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Comparing the Picture Exchange Communication System and the iPad™ for Communication of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Delay

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Abstract

Both picture exchange, a low-tech picturebased communication system, and technologybased interventions, such as the iPad™ with communication application, are emerging treatments for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the National Autism Center (2009). Recently, investigations regarding the use of the Apple iPad™ to communicate have been conducted with mixed results. The authors used a single-subject alternating treatment design during an extended school year (ESY) program for students with disabilities to compare the independent use and effectiveness of the two approaches (low-tech picture-based versus iPad™ equivalent) for three pre-school and two elementary students with ASD and developmental delay (DD). The authors concluded that teaching low-tech picture exchange prior to introducing the iPad™ may be effective progression in teaching communication reciprocity skills for some students with ASD/DD. Limitations and strengths of both technologies are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Auburn University, AL, USA

    Doris Adams Hill & Margaret M. Flores

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  1. Doris Adams Hill
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  2. Margaret M. Flores
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Correspondence to Doris Adams Hill.

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Hill, D.A., Flores, M.M. Comparing the Picture Exchange Communication System and the iPad™ for Communication of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Delay. TECHTRENDS TECH TRENDS 58, 45–53 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-014-0751-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-014-0751-8

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