Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy with which the use of a
speech generating device (Apple iPadTM with GoTalk NowTM application) versus a
communication board promoted the production of two-symbols combinations (agentaction
and attribute-entity combinations) by children limited speech within a shared
story reading context. Four children between the ages of 6;8 (years; months) and 11;4
with severe motor speech disorders and a variety of developmental disabilities participated
in the study. An adapted alternating treatment design was used. All four
participants showed increased production of two-symbol combinations in both intervention
conditions. The Wilcoxon ranked pairs test did not show differences between
the conditions for any participant. The results suggest that symbol combination skills
can effectively be taught using either AAC system. A preference assessment indicated
that all participants preferred to use the speech generating device during shared story
reading.
