Teaching Multi-step Requesting and Social Communication to Five Autistic Children Using Speech-Generating Devices and Systematic Instruction

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated a systematic instructional package for teaching a four-step SGD-based requesting and social communication sequence. Of interest was whether intervention would lead to accurate performance of the sequence, as well as generalization, maintenance, and discriminated/functional use. Methods: Five minimally verbal autistic children received systematic instruction to complete a four-step sequence on an iPad®-based SGD. The sequence involved (a) saying hello, (b) making a general request, (c) making a specific request, and (d) thanking the listener. The effects of instruction, which consisted of practice sessions, time delay, prompting, and reinforcement, were evaluated in a multiple-baseline across participants design. Results: All five participants reached 100% correct performance during intervention. This high level of correct responding generalized to a novel interventionist and was maintained at follow-up. Discriminated/functional use of the communication icons was evident. Conclusions: The systematic instructional package was effective in teaching a four-step SGD-based requesting and social communication sequence to five minimally verbal autistic children.