Improving Manding Skills in Chinese Children with Autism through a Speech Generating Device

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a speech-generating device (SGD) application on manding skills in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the communication challenges faced by many individuals with ASD, alternative methods for expressing needs are crucial. The SGD utilized speech synthesis technology to provide visual cues and vocal sounds for selected items. Employing a multiple probe design across participants, the study comprised baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases. Throughout these phases, the SGD was introduced to facilitate manding for toys of interest. A most-toleast prompting procedure with a 3-s time delay was employed during the intervention phase. After intervention, all participants demonstrated an increase in both the frequency and variety of items manding using the SGD. Furthermore, participants successfully generalized and maintained their manding skills.