title: A Systematic Review of Tablet Computers and Portable Media Players as Speech Generating Devices for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: Powerful, portable, off-the-shelf handheld devices, such as tablet based computers (i.e., iPad(®); Galaxy(®)) or portable multimedia players (i.e., iPod(®)), can be adapted to function as speech generating devices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or related developmental disabilities. This paper reviews the research in this new and rapidly growing area and delineates an agenda for future investigations. In general, participants using these devices acquired verbal repertoires quickly. Studies comparing these devices to picture exchange or manual sign language found that acquisition was often quicker when using a tablet computer and that the vast majority of participants preferred using the device to picture exchange or manual sign language. Future research in interface design, user experience, and extended verbal repertoires is recommended.
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA. lorah@uark.edu.
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Lorah
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parnell
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA.
authors.forename: Peggy Schaefer
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Whitby
authors.affiliation: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hantula
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D006801:Humans; D012813:Sign Language; D013060:Speech
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Speech generating device; Verbal behavior; iPad; iPod