The use of nonvocal communication techniques with autistic individuals

Communication Options for Persons with Severe and Profound Disabilities: State of the Art and Future Directions

This article reviews the literature related to issues of communication augmentation for individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities within the framework of the “Participation Model” (Rosenberg & Beukelman, 1987). This model consists of a communication opportunity strand and a communication access strand. The opportunity strand is discussed briefly in terms of the knowledge and attitudinal barriers that may limit communication, with suggestions for remediation of these problems. The access strand is discussed in detail, beginning with a review of current methods of assessing capability in relevant domains. The relevant literature related to the learning characteristics of both unaided and aided communication techniques is reviewed next, followed by a discussion of potential external constraints that may affect the range of options for consideration. This information facilitates the next step of selecting communication options with a view to the current and future needs and capabilities of the individual. Following this, a review is presented of vocabulary selection and effective instructional techniques in augmentative communication interventions. Finally, evaluation issues are discussed in relation to level of disability.

Functionality of Two Modes of Communication in the Community by Students with Developmental Disabilities: A Comparison of Signing and Communication Books

Functional communication skills are essential for effective participation in society by persons with autism and other developmental disabilities. Because most of the general public does not understand sign language, use of this method in typical community settings has been questioned. This study examined empirically the functionality of signs and iconic communication book symbols in community settings with two students with autism. The results demonstrated successful communication in community settings by the students with communication books but not with signs. These results are discussed as they relate to functionality and training issues associated with the two communication systems.

Formal and Informal Measures on the Effectiveness of the TEACCH Programme

Demonstrating the effectiveness of a large and complex programme such as Division TEACCH is difficult. The problem is compounded by the organic basis of autism and the focus of Division TEACCH on lifelong adaptations, which do not lend themselves to superficial cures or clearly defined milestones. Several different measures have been used to address the evaluation questions: research studies on the effectiveness of specific techniques, outcome data, and anecdotal and statistical information about the impact of Division TEACCH. These measures have been collected and described in response to the many people who contact Division TEACCH inquiring how we know we are having a positive impact on people with autism and their families. The combination of empirical data and informal measures is included to provide a comprehensive perspective.

Toward Functional Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Students With Autism

Many individuals with autism are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, either to supplement (i.e., augment) their existing speech or to act as their primary (i.e., alternative) method of expressive communication. The purpose of this article is to summarize research and directions for future research with regard to two questions related to the delivery of AAC supports to these individuals: (a) What AAC modality is preferable to use? and (b) What do we know about the use of voice output communication aids with people with autism?

Augmentative and alternative communication to support receptive and expressive communication for people with autism

In this article the authors discuss the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as used to enhance comprehension and expression of people with autism. A theoretical model for AAC assessment and intervention planning is presented. Application of the model is illustrated through a case report of a 6-year-old boy with autism who had severe expressive and receptive language impairments.

A comparison of two methods of prompting in training discrimination of communication book pictures by autistic students

Two methods of prompting were compared for their relative effectiveness in teaching a group of autistic students to discriminate line drawings used in picture communication books. All four students required fewer trials to meet the task criterion using a delayed-prompting technique. Further, students made significantly more errors in the fading-of-prompts design than in the delayed-prompting design. The high rate of errors in faded-prompt sessions resulted in some students displaying aberrant behaviors. The results are discussed in terms of effectiveness of the two teaching methodologies, as well as the consequences of error patterns. Suggestions are made for further research.

Language learning and retention in young language-disordered children

Simultaneous sign and spoken language training was conducted with young, language-disordered children under standardized training and follow-up conditions with a stringent learning criterion to determine if language learned was stable over time. Twenty-one children between 36 and 86 months with no or nonfunctional language participated in the study. Diagnoses included autism, mental retardation, combined autism and mental retardation, and developmental aphasia. Children completed a mean of 74 signed speech training sessions. Sessions were twice daily, 5 days a week. Follow-up evaluations were made approximately 6 months after training. Of the 21 children, 17 learned at least one word and 7 children learned multiple-word phrases during the training. Most language learned in training was found to be retained at follow-up approximately 6 months later. Gestural imitation, play style, language age, developmental age, and fine motor skills had strong correlations with language learning and retention.

The criteria for early use of nonvocal communication systems with nonspeaking autistic children

Criteria to differentiate nonspeaking subjects from speaking autistic preschool-age children were examined. The data on several developmental features previously recorded at 4 1/2 years of age were compared between 10 nonspeaking and 10 speaking children who were followed until late childhood. Total DQ, subscale DQs of intellectual, self-care, and motor ability, and several speech production features (variety of phone categories, distortion in vowels, and disappearance of babbling) were the most distinctive indices between the two groups. We believe that an early use of a nonvocal communication system by autistic children with these features results in more successful outcomes than before.

The treatment of autistic children

The goals of treatment need to be decided on the basis of knowledge on the nature of autism. As with any developmental disorder, the first goal must be to foster normal development; with autistic children this involves a focus on intellectual, language and social development. The further goals include: the reduction of rigidity/stereotypy; the elimination of non-specific maladaptive behaviours; and alleviation of family distress. Research findings are used to translate these goals into a practical overall therapeutic programme with three main elements: a full diagnostic appraisal, special educational provision and a home-based programme for the family. Finally, the research findings are drawn together to derive inferences on the lessons to be learned and the questions that remain to be answered.