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Using Eye Movements Recorded in the Visual World Paradigm to Explore the Online Processing of Spoken Language
Published on: October 13, 2018
Video feedforward for rapid learning of a picture-based communication system
Jemma Smith1, Linda Hand, Peter W Dowrick
1Department of Psychology, University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand, jems.smith@gmail.com.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Video self modeling (VSM) effectively taught communication skills to non-verbal individuals with autism and Down syndrome. This method offers a faster, simpler alternative to traditional augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
Area of Science:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Many non-verbal individuals struggle with traditional communication systems like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
- Previous attempts to teach communication to the participants using PECS were unsuccessful.
- There is a need for effective and accessible communication interventions for individuals with autism and Down syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of video self modeling (VSM) with feedforward as an alternative method for teaching Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) goals.
- To determine if VSM can successfully teach communication skills to non-verbal individuals who have previously failed with PECS.
- To assess the generalizability of learned communication behaviors through VSM.
Main Methods:
- A single-subject research design with replications and varying baseline lengths was employed.
- Video self modeling (VSM) was used to teach participants to use a picture-based communication system.
- Participants included two non-verbal boys with autism and one non-verbal man with Down syndrome, all with histories of PECS failure.
Main Results:
- All participants demonstrated rapid acquisition of target communication behaviors upon introduction to VSM videos.
- The learned communication skills generalized to new situations without requiring additional prompting or intervention.
- VSM proved effective in teaching the use of a picture-based communication system.
Conclusions:
- Video self modeling (VSM) with feedforward offers a quick and straightforward method for teaching picture-based communication systems.
- VSM can be an accessible and user-friendly alternative to conventional augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) teaching strategies.
- This approach may overcome challenges faced by individuals with autism and Down syndrome using traditional PECS methods.
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