Evaluation of a mechanical hand-support for facilitated communication

Area of Science:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Developmental Psychology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Facilitated Communication (FC) is a controversial method used with nonspeaking individuals.
• Transitioning from FC to independent communication methods is a significant challenge.
• Nonspeaking individuals with intellectual disabilities often require specialized assistive devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel hand-support device for facilitating independent typing in nonspeaking autistic children.
• To assess the device's efficacy in transitioning users from Facilitated Communication (FC).
• To measure improvements in communication tasks post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• Six autistic individuals proficient in FC participated in an 8-week training program.
• Pre- and post-training assessments involved pointing and typing tasks.
• Performance was evaluated with a facilitator, independently, and with the hand-support device.

Main Results:

• No significant improvement in independent communication was observed with or without the device.
• Postassessment measures showed no evidence of successful transition from FC.
• An extended study period also failed to yield significant communication gains.

Conclusions:

• The specially designed hand-support device was ineffective in assisting nonspeaking autistic children's transition to independent typing.
• Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for independent communication in this population.
• Current findings question the utility of this specific device for FC to independent communication transitions.