Using a Speech-Generating Device to Enhance Communicative Abilities for an Adult With Moderate Intellectual Disability

2008 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 376-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Cheslock ◽  
Andrea Barton-Hulsey ◽  
MaryAnn Romski ◽  
Rose A. Sevcik

Abstract For adults with disabilities who are unable to speak, the literature recommends that intervention include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to improve communication and interactions with others. Some adults with moderate intellectual disabilities who exhibit limited functional speech are often overlooked as candidates for AAC interventions because they have some speech abilities. The perception is that they are too old to improve their language and communication skills. This article presents a case report of a 30-year-old woman with a moderate intellectual disability and a severe expressive language disorder who uses a speech-generating device as a compensatory strategy to facilitate her communicative abilities, independence, and self-determination.

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Van Tatenhove

Language sample analysis is considered one of the best methods of evaluating expressive language production in speaking children. However, the practice of language sample collection and analysis is complicated for speech-language pathologists working with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This article identifies six issues regarding use of language sample collection and analysis in clinical practice with children who use AAC devices. The purpose of this article is to encourage speech-language pathologists practicing in the area of AAC to utilize language sample collection and analysis as part of ongoing AAC assessment.


2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guro Andersen ◽  
Tone R. Mjøen ◽  
Torstein Vik

Abstract This study describes the prevalence of speech problems and the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Norway. Information on the communicative abilities of 564 children with CP born 1996–2003, recorded in the Norwegian CP Registry, was collected. A total of 270 children (48%) had normal speech, 90 (16%) had slightly indistinct speech, 52 (9%) had indistinct speech, 35 (6%) had very indistinct speech, 110 children (19%) had no speech, and 7 (1%) were unknown. Speech problems were most common in children with dyskinetic CP (92 %), in children with the most severe gross motor function impairments and among children being totally dependent on assistance in feeding or tube-fed children. A higher proportion of children born at term had speech problems when compared with children born before 32 weeks of gestational age 32 (p > 0.001). Among the 197 children with speech problems only, 106 (54%) used AAC in some form. Approximately 20% of children had no verbal speech, whereas ~15% had significant speech problems. Among children with either significant speech problems or no speech, only 54% used AAC in any form.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026565902198939
Author(s):  
Yvonne HL Yong ◽  
Anuradha S Dutt ◽  
Mo Chen ◽  
Adeline M Yeong

This study compared a picture exchange (PE) system and an iPad®-based speech generating device (SGD) when teaching requesting skills to preschoolers with developmental disabilities and limited functional speech. A multiple baseline design with counterbalancing the order of two instruction conditions across participants was applied to compare the acquisition rate, followed by a concurrent operant arrangement to examine participants’ preference for these two augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Discrimination of two picture symbols presented via the priority AAC system was also probed using a concurrent operant arrangement. Results indicated that two of three participants required less sessions to reach mastery for the iPad®-based instruction condition. All participants showed a clear preference for the iPad®-based SGD and were able to discriminate between two picture symbols presented simultaneously on the iPad®-based SGD when making requests. This study highlights practice implications in terms of describing a systematic approach that could be employed when identifying a priority AAC system for learners with developmental disabilities and limited functional speech.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2113 (1) ◽  
pp. 012032
Author(s):  
Zihe Wang ◽  
Boyu Si ◽  
Jingwen Wang

Abstract In clinical practice, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an effective training tool to improve the communication skills of individuals with language impairment, hearing impairment, and autism. However, there are few studies on the development of augmentative communication systems based on Mandarin Chinese in China. This study presents an augmentative communication system developed using the MATLAB GUI platform. The system consists of two parts: a learning part and a communication part, where the learning part provides the basis of the vocabulary content for the system, covering 5558 words, and its content is mainly a word list designed based on the content of special school language textbooks. The communication part provides the system with a complete discourse training content, mainly by arranging and combining the vocabulary content of the learning part to form a complete discourse. This aided communication system can expand the vocabulary of people with language expression disorders and improve their social communication skills. In addition, the effectiveness of the system was tested in a single-subject experiment, and the results showed that the augmentative communication system is effective in learning pronunciation, expanding vocabulary, and improving the social communication.


Author(s):  
Alice M. Hammel ◽  
Ryan M. Hourigan

Communication is one of the considerable challenges faced by children with autism. Before a child with autism can learn, their must be able to communicate. This chapter includes information on communication traits and characteristics of persons with autism as well as steps to obtain effective communication with students with autism in the music classroom. Other topics include joint attention, reciprocation, echolalia, receptive and expressive language, and augmentative and alternative communication for students with autism in the music classroom.


2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 150-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheela Stuart ◽  
Christopher Ritthaler

Abstract This article presents two case studies of children with complex communication needs, including a diagnosis of autism. Although different in age and overall diagnoses, both children primarily used behaviors, gestures, and limited overall vocalizations for communication. In each case, some pictures and signing had been intermittently incorporated into their school programs with very little success. The school-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) teams had used the candidacy model and decided that, until the children made gains in cognition and behavior, they could not use any type of speech generating device. In each instance, the child's parent disagreed and requested a second AAC evaluation. The second opinion evaluating center incorporated Language Acquisition Though Motor Planning (LAMP) to utilize a speech generating device for participation in some motivating activities. Results were sufficiently positive to support trial use of this approach and private outpatient sessions were provided. The article includes a brief overview of the resulting journey: the give-and-take process between second opinion center, parents, and school to arrive at a form of successful communication for each child.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Mauro José Conte ◽  
Marcelo Gitirana Gomes Ferreira ◽  
Alejandro R. García Ramírez

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) techniques are employed to mediate communication with people who have communication disorders, as in cases of intellectual disability. Although there are various digital solutions that promote alternative communication options for individuals with communication disorders, only a few of them have been specifically designed or targeted to people with intellectual disability (ID). This work is motivated by the lack of AAC solutions contributing to the rehabilitation processes of individuals with intellectual disability in Brazil. The study presents a mobile-based AAC solution conceived as a tool to assist the rehabilitation process of people with ID. The design was based on user-centered design principles and accessibility standards. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the solution. Four specialists and twenty-five students participated in this study. The proposed solution shows the potential educational value for professionals who assist individuals with intellectual disability in Brazil.


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