Abstract:
This study examined the attitudes of children with typical development towards an unfamiliar
peer with complex communication needs using augmentative and alternative communication
(AAC) systems. Specifically, the study aimed to compare attitudes when the peer used mobile
technology (i.e., iPad1©) with an AAC-specific application (Proloquo2Go2™) versus a lowtechnology
communication board. A within-group crossover design was utilized involving 78
children. Half of the participants (i.e., Group 1) viewed Video 1 of an unfamiliar peer with
complex communication needs in a scripted communication interaction using an iPad with
Proloquo2Go followed by Video 2 of the same interaction using a communication board. The
other half of the participants (Group 2) viewed these videos in the reverse sequence. The
Communication Aid/Device Attitudinal Questionnaire (CADAQ) was completed after watching
each video. Results indicated that both groups attitudes were more positive towards Video 1
(iPad with Prologuo2Go) on certain dimensions of the CADAQ. The results are discussed and
recommendations for future research provided.
