Transferring AAC intervention to the home.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acquisition of AAC skills during an initial clinical trial and assess subsequent transfer of the training to the home setting.


METHODS
A 12-year-old male with autism was first seen in a clinical setting to establish the use of a voice-output communication device. After learning to use the device to request access to preferred objects in the clinical trial, the intervention was transferred to the home. Follow-up with the parent was conducted via e-mail and telephone. Videotapes were made of initial home-based sessions to enable evaluation of the participant's progress.


RESULTS
The programme was successful in teaching the participant to use a portable AAC device to make requests during the clinical trial and then in two home-based activities.


CONCLUSIONS
An initial clinical trial with follow-up support for parents may be an efficient method for beginning AAC intervention and transferring the training procedures to the home setting.
Sigafoos
J
J
Department of Special Education, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1290, USA. j.sigafoos@mail.utexas.edu
O'Reilly
M F
MF
Seely-York
S
S
Weru
J
J
Son
S H
SH
Green
V A
VA
Lancioni
G E
GE
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome