Graduate Program

Communication Disorders and Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2007

Thesis Director

Gail Richard

Thesis Committee Member

Brenda Wilson

Thesis Committee Member

Christine Chambers

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of augmentative and alternative communication as a means to decrease disruptive behavior for a child in the autism spectrum. A case study with a training and treatment period was implemented. The dependent variables were the disruptive behaviors and the increased communication that occurred during a speech therapy treatment session. The independent variable was the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication, specifically, a modified Picture Exchange Communication System, (PECS) (Bondy & Frost, 1998) in combination with a VOCA (Twin Talk). The participant was a 3 1/2 year old female diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder at a moderate to severe level. The participant exhibited receptive and expressive language delays, stereotypic behaviors, impairment in social interaction and sensory needs. Based on the results of the interval data collected, the participant's use of AAC had a significant increase between the training and treatment periods. Verbal and physical disruptive behaviors significantly decreased throughout the study as use of AAC increased. Because of the inconclusive results on AAC use, it cannot be assumed that the decrease in these behaviors was due to the AAC use alone.

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