A Comparison of Communication Using the Apple iPad and a Picture-based System

TLDR

AAC interventions improve communication and social skills in children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and AAC apps are now available on personal devices, making evaluation of these new forms essential. The study examined the utility of the Apple iPad as a communication device by comparing it to a picture card system. Five elementary students with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities participated, using both the iPad and a picture card system. Results were mixed, with communication behaviors either increasing or remaining unchanged when using the iPad versus picture cards, and the implications of these findings are discussed.

Abstract

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions have been shown to improve both communication and social skills in children and youth with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. AAC applications have become available for personal devices such as cell phones, MP3 Players, and personal computer tablets. It is critical that these new forms of AAC are explored and evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the Apple iPad™ as a communication device by comparing its use to a communication system using picture cards. Five elementary students with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities who used a picture card system participated in the study. The results were mixed; communication behaviors either increased when using the iPad or remained the same as when using picture cards. The implications of these findings are discussed.