Abstract:
The aims of the study were to describe and compare the vocal productions by children with
motor speech disorders (MSDs) when using a communication board versus a speech-generating
device (SGD) and to determine peer perceptions regarding the amount and intelligibility of the
vocal productions and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system-based
communication produced by the children with MSDs. The first aspect was addressed by
analysing data that had previously been collected from four children with MSDs, between the
ages of 6;11 and 11;4 (years; months). An adapted alternating treatment design was used to
collect the data. The second aspect was addressed by collecting data from peers of three of the
original participants using a questionnaire with visual support (Talking MatsTM framework). The
peer participants were between the ages of 8;7 and 12;5. The results of the study indicate that
the rate of vocal productions per minute was variable, and that the introduction of AAC
intervention did not have a clearly positive effect on vocal productions. Participants all tended to
display higher rates of vocal productions during the communication board intervention condition
compared to the SGD intervention condition, and differences were statistically significant for
three of four participants. Results of the social validation of the study indicated that peers rated
the amount and comprehensibility of the vocal productions and the AAC-mediated
communication very similar for both intervention conditions. They also indicated a clear
preference for the SGD. A critical evaluation of the study and recommendations for future
research are provided.
