The effect of aided AAC modeling on the expression of multi-symbol messages by preschoolers who use AAC.
A single subject, multiple probe design across participants was used to evaluate the impact of using aided AAC modeling to support multi-symbol message production. Five preschoolers (three who used voice output communication systems, two who used non-electronic communication boards) participated in the study. Aided AAC models were provided by pointing to two symbols on the child's aided AAC system and then providing a grammatically complete spoken model while engaging in play activities. Four of the five preschoolers learned to consistently produce multi-symbol messages; the fifth did not demonstrate consistent gains. The four preschoolers who met criterion all evidenced long-term use of symbol combinations and generalized use of symbol combinations to novel play routines. Results, clinical implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Binger
Cathy
C
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. cbinger@unm.edu
Light
Janice
J
D001184:Articulation Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012660:Semantics; D013060:Speech; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000295:instrumentation; D013561:Symbolism