USE OF AN IPAD APPLICATION AS FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION FOR A FIVE-YEAR-OLD PRESCHOOL STUDENT WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Keywords:
ASD, ABA single case research design, maintenance of treatment effects, Go Talk Now Free App, iPad, communication, action research,Abstract
The use of a functional communication device has proven to be successful
for individuals with developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this
study, an iPad application titled “Go Talk Now Free” was evaluated as functional
communication for a five-year-old boy diagnosed with ASD. An additional purpose
with the replicate and extend the previous research on this topic. A model, lead, test
intervention strategy was also employed.. Finally, an independent evaluation was
implemented to assess our participant’s acquisition and usage of the iPad application
to make independent requests with this devise and app. This results showed that the
participant increased his use and knowledge of making independent requests during
his special education “choose time.” Consequently, this increase in independent
requests demonstrates the functional use of the iPad application “Go Talk Now Free”
as a communication strategy for young child with ASD.
