Children with autistic spectrum disorders and speech‐generating devices: Communication in different activities at home

Abstract

The communication of four children with autistic spectrum disorder was investigated when they were supplied with a speech‐generating device (SGD) in three different activities in their home environment: mealtime, story reading and “sharing experiences of the preschool day”. An activity based communication analysis, in which collective and individual background factors for the activities were outlined, was used as a basis for the discussion of linguistic coding data derived from video‐recordings made before and during SGD intervention. The coded communicative behaviours were engagement in activity, role in turn‐taking, communicative form, function and effectiveness. An increase in communicative effectiveness was more noticeable when the SGDs could be used to fulfil goals and roles within the activity. The instruction to the parents to use the SGDs in their communication with the child had an important influence on the activities.

• Autistic spectrum disorders
• augmentative and alternative communication
• speech‐generating device
• voice output communication aid
• intervention
• activity
• home
• activity‐based communication analysis.

Notes

1. ChatBox is a dedicated speech‐generating device manufactured by Saltillo Corporation. For further information, contact Saltillo Corporation, 2143 TR112, Millersburg, OH 44654, USA. Telephone: [phone], http://www.saltillo.com.

2. TechTalk is a dedicated speech‐generating device manufactured by AMDi. For further information, contact AMDi, 200 Frank Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Telephone: [phone], http://www.amdi.net.

3. The Clicker software is a PC‐based dynamic screen communication program. It allows the user to build personal applications, screens, learning activities and computer interfaces. It is manufactured by Crick Software Ltd., Crick House, Boarden Close, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6LF, UK. Telephone: [phone], fax: [phone], http://www.cricksoft.com.

4. Winmax is a small portable PC‐based computer with a touchscreen. It is sold by Frölunda Data Försäljning AB, Långedragsvägen 48, 426 71 Västra Frölunda, Sweden. http://www.frolundadata.se.

5. Infovox is diphone‐based text‐to‐speech software developed and sold in Sweden by BaBel Infovox AB, Englundavägen 7, PO Box 1328, 171 26 Solna, Sweden. Telephone: [phone], fax: [phone], http://www.infovox.se.