A delayed intervention start randomized controlled trial of high- and low-tech communication training approaches for school-age autistic children with co-occurring intellectual disability.

Researchers studied communication training for 29 autistic children who also had intellectual disability. They compared structured teaching methods with less structured classroom approaches, using both tablets and picture cards. The structured approach worked better than the less structured one, but tablets and picture cards were equally effective when using the structured method. This suggests both simple and high-tech tools can help these children communicate better when used properly.

This randomized controlled trial investigated communication interventions for 29 autistic children with co-occurring intellectual disability. The study compared function-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) approaches against eclectic non-ABA classroom strategies using both high-tech (tablet-based) and low-tech (picture card exchange) AAC methods. Results showed function-based ABA approaches produced significantly greater communication improvements than eclectic alternatives. However, no significant differences were found between high-tech and low-tech AAC formats within the function-based intervention group.

The findings support the effectiveness of both technology formats when implemented within structured, function-based behavioral programming for this population.

Results support using structured, function-based behavioral approaches over eclectic methods for communication training. Clinicians can choose between high-tech and low-tech AAC options based on practical considerations rather than effectiveness concerns, as both formats show comparable outcomes when implemented within behavioral frameworks for autistic children with intellectual disability.

Small sample size of 29 participants limits generalizability. Short 3-month intervention period may not capture long-term outcomes. Abstract lacks detail on outcome measures, effect sizes, and participant characteristics. No information provided on intervention fidelity or follow-up assessments.

The researchers designed a delayed intervention start randomized controlled trial to compare improvements in functional communication following augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions. The study compared outcomes from function-based applied behavior analytic (ABA) and eclectic non-ABA forms of classroom-based communication strategies (waitlist control) as well as from high- and low-tech forms of AAC. High-tech AAC consisted of tablet-based communication, and low-tech AAC used an exchange of picture cards. The community-based sample consisted of 29 autistic children with a co-occurring intellectual disability.

Participants were randomized to groups (AAC, waitlist control), and each group received approximately 3 months of communication intervention. Multilevel modeling of learner outcomes indicated that the function-based approach produced greater improvements than the eclectic alternative, but significant differences were not observed between outcomes of high- and low-tech forms of function-based AAC. These results are consistent with earlier investigations and provide supporting evidence that both high- and low-tech forms of function-based intervention are effective for use with autistic children with accompanying intellectual disability. Additional discussion is provided regarding further research into how technology is applied and incorporated into behavior analytic programming.