Impact of PECS tablet computer app on receptive identification of pictures given a verbal stimulus

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this brief report was to determine the effect on receptive identification of photos of a tablet computer-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system with voice output.

Methods: A multiple baseline single-case experimental design across vocabulary words was implemented. One participant, a preschool-aged boy with autism and little intelligible verbal language, was included in the study.

Results: Although a functional relation between the intervention and the dependent variable was not established, the intervention did appear to result in mild improvement for two of the three vocabulary words selected.

Conclusion: The authors recommend further investigations of the collateral impacts of AAC on skills other than expressive language.

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• autism
• complex communication needs
• iPad
• iPod
• receptive communication

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the CEO, Autism Program Director, and staff at the Rehabilitation Center at which this study was conducted for their assistance.

Declaration of interest

Materials and support, including graduate assistant funding, were provided by the Program to Enhance Scholarly and Creative Activities grant program funding provided by the Office of the Vice President for Research and by and the Center on Disability and Development, a federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, at Texas A&M University.

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.