Comparative effects of two AAC systems on the vocal productions of children with motor speech disorders

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.