through a group of photos than go to the computer and try and customize a board quickly.
If your kid is higher level, you might be able to start with the board, but limit the choices to strong preferences and dislikes to get a clear "responce"
We colored the background of each picture when we did begin using the boards, nouns, verbs etc and she began putting sentences together by color codeing.
I wish more people used cmm boards.
Good luck and let us know how it is going.

Answer 2

You haven't told us too much about your child.
Here is something about 'auditory scanning' which is being able to converse by listening and responding to spoken language. This is what children without vision may need to do. I know this isn't what you asked for but it is a thought.
http://www.lburkhart.com/handouts.htm

Maybe you want to let the child to be able to choose between 2 things. Start by holding up 2 items and letting the child choose by eye gaze or pointing, then you can move to 3 items. Then you can change to symbols for the items.

You might also want to make a visual calendar for the childs day. So if they first eat breakfast , then brush their teeth and get dressed you can have the actual items or pictures for the items. It is easiest to have some type of clear vertical wall hanging that you can change the pictures or symbols or items.

Hope this helps. blessings,
Beanon121

Answer 3

I'm not sure if I understand your question correctly. You want a way for your child to analys a task that you created for him/her in communication board mode
or
You want to create a task for him using communicatin board?
To do the later, there are programs out there that can do that for you, search the web for computer communication board software, or ask your SE educator.
You break the task down into its simpliest form by simple steps that are represented in pictures. ie brush teeth
picture: child stands in front of sink
picture" child reaching for toothbrush
picture: child turns on water
picture: child reaches for toothpaste
picture: child opens toothpaste lid
picture: child squeezes toothpaste on brush
picture: child places toothbrush in water
picture: child put toothbrush in mouth
picture: child moves toothbrush within mouth

so forth and so on
But if you want the first one, I'm not sure your child can analys the task in a response using a CB. Or I may just be misunderstanding your question.