Comparative Outcomes: Effectiveness of Digital and Synthetic Augmentative Alternative Communication Devices for Children who are Non-Speaking with Neurpdevelopmental Disabilities
Cathy Bodine, PhD (Principal Investigator)
A multi-site, Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) efficacy study is currently in progress to compare the effects of two AAC devices on the language, and cognition of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (Down and Fragile X syndromes) age 5-12 years old. Participants are randomized to either device 1 (Chatbox 40) or device 2 (ALT-Chat), and a randomized pre- and -post, multi-site design is being used to investigate the effectiveness of the AAC devices.
Once the children are assigned to a device, they receive 32 weeks of intervention with one of our Speech-Language Pathologists. A wide variety of games and activities have been planned to teach the children how to functionally communicate using their devices. Once all of the participants complete their interventions, researchers will analyze the learning outcomes of each group to determine if one device worked better than the other for this particular population of children.
The field of Augmentative Alternative Communication has yet to conduct research examining which AAC technology has the greatest impact, or what interventions are most effective for these populations. ATP in cooperation with the University of Buffalo and the University of California Davis will be the first to pioneer a comparative AAC device trial.
If you know a child that you think might benefit from participation in this study, refer to our study flier and/or contact Chris Perkins at Christina.perkins@ucdenver.edu.
Funding for this project is provided by the National Institutes of Health, Grant #5UL1RR025780-02S5.