Acquisition and transfer of sentence construction in autistic students: analysis by computer-based teaching.
Computer-based sentence drills teach autistic learners to create and say new grammar without extra teaching.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Three autistic students learned to build sentences on a computer. The program showed a picture, then guided the child to type the matching sentence.
Lessons used model-lead-test steps. The computer first showed the full sentence, then helped the child type it alone, then asked for it without help.
Each child moved through the steps at his own pace. The team later checked if the kids could say and write the same kinds of sentences they had never seen before.
What they found
All three students mastered the computer lessons. They could type full sentences that matched new pictures.
The gains stuck. When adults showed fresh pictures, the kids spoke and wrote correct sentences they had never practiced.
No extra teaching was needed for the new sentences. The grammar skill transferred on its own.
How this fits with other research
Delano (2007) took the idea further. After the 1999 computer work showed autistic learners can master sentence frames, E used video self-modeling to help teens with Asperger syndrome write whole essays.
Eigsti et al. (2007) seemed to disagree. They found big syntax delays in verbal five-year-olds with autism. The gap is age and skill level: preschoolers versus students already able to use a computer.
Foti et al. (2015) swapped the goal but kept the screen. They gave nonverbal children iPad speech apps and saw large gains in requests and comments. Together the papers show tablets can teach many language forms, from single words to full sentences.
Why it matters
You can add a laptop or tablet to your grammar lessons. Short computer drills teach the frame, then you test it with new pictures and real conversation. Start with students who can click or type, and watch for untrained sentences to pop out in speech or writing. If they do, you know the program worked and you can move to longer texts like essays.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In this study, we examined the conditions necessary to construct appropriate sentences in three autistic students using computer-based training and testing procedure. In Experiment 1, when a picture was presented on the computer display as a sample stimulus, the student was required to construct an appropriate sentence with five words. After training with three stimuli, each student could construct the correct sentence for 24 untrained stimuli. Appropriate vocal responses also emerged. In Experiment 2, the appropriate use of particles, which specify the subject and the object, was acquired by particle choice or sentence construction training. The rule was transferred to untrained stimuli and writing response. These results are discussed in terms of applicability of computer-based training for establishing appropriate sequential responding and particle usage in autistic students.
Research in developmental disabilities, 1999 · doi:10.1016/s0891-4222(99)00017-7