Speech-generating devices: effectiveness of interface design-a comparative study of autism spectrum disorders

We analyzed the efficacy of the interface design of speech generating devices on three non-verbal adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in hopes of improving their on-campus communication and cognitive disability. The intervention program was created based on their social and communication needs in school. Two operating interfaces were designed and compared: the Hierarchical Relating Menu and the Pie Abbreviation-Expansion Menu.

The experiment used the ABCACB multiple-treatment reversal design. The test items included: (1) accuracy of operating identification; (2) interface operation in response to questions; (3) degree of independent completion. Each of these three items improved with both intervention interfaces.

The children were able to operate the interfaces skillfully and respond to questions accurately, which evidenced the effectiveness of the interfaces.

We conclude that both interfaces are efficacious enough to help nonverbal children with ASD at different levels.