title: Communication interventions involving speech-generating devices for children with autism: a review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current review synthesizes communication intervention studies that involved the use of speech-generating devices (SGD) for children with autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-three studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria following systematic searches of electronic databases, journals and reference lists. Studies were evaluated in terms of: (a) participants, (b) setting, (c) mode of communication, (d) communication skill(s) taught to the participant, (e) intervention procedures, (f) outcomes, (g) follow-up and generalization, (h) reliability and treatment integrity and (i) design and certainty of evidence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intervention, most commonly targeting requesting skills, was provided to a total of 51 children aged 3-16 years. Intervention strategies followed two main approaches: operant/behavioural techniques and naturalistic teaching procedures. Positive outcomes were reported for 86% of the studies and 78% of the studies were categorized as providing conclusive evidence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The literature base suggests that SGDs are viable communication options for children with autism. However, several areas warrant future research.
authors.affiliation: Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. larah.vandermeer@vuw.ac.nz
authors.forename: Larah A J
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: van der Meer
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rispoli
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D013060:Speech; D016896:Treatment Outcome