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A Systematic Review of Tablet Computers and Portable Media Players as Speech Generating Devices for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

Powerful, portable, off-the-shelf handheld devices, such as tablet based computers (i.e., iPad®; Galaxy®) or portable multimedia players (i.e., iPod®), can be adapted to function as speech generating devices for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or related developmental disabilities. This paper reviews the research in this new and rapidly growing area and delineates an agenda for future investigations. In general, participants using these devices acquired verbal repertoires quickly. Studies comparing these devices to picture exchange or manual sign language found that acquisition was often quicker when using a tablet computer and that the vast majority of participants preferred using the device to picture exchange or manual sign language. Future research in interface design, user experience, and extended verbal repertoires is recommended.

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Notes

  1. The commercial names for these and other products are used throughout this manuscript for identification purposes, and for general clarity. Our use of the commercial product names herein is neither an explicit nor implicit endorsement of these products.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA

    Elizabeth R. Lorah, Ashley Parnell & Peggy Schaefer Whitby

  2. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Donald Hantula

Authors
  1. Elizabeth R. Lorah
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  2. Ashley Parnell
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  3. Peggy Schaefer Whitby
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  4. Donald Hantula
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Correspondence to Elizabeth R. Lorah.

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Lorah, E.R., Parnell, A., Whitby, P.S. et al. A Systematic Review of Tablet Computers and Portable Media Players as Speech Generating Devices for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 3792–3804 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2314-4

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