Language Development Is A Central Characteristic Of Autism...

Literature Review Delays in language development is a central characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Walker and Snell (2013) suggest that children who demonstrate poor communication skills often times are more likely to engage in problematic behaviors. The literature provides substantial evidence that functional communication training (FCT) is an effective intervention to use as a replacement behavior to decrease maladaptive behaviors for children with ASD. In a study conducted by Lambert, Bloom, and Irvin (2012), trial-based functional analysis and functional communication training was researched to determine if FCT could cause reduction in problem behavior for children with developmental delays in a preschool setting. The†¦show more content†¦The results of this study further support previous research that students with communication deficits can be taught to use assistive devices as the alternative behavior (Durand, 1999). While functional communication tr aining has proven to be an evidence-based procedure to use to decrease maladaptive behaviors, concern arises for those individuals who have difficulty using conventional speech to communicate and may benefit more with using augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC) (Ganz et al., 2012). Lorah et al. (2013) conducted a study comparing the effects between a picture exchange and an iPad speech generating device (SGD) with five preschool aged boys diagnosed with autism to teaching manding. This study resulted in an increase rate of independent manding using an SGD. Some limitations included results consistent with previous literature that found that some individuals prefer other AAC modalities and it is important to conduct an assessment to determine which the individual would prefer to use to communicate with. Additionally, Kagohara et al. (2010) found that speech generating devices offer many advantages as they provide a speech output feature that can be understood by the communicative partner and produce clear and concise messages to the communicative partner so that it decreases instances of miscommunication. Research Question With the