A comparison of picture exchange and speech-generating devices: acquisition, preference, and effects on social interaction.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes picture exchange (PE) and speech-generating devices (SGD), but these two systems have rarely been compared. We therefore conducted three studies comparing PE and SGD for an adolescent boy with a developmental disability. Study 1 compared acquisition of a PE- and SGD-based requesting response and monitored the effects on social interaction. For Study 2, both communication modes were made simultaneously available and the child could choose to use either PE or the SGD. For Study 3, only PE intervention continued, with the distance between the child and trainer systematically increased to prompt social interaction. The results showed equally rapid acquisition of the PE- and SGD-based requesting response, but only the distancing manipulation had any positive effect on social interaction. We conclude that PE and SGD are equally viable modes of communication, but acquisition of an initial PE- or SGD-based requesting response may not be sufficient to promote social interaction.
Sigafoos
Jeff
J
College of Education, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. jeff.sigafoos@vuw.ac.nz
Green
Vanessa A
VA
Payne
Donna
D
Son
Seung-Hyun
SH
O'Reilly
Mark
M
Lancioni
Giulio E
GE
D000293:Adolescent; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013060:Speech