Abstract
Therapists and educators frequently teach alternative-communication systems, such as picture exchanges or manual signs, to individuals with developmental disabilities who present with expressive language deficits. Michael (1985) recommended a taxonomy for alternative communication systems that differentiated between selection-based systems in which each response is topographically identical (e.g., card selection and exchange systems) and topography-based systems in which each response is topographically distinct (e.g., signed language). We compared the efficiency of training picture exchanges and signs with 3 participants who presented with severe language deficits; all participants acquired the picture-exchange responses more readily.
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This study was based on a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the first author’s Master of Arts degree at Louisiana State University.
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Barlow, K.E., Tiger, J.H., Slocum, S.K. et al. Comparing Acquisition of Exchange-Based and Signed Mands With Children With Autism. Analysis Verbal Behav 29, 59–69 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393124
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393124