Effect of the SO(A)R Intervention on the Communication Functions of Children with Autism using AAC
Open Access
Author:
Sultana, Julia
Area of Honors:
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Diane L Williams, Thesis Supervisor Carol Anne Miller, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Augmentative and alternative communication autism spectrum disorder parent training asynchronous training communication disorder intervention
Abstract:
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have minimal verbal output with access to communication. Individuals learning to use AAC must be provided with practice opportunities and exposure to this type of communication; therefore, training for communication partners is a crucial aspect of AAC intervention. The following thesis is a post-secondary analysis using data from a primary study, Wendelken (2022), through which an asynchronous online training for caregivers of children with ASD using AAC was developed to teach caregivers an AAC-specific strategy to support communication. Wendelken (2022) demonstrated the efficacy of asynchronous remote trainings in assisting caregivers in supporting their child in learning AAC. This thesis analyzes the effects of asynchronous training on child responsivity. The children’s responses to the caregivers’ use of different prompting behaviors were measured. The results revealed an increase in the responsivity of children with ASD who are learning to use AAC following completion of remote training by caregivers, showing that asynchronous trainings can impact caregiver prompting and simultaneously provide benefits regarding child responsivity.
