Technology-aided programs for assisting communication and leisure engagement of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: two single-case studies.
Eye-tracking or switch-based tech packages let nonverbal adults with severe ALS text, video-chat, and access leisure independently.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Meier et al. (2012) worked with two adults who had ALS and could no longer speak or move. The team set up two tech packages: one used eye-tracking, the other a finger switch. Both let the clients send texts, start video calls, and turn on music or movies by themselves.
The study ran an ABAB design. Sessions alternated between tech-on and tech-off to see if the gear truly helped.
What they found
With the tech on, both adults sent messages and picked leisure items every session. When the tech was removed, activity stopped. The return of the tech brought the skills back. The authors call this a clear positive finding.
How this fits with other research
Ching-Hsiang et al. (2012, 2013) used a $10 battery-free mouse instead of eye trackers. Their stroke and DD clients also earned leisure stimuli with an ABAB design and showed the same jump in responses. The pattern shows the switch type matters less than the contingency.
Zorzi et al. (2025) looked at 103 studies of digital AAC for neurodevelopmental disorders. They found strong child data but almost no adult cases. Meier et al. (2012) fills that adult gap, proving the logic works for older clients with degenerative diseases.
Zheng et al. (2022) interviewed older autistic adults about everyday tech. Their qualitative data echo the same theme: give clients control of the interface and they stay engaged. The two papers differ in method and diagnosis, yet both push for user-led design.
Why it matters
You can borrow the cheap-switch idea from Ching-Hsiang or the eye-tracking setup from E et al. Either way, link a clear motor action to highly preferred outcomes like FaceTime or music. Start with an ABAB probe to be sure the tech, not chance, drives the change. Adults with late-stage ALS still want to talk and play; this study shows you can give them that power in one afternoon of setup.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Technology-aided programs for assisting communication and leisure engagement were assessed in single-case studies involving two men with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Study I involved a 51-year-old man with a virtually total loss of his motor repertoire and assessed a technology-aided program aimed at enabling him to (a) write and send out text messages and have incoming messages read to him and (b) establish videophone connections with his children (i.e., establish video contact and communicate with them). Study II involved a 66-year-old man with virtually no motor behavior and apparent depression and assessed a technology-aided program aimed at enabling him to (a) engage in leisure activities and make requests for basic needs and (b) use a low-demand messaging system. The results of both studies were highly encouraging. The participant of Study I could use the technology-aided program for effective communication and social interaction with multiple partners as well as for family interaction. The participant of Study II could use the technology-aided program for leisure engagement, requests, and basic family contacts/communication. The implications of technology for helping persons with severe ALS levels maintain an active and constructive role are discussed.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2012 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2012.03.028