Effects of Switch Training on the Communication of Children with Autism and Severe Disabilities

Authors

Tina M. Taylor, Brigham Young UniversityFollow

Keywords

Switch training, Communication of children with disabilities

Abstract

The use of simple augmentative and alternative communication systems for physically able individuals with autism and severe disabilities has not been sufficiently explored. Individuals with severe physical disabilities have used switches primarily to gain control over their environment, yet these switches have the potential to also serve as communication strategies. Thus, investigation of switch training for communicative purposes is warranted. This action-oriented study examined the effects of switch training on the communication of four functionally nonverbal students with severe disabilities and autism. Several elements of communication were investigated: (a) number of communicative interactions, (b) number of spontaneous communicative interactions, (c) percentage of independent communicative interactions, and (d) number of verbalizations. Results indicated that switch training was an effective strategy for helping the students communicate a simple message. The benefits of switch use and implications for future research are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Dyches, T. T. (1998). Effects of switch training on the communication of children with autism and severe disabilities. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 13, 151- 162. https://doi.org/10.1177/108835769801300303

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Taylor, Tina M., "Effects of Switch Training on the Communication of Children with Autism and Severe Disabilities" (1998). Faculty Publications. 7438.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/7438

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1998

Publisher

Sage Publications

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Counseling Psychology and Special Education

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

Copyright Status

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