Autism, communication and use of a speech‐generating device in different environments – a case study

Purpose – This paper aims to examine interaction patterns in two activities at home and one activity at school when a seven‐year‐old boy with autism and learning disabilities was supplied with a speech‐generating device (SGD).Design/methodology/approach – Activity‐based communication analysis (ACA) was used as the basis for analysing and discussing of communicative behaviours in video recordings made before and during SGD intervention. The coded communicative behaviours were engagement in activity, role in turn‐taking and communicative form, function and effectiveness. Conversational topics were also analysed.Findings – Activity characteristics seemed important for the outcome. In the two more structured activities (story reading at home and morning circle at school), the child could use the SGD to communicate more effectively within the given frames. During mealtime at home, topic length increased and the instruction to the parents to also use the SGD resulted in positive changes in this activity. ACA hi...

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