LuCiD Lecturer, Dr Calum Hartley (Lancaster University), presented a webinar on the latest research on communication interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) last week, as part of this year's #EducationLearn event. All of the webinars and slides are available in open access on Pearson's website.
Abstract:
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have delayed or impaired language development, and approximately 30% are minimally verbal at 9 years of age. In recognition of these grave difficulties, clinicians and special educators implement numerous augmentative and alternative communication systems (AACs) that enable children with ASD to communicate without using spoken words. Since the emergence of the Apple iPad in 2010, there has been as surge toward tablet-based learning and there are now countless “apps” designed to support and develop communication skills in children with ASD. However, despite their popularity, research has only just begun to establish whether children’s communication skills actually benefit from tablet-based interventions.
In this session we will review recent evidence concerning the effectiveness of iPads as a mode for delivering AACs to children with ASD. We will also consider why and how content (focusing on pictures) can have an important influence on children’s understanding. There will be time for Q&A.
Author
LuCiD
The ESRC International Centre for Language and Communicative Development (LuCiD) is a five year research collaboration working with partners from across the world to transform our understanding of how children learn to communicate with language.