Music-based speech language interventions have shown promise to support young children with autism, other speech and language deficits, and Dual Language Learners (also known as DLL, English Language Learners, or ELL). Online edtech learning programs may produce greater positive outcomes for children by including parents as mediators of the…

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have limited speech are often taught to communicate using a speech-generating device (SGD). We evaluated procedures for teaching a mand for information (i.e., "Where" is [item]?) using an interrupted behavior chain procedure. In Experiment 1, all participants (3 children with ASD who…

This study aimed to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and limited vocal speech to emit target vocalizations while using a speech-generating device (SGD). Of the 4 participants, 3 began emitting vocal word approximations with SGD responses after vocal instructional methods (delays, differential reinforcement, prompting) were…

The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of phonological awareness intervention programs. Computerized databases, including ERIC, PubMed, ProQuest Education Journals, and SCOPUS, were searched using the following search strategy: ("phonological awareness") AND (impairment OR intervention OR training programme). The…

Training and coaching are cited frequently to achieve different goals, by different people, across different fields. "Who" provides training and coaching and "where" and "how" they are provided may influence the effectiveness of the training and coaching efforts, making the clear identification of these contextual…

Echolalia is common in children with autism and may interfere with the development of functional language. Given the variety of vocal stimuli included in teaching language to children with autism, it is possible that discrimination between instructions and targeted responses may not always occur. Thus, children may engage in very high rates of…

This study used a multiple probe across participants' research design to evaluate the effects of instruction on the acquisition of letter-sound correspondences (LSCs) by three young children with autism spectrum disorder and limited speech. All three children (ages 3-5 years) reached criterion for identifying the LSCs targeted during instruction,…

In this welcome second edition of "The Effective Teacher's Guide to Autism and Communication Difficulties", best-selling author Michael Farrell addresses how teachers and others can develop provision for students with autism and students that have difficulties with speech, grammar, meaning, use of language and comprehension. Updated and expanded,…

Background: Globally, there is an increased prevalence of preschool and school-age children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Current reports show that about one in every 110 children fall within this category of disorders. Consequently, the successful inclusion of these children in both regular and special education classes is becoming a…

Teaching communication skills to children with autism is a primary concern because speech and/or language delay characterize autism. One method of teaching verbal communication skills to children with autism is script fading. This study examined the effects of teaching children with autism to exchange information to peers about objects and…

A study compared a naturalistic versus an analog teaching model, with speech sounds equated within and across conditions for five children (ages 4-7) with autism. Both methods increased correct production of target sound under some conditions; functional use of the target sounds in conversation occurred only with the naturalistic approach.…

This article reviews research on the role of symbolic, referent, and instructional variables on the acquisition of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) symbols by individuals with autism and severe speech and language impairments. Two vignettes illustrate findings of the review. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

This manual provides basic information for teachers and others who are interested in helping children learn about different disabilities. Each section includes information about a particular disability and answers questions that children might have about the disability. The first section addresses visual impairments and contains information on…

This introductory text on special education combines principles and values with classroom techniques, uses real people in real schools to illustrate principles and techniques, and advocates the inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of schooling with the provision of supplementary supports and services. Three introductory chapters…