The effect of frequency of aided language stimulation on the receptive vocabulary acquisition in children with complex communication needs and intellectual disability

Abstract

Aided language stimulation is an augmented input strategy that facilitates the expressive and receptive language of persons who use AAC. The aim of this study was to compare the acquisition of receptive vocabulary items during implementation of aided language stimulation with a frequency of 40% and 70% respectively. An Adapted Alternating Treatment Design was utilised in this study with six participants. Results revealed that three participants showed the greatest acquisition of target receptive vocabulary in the intervention with a frequency of 70% aided language stimulation. Two participants showed greater acquisition of target receptive vocabulary acquisition in the intervention with a frequency of 40% aided language stimulation. One participant showed equal acquisition of target receptive vocabulary in the intervention with a frequency of 40% and 70% aided language stimulation. The results of the study are discussed in relation to the aims. Finally limitations of the study are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.