Predictors of Expressive Language Change for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Receiving AAC-Infused Comprehensive Intervention

Rose, Veronica; Paynter, Jessica; Vivanti, Giacomo; Keen, Deb; Trembath, David

doi:10.1007/s10803-019-04251-2

Original Paper
Published: 16 October 2019

Predictors of Expressive Language Change for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Receiving AAC-Infused Comprehensive Intervention

Veronica Rose ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1100-4333^1,2,7^nAff6,
Jessica Paynter³,
Giacomo Vivanti⁴,
Deb Keen⁵ &
David Trembath¹

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders volume 50, pages 278–291 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Comprehensive interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often incorporate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); however, variability in outcomes exists even among children who access similar intervention. This study investigated predictors of expressive language change for 48 children with ASD aged 31 to 67 months receiving AAC-infused intervention. The relationships between participants’ initial responses to AAC and expressive language change were examined. Commonly reported predictors (IQ, chronological age, ASD symptomatology) did not significantly predict expressive language change. AAC factors (visual attention, object play, word learning) entered at Step 2 of a hierarchical multiple regression, explained an additional 42% of the variance. The findings provide preliminary data on child characteristics associated with expressive language changes within AAC-infused comprehensive interventions.

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Notes

Note that age equivalent scores were selected a priori for use in analyses. For completeness, analyses were re-run using raw scores with no impact on interpretation of findings.

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Acknowledgments

We warmly thank the children, parents and caregivers, and staff whose participation in this study made this research possible. In addition, our thanks go to Rhylee Sulek and Stephanie Sievers for their assistance with reliability coding. This study was conducted as part of Dr Rose’ Doctoral studies.

Author information

Veronica Rose
Present address: Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children’s Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052, VIC, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
Veronica Rose & David Trembath
Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Veronica Rose
School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
Jessica Paynter
A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Giacomo Vivanti
Autism Centre of Excellence, School of Education & Professional Studies, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Deb Keen
Neurodisability and Rehabilitation Research, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
Veronica Rose

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Veronica Rose
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Jessica Paynter
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Giacomo Vivanti
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Deb Keen
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David Trembath
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Contributions

VR, DT, DK and JP designed the study. VR completed data collection, preliminary analysis, and drafted the first manuscript. All authors contributed to subsequent drafts. Credibility checking of statistics was completed by JP. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Veronica Rose.

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Rose, V., Paynter, J., Vivanti, G. et al. Predictors of Expressive Language Change for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Receiving AAC-Infused Comprehensive Intervention. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 278–291 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04251-2

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Published: 16 October 2019
Issue Date: January 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04251-2

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder
Predictors
Augmentative and alternative communication
Expressive language
Early childhood