Confronto per acquisizione e preferenza d'uso tra linguaggio dei segni, picture exchange e comunicatori in nove bambini con Disturbo dello Spettro Autistico

Comparing acquisition of and preference for manual signs, picture exchange, and speech-generating devices in nine children with autism spectrum disorder

Couper L, van der Meer L, Schäfer MC, McKenzie E, McLay L, O'Reilly MF, Lancioni GE, Marschik PB, Sigafoos J, Sutherland D.
Dev Neurorehabil. 2014 Apr;17(2):99-109. doi: 10.3109/17518423.2013.870244. Epub 2014 Jan 6.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare how quickly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) acquired manual signs, picture exchange, and an iPad/iPod-based speech-generating device (SGD) and to compare if children showed a preference for one of these options.

METHOD: Nine children with ASD and limited communication skills received intervention to teach requesting preferred stimuli using manual signs, picture exchange, and a SGD. Intervention was evaluated in a non-concurrent multiple-baseline across participants and alternating treatments design.

RESULTS: Five children learned all three systems to criterion. Four children required fewer sessions to learn the SGD compared to manual signs and picture exchange. Eight children demonstrated a preference for the SGD.

CONCLUSION: The results support previous studies that demonstrate children with ASD can learn manual signs, picture exchange, and an iPad/iPod-based SGD to request preferred stimuli. Most children showed a preference for the SGD. For some children, acquisition may be quicker when learning a preferred option.