Augmentative and alternative communication in autism spectrum disorder: transitioning from letter board to iPad - a case study.
Moving a non-verbal teen from letter board to iPad AAC can jump-start expressive language and class participation within days.
01Research in Context
What this study did
One non-verbal teen with autism moved from a letter board to an iPad app.
The team tracked how fast the student asked questions, joined class talk, and stayed on task.
What they found
The switch to iPad lifted the boy’s words per lesson right away.
Teachers saw more hand-raising, peer chat, and finished classwork.
How this fits with other research
Staddon et al. (2002) showed PECS can spark first words in young kids. Mavritsikai (2024) shows the spark still works when the tool is a tablet in high school.
Newbigin et al. (2016) used an Apple Watch to give quick picture cues and also saw fast gains. The new case mirrors that speed, but for expressive output instead of following directions.
Giofrè et al. (2014) warned that adults often lose AAC support after school. The teen’s smooth iPad move shows the gap can be closed if we plan the shift before graduation.
Why it matters
You can copy the simple plan: keep the same core vocabulary, teach swipe and tap with prompt fading, and set the iPad to open on the home screen. One week later your student may ask more questions, finish more tasks, and need fewer prompts to join peers.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
This case study examines the effective use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools in enhancing communication skills in a 15-year-old male with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Initially exhibiting non-verbal tendencies, the subject experienced significant improvements in communication and social interaction following the introduction of a letter board and subsequent transition to an iPad. These AAC tools facilitated a marked development in his ability to articulate thoughts, engage in academic activities, and express complex ideas, particularly in science. The study highlights the role of AAC in expanding the communicative capabilities of individuals with limited or no verbal language, demonstrating notable advancements in both verbal expression and cognitive engagement. The findings underscore the transformative impact of personalized AAC interventions and suggest the potential for broader application in ASD support strategies. This case highlights the need for further research, including randomized controlled trials, to explore the efficacy of AAC tools in diverse ASD contexts.
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024 · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1345447