Signs - David Master

Davide Nicolas de Martinis

About this app

David Master Signs is an innovative mobile app for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), designed to support children and adults with communication difficulties. The app provides an interactive sign glossary conveyed via micro-videos, with the primary goal of optimizing users' expression, comprehension, and social participation.

The idea stems from the clinical experience of Dr. Davide de Martinis, a licensed psychologist, expert in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and specialized in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The signs are derived from clinical observation of children with motor disabilities, prioritizing simplicity of execution and structural simplicity to minimize motor and cognitive load. This makes the system accessible to a wide range of clinical users, shifting the focus to communication as a universal skill.

The adoption of the ABA-VB methodology (Skinner, 1957) promotes psychosocial inclusion by teaching functional communication behaviors. Learning is gradual, starting from primary needs, with measurable goals. Behavior analysis guides individualized teaching, with correction procedures based on positive reinforcement. Acquiring signs to express needs, desires, and emotions is crucial for autonomy and interpersonal relationships. The professional section outlines an individualized approach to inclusion.

David Master Signs leverages the neuropsychological correlates of gestural AAC: left linguistic lateralization, involvement of Broca's and Wernicke's cortex, motor/visual cortices, and the mirror system. It requires visuospatial working memory and executive functions. Continuous use induces synaptic plasticity to optimize communication. Neurobiological understanding is crucial for clinical AAC.

Clinically Relevant Features:
- Search for the desired term: Intuitive interface with video for quick access to signs, reducing cognitive load and facilitating participatory communication.

Target Clinical Population:
- Children and adults with expressive, linguistic, and communication disorders (neurodevelopment, acquired neurological disorders, language disabilities).
- Caregivers, educational and clinical staff (speech therapists, neuropsychologists, occupational therapists).

Clinical Design and Usability:
The simple and intuitive interface (UDL, Rose & Meyer, 2002) makes the app accessible to users with different cognitive and technological profiles, minimizing operational barriers.

Contextual Facilitation:
David Master Signs facilitates inclusive communication in educational, rehabilitative, and social-relational contexts:
- Family Context: Improves mutual understanding, reduces barriers to expressing needs and emotions, and promotes family participation.
- Educational Context: Supports school inclusion, participation in activities, and interaction with peers (IEP).
- Rehabilitation Context: Aid for language stimulation, social skills, and emotional regulation.

Clinical and Ethical Objective:
Optimize communication and promote ethically guided psychosocial inclusion, reducing isolation, enhancing autonomy, and encouraging social, educational, and work participation, while respecting individual dignity and choices.

The project is promoted by the Lovaas Study Center, a non-profit organization committed to applied research, training, and the dissemination of evidence-based tools for inclusion. For years, the Center has stood out for its active role in clinical and psychoeducational innovation, supporting families, professionals, and school settings.