Communication interventions for minimally verbal children with autism: a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study tested the effect of beginning treatment with a speech-generating device (SGD) in the context of a blended, adaptive treatment design for improving spontaneous, communicative utterances in school-aged, minimally verbal children with autism.

Method

A total of 61 minimally verbal children with autism, aged 5 to 8 years, were randomized to a blended developmental/behavioral intervention (JASP+EMT) with or without the augmentation of a SGD for 6 months with a 3-month follow-up. The intervention consisted of 2 stages. In stage 1, all children received 2 sessions per week for 3 months. Stage 2 intervention was adapted (by increased sessions or adding the SGD) based on the child's early response. The primary outcome was the total number of spontaneous communica

SUBMITTER: Kasari C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4030683 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature