ERIC Number: EJ1376989
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jan
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1092-4388
EISSN: EISSN-1558-9102
An Interactive and Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Communication Supports for Autistic Students through Videogaming
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, v54 n1 p120-139 Jan 2023
Purpose: Videogaming offers an interactive, enjoyable, and socially valid context for interaction between autistic and non-autistic students in schools. In this tutorial, I describe an approach that supports communication and peer interaction through group-based videogaming. This approach creates an opportunity for autistic and non-autistic students to engage in a meaningful and enjoyable activity and to promote acceptance and appreciation of communication differences. Method: This tutorial includes development, planning, essential components, goal writing, and a list of resources and directions to implement the videogaming-based group intervention in middle and high school settings. This tutorial is grounded in a supports-based, anti-ableist, neurodiversity framework that embraces a difference-based view of autistic communication. Cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation make this intervention feasible for school settings. Conclusions: Ableist practices are pervasive in academic and clinical settings. There is an urgency within the field of speech-language pathology to address misconceptions regarding autism and autistic individuals, increase the understanding and appreciation of diversity in autistic communication, and eliminate practices that may promote autistic masking. These can be achieved by developing supports that value the preferences and experiences of autistic individuals and honor their strengths. Videogaming is one context that supports social communication. It does not hinge upon normative communication as a benchmark. Increased contact and exposure to autistic peers through fun and engaging game-based interactions help reduce stigma and prejudice toward autistic students.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Interpersonal Communication, Students with Disabilities, Peer Relationship, Interaction, Video Games, Group Activities, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Bias, College Students, Intervention, Verbal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Personnel, Student Attitudes, Program Implementation
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: slhr@asha.org; Web site: http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Colorado (Denver)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A