Teaching multi-step requesting to children with autism spectrum disorder using systematic instruction and a speech-generating device


GENÇ TOSUN D., KURT O.

AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION, vol.33, no.4, pp.213-223, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 33 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/07434618.2017.1378717
  • Journal Name: AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.213-223
  • Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, communication, augmentative and alternative communication, iPad-based speech-generating device, requesting, DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES, 2 BOYS, COMMUNICATION, INDIVIDUALS, IPAD, METAANALYSIS, ACQUISITION, STUDENTS
  • Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an iPad-based speech-generating device (SGD) and an intervention package in teaching multi-step requesting to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The intervention package comprised discrete trial teaching, time delay, graduated guidance, and reinforcement. Social validity data were also collected from parents and teachers. Three male participants with ASD, aged 4-5 years, participated in the study, which was conducted using a multiple-probe-across-participants design. Findings of the study showed that the SGD and the intervention package were effective in teaching multi-step requesting to all participants. Furthermore, the target skill was maintained and generalized to different materials and individuals. Social validity findings indicated that opinions of the mothers and teachers were positive. On the other hand, the father of one participant stated that he was concerned with possible negative effects of using tablet computers. The findings are discussed with regard to the parents' opinions, and implications for practice and research.