Assistive Technology to Support Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2022 ◽  
pp. 25-47
Author(s):  
Rishika Tiwari ◽  
Manish Shandilya ◽  
Sonika Charak
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Video Modeling ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Speech Impairment ◽  
Alternative Communication

Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any device or technology ranging from low to high that helps to improve functional skills of individuals with cognitive, physical, or neurological disorders. These technologies are devised to improve the functional activities of persons. ATs focussing on cognitive disorders like dementia, autism spectrum disorders, etc. can be categorized as ATs for cognition (ATC) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC interventions consist of tools that aid the challenges faced by individuals with speech impairment during communication. AACs used often are speech-generating devices (SGD), software programs, and communication apps for efficient production of speech. ATCs include social stories and video modeling strategies. The use of assistive technology in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has great importance due to increased requirement for interventions in helping students. There are several lines of evidence showing the effectiveness of technology-assisted training in ASD patients.

Instruction Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Supports: Description of Current Practices by Speech-Language Pathologists Who Work With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 586-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn A. Clarke ◽  
Diane L. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Diagnostic Category ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Processing Differences

Purpose The aim of this research study was to examine common practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with respect to whether or not SLPs consider processing differences in ASD or the effects of input during their instruction. Method Following a qualitative research method, how SLPs instruct and present augmentative and alternative communication systems to individuals with ASD, their rationale for method selection, and their perception of the efficacy of selected interventions were probed. Semistructured interviews were conducted as part of an in-depth case report with content analysis. Results Based on completed interviews, 4 primary themes were identified: (a) instructional method , (b) input provided , (c) decision-making process , and (d) perceived efficacy of treatment . Additionally, one secondary theme, training and education received , was identified . Conclusions Clinicians reported making decisions based on the needs of the child; however, they also reported making decisions based on the diagnostic category that characterized the child (i.e., ASD). The use of modeling when teaching augmentative and alternative communication to individuals with ASD emerged as a theme, but variations in the method of modeling were noted. SLPs did not report regularly considering processing differences in ASD, nor did they consider the effects of input during instruction.

Comparative Effects of Picture Symbol With Paired Text and Text-Only Augmentative and Alternative Communication Representations on Communication From Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 584-597
Author(s):  
Christine Holyfield
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Book Reading ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Children With Asd

Purpose Technology features that maximize communicative benefit while minimizing learning demands must be identified and prioritized to amplify the efficiency and effectiveness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. Picture symbols with paired text are a common representation feature in AAC systems for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are preliterate, yet little research about their comparative benefit exists. Method Four school-age children with ASD and limited speech who were preliterate participated in two single-subject studies. In one study, communication of high imageability words (e.g., nouns) on an AAC app during a book-reading activity was compared across two representation conditions: picture symbols with paired text and text only. In the second study, communication of low imageability words (e.g., verbs) was compared. Both studies had baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases. Results Prior to intervention, participants communicated across both representation conditions at low rates except two participants who were relatively successful using picture symbol with paired text representations of high imageability words. In response to intervention, all participants demonstrated increases in communication across representation conditions and maintained the increases. Participants demonstrated generalization in the text-only representation condition. Conclusions Children with ASD who were preliterate acquired communication at comparable rates regardless of whether an AAC app utilized picture symbol with paired text or text-only representation. Therefore, while larger scale research is needed, clinicians and technology developers could consider increasing the use of text in AAC representation given the inherent value associated with learning to recognize written words. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13661357

How Are Stakeholders With Autism Spectrum Disorder Included in the Social Validation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Research? A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 817-832
Author(s):  
Kirsty Bastable ◽  
Sandra Klopper ◽  
Alecia Samuels ◽  
Shakila Dada
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Validation ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
The Social ◽  
Scoping Reviews

Introduction Social validation or the inclusion of stakeholders in the research process is beneficial, as it may decrease bias, increases efficacy, and prevents harm. For direct stakeholders such as individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social validation has mostly included participants who do not experience significant speech, language, and communication limitations while frequently omitting individuals with ASD who have complex communication needs (CCN). The presence of CCN indicates that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies are needed for individuals to express themselves. Social validation should not be limited to being participants in an intervention but should include involvement in the research process. This requires an understanding of the current trends, levels, and mechanisms of involvement in AAC research. Purpose This review aimed to identify and describe the inclusion of direct stakeholders with ASD in the social validation of AAC research. Method A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews) methodology to identify AAC research that included stakeholders with ASD (direct and indirect) for social validation and to evaluate their level of involvement using the Typology of Youth Participation and Empowerment pyramid framework. Results Twenty-four studies were identified. Studies primarily included indirect stakeholders (e.g., caregivers) giving in-depth perspectives, while direct stakeholders were limited to being intervention participants. Conclusions Voices of direct stakeholders with ASD and CCN remain limited or excluded in research. Reasons for the exclusion of individuals with ASD and CCN from research and strategies for future inclusion are raised and discussed.

Understanding Communication and Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 39-66
Author(s):  
Alice M. Hammel ◽  
Ryan M. Hourigan
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Joint Attention ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Expressive Language ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Music Classroom ◽  
Students With Autism

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.

scholarly journals Peer-Mediated Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interventions for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Limited to No Spoken Communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 602-610
Author(s):  
Kathy S. Bourque
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Research Note ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Treatment Implementation ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Communicative Interactions

Purpose Increasingly, research has identified effective approaches to improve communication and social engagement of preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with limited spoken communication during interactions with peer partners. These include teaching peers to use the same augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system, along with direct instruction (Thiemann-Bourque et al., 2018 ). The purpose of this research note is to summarize the author's contributions to this literature and provide clinicians with evidence-based strategies to support communicative interactions between children with ASD and peers without disabilities. Method This research note describes a series of studies conducted by the author and her colleagues with a focus on peer-mediated and direct AAC instructional approaches, defining target skills and how to measure effects on children's social communication competence, and the potential benefits of integrating approaches for preschool children with ASD who have significant social and communication needs. Results Outcomes summarized include fidelity of treatment implementation, improved rates of augmented and spoken communication, increased functional communication using different modalities, and enhanced reciprocal communication between children with ASD and peers during routine activities. Study limitations and directions for future intervention research are also discussed. Conclusions Together, the research reviewed shows that peers can be taught to be responsive AAC communication partners at a young age, with high fidelity of strategy implementation by peers and by speech-language pathologists or other early intervention staff. Providing children with increased social learning opportunities within the context of shared AAC activities allows both partners to become more competent in their social communicative interactions.

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